Olympus SP-600 UZ vs Sony NEX-5R

Here is a extended analysis of the Olympus SP-600 UZ versus Sony NEX-5R, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the SP-600 UZ (12MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the SP-600 UZ (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SP-600 UZ was released 3 years before the NEX-5R and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-600 UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SP-600 UZ matches up versus the NEX-5R in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-600 UZ & Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SP-600 UZ Gallery & Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-600 UZ features exterior measurements of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SP-600 UZ versus Sony NEX-5R in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-600 UZ and the NEX-5R.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-600 UZ and NEX-5R is 69 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-600 UZ and NEX-5R.

As you have seen, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SP-600 UZ featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sony NEX-5R will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images more aggressively. The older SP-600 UZ is going to be behind in sensor innovation.