Olympus SP-610UZ vs Sony NEX-5

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus SP-610UZ and Sony NEX-5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SP-610UZ (14MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively similar but the SP-610UZ (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SP-610UZ was brought out 8 months later than the NEX-5 and they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-610UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SP-610UZ grades versus the NEX-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-610UZ & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SP-610UZ offers outer dimensions of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") with a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-610UZ and Sony NEX-5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the SP-610UZ versus the NEX-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-610UZ and NEX-5 is 79 and 89 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by reading specs. The visual below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-610UZ and NEX-5.

All in all, each of the cameras feature the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The SP-610UZ uses the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF more challenging. The more modern SP-610UZ is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.