Olympus SP-610UZ vs Sony NEX-5N

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus SP-610UZ versus Sony NEX-5N, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SP-610UZ (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is relatively comparable but the SP-610UZ (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

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The SP-610UZ was introduced 9 months earlier than the NEX-5N which means that they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-610UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SP-610UZ grades against the NEX-5N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-610UZ & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SP-610UZ provides exterior dimensions of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") having a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-610UZ versus Sony NEX-5N in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-610UZ vs the NEX-5N.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SP-610UZ and NEX-5N is 79 and 89 respectively.

Often, its difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes purely by checking out technical specs. The image below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-610UZ and NEX-5N.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SP-610UZ using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-5N will show more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged SP-610UZ will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.