Olympus SP-620 UZ vs Sony NEX-5: A Deep-Dive into Compact Superzoom and Entry-Level Mirrorless

Choosing between two cameras from very different categories - the Olympus SP-620 UZ’s compact superzoom and the Sony NEX-5’s entry-level mirrorless - is a fascinating challenge. Both were announced early last decade and still attract attention for their unique strengths and approachable price points. Having extensively handled both cameras over the years, I’m keen to share an in-depth hands-on comparison covering every crucial aspect you need to know, from sensor technology and autofocus to real-world photography performance across diverse shooting situations.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand not only which camera suits your specific photography style and goals but also how their contrasting designs impact usability and image quality. I’ve woven in detailed technical insights with practical testing anecdotes, plus curated image examples and performance ratings to help you decide with confidence.

Getting to Know the Cameras at a Glance

Before we dissect technicalities and real-world use, it helps to get a physical and conceptual sense of these two cameras.

The Olympus SP-620 UZ is a fixed-lens compact superzoom designed for users wanting an all-in-one, travel-friendly solution with a massive 21x zoom range (25-525mm equivalent). It’s all about reach and simplicity, with sensor-shift stabilization to counteract camera shake.

The Sony NEX-5, meanwhile, is one of the pioneering mirrorless cameras that brought APS-C sensor quality into a compact body. With interchangeable lenses via the Sony E-mount, it offers photographers far greater creative versatility and image quality potential but with more manual control complexity.

How do these vastly different philosophies translate in size and feel? See below for a physical size and ergonomic comparison:

The SP-620 UZ is chunkier, understandably so with its built-in 21x zoom lens, while the sleek NEX-5 slices dimensions thin, aimed at portability and system expansion. The SP-620’s grip is generous for a compact; Sony bets on minimalism with a shallow grip - appealing to those who want minimal bulk.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Image Excellence

Sensor technology fundamentally shapes how powerful any camera can be. The Olympus SP-620 UZ sports a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring just 6.17x4.55 mm with a resolution of 16 megapixels. Conversely, the Sony NEX-5 boasts a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.4x15.6 mm and 14 megapixels.

Let’s put these numbers side by side for clarity:

The NEX-5’s sensor is about 13 times larger in area, which translates directly into better light gathering capacity, superior noise control, and richer color fidelity. CCD sensors (like on the SP-620) were common in compact cameras of the era, favoring color saturation but struggling with noise at higher ISOs.

In real-world terms:

• Dynamic range: The NEX-5’s sensor captures more tonal gradations, allowing for better detail retention in shadows and highlights, critical for landscape and portrait work.
• ISO performance: The Sony’s native ISO maxes at 12,800, with usable results at 1600-3200 ISO and acceptable at higher settings. The Olympus maxes out at ISO 3200 but noise becomes noticeably intrusive beyond ISO 800.
• Resolution: Although the Olympus dips slightly higher in megapixels (16MP vs 14MP), pixel count alone isn’t the be-all, especially when the sensor size is so small. The NEX-5’s larger pixels promote cleaner, sharper images.

Sample images from both cameras show the difference vividly (more on real-world samples later):

Olympus SP 620 UZ front Olympus SP 620 UZ screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

Body Design, Controls, and User Interface: Form Meets Function

Both cameras offer 3-inch LCDs but with differing quality and functionality:

The NEX-5 features a tilting LCD with much higher resolution (920k dots vs 230k on the SP-620). This makes framing and reviewing images markedly easier, especially in awkward shooting angles - a boon for street and portrait photographers alike.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, compelling you to rely on the rear screen, which impacts visibility in bright sunlight.

Taking a top-down look reveals more UI differences:

The SP-620 opts for simplicity: dial-free, a few strategic buttons, and zoom controls primed for point-and-shoot convenience. Olympus’s TruePic III+ processor supports quick operation but sacrifices manual exposure options.

The NEX-5, with physical dials and customizable buttons, hands more control to the user - even aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes. For experienced shooters, this is a significant advantage.

Autofocus and Performance: Catching the Moment

How fast and accurate autofocus performs can be make-or-break, especially when photographing wildlife, sports, or street action. The SP-620 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and some tracking ability but lacks phase detection or continuous AF modes.

Sony’s NEX-5 also uses contrast-detection AF but incorporates 25 focus points, selective AF modes, and continuous autofocus for burst photography at 7 fps.

In tests:

• The NEX-5 locks focus faster and more reliably in good lighting, especially when tracking moving subjects.
• The SP-620 can hunt in low light or complex scenes, given its simpler AF system.
• Continuous AF during burst shooting allows the Sony to handle fast action much better.

Lens Flexibility vs All-in-One Zoom

The Olympus SP-620 UZ’s fixed 25-525mm f/3.1-5.8 lens covers an extraordinary zoom range, especially impressive for a compact device. This gives you reach for wildlife, landscape, sports, and travel without swapping lenses.

The Sony NEX-5, however, relies on the Sony E-mount lens ecosystem - with over 120 lens options ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto primes and zooms - with focal length multiplier of 1.5x on APS-C sensors to consider.

This means while the Olympus is ready out-of-the-box, the Sony is infinitely more customizable, capable of delivering superior bokeh, macro capabilities, and optical quality depending on lens choice.

Evaluating Across Photography Genres

No camera shines in every discipline equally. Let’s dig into how these two stack up for different photographers.

Portrait Photography

Capturing pleasing skin tones and clean subject isolation distinguish good portrait cameras.

• The Sony NEX-5’s APS-C sensor excels at delivering smooth tonal gradations and natural skin tones, particularly when paired with fast prime lenses (e.g., Sony 50mm f/1.8).
• Olympus SP-620’s small CCD sensor and zoom lens struggles to achieve shallow depth-of-field and creamy bokeh, important tools in portraiture.
• Face detection is present on the Olympus but limited autofocus sophistication means less consistent eye-focus tracking.

For portraits, the NEX-5 is the clear winner by a wide margin.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands high resolution, dynamic range, and weather-resistance.

• The NEX-5’s sensor size and dynamic range excel here; combined with wide angle lenses, landscapes come alive with detail and rich tone.
• Olympus’s superzoom lens can capture wide vistas but noise and dynamic range limits are noticeable in shadow recovery.
• Neither offers environmental sealing, but the Olympus’s compact body and fixed lens make it travel friendly.

Landscape photographers will enjoy the NEX-5’s better image quality but may appreciate Olympus on trips where convenience outweighs ultimate fidelity.

Wildlife Photography

Reach and tracking speed are king for wildlife.

• Olympus’s 21x zoom lens gives enormous reach without lugging telephoto glass.
• However, autofocus hunting and slow continuous shooting limit success in fast action.
• The NEX-5’s better autofocus and faster frame rates shine with suitable telephoto lenses but at significant bulk and cost.

If you want all-in-one convenience and occasional wildlife shots, Olympus suffices. Devotees will prefer the NEX system’s flexibility.

Sports Photography

Capturing decisive moments in intense action is challenging.

• Sony NEX-5’s 7 fps burst rate and continuous AF give an edge.
• Olympus’s lack of continuous burst and single-focus mode puts it at a distinct disadvantage.
• Low light performance of the NEX is better for indoor sports.

Sony is preferable for sports enthusiasts.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and low-light prowess matter most here.

• The NEX-5’s small, light body and silent operation suit candid street work.
• Olympus’s bulkier design may draw more attention.
• Both cameras lack built-in viewfinders, but NEX’s high-res screen aids composition.
• Low light autofocus favors Sony.

Street photographers will favor NEX-5 for nimbleness and quality.

Macro Photography

Detail and focus precision beat all else in macros.

• Olympus can focus as close as 1cm with its superzoom lens.
• However, the NEX-5 coupled with dedicated macro lenses achieves higher quality, magnification, and manual focus precision.
• Lack of focus stacking or bracketing limits either camera’s advanced utility in macro.

Macro fans with a budget get the NEX-5 system.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO noise and long exposures define this genre.

• The Sony benefits from superior noise control and exposure flexibility.
• Olympus’s sensor struggles with noise and lacks manual exposure timelines.
• Neither have advanced astro features but the NEX-5 can handle long exposures better.

Sony is recommended here.

Video Capabilities

Looking at video recording specs:

• Olympus offers 720p HD at 30 fps, with MPEG-4/H.264 compression.
• Sony ups the ante to 1080p Full HD at 60 fps with AVCHD format.
• Both lack microphone inputs or 4K capability.
• No in-body stabilization on Sony; Olympus has sensor-shift IS.

Videographers will prefer Sony’s higher resolution and frame rates.

Travel Photography

Here, versatility, size, battery life, and ease matter.

• Olympus’s all-in-one superzoom means no lens changes, decent image stabilization, and AA battery convenience - a plus when traveling remote.
• Sony’s lighter body and better image quality come with additional lens baggage and recharging batteries.
• Sony has a respectable 330 shot battery life versus AA cells in Olympus (life varies).

Travelers favor Olympus for simplicity, Sony for quality.

Professional Workflows

Pro use depends on raw file support, customization, and reliability.

• Sony supports RAW shooting, advanced exposure modes, and broad lens choices.
• Olympus does not offer RAW, limiting post-processing flexibility.
• Neither are weather sealed or particularly robust.

The Sony NEX-5 better integrates into professional workflows.

Durability and Handling in the Field

Both cameras lack weather sealing or rugged construction. The Olympus does have a sensor-shift stabilization to compensate for handshake, which is useful at super-telephoto focal lengths.

Sony’s NEX-5’s larger lens sets pose a fragility risk but offer faster apertures that let you stop action hand-held in lower light.

Connectivity and Storage: Staying Current vs Legacy

• Olympus includes Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer, handy before Wi-Fi became standard.
• Sony lacks built-in wireless but supports SD and Memory Stick formats.
• Both have HDMI and USB 2.0, although USB speeds are quite basic.

Wireless features matter more today, but both represent their time well.

Putting It All Together: Objective Scoring and Value

Now, to objectively summarize performance, here is an overall performance rating chart from aggregate tests and personal evaluations:

And here’s the breakdown by photographic genre:

Sony NEX-5 consistently outperforms Olympus SP-620 UZ in image quality, autofocus, and flexibility across nearly all categories - unsurprising given the sensor size and interchangeable lens design.

Yet, Olympus scores decently in convenience categories such as travel and wildlife reach.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If you’ve read this far, you know there’s no one-size-fits-all winner here. Your choice depends on priorities, budget, and shooting preferences.

My Personal Take

I’ve carried both cameras on numerous shoots over the years. The Olympus SP-620 UZ is the quintessential “grab and go” superzoom. If you want minimal fuss and a zoom lens that can reach way into the distance - wildlife from your backyard to distant sports in a single package - this camera won’t disappoint.

However, if image quality, manual control, and future-proofing your system matter even a bit, the Sony NEX-5 is a clear choice. I still enjoy using it paired with fast primes for portraits and landscapes, where its sensor size and flexibility shine. Just be prepared to invest in lenses and learn the manual controls to unlock its full potential.

In Case You Missed It: Summary Images to Help Guide Your Decision

• Size and ergonomics comparison again for quick mental picture:

• Sensor specs and image quality differences driving performance:

• Real-world sample images highlighting color rendering and noise levels:

Olympus SP 620 UZ front Olympus SP 620 UZ screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

• Overall and genre-specific scorecards:

Final Advice

Whether you lean toward Olympus’s convenient superzoom or Sony’s mirrorless quality rig, keep in mind your shooting priorities, willingness to learn manual controls, and budget constraints. Both cameras epitomize their respective niches beautifully.

If you want my personal recommendation: Invest in the Sony NEX-5 if you can afford it and embrace the learning curve - its image quality and creative scope remain relevant even today. For true point-and-shoot convenience without lens swapping, the Olympus SP-620 UZ is a surprisingly capable travel companion.

Happy shooting!

For more hands-on camera comparisons and real-world image tests, feel free to explore my detailed video reviews and follow-up articles where I dive into advanced techniques and post-processing workflows.