Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Sony NEX-5N

Here is a detailed analysis of the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Sony NEX-5N, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is pretty comparable but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) use different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-800 UZ was launched 20 months before the NEX-5N which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SP-800 UZ matches up versus the NEX-5N for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-800 UZ features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") with a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SP-800 UZ compared to the NEX-5N.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-800 UZ and NEX-5N is 69 and 89 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing purely by going through specifications. The graphic below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-800 UZ and NEX-5N.

To sum up, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SP-800 UZ because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Sony NEX-5N will produce more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older SP-800 UZ will be behind in sensor innovation.