Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Sony NEX-5R

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Sony NEX-5R, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is relatively well matched but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-800 UZ was released 3 years before the NEX-5R and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SP-800 UZ grades versus the NEX-5R for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-800 UZ provides external dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") with a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Sony NEX-5R in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the SP-800 UZ and the NEX-5R.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SP-800 UZ and NEX-5R is 69 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through specifications. The graphic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-800 UZ and NEX-5R.

Plainly, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SP-800 UZ due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-5R will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older SP-800 UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.