Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-15 versus Sony NEX-5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty similar but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

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The SZ-15 was introduced 3 years later than the NEX-5 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SZ-15 scores versus the NEX-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-15 comes with external dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-15 versus Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-15 and the NEX-5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and NEX-5 is 88 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing just by going over specifications. The photograph below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-15 and NEX-5.

Plainly, each of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-15 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-15 will offer you extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more modern SZ-15 should have an edge in sensor tech.