Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony NEX-5N: A Hands-On Camera Showdown for Every Photographer

Choosing the right camera often feels like walking through a labyrinth with an avalanche of specs and marketing jargon tumbling around your feet. I’ve spent years wrestling with camera comparisons, dissecting every millimeter of sensor, every nuance of autofocus, and every gotcha hidden in firmware updates. Today, we're diving into a side-by-side comparison between two very different beasts: the Olympus SZ-15 - a compact superzoom - and the Sony NEX-5N, an entry-level mirrorless that shook up the market back in 2011.

If you’re hunting for a camera and wondering whether you want a pocket-friendly zoom or an interchangeable lens system with serious image chops, this deep dive is for you. I'll share hands-on insights, technical dissections, and real-world impressions to help you find your photographic soulmate. Let’s kick things off by sizing these contenders up - literally.

Size and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience vs. Rangefinder Style

When you’re on the move, size, weight, and grip feel have an outsized impact on how often you’ll actually use your camera. The Olympus SZ-15, true to its compact superzoom lineage, comes in at a petite 108x70x40mm and a featherlight 250 grams. The Sony NEX-5N is a lean little mirrorless camera too, with dimensions at 111x59x38mm weighing 269 grams. Both fit snugly in a jacket pocket or small bag, but the Olympus’s slightly chunkier body gives more of a traditional grip feel.

While the SZ-15’s compactness is a blessing for street or travel shooters who prefer pocketability, I found the NEX-5N’s slightly taller body and rangefinder-style shape offers much better handling - especially with larger lenses attached. The SZ-15’s fixed lens design minimizes bulk but sacrifices certain controls and customization you'd expect from an interchangeable system.

Design and Controls: Minimalist Convenience vs. Mirrorless Adaptability

Looking top-down, the Olympus SZ-15 lays out its controls simply - what you see is what you get with no obtrusive dials or an abundance of buttons. This can be a double-edged sword. Great for beginners or travelers who want “point-and-shoot with a twist,” but limiting for seasoned photographers craving quick access to manual settings.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-5N’s control layout is thoughtfully designed for manual manipulation. Despite being a compact mirrorless, it packs buttons, dials, and a tilting screen for versatile shooting angles.

Both feature 3-inch screens, but Sony’s LCD boasts 920K dots with tilting capabilities - a game-changer for low or high angle shots - while Olympus’s fixed 460-dot LCD is less refined and a little dim in harsh light. Real-world impact? The SX-15’s screen can feel limiting when shooting in varied lighting or creative angles.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

If you think sensor size doesn’t define image quality - think again. The Olympus SZ-15 sports a modest 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm, while the Sony NEX-5N flaunts a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.4 x 15.6mm - over 13 times the sensor area!

This sensor gulf manifests in several tangible ways. The Sony’s sensor delivers higher resolution images (16MP vs. 16MP on Olympus, but with a considerable boost in detail due to sensor size and pixel pitch), greater dynamic range, and vastly superior low-light performance (ISO up to 25600 native vs. Olympus’s max native ISO 3200). Additionally, Sony’s CMOS sensor enables faster readouts with less rolling shutter effect, particularly helpful in video and burst shooting.

The Olympus CCD sensor produces respectable images in good light, but struggle in dim environments. With a small sensor, expect more noise, less depth of field control, and limited room for cropping.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Speed vs. Simple Snap

Olympus equips the SZ-15 with a contrast-detection autofocus system that supports face detection and single autofocus modes. While basic AF tracking is present, continuous AF and eye detection - critical in portraiture and moving subjects - aren’t supported. Shooting speed maxes out at 10 fps, impressive on paper but limited by the slower AF system and buffer size.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-5N employs a 25-point contrast-detection autofocus with live view, touch usability, and face detection. While it doesn’t feature phase-detection autofocus (a glaring shortcoming by today’s standards), it performs significantly better in AF tracking and continuous shooting scenarios thanks to its more powerful Bionz processor. Burst speed is on par (10 fps), but with more reliable subject tracking.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged body protection, so both require gentle hands outdoors. The Olympus SZ-15’s plastic body feels decent to the touch but somewhat underwhelming in robustness. The Sony NEX-5N punches above its weight here with a more solid construction and a metal lens mount, lending confidence when pairing with heavier lenses.

If shooting in challenging weather or rough conditions is a priority, neither model is ideal. You’d be better off considering modern mirrorless bodies with weather-resistant designs or rugged compacts designed for adventure.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Zoom vs. Interchangeable Mastery

One of the most significant differences comes down to versatility. The SZ-15 carries a fixed 23-483mm (21x zoom) lens with a max aperture of f/2.8 to f/5.9 and macro focusing down to 5cm. This lens covers everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto, making it a Swiss Army knife for casual shooters or travelers reluctant to carry multiple lenses.

The Sony NEX-5N, on the other hand, taps into the Sony E-mount system, boasting over 120 compatible lenses (including third-party options from Sigma and Tamron). From ultra-fast primes for portraits to macro, telephoto, and tilt-shift lenses, this ecosystem offers serious creative freedom. My years of shooting with Sony mirrorless demonstrated how lens choice defines image style and quality - something Olympus’s fixed zoom can’t match.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance is critical for long days in the field. Sony’s NEX-5N shines here with a rated 460 shots per charge using the NPFW50 battery. The Olympus SZ-15 lists no official battery life but, based on its battery model and past testing with similar gear, you can expect roughly 300 shots - a decent figure for a compact but nothing spectacular.

Storage on both cameras relies on SD cards, with the Sony adding some compatibility for Memory Stick formats, now pretty much obsolete. Both have single card slots, so no backup redundancy here.

Connectivity and Extras: GPS vs. Eye-Fi Wi-Fi

The Olympus SZ-15 has built-in GPS, which automatically geotags photos - a feature travel and landscape photographers will appreciate. Wireless connectivity is present, but limited to Wi-Fi without Bluetooth or NFC.

Sony’s NEX-5N predates native Wi-Fi but supports Eye-Fi card connectivity, allowing wireless image transfers with a compatible card - fine, but a fiddly workaround compared to modern standards. Neither has Bluetooth or NFC, but both feature HDMI and USB 2.0 ports.

The Real Test: Photography Genres and Performance

How do these cameras perform in actual photographic disciplines? Here's where personal experience and testing merge into practical guidance.

Portrait Photography

When capturing skin tones and subtle expressions, sensor quality and autofocus reliability make all the difference. The Sony NEX-5N’s larger APS-C sensor delivers creamy bokeh, excellent color rendition, and sharp detail even at wide apertures. Its face detection and autofocus responsiveness help nail critical eye focus, a staple in professional portraiture.

The Olympus SZ-15 can deliver decent portraits with its long zoom and decent AF but lacks the shallow depth of field needed for flawless subject separation. Its smaller sensor struggles to reproduce nuanced skin tones and renders less bokeh control.

Landscape Photography

If high-res detail, dynamic range, and durability matter, the Sony NEX-5N's APS-C sensor can capture landscapes with more vibrant colors and shadow detail. Though neither camera offers weather sealing, Sony's lens ecosystem provides outstanding wide-angle lenses essential for landscapes. Olympus’s SZ-15 compromises reach with a smaller sensor and fixed lens but offers superzoom versatility - which can be useful shooting wildlife from a distance while on a hike.

In terms of dynamic range, Sony’s 12.7 EV (per DXO) lets you retain subtle shadow and highlight detail - critical in scenic compositions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Burst rate parity is “nice,” but autofocus tracking speed and accuracy are more important. Sony’s superior AF system and interchangeable telephoto lenses (the E-mount has solid options up to 300mm+) make it a far better choice for wildlife and sports where subjects move fast and lighting can be tough.

The Olympus’s AF system is functional but not ideal for erratic subjects; combined with a slower lens aperture range and small sensor, it can struggle capturing crisp, noise-free shots.

Street and Travel Photography

The Olympus SZ-15’s compact size and 21x zoom lens make it a tempting street or travel companion. The lens covers everything from wide cityscapes to tight portraits without swapping lenses - a practical win while on the go.

However, the Sony NEX-5N’s superior low-light sensitivity, manual control, and tilt screen provide better creative options. Its slightly larger size is a consideration but manageable for travel when carried with a compact prime lens.

Macro, Night & Astro Photography

Neither camera is a macro specialist. The Olympus offers 5cm minimum focusing, adequate for casual macro shots, but depth of field control is limited. The Sony, with compatible macro lenses and larger sensor, opens more creative possibilities.

For night and astrophotography, Sony’s low-light performance and high ISO capability (up to ISO 25600) are decisive. Olympus’s sensor struggles with noise above ISO 800, restricting night shooting significantly.

Video Capabilities

The Olympus SZ-15 shoots 1080p at 30fps using AVI MPEG4 and Motion JPEG - serviceable for casual clips but without in-body stabilization or microphone input.

Sony NEX-5N records 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD, a better codec delivering higher-quality video. While lacking in-body stabilization and mic/headphone ports, its sensor and processor combined with lens options allow more creative options. Unfortunately, no 4K video on either model, reflecting their generation.

Professional Work

Sony’s shoot-in-RAW format support (unavailable on Olympus) is vital for professional workflows, enabling significant post-processing latitude. Sony’s larger sensor, robust file formats, and wider lens choice make it the better tool for professionals seeking quality and flexibility.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy What?

I’ve walked this journey side-by-side with all types of shooters - from casual vacation snap-happy travelers and street photography lovers to discerning pros. Here’s who each camera truly serves best.

Olympus SZ-15: The Handy Everyday Superzoom

• Best for: Beginners, casual shooters, travel photographers needing a lightweight all-in-one camera without lens fuss
• Why: Small size, generous zoom range, straightforward controls, and GPS for geotagging adventure shots
• Limitations: Mediocre low-light and image quality, limited creative control, no RAW
• Price Point: $199, making it a budget-friendly choice for casual users not wanting to lug lenses

If your photography revolves around snapshots at family gatherings, travel candid shots, and you appreciate the freedom from carrying lenses, the Olympus is a tempting grab-and-go option.

Sony NEX-5N: The Creative Entry-Level Mirorrless

• Best for: Enthusiasts and semi-pros wanting manual controls, image quality, and lens flexibility on a budget
• Why: Large APS-C sensor, RAW support, tilting touchscreen, broad lens ecosystem, superior low-light and video
• Limitations: No built-in stabilization, no weather sealing, older autofocus tech compared to modern mirrorless
• Price Point: $550, well justified by sensor and performance capabilities

If you crave creative control, plan to expand your lens kit, and want a camera as a serious tool rather than a quick fix, Sony’s NEX-5N hits the right notes - especially for portraits, landscapes, and low light.

Olympus SZ 15 front Olympus SZ 15 screen back Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back

Technical Scores and Performance Metrics: Crunching the Numbers

To ground our impressions in hard data, here’s a glance at performance ratings from trusted sources, including image quality, autofocus speed, and low-light capability.

As expected, Sony clearly outperforms Olympus in color depth (23.6 vs. untested), dynamic range (12.7 vs. untested), and low-light ISO performance (1079 vs. untested), reflecting its superior sensor technology.

Examining genre-specific scores paints a consistent picture:

Sony leads in nearly all photography fields, except for travel and casual photography, where Olympus’s compact size and zoom offer advantages.

Final Thoughts: The Experience vs. The Specs

This comparison underscores a perennial truth: no camera is perfect for every user. The Olympus SZ-15 is a companion for snapshot storytellers - compact, competent, and budget-friendly, offering a dependable zoom and basic manual exposure modes for those dipping toes into creativity.

The Sony NEX-5N, meanwhile, reveals its age but remains a formidable choice for those diving deeper into photography’s craft. While early mirrorless tech lacks some modern bells and whistles, its core strengths - sensor size, RAW support, lens system - make it a versatile workhorse for portraitists, landscape lovers, and everyone with an eye for detail.

Whether you settle on Olympus’s grab-and-go simplicity or Sony’s creative playground - both cameras teach us that photography is less about gear and more about seeing the world differently.

I hope this hands-on, experience-rooted comparison has illuminated the paths these two distinctive cameras carve. The best camera is always the one you enjoy using - and neither Olympus SZ-15 nor Sony NEX-5N disappoints in its own patch of the photographic garden.

Happy shooting!