Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony NEX-5R

The following is a comprehensive review of the Olympus SZ-15 versus Sony NEX-5R, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is pretty close but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) have different sensor size.

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The SZ-15 was released 10 months after the NEX-5R which means that they are of a similar age. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SZ-15 grades versus the NEX-5R with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

If you're planning to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-15 enjoys exterior measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 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).

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

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-15 against the NEX-5R.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-15 and NEX-5R is 88 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions merely by viewing specs. The image underneath will help provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-15 and NEX-5R.

All in all, both of the cameras feature the identical MP albeit different sensor dimensions. The SZ-15 includes the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field tougher. The more modern SZ-15 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.