Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony NEX-5

Below is a extended overview of the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively close but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 9 months later than the NEX-5 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SZ-30MR scores versus the NEX-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-30MR has got physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the NEX-5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and NEX-5 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Typically, its hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements simply by viewing specs. The photograph below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and NEX-5.

All in all, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-30MR with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-30MR will result in extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The younger SZ-30MR will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.