Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony NEX-5N

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony NEX-5N, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is very close but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was introduced 5 months later than the NEX-5N which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades vs the NEX-5N in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers exterior measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the NEX-5N.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and NEX-5N is 89 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching a spec sheet. The visual underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and NEX-5N.

Clearly, both the cameras provide the same megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS contains the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier.