Olympus SH-2 vs Sony NEX-5R

Following is a detailed assessment of the Olympus SH-2 vs Sony NEX-5R, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is relatively similar but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The SH-2 was released 2 years after the NEX-5R which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SH-2 grades vs the NEX-5R with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SH-2 offers exterior dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5R has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SH-2 vs Sony NEX-5R in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SH-2 versus the NEX-5R.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-2 and NEX-5R is 88 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizes just by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-2 and NEX-5R.

As you can see, both of these cameras feature the identical resolution albeit different sensor sizes. The SH-2 contains the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field harder. The younger SH-2 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.