Olympus SH-3 vs Sony NEX-5N

Olympus SH-3 vs Sony NEX-5N: A Hands-on Comparison for the Informed Photographer

Selecting a camera is never just about specs on paper. After personally testing thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’ve learned that the right camera depends on your specific photography style, ergonomics preferences, and workflow needs. Today, we’re diving deep into two gems from different categories yet similar price points - Olympus Stylus SH-3, a small sensor superzoom compact from 2016, and Sony Alpha NEX-5N, an entry-level APS-C mirrorless from 2011.

Both cameras flaunt unique traits that cater to diverging audiences. This comprehensive comparison, grounded in actual field-testing and lab metrics, will walk you through their strengths and weaknesses across various photography disciplines. By highlighting image quality, autofocus, video, handling, and value, I’ll help you decide which camera fits your vision and workflow best.

Size, Build, and Handling: Comfort Meets Function

Let’s kick off where you first interact with your camera - the body design and ergonomics.

The Olympus SH-3 is a compact superzoom, measuring a modest 109x63x42mm and weighing just 271g. Its small footprint and fixed lens design make it highly portable, perfect for casual shooters and travelers who want an all-in-one without lugging multiple lenses. The Sony NEX-5N, despite being older, is surprisingly compact for a mirrorless, at 111x59x38mm, 269g body weight. It sports a rangefinder-style layout that favors interchangeable lenses, offering more control and flexibility.

Handling-wise, the SH-3’s modest size doesn’t sacrifice ergonomics - its grip is comfortable for quick shooting, though I found the control layout a bit cramped. The lack of a viewfinder nudges you to rely on the rear screen, which works in bright light but may feel limiting for prolonged shoots.

The NEX-5N’s grip is small but well-shaped for its category. The classic mirrorless build means better access to physical dials and buttons. Although it doesn’t have a built-in viewfinder (optional via accessory), its tilting LCD helps you compose creatively from high or low angles.

Note the different priorities here: Olympus leans superzoom portability; Sony pushes for mirrorless versatility, even if the footprint is slightly bigger.

Sensors and Image Quality: Size Truly Matters

This is where the Sony NEX-5N flexes its muscles. Sporting an APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.4x15.6mm), it offers a sensor area of 365.04 mm² - a huge leap over the SH-3’s 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor at just 28.07 mm². That’s over 13 times the surface area, which translates to superior image quality, noise control, and dynamic range. Both have 16MP resolution, but megapixels alone don’t tell the full story.

In practice, the NEX-5N delivers finer details, smoother gradations, and better JPEG output straight from the camera. It also holds its own at high ISOs up to 25600, compared to the SH-3’s max 6400 native ISO limitation. Low-light shots have noticeably less noise on the Sony, which I confirmed during night and indoor photography sessions.

Olympus’s superzoom lens covering 25-600mm (24x zoom equivalent) is undoubtedly versatile for wildlife or distant subjects, but it comes at the expense of sharper optics and maximum aperture (f/3.0-6.9). The small sensor combined with high zoom means image quality softens noticeably at focal length extremes.

In contrast, the Sony with its interchangeable E-mount lenses, lets you choose from primes or zooms with larger apertures and better clarity, fitting your style perfectly.

The Rear Screen and Interface: User Experience Matters

Both cameras feature 3" LCD displays, but the NEX-5N’s screen packs a 920k-dot resolution, nearly double the 460k pixels on the Olympus SH-3. The Sony’s tilting mechanism (up 80°, down 45°) adds versatility for low- or high-angle shots, while Olympus offers a fixed screen.

The touchscreen functionality exists on both, but the NEX-5N’s interface feels more responsive and intuitive, possibly owing to its older but more refined software ecosystem. Olympus's touchscreen can feel a bit sluggish when navigating menus or focusing points.

If you are an enthusiastic travel or street photographer who needs quick, on-the-fly adjustments, the Sony’s screen wins for visibility and flexibility. However, for straightforward point-and-shoot snapping, the SH-3’s fixed display suffices.

Autofocus Performance: Tracking the Action

The Olympus SH-3 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and touch-to-focus functionality. It provides a high-speed continuous shooting rate of 11.5 fps, which is impressive for a compact. However, the autofocusing lacks eye-detection or animal eye tracking, and continuous AF performance is not rock solid. It occasionally hunts when shooting moving subjects, particularly at telephoto settings.

Sony NEX-5N also employs contrast-detection only (no phase-detection autofocus), but it has 25 AF points and offers more granular AF area selection. The continuous shooting tops at 10 fps, slightly slower than the SH-3, but the AF accuracy and consistency, especially in good light, beats Olympus comfortably. Given its sensor size and lens options, the NEX-5N’s autofocus system is better suited for portraits, street, and casual wildlife photography – albeit not professional-level tracking for fast sports.

If you shoot mostly static or slow action, both will satisfy. But for action or wildlife photography, neither is ideal - newer models are needed.

Image Samples: Comparing In-Camera Jpegs and Raw Processing

I shot a variety of subjects on both cameras to illustrate their practical capabilities - landscapes, portraits, and urban scenes. You can see the sharper details, natural color rendition, and dynamic range advantage the NEX-5N delivers.

Olympus’s JPEGs tend to have more aggressive noise reduction, which washes out fine textures, especially at long zoom ranges. The built-in 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization on the SH-3 noticeably helps handheld telephoto shots stay sharp, a big advantage given the substantial zoom reach.

Sony’s interchangeable lenses, combined with larger sensors, make portraits exhibit more natural bokeh and nuanced skin tones thanks to wider apertures available.

Here’s a gallery of selected shots showing side-by-side comparisons:

Olympus SH 3 front Olympus SH 3 screen back Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down the real-world suitability by genre:

Portraits: Sony NEX-5N wins hands down with its larger sensor and lens flexibility. It can render creamy bokeh and accurate skin tone, thanks to deeper bit depth and superior dynamic range. Olympus SH-3 can produce decent portraits but struggles with shallow depth of field and harsh highlights in bright conditions.

Landscape: Again, the NEX-5N’s APS-C sensor gives richer tonal gradations and higher frames for detail-hungry landscapes. Dynamic range at base ISO is excellent. Olympus’s small sensor limits this, but it still serves casual landscape shooters who value portability over pixel-level sharpness.

Wildlife: Olympus SH-3 features a staggering 600mm equivalent zoom, useful for distant wildlife, but image quality softens at max zoom. Autofocus is not fast enough for fast-moving animals. Sony’s better image quality helps but requires expensive tele zoom lenses and lacks fast AF tracking. Neither is ideal if pro-level wildlife is your priority.

Sports: Both cameras fall short in advanced AF tracking. Olympus’s faster burst (11.5fps) is a plus, but autofocus lag negates benefits. Sony’s autofocus is more accurate but slower frame rates hamper action capture.

Street Photography: Sony wins again with its discreet form, superior image quality, and tilt screen for creative compositions. Olympus has the advantage of being ready-to-go zoom but is bulkier. Both lack silent shutter capability.

Macro: Olympus SH-3’s close focusing at 3cm and sensor-shift stabilization offer decent macro shots for a compact camera. Sony’s E-mount lenses include dedicated macro options but require investment and steady handling.

Night / Astro Photography: Sony’s lower noise at high ISOs and long exposures give it a clear edge. Olympus’s tiny sensor introduces visible grain and lacks long exposure support beyond 30 seconds.

Video: Sony shoots 1080p at up to 60fps in AVCHD format, providing smoother motion and more lens options for creative video. Olympus provides 4K at 15fps (less practical), with built-in stabilization aiding handheld shooting. Neither has mic or headphone jacks, limiting pro video work.

Travel: Olympus SH-3’s all-in-one zoom and compact size is perfect for travel photographers prioritizing convenience. Sony’s interchangeable lens system adds weight and demands lens choices but offers superior image quality.

Professional Use: Sony’s raw file support, higher dynamic range, and lens ecosystem make it the better choice. Olympus’s simplified controls and fixed lens restrict advanced use.

You can see the overall and genre-specific performance ratings below, distilled from lab tests and real-world use:

Build Quality, Weatherproofing, and Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized, so neither survive harsh conditions unprotected. Both are built with lightweight plastic and metal composites. Sony’s older mirrorless design feels more robust, while Olympus’s compact design makes it easier to carry but less durable under tough conditions.

If you’re shooting in challenging environments, be prepared with protective gear for either camera.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Olympus SH-3 offers around 380 shots per charge (CIPA rating), while Sony NEX-5N pushes closer to 460 shots - a meaningful difference if you often shoot events or extended outings.

Both use proprietary removable battery packs: LI-92B for Olympus, NPFW50 for Sony. Sony also accepts Memory Stick formats and SD cards, giving slightly more flexible storage management. Olympus sticks to SD cards and internal memory.

USB 2.0 connectivity and standard HDMI output are basic on both for tethering and image download.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Olympus SH-3 has a fixed lens with a vast zoom range, so no expansions here. It’s a true all-in-one for quick carry.

Sony’s E-mount ecosystem boasts over 120 lenses ranging from budget-friendly kits to glass from Zeiss, Sigma, and Sony’s premium G Master series. This sheer variety allows upgrading from standard zooms to fast primes, macro, tilt-shift, and telephoto lenses suiting any niche.

Interchangeable lens flexibility is a core advantage of the NEX-5N.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Olympus includes built-in wireless connectivity for remote control and image sharing, albeit via older standards without Bluetooth or NFC. Sony supports Eye-Fi card connectivity, enabling wireless transfer via compatible memory cards but otherwise relies on physical connections.

For modern workflows requiring fast wireless transfer or app control, the aging wireless tech of both cameras is limiting.

Price and Value: Which Fits Your Budget?

Currently, both cameras sit in the $550-$580 range, making them affordable entry points depending on your priorities. Olympus SH-3’s fixed superzoom lens and compact design offer great value for travelers wanting lightweight all-in-one capabilities. Sony NEX-5N, with interchangeable lenses and an APS-C sensor, is excellent for enthusiasts prioritizing image quality and creative control.

Value depends on your use case more than price alone - paying a premium for a larger sensor and flexible glass often pays off in quality and versatility.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

To wrap this up: which camera should you select?

If you crave portability, an extensive zoom for distant subjects, and an all-in-one camera for casual shooting, Olympus Stylus SH-3 is a practical, budget-friendly option. Its built-in 24x zoom and stabilization make it a nimble travel companion, though expect limitations in low light, image quality at long zoom, and advanced features.

On the other hand, if image quality, manual control, and lens flexibility matter most to you - for portraits, landscapes, street, and video - then the Sony NEX-5N remains a solid entry-level mirrorless choice. Its APS-C sensor punches well above its price, delivering superior RAW files and low-light performance. Be prepared to invest in lenses and accept a slightly larger footprint.

For professionals or serious enthusiasts, Sony’s system offers a better foundation to grow your gear and creative expression. For casual users wanting convenience, Olympus’s all-in-one solution is compelling.

This side-by-side comparison reflects hands-on testing, technical measurements, and real-world shooting experience to help you choose wisely. Feel free to comment or ask if you want insights on specific lenses or accessories for either system!

Happy shooting!