Olympus SP-100 vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus SP-100 vs Sony NEX-5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the SP-100 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was brought out 3 years later than the NEX-5 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SP-100 scores versus the NEX-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-100 features outer dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") accompanied by a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-100 vs Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the SP-100 and the NEX-5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and NEX-5 is 63 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements just by checking specifications. The photograph here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-100 and NEX-5.

Plainly, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SP-100 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus SP-100 will resolve greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern SP-100 provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.