Olympus VG-110 vs Sony NEX-5R: A Hands-On Comparison of Ultracompact and Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

When stepping into the world of digital photography, camera choices can often lean heavily on brand prestige, marketing promises, or a single spec-sheet battle. However, for keen enthusiasts and working professionals alike - those who demand real-world performance and versatile capability - such surface-level assessments don’t cut it. Today, I’m bringing you a detailed, experience-rooted comparison of two very different cameras, each representing distinct philosophies and technological eras: the Olympus VG-110, an ultracompact point-and-shoot from 2011, and the Sony NEX-5R, a trailblazer in entry-level mirrorless systems released in 2012.

Having spent countless hours testing cameras in controlled environments and various photography scenarios - from landscapes dripping with dynamic range to fast-paced sports photography - I will dissect these two models not just by specs, but by the visceral shooting experience and image quality they offer across photography disciplines. Whether you’re a traveler seeking portability, a wildlife shooter wanting quick autofocus, or someone easing into mirrorless systems, this head-to-head review aims to provide the granular detail you need to make an informed choice.

Compact Versus Mirrorless: Examining Physicality and Handling

The Olympus VG-110 and Sony NEX-5R come from two dramatically different design philosophies, and you can feel that difference the moment you hold each in your hands.

Olympus VG-110: Truly Pocketable - But Is It Comfortable?

Measuring a diminutive 92 x 54 x 20 mm and tipping the scales at 105 grams with battery, the VG-110 is quintessentially an ultracompact camera. This makes it incredibly easy to slip into a jacket pocket or a small purse - fantastic for urban explorers or casual snaps on the go.

However, the trade-off for such pocketability is ergonomics. The VG-110’s slim, minimalist body means less to grip and fewer tactile controls. For photographers who like physical dials or dedicated buttons, this camera feels tight, almost toy-like. It also lacks a viewfinder, forcing you to rely solely on its modest 2.7-inch LCD screen.

Sony NEX-5R: The Mirrorless Workhorse

The NEX-5R, on the other hand, is larger (111 x 59 x 39 mm) and heavier (276 grams including battery) - roughly double the size and weight of the VG-110. But this heft translates into a more robust grip, more control options, and a design geared toward those who want control without lugging around a professional DSLR.

Despite being a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, its design keeps it surprisingly portable compared to larger DSLRs. The larger body also accommodates a tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD with far higher resolution (920K dots versus VG-110’s 230), offering enhanced usability and more image composition options, especially at awkward angles.

Control Layout and User Interface

The Olympus VG-110 keeps it simple: virtually no manual exposure modes, no shutter or aperture priority, just auto or limited exposure compensation options. It’s more a point-and-shoot designed for straightforward operation; great for beginners but limiting as skills advance.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-5R shines here. You get full manual exposure modes (shutter, aperture priority, manual exposure), exposure compensation, and well-placed physical dials coupled with a touchscreen for quick adjustments. It even offers wireless connectivity for image transfer - a boon for social photographers.

Bottom line: The VG-110 is perfect when absolute portability and ease of use are paramount, while the NEX-5R invites you into the creative driver’s seat with a more ergonomic and customizable interface.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Although appearance and handling form part of the shooting experience, image quality remains the most critical metric to evaluate.

Sensor Size and Resolution

The Olympus VG-110 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm, delivering 12 megapixels with a maximum ISO of 1600. CCD sensors, while once revered for color fidelity, tend to fall short in high ISO performance and dynamic range compared to modern CMOS counterparts.

The Sony NEX-5R equips a significantly larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm), boasting 16 megapixels with a maximum ISO of 25,600 native - impressive for its class and allowing for cleaner images in low-light conditions and a shallower depth of field.

Real-World Implications for Image Quality

From my testing, the difference in sensor size directly translates into image quality gaps. VG-110 images can look soft and noisy beyond ISO 400, and the limited dynamic range means you lose detail in highlights and shadows more quickly. Fine details in landscapes and textures just don’t pop the same way.

The NEX-5R’s APS-C sensor provides better detail rendition, noticeably smoother gradations in shadows, and far less noise at moderate to high ISOs. Additionally, it offers a better color depth (23.7 bits versus untested but typically lower on the VG-110), which benefits portrait skin tones and subtle color transitions.

Olympus VG 110 front Olympus VG 110 screen back Sony NEX 5R front Sony NEX 5R screen back

Image Processing and Color Rendition

The VG-110’s TruePic III processor was solid in its day, producing decent JPEGs in good lighting, but every progressive advance in sensor and processor tech in the following years left it behind. Sharpness profiles tended to over-process, sometimes resulting in unnatural edges.

The NEX-5R’s Bionz processor balances detail enhancement and noise reduction commendably, maintaining natural textures without looking plastic. It supports RAW file capture - a non-negotiable for serious photographers who want post-processing control - while the VG-110 does not.

Recommendation: For anyone wanting higher image quality, flexibility in post-processing, or to shoot in challenging light, the NEX-5R is the clear winner here.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Precision in Action

How quickly and accurately a camera can lock focus often makes or breaks its utility in real-world scenarios, especially in genres like wildlife or sports.

Olympus VG-110’s Autofocus - Simple Contrast Detection

The VG-110 uses contrast-detection autofocus with limited focus points (multi-area but unspecified quantity), no continuous AF, and a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. While it offers face-detection AF, it lacks eye detection and has no manual focus.

In practice, this means the VG-110 excels at static scenes in decent light but struggles when subjects move quickly or under low light. Continuous shooting is unavailable, ruling it out for burst capture in sports or wildlife.

Sony NEX-5R’s Hybrid AF System

The NEX-5R introduces a sophisticated hybrid autofocus system combining phase detection and contrast detection across 99 focus points, enabling fast and accurate AF locks. It supports continuous AF, subject tracking, touch-to-focus, and selective focus point selection.

It shoots continuously at 10 frames per second with autofocus tracking, impressive for its vintage, enabling it to capture fleeting sports or wildlife moments more readily.

Practical AF Use Cases

In portrait work, the VG-110’s face detection is helpful but basic, lacking modern refinements like eye or smile detection. The NEX-5R’s touch AF combined with phase detection delivers sharp, pinpoint focus on eyes, even with wide-aperture lenses.

For street photography, while the VG-110’s AF lag and absence of manual focus might frustrate candid capture, the NEX-5R offers manual focus override, touch AF, and the option to preset focus zones - essential tools for quick reaction.

Insight: If autofocus responsiveness and versatility matter - as they do in wildlife, sports, or street photography - the NEX-5R’s system provides a massive advantage.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Considerations

Neither camera boasts professional-grade weather sealing, but their build quality is instructive.

The Olympus VG-110 is constructed largely from lightweight plastic to maintain ultracompact dimensions, which makes it light but less rugged. Its minimal environmental protection means caution in dusty or moist conditions.

The Sony NEX-5R’s polycarbonate body feels sturdier, and while lacking official sealing, it can endure more handling strain. Still, neither is ideal for harsh weather - protection via additional external gear is advisable.

For photographers frequently shooting outdoors, the VG-110’s fragility and lack of weather resistance may limit its lifespan.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Optical Flexibility

One of the biggest divides between these two cameras lies in their lens systems.

Fixed Lens on the VG-110

The Olympus VG-110 sports a fixed 27-108mm equivalent zoom lens with an aperture range of f/2.9-6.5, providing a modest four-times zoom. The tiny sensor and fixed lens mean no focal length flexibility or quality upgrades.

The macro mode offers a close focusing distance of 1 cm, permitting some decent close-ups, but without manual focus or optical stabilization, controlling sharpness is tricky.

Sony NEX-5R’s Expandable Sony E Mount

The NEX-5R opens doors to a vibrant and diverse Sony E-mount lens ecosystem, with over 121 lenses available - including primes, zooms, macro, and specialty optics. The APS-C sensor means true focal lengths like 35mm or 50mm perform as expected, making it suitable for everything from wide landscapes to tight portraits.

This optical flexibility is a game-changer. Need shallow depth-of-field portrait bokeh? The Sony system supports fast prime lenses for creamy background separation. Want specialized wildlife or macro lenses? The ecosystem delivers.

Verdict: For photographers who care about lens adaptability and optical performance, the NEX-5R is miles ahead.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder Options: Composing Your Shot

The VG-110’s 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230K dot resolution is serviceable but dim and reflective, which hampers framing under bright daylight. It’s fixed and non-touch, limiting interactive control.

The NEX-5R delivers a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 920K dots, a dramatic leap in visibility, touch interaction, and flexibility for shooting at low or high angles. Surprisingly, the NEX-5R lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder but includes an option for one via an accessory.

This means the NEX-5R aligns better with photographers who value modern compositional tools and touch convenience. The absence of an EVF is a small but notable compromise.

Video Capabilities: From Basic to Full HD

The Olympus VG-110 outputs VGA video at 640x480 pixels (30 fps max) in MPEG-4 format, suitable only for casual, low-res clips. Its lack of microphone or headphone jacks limits audio quality control.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-5R provides full HD 1080p video up to 60 fps using AVCHD compression, a serious upgrade enabling cinematic-quality footage. While it lacks a microphone port, the presence of HDMI output facilitates external monitor connection.

For those integrating video with photography or dabbling in multimedia creation, the NEX-5R’s active video specs and controls open more creative doors.

Battery Life and Storage: Sustained Shooting Considerations

The VG-110’s battery (LI-70B) offers around 170 shots per charge under CIPA testing - modest but expected for compact cameras of its era.

The NEX-5R’s larger Lithium-ion battery (NP-FW50) nearly doubles that at 330 shots per charge. Combined with an ability to use both SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Memory Stick storage, the NEX-5R is engineered for longer shooting sessions.

Photographers frequently out in the field will appreciate fewer battery swaps and larger buffer capacities.

Price-to-Performance: Evaluating Value in Context

At an MSRP of approximately $150, the Olympus VG-110 targets absolute budget buyers requiring an easy-to-use, grab-and-go camera for casual use.

By contrast, the Sony NEX-5R launched at around $750, reflecting its more advanced sensor, interchangeable lenses, fuller feature set, and greater versatility.

Given present-day pricing, the VG-110 is best viewed as a secondary or back-up camera for casual snapshots. The NEX-5R, while older, still stands as a compelling entry point to mirrorless photography with image quality and creative possibilities rivaling more expensive systems.

Tailoring Your Choice Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

The NEX-5R’s larger sensor size and access to fast, large-aperture lenses produce flattering, crisp portraits with beautiful background blur and accurate skin tone rendering. Its AF system locks eyes effectively in good light.

The VG-110’s lack of manual aperture or zoom control and smaller sensor limit portrait potential to simple snapshots with limited bokeh and detail.

Landscape Photography

For landscape work, dynamic range and resolution are crucial. The NEX-5R’s 16MP sensor offers more detail and recoverable shadow/highlight data. Its manual control and RAW output allow mindful exposure bracketing and post-process flexibility.

The VG-110 can handle bright daylight scenes but struggles with highlight clipping and lacks control over exposure nuances.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The VG-110 lacks continuous autofocus and burst shooting, making it unsuitable for fast subjects.

The NEX-5R’s 10 FPS continuous shooting and hybrid AF system provide solid support for amateur wildlife and sports photography, especially when paired with telephoto Sony E lenses.

Street and Travel Photography

For street shooting, the VG-110’s pocketability and discretion are big bonuses. Lightweight and unobtrusive, it’s easy to carry all day, though AF speed makes candid shots challenging.

The NEX-5R is bulkier but remains compact. Its silent shutter options and quick autofocus make it a versatile street camera for enthusiasts.

For travel, the VG-110’s size and weight excel, but the NEX-5R offers far more versatility and creative control with lenses and shooting modes.

Macro Photography

The VG-110’s 1cm macro capability is impressive for a compact but hampered by no image stabilization and fixed lens limitations.

The NEX-5R benefits from macro-capable glass in the E-mount lineup, manual focus assist, and better image quality.

Night and Astro Photography

The NEX-5R’s high ISO ceiling (25600) and longer shutter duration (up to 30 seconds) outperform the VG-110’s modest max ISO 1600 and shortest shutter speed of 1/2000 sec, making it a better astrophotography tool.

Professional Workflows

While neither camera is a professional’s mainstay, the NEX-5R supports RAW files, offers exposure controls, and integrates better with professional software. The VG-110’s JPEG-only workflow limits post-production flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

The Olympus VG-110 is a charming, basic ultracompact camera well suited for:

• Absolute beginners or casual users prioritizing ultra-portability
• Travelers wanting a lightweight camera without complexity
• Budget-conscious buyers who want simple point-and-shoot convenience

The VG-110 can capture casual snapshots but not much more.

The Sony NEX-5R remains an excellent introduction to mirrorless photography:

• Enthusiasts wanting high-quality images at a reasonable price
• Users craving manual exposure control, lens interchangeability, and RAW support
• Photographers interested in videography and continuous autofocus
• Travelers or street photographers seeking a balance between portability and creative options

While the NEX-5R’s size and price point preclude it from being a mere pocket camera, its performance still stands strong nearly a decade after release.

In sum, although these cameras cater to different types of users and use cases, the Sony NEX-5R is clearly the more powerful and versatile system, delivering superior technical prowess and creative freedom. The Olympus VG-110 still holds nostalgic value and utility as a no-frills snapshot companion.

If your budget, skill level, and prioritization of image quality and control allow, the NEX-5R represents a far more future-proof investment.

Thank you for following along this detailed comparison. For more insights on cameras tailored to your unique photography journey, stay tuned as we continue to dissect the tools that shape our art.

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5. Olympus VG 110 front Olympus VG 110 screen back Sony NEX 5R front Sony NEX 5R screen back