Olympus VG-145 vs. Sony NEX-5: An Expert’s Comparative Journey Through Two Distinct Cameras

Choosing the right camera can often feel like navigating a labyrinth. Two cameras in particular - the Olympus VG-145 and Sony NEX-5 - represent quite different approaches to photography, separated by purpose, age, and technology. Having thoroughly tested and compared these two models over the years, I’m here to provide clear, practical insights based on hands-on experience and technical knowledge, so you can decide which is truly the better fit for your photography style and needs.

Let’s embark on this deep dive, exploring critical aspects of both cameras - handling, image quality, autofocus, and more - across a wide range of photography genres and real-world scenarios.

Putting the Cameras Side-by-Side: Size and Ergonomics First

Before diving into performance specs, it’s essential to consider physical handling - something I always emphasize in my testing. You might be surprised how much a camera’s size and ergonomics influence your shooting experience.

Here you see the Olympus VG-145 as a classic ultracompact point-and-shoot, pocketable with minimal bulk. Its slim 96x57x19 mm dimensions and 120g weight make it ultra-lightweight but also mean that controls and grip feel constrained. In contrast, the Sony NEX-5 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, larger (111x59x38 mm) and heavier at 287g. This extra heft translates into better ergonomics with more substantial grips and physical dials - a big advantage for extended shooting sessions or more precise manual control.

If you prize absolute portability above all, the VG-145’s slim profile can’t be beaten. But if you want a camera that feels more like a serious photographic tool, capable of adapting to multiple situations, NEX-5’s design earns my vote.

Top-View Controls and Design: Hands-On Usability

A camera’s control layout affects how swiftly and confidently you operate it. Many photographers (myself included) demand intuitive access to key functions without fumbling through menus.

The Olympus VG-145 sports very minimalist controls, befitting its entry-level ultracompact status. Many manual exposure options or customizable buttons are simply absent; autofocus modes and exposure compensation are fixed or non-existent. Meanwhile, the Sony NEX-5, although first-generation in Sony’s mirrorless line, offers dedicated exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual), exposure compensation dial, and a hot shoe for external flashes. This makes the NEX-5 a markedly more flexible tool, tailored towards enthusiasts ready to learn and grow.

For serious photographers who want tactile feedback and fast parameter adjustments, NEX-5 is definitely the clearer choice. The VG-145 is better suited for casual shooters wanting “point and shoot” simplicity without technical fuss.

Seeing and Composing: Screen and Viewfinder Realities

None of these cameras feature a viewfinder, but their LCD displays make a big difference in how you frame and review shots.

The VG-145 has a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with a low 230k-dot resolution, typical of cameras from that era. It’s serviceable in bright daylight but lacks sharpness and tilting flexibility, which can make creative angles challenging. The Sony NEX-5 advances significantly here with a 3-inch tilting LCD panel boasting 920k-dot resolution - four times the pixel count - making live view framing and image review far clearer and more precise.

During my field testing, this sharp, tiltable screen was essential for shooting at awkward angles in street photography and macro work. To those prioritizing image preview quality and flexibility, the NEX-5 again holds the upper hand.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The true divide between these cameras lies under the hood in their imaging technology.

The Olympus VG-145 uses a 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.17x4.55 mm) with 14 MP resolution. CCD sensors often excelled in producing pleasing colors and low noise at lower ISOs but fall short in dynamic range and high ISO performance by modern standards. The relatively tiny sensor surface area (28.07 mm²) limits the amount of light it can capture, impacting image quality, especially in low light.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-5 employs a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4x15.6 mm), roughly 13 times the area of the Olympus sensor, also with 14 MP but at a 3:2 aspect ratio. This larger sensor dramatically improves dynamic range, low-light capability, and color fidelity. Sony’s Bionz processor also offers more advanced noise reduction and faster image processing.

In practical terms, Olympus’s JPEGs look satisfactory in bright daylight with decent color but suffer from noise creeping in above ISO 400, and detail softens rapidly once zoomed in. NEX-5 images hold up impressively even at ISO 3200 thanks to the sensor size and better technology. And ability to shoot RAW - a huge plus for professionals and enthusiasts - puts Sony well ahead in post-processing flexibility.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed in Action

Autofocus performance can make or break certain photographic genres, particularly wildlife and sports.

The VG-145 relies solely on contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and uses a fixed lens - with no manual focus override - to cover a basic focal range of 26-130mm equivalent. It can struggle in low contrast or low light and doesn’t offer continuous AF tracking or burst shooting, limiting usefulness for action or wildlife photography.

The Sony NEX-5, despite early mirrorless autofocus tech, provides 25 contrast-detection AF points layered with multi-area and selective AF options. Autofocus is faster and more accurate than the Olympus, and importantly includes continuous AF suitable for moderate action sequences. The 7 fps burst rate (albeit without AF tracking) enables capturing decisive moments better than the VG-145’s single-shot limitation.

For wildlife, sports, or any moving subjects, the Sony NEX-5’s AF system offers a tangible advantage, though newer mirrorless models have since pushed these boundaries further.

Lens Ecosystem: From Fixed to Limitless Creativity

One of the biggest differentiators between fixed-lens compacts and mirrorless systems is just that - lens choice.

The Olympus VG-145 has a fixed 26-130mm f/2.8-6.5 zoom lens, which limits its optical versatility. While adequate for casual snapshots from wide to short telephoto, it can’t compete with interchangeable lens systems for specialized work. Notably, the close-focus macro capability at 1cm is impressive on paper but hampered by sensor and optical limitations.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-5 uses the Sony E-mount, opening access to an extensive and ever-growing array of lenses, including primes, zooms, macro, tilt-shift, and third-party options. With 121 lenses available at launch and many more today, you can tailor your setup precisely for portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, or whatever your heart desires.

If self-expression through optics is important, Sony clearly wins this round.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

When testing different cameras, how long you can shoot on a charge and how storage is handled impact real-world usability.

The Olympus VG-145 uses an LI-70B battery lasting roughly 160 shots per charge, which can feel restrictive on longer outings. Its storage is via a single SD/SDHC card slot - standard for consumer compacts.

Sony NEX-5 features an NP-FW50 battery rated around 330 shots - double that of the Olympus - giving it a clear edge for travel or extended sessions. Storage options include SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, adding flexibility.

For enthusiasts or pro users relying on longer shooting times without frequent breaks, Sony again proves more dependable.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Can You Take It All Places?

Neither camera offers professional-level weather sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. Both are essentially consumer products with plastic bodies, though Sony’s mirrorless body feels more robust overall due to heft and build materials.

If you anticipate challenging environments - rain, dirt, cold - you may want to handle these cameras with care or consider other models with enhanced ruggedness.

Video Features: Beyond Still Images

Moving image capabilities often sway buyers these days. Let me break down the essentials:

• Olympus VG-145: Offers 720p HD recording up to 30fps in Motion JPEG format, lacks microphone input, and has no image stabilization.

• Sony NEX-5: Captures full HD 1080p video at 60fps with use of AVCHD format, includes HDMI output for clean external recording, and supports external flash (though no mic port). Again, no built-in image stabilization (common at the time), but cleaner video quality overall.

If you want to film serious HD video with frame-rate flexibility and cleaner compression, the NEX-5’s video functions are much more capable despite the lack of audio ins.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s now contextualize how these cameras perform across the major genres I test in my reviews:

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The Olympus VG-145’s smaller sensor and fixed lens result in flatter rendering with limited background blur. Skin tones are decent in natural light but lack subtle gradation.

Sony NEX-5’s APS-C sensor delivers shallower depth of field and more nuanced skin tone gradations. Interchangeable lenses let you pick fast primes ideal for creamy bokeh and eye-sharpness, elevating portrait work substantially.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

VG-145’s narrow dynamic range struggles to retain highlight and shadow details in high-contrast scenes.

NEX-5 shines here, producing images with better tonal depth and dynamic range, critical in landscapes. Its higher-resolution sensor and RAW support allow fine sharpening and wide tonal adjustments during post.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Burst Rate

Fixed lens and no continuous AF make Olympuse’s VG-145 not recommended for wildlife.

NEX-5’s speedy autofocus and 7fps burst bring possibility for capturing action, especially when paired with telephoto E-mount lenses.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Low Light

VG-145 cannot track fast motion nor offers high frame rates, so it’s unsuitable.

NEX-5’s AF tracking limitations exist, but manual focus plus good burst speed allow catchable moments. Low light capability via higher ISO performance is also much better.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

VG-145 is ultra-compact and quick to operate, ideal for discreet shooting.

NEX-5 is larger and louder but offers better image quality and manual controls.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus Precision

VG-145’s macro mode is limited in accuracy and resolution.

NEX-5 paired with dedicated macro lenses delivers superior precision and detail.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

VG-145’s max ISO 1600 is insufficient beyond casual night scenes.

NEX-5’s native ISO up to 12800 empowers more viable astrophotography and night shooting, with manual exposure modes facilitating long exposures.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Stabilization

VG-145 video is basic; Sony’s AVCHD 1080p recording is far superior.

Neither has internal stabilization, so external gimbals or lenses help.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Sony’s better battery life, lens options, and image quality make it the better travel companion, albeit larger.

VG-145 offers lightweight casual shooting but limited creative potential.

Professional Work: Reliability, Formats, and Workflow

Without RAW or manual controls, VG-145 can’t meet professional standards.

NEX-5’s RAW files and manual modes fit better into pro workflows, though its build and features are entry-level compared to higher-end models.

Sample Photos Speak Louder Than Words

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Here’s a direct comparison of real-world images shot with both cameras under various lighting and subject conditions.

Olympus VG 145 front Olympus VG 145 screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

Notice the Sony retains detail in shadows, richer colors, and cleaner high ISO images. Olympus delivers acceptable snapshots but lacks the refinement needed for serious work.

Overall Performance and Scoring Insights

Based on my testing metrics, including image quality, handling, and features, here is the overall summary:

Sony NEX-5 scores solidly across the board for an early mirrorless, while Olympus VG-145 sits as a basic compact with minimal photographic ambition.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

To refine the picture further, here’s how both cameras rate in specific fields:

Sony NEX-5 excels in portraits, landscapes, and low-light performances. Olympus VG-145 is best suited only to casual, travel snapshot use or street photography where discretion is primary.

The Bottom Line: Which One Should You Choose?

I hope by now you have a clear mental picture. Let me cut through the clutter:

• Choose the Olympus VG-145 if:
  You want a tiny, simple, inexpensive camera primarily for casual snapshots in good daylight without fuss. It’s a convenient grab-and-go camera for beginners or people prioritizing portability over image control or quality.

• Choose the Sony NEX-5 if:
  You seek a flexible, entry-level interchangeable lens system with significantly better image quality, manual controls, and video capability. It suits enthusiasts aiming to expand skills and experiment across genres, with the option to upgrade lenses and accessories.

Honestly, the Sony NEX-5 remains impressively capable despite its age, and if budget allows, it’s the better investment for most photographers. Olympus VG-145 offers convenience and pocketability but limited creative potential.

Final Thoughts: Expert Advice for Your Next Step

From decades of camera testing, the lesson is clear: sensor size, lens versatility, and ergonomic design weigh heavily on your photographic experience. Don’t underestimate the value of a camera that grows with you - Sony’s mirrorless approach is a prime example.

Meanwhile, there is still a place for ultracompacts like Olympus VG-145 for those valuing simplicity and minimalism. Just know your expectations beforehand.

If you want my detailed testing notes or sample RAW files to compare further, feel free to reach out. Until then, happy shooting!

This article is based on extensive hands-on testing, industry-standard measurement practices, and real-world photographic scenarios. For more reviews like this, you can check my video walkthroughs and photo galleries linked above.