Olympus VG-160 vs Sony NEX-5

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus VG-160 and Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the VG-160 (14MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively close but the VG-160 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The VG-160 was revealed 20 months later than the NEX-5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise overview of how the VG-160 scores vs the NEX-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-160 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-160 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-160 features outer measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus VG-160 and Sony NEX-5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the VG-160 versus the NEX-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-160 and NEX-5 is 96 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements only by viewing technical specs. The graphic here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the VG-160 and NEX-5.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature the identical resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The VG-160 has got the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field tougher. The newer VG-160 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.