Olympus VG-160 vs Sony NEX-5T

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus VG-160 versus Sony NEX-5T, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the VG-160 (14MP) and the NEX-5T (16MP) is relatively comparable but the VG-160 (1/2.3") and NEX-5T (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The VG-160 was announced 19 months before the NEX-5T which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5T being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the VG-160 scores against the NEX-5T for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

When you are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus VG-160 comes with 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) whilst the Sony NEX-5T has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check the Olympus VG-160 versus Sony NEX-5T in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the VG-160 vs the NEX-5T.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VG-160 and NEX-5T is 96 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions just by checking out a spec sheet. The picture here might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the VG-160 and NEX-5T.

Clearly, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The VG-160 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-5T will show greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged VG-160 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.