Olympus VH-515 vs Sony NEX-5

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus VH-515 and Sony NEX-5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the VH-515 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly similar but the VH-515 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) boast different sensor size.

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The VH-515 was brought out 2 years later than the NEX-5 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VH-515 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a thorough comparison, here is a short view of how the VH-515 grades vs the NEX-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VH-515 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus VH-515 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus VH-515 offers outer dimensions of 102mm x 60mm x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") along with a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Olympus VH-515 and Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the VH-515 versus the NEX-5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the VH-515 and NEX-5 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements only by reviewing specs. The photograph below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the VH-515 and NEX-5.

All in all, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The VH-515 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Sony NEX-5 will offer extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more recent VH-515 provides a benefit in sensor technology.