Olympus VR-320 vs Sony NEX-5N

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus VR-320 and Sony NEX-5N, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the VR-320 (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is very well matched but the VR-320 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

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The VR-320 was manufactured 2 months prior to the NEX-5N which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a short overview of how the VR-320 grades against the NEX-5N in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VR-320 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus VR-320 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus VR-320 has got exterior dimensions of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VR-320 and Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the VR-320 against the NEX-5N.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the VR-320 and NEX-5N is 94 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by looking at specs. The image underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-320 and NEX-5N.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The VR-320 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-5N will give you more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively.