Olympus VR-330 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus VR-330 vs Sony NEX-5R, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the VR-330 (14MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is relatively similar but the VR-330 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The VR-330 was introduced 18 months earlier than the NEX-5R which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VR-330 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the VR-330 grades against the NEX-5R when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-330 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus VR-330 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus VR-330 enjoys outside 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) while the Sony NEX-5R has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus VR-330 vs Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the VR-330 vs the NEX-5R.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VR-330 and NEX-5R is 94 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading specifications. The graphic here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-330 and NEX-5R.

To sum up, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The VR-330 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-5R will offer extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older VR-330 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.