• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony NEX-5R advantages over Olympus E-PM2

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 7.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PM2 advantages over Sony NEX-5R

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $750 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Olympus E-PM2
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  • Kit with 14-42mm lens (Black)
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Review Excerpt

  • Super compact and lightweight; Excellent image and print quality that rivals much more expensive CSCs and DSLRs; Solid low-light (high ISO) performance; Touchscreen LCD responsive and useful once you get used to it; Speedy and accurate AF on still subjects; Tons of advanced shooting features and customizing options.

  • Maddening menu system; No physical Mode dial; Motion AF not quite up to par; Mediocre HD video quality; No built-in flash (but a small external flash is included).

  • Read our Olympus E-PM2 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5R
Sony NEX-C3
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony NEX-5R vs Sony NEX-C3

Olympus E-PM2
Sony NEX-C3
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony NEX-C3

Compared to Panasonic GF3

Sony NEX-5R
Panasonic GF3
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Internal flash

Compare Sony NEX-5R vs Panasonic GF3

Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GF3
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GF3

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-5R
Sony NEX-5N
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony NEX-5R vs Sony NEX-5N

Olympus E-PM2
Sony NEX-5N
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony NEX-5N

Compared to Canon EOS M

Sony NEX-5R
Canon EOS M
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Sony NEX-5R vs Canon EOS M

Olympus E-PM2
Canon EOS M
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Canon EOS M

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Sony NEX-5R
Panasonic GM5
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony NEX-5R vs Panasonic GM5

Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GM5
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GM5

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