• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony NEX-5 advantages over Olympus E-P3

  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 4.29 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
  • Higher effective ISO
    796 vs 536 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    12.2 vs 10.1 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 614k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 19 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-P3 advantages over Sony NEX-5

  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Less shutter lag
    0.22 vs 0.44 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.1 fps vs 2.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

  • Extremely fast autofocus; Pop-up flash and AF-assist lamp; Full HD recording; wisely limited focus for touchscreen; excellent print quality results; removable grip.

  • Larger than some competitors (see E-PL3 if you prefer a smaller camera); strong noise suppression; touchscreen easily activated by mistake; list of options is overwhelming; shoulder strap D-rings are noisy.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-P2

Sony NEX-5
Olympus E-P2
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus E-P3
Olympus E-P2
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony NEX-3

Sony NEX-5
Sony NEX-3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Olympus E-P3
Sony NEX-3
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Samsung NX100

Sony NEX-5
Samsung NX100
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Olympus E-P3
Samsung NX100
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5
Sony NEX-C3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-P3
Sony NEX-C3
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Sony NEX-5
Olympus E-PL3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-P3
Olympus E-PL3
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
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