Sony NEX-5T vs Olympus PEN-F

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Sony NEX-5T vs Olympus PEN-F

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APS-C 366.6mm²
16.1 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Sony NEX-5T Review.
See real-world photos taken with the NEX-5T.

4/3 226.2mm²
20.3 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Olympus PEN-F Review.
How does it shoot? Olympus PEN-F in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the PEN-F.
Compare Olympus PEN-F image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Olympus PEN-F conclusion.

Succeeded by the Sony A5100
Compare NEX-5T vs A5100
Compare Sony A5100 vs Olympus PEN-F

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Differences

Sony NEX-5T advantages over Olympus PEN-F

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 4.78 vs 3.36 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
NEX-5T test data on DxO Mark PEN-F test data on DxO Mark

1,015 vs 894 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Sony NEX-5T

Lens selection
Excellent vs Good
Better lens selection gives you more options
Tilt-swivel screen
Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Eye-level viewfinder
Eye-level vs Rear display only
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
High resolution composite
Yes vs No
Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
Higher max flash sync
1/250 vs 1/160 sec
Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
More pixels
20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Bigger JPEG buffer
43 vs 11 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Focus peaking
Both provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Touchscreen
Both provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Both provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Built-in Wi-Fi
Both provide
Share your photos wirelessly
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

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

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read NEX-5T User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read PEN-F User Reviews

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Review Excerpt

We haven’t finished our review of the Sony NEX-5T, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
See our Sony NEX-5T First Shots

Highest resolution Olympus 4/3" camera yet; Excellent image quality for its class; Very good dynamic range; Fast autofocus; Fast burst speeds; Lots of fun creative filter options; Built-in EVF, Wi-Fi.
Expensive; No weather sealing; Mediocre battery life; No 4K video; No mic or headphone jacks.
Read our Olympus PEN-F Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-3N

Sony NEX-5T

Sony NEX-3N

$299
APS-C

Touchscreen
Built-in Wi-Fi

$449
APS-C

Less expensive
Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Sony NEX-3N

Olympus PEN-F

Sony NEX-3N

$999
4/3

Lens selection
Tilt-swivel screen

$449
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Sony NEX-3N

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Sony NEX-5T

Samsung NX1100

$299
APS-C

Lens selection
Focus peaking

$450
APS-C

Less expensive
More pixels

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Samsung NX1100

Olympus PEN-F

Samsung NX1100

$999
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Lens selection

$450
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Samsung NX1100

Compared to Sony A5000

Sony NEX-5T

Sony A5000

$299
APS-C

Touchscreen
On-sensor phase detect

$298
APS-C

Longer stills battery life
Internal flash

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Sony A5000

Olympus PEN-F

Sony A5000

$999
4/3

Lens selection
Tilt-swivel screen

$298
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Sony A5000

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Sony NEX-5T

Panasonic GX85

$299
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$598
4/3

Lens selection
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Panasonic GX85

Olympus PEN-F

Panasonic GX85

$999
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
High resolution composite

$598
4/3

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Sony NEX-5T

Olympus E-PL8

$299
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$599
4/3

Lens selection
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Olympus E-PL8

Olympus PEN-F

Olympus E-PL8

$999
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Eye-level viewfinder

$599
4/3

Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Olympus E-PL8

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