Sony Alpha SLT-A35 vs Olympus E-5

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5
      67
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      72
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha SLT-A35 and the Olympus E-5, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 was introduced in September 2011 and Olympus E-5 was introduced in February 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 Highlights

      • 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 25,600 Native ISO
      • 15 Focus Points (15 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1,150k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 5.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Olympus E-5 Highlights

      • 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A35
      4. Advantage of Olympus E-5
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha SLT-A35 and Olympus E-5.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 415 g (0.91 lb / 14.64 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 440 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 56
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 74
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Weight - 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 870 shots

      Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Sony SLT-A35
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha SLT-A35 over Olympus E-5.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 vs Olympus E-5
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 12.3 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 25,600 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4912 x 3264 vs 4032 x 3024
      More Focus Points 15 vs 11
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 920k dot
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.73x vs 0.58x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.5 fps vs 5.0 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 763 vs 519
      Higher DxO Color Depth 23.3 vs 21.6
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.7 vs 10.5
      Higher DxO Overall Score 74 vs 56
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
      Lighter 415 g (0.91 lb / 14.64 oz) vs 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha SLT-A35.

      Sony SLT-A58
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      APS-C

      20.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A68
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A33
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A37
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A77
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A57
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A77 II
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A55
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A99
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A65
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A99 II
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      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Panasonic G9 II
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      Micro Four Thirds

      25.21 MP

      Advantage of Olympus E-5

      Olympus E-5
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus E-5 over Sony Alpha SLT-A35.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 vs Olympus E-5
      More Cross-type Focus Points 3 vs 11
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Fixed vs Fully Articulated
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 60 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/160 sec vs 1/250 sec
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 440 shots vs 870 shots
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 2

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus E-5.

      Olympus E-420
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Olympus E-450
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Olympus E-1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      5 MP

      Olympus E-330
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      Micro Four Thirds

      7.94 MP

      Olympus E-3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Olympus E-620
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.3 MP

      Olympus E-410
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Olympus E-510
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Olympus E-30
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus E-500
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      Micro Four Thirds

      8 MP

      Olympus E-300
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      Micro Four Thirds

      8 MP

      Olympus E-400
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha SLT-A35 Olympus E-5
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Mini type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha SLT-A35 Olympus E-5
        Timelapse Recording
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801280 x 720
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min30 min
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 and Olympus E-5 have 3.0" screens with 921k dot and 920k dot resolutions respectively. Sony Alpha SLT-A35 has a Fixed screen Olympus E-5 has a Fully Articulated screen which makes it selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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      Olympus E-5 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,150k dot resolution and Olympus E-5 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 features a 16.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 25,600. Olympus E-5 features a 12.3 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 169 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4912 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4912 x 2760, 3568 x 2368, 3568 x 2000, 2448 x 1624, 2448 x 1376 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Olympus E-5 is equipped with TruePic V+ processor and can take pictures up to 4032 x 3024 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3200 x 2400, 2560 x 1920, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 960, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 has Sony A lens mount and Olympus E-5 has Four Thirds lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Sony Alpha SLT-A35 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Due to Micro Four Thirds sensor in Olympus E-5 its crop factor is equal to 2x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.


      In-Body Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha SLT-A35 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Olympus E-5 has a Mini type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 comes with NP-FW50 battery pack with battery life of 440 shots and Olympus E-5 comes with BLM-5 battery pack with battery life of 870 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Olympus E-5 has two card slots - one for Compact Flash (Type I/II) and one for SD/SDHC/SDXC.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A35, and up to 1/8000 sec on Olympus E-5. Sony Alpha SLT-A35 can shoot continuously up to 5.5 fps. Olympus E-5 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m on Sony Alpha SLT-A35 and 18.00 m at ISO 200 on Olympus E-5. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Olympus E-5. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A35 and 1/250 sec on Olympus E-5.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 body has dimensions of 124 x 92 x 85 mm (4.88 x 3.62 x 3.35") and Olympus E-5 body has dimensions of 143 x 117 x 75 mm (5.63 x 4.61 x 2.95"). Sony Alpha SLT-A35 weighs 415 g (0.91 lb / 14.64 oz) and Olympus E-5 weighs 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz).

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      124 mm

      92 mm

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      143 mm

      117 mm

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      92 mm

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      117 mm

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      85 mm

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      75 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha SLT-A35 and Olympus E-5

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35 and Olympus E-5 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      77
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 440 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      71
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   11 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 870 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 440 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   11 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 870 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      GOOD
      81
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   11 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      GOOD
      83
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 415 g (0.91 lb / 14.64 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   11 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      GOOD
      82
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 415 g (0.91 lb / 14.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 440 shots
      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 870 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha SLT-A35 and Olympus E-5 and give them scores of 67 and 72 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      OVERALL
      67
      OVERALL
      72

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      GOOD
      70
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 74
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 56

      Photo

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      GOOD
      71
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      75
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      42
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      GOOD
      72
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   11 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
      GOOD
      82
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha SLT-A35

      Olympus E-5

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 415 g (0.91 lb / 14.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 440 shots
      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 870 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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