Canon M vs Sony NEX-5R
89 Imaging
59 Features
65 Overall
61


89 Imaging
57 Features
76 Overall
64
Canon M vs Sony NEX-5R Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 18MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Expand to 25600)
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Canon EF-M Mount
- 298g - 109 x 66 x 32mm
- Launched July 2012
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 276g - 111 x 59 x 39mm
- Released August 2012
- Older Model is Sony NEX-5N
- Updated by Sony NEX-5T

Canon M vs Sony NEX-5R Overview
Here is a extensive assessment of the Canon M and Sony NEX-5R, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Canon and Sony. The image resolution of the M (18MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is pretty close and they come with the same exact sensor sizes (APS-C).

The M was unveiled within a month of the NEX-5R which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a short summary of how the M scores versus the NEX-5R in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Canon M vs Sony NEX-5R Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS M & Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are viewable at Canon M Gallery & Sony NEX-5R Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon M over the Sony NEX-5R
M | NEX-5R | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 1040k | ![]() | 920k | Crisper screen (+120k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-5R over the Canon M
NEX-5R | M | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Canon M and Sony NEX-5R
M | NEX-5R | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | July 2012 | ![]() | August 2012 | Same age |
Manual focus | ![]() | Very exact focus | ||
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen dimensions |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Canon M vs Sony NEX-5R Physical Comparison
For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon M comes with outside measurements of 109mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).
Compare the Canon M and Sony NEX-5R in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the M versus the NEX-5R.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the M and NEX-5R is 89 and 89 respectively.

Canon M vs Sony NEX-5R Sensor Comparison
Usually, it's hard to picture the difference in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The graphic here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the M and NEX-5R.
Plainly, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You can expect the Canon M to result in extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots far more aggressively.

Canon M vs Sony NEX-5R Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon M vs Sony NEX-5R Specifications
Canon EOS M | Sony Alpha NEX-5R | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Canon | Sony |
Model type | Canon EOS M | Sony Alpha NEX-5R |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Launched | 2012-07-23 | 2012-08-29 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Digic 5 | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 22.3 x 14.9mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 332.3mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 18 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 5184 x 3456 | 4912 x 3264 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 25600 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | 25600 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 31 | 99 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Canon EF-M | Sony E |
Number of lenses | 23 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.6 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 1,040 thousand dot | 920 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display technology | Clear View II TFT LCD | Tilt Up 180� Down 50� TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic (optional) |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 60s | 30s |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter speed | 4.0 frames per second | 10.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/200s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 298 grams (0.66 lbs) | 276 grams (0.61 lbs) |
Dimensions | 109 x 66 x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") | 111 x 59 x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 65 | 78 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.1 | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.2 | 13.1 |
DXO Low light rating | 827 | 910 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 230 photos | 330 photos |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | LP-E12 | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
Time lapse shooting | With downloadable app | |
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | One | One |
Retail cost | $510 | $750 |