Canon SX130 IS vs Sony NEX-5N

Following is a extended analysis of the Canon SX130 IS versus Sony NEX-5N, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Canon and Sony. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the SX130 IS (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the SX130 IS (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

The SX130 IS was manufactured 13 months before the NEX-5N which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Canon SX130 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SX130 IS matches up vs the NEX-5N in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX130 IS and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX130 IS Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon SX130 IS offers physical dimensions of 113mm x 73mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.8") with a weight of 308 grams (0.68 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Canon SX130 IS versus Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the SX130 IS versus the NEX-5N.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX130 IS and NEX-5N is 85 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes only by viewing technical specs. The pic here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SX130 IS and NEX-5N.

As you have seen, each of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SX130 IS due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-5N will provide you with greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged SX130 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.