Canon SX170 IS vs Sony NEX-5N

Here is a extended analysis of the Canon SX170 IS vs Sony NEX-5N, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is pretty close but the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

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The SX170 IS was brought out 23 months later than the NEX-5N which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a short overview of how the SX170 IS matches up versus the NEX-5N in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you have to think about its weight and size. The Canon SX170 IS comes with outer dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX170 IS vs Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the SX170 IS vs the NEX-5N.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SX170 IS and NEX-5N is 88 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by researching specs. The visual underneath should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX170 IS and NEX-5N.

All in all, each of these cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizing. The SX170 IS has the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging. The younger SX170 IS will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.