Canon SX200 IS vs Sony NEX-5

Lets look more closely at the Canon SX200 IS and Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Canon and Sony. The resolution of the SX200 IS (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very similar but the SX200 IS (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The SX200 IS was revealed 12 months earlier than the NEX-5 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX200 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SX200 IS grades versus the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX200 IS and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are available at Canon SX200 IS Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX200 IS has exterior measurements of 103mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX200 IS and Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the SX200 IS vs the NEX-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX200 IS and NEX-5 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by going over a spec sheet. The visual here will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SX200 IS and NEX-5.

Clearly, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SX200 IS having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-5 will offer more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The older SX200 IS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.