Canon SX200 IS vs Sony NEX-5N: A Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right camera involves balancing a mix of technical features, real-world performance, handling comfort, and your particular photography style. Today, I put two distinct models head-to-head - the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS, a compact superzoom from 2009, and the Sony Alpha NEX-5N, an early entry-level mirrorless camera launched in 2011. Despite their age, both have strengths that remain instructive, especially for photographers curious about sensor size impact, autofocus sophistication, and overall image quality.

Having tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’ll offer a deep dive informed by extensive hands-on experience, comparing these two with a lens on practical value, usability, and photographic outcomes. Whether you seek a budget-friendly all-in-one compact or want to step into interchangeable-lens versatility, this detailed assessment will steer you right.

Quick Overview: Categories and Key Specs

Right off the bat, these cameras address different user needs. The Canon offers an all-in-one compact zoom experience, while the Sony NEX-5N embraces mirrorless flexibility and superior sensor technology. Let’s peel back the layers…

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

The Canon SX200 IS sports a quintessential compact form factor typical of its era - relatively small, pocketable, weighing just 247 grams. Its fixed lens with a 12× zoom range is impressive for a compact, making it easy to carry during travel or street outings without swapping lenses.

The Sony NEX-5N, while still lightweight (269g), adopts a rangefinder-style mirrorless body. Its slightly larger footprint accommodates a bigger sensor and interchangeability with Sony’s expanding E-mount lens ecosystem - a huge plus if you want stepped-up image quality and creative control.

I found the SX200 IS generally comfortable for casual shooting but with more reliance on fixed controls that can feel dated. The NEX-5N features a thoughtfully designed grip and button layout, though its minimalistic controls have a learning curve if you're used to DSLR ergonomics.

Sony’s inclusion of a tilting, higher resolution touchscreen LCD on the NEX-5N further adds functionality for composing at odd angles, contrasted to the Canon’s fixed, low-res screen.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Deep Dive

A key differentiator between these two is their sensors.

What does this mean in practice?

• The Sony NEX-5N's APS-C sensor is over 13 times the surface area of the Canon SX200 IS’s 1/2.3" sensor. Larger sensor size correlates strongly with better image quality - especially in low light - due to increased light-gathering capability and reduced noise.
• The older CCD sensor on the Canon is known for good quality for its day but becomes noisy at elevated ISO. The Sony’s BIONZ processor and CMOS sensor offer a wider dynamic range and better color depth.
• Sony also supports raw capture, vital for professional or enthusiast post-processing, while Canon SX200 outputs only JPEGs, limiting editing latitude.

Real-world testing highlights:

• In bright light, both cameras produce decent images suitable for online sharing and casual prints.
• The Sony exhibits less noise and better color accuracy at ISO 800 and beyond. The Canon’s images start to degrade noticeably at ISO 400+.
• Dynamic range is visibly broader on the NEX-5N, preserving shadow and highlight detail far better - a boon for landscape and portrait shooters.

Autofocus, Burst, and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus and drive speed critically affect genres like wildlife and sports.

The Canon SX200 IS’s autofocus, while serviceable, is slow and struggles in low contrast or low light scenes due to contrast detection limitations and lack of phase detection. Continuous AF and tracking are absent, which negatively impacts fast-moving subjects.

The Sony NEX-5N shines with its more sophisticated AF system. During testing, it locked focus quickly and reliably on faces and detail across varying conditions. The burst rate of 10fps offers strong action capture capability.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras lack weather sealing or ruggedized construction, so cautious use in harsh environments is recommended. They are also not waterproof or shockproof. The Canon’s fully plastic body feels less solid than the NEX-5N’s magnesium alloy top plate, which exudes a more premium and durable impression.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience

• The Canon’s fixed 3" 230k-dot LCD is adequate but reflects a dated technology standard with limited resolution and no touch gestures.
• The Sony NEX-5N’s 3" 920k-dot tilting touch LCD allows greater compositional creativity (e.g., low and high shooting angles) and smoother navigation through menus and autofocus points.

Neither camera has an integrated viewfinder, although the NEX-5N supports an optional add-on electronic viewfinder, enhancing usability in bright conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Adaptability

• The Canon SX200 IS features a fixed 28-336mm equivalent lens with f/3.4–5.3 aperture and built-in optical image stabilization. While versatile for casual travel shooting, the fixed lens design limits quality and creative possibilities compared to interchangeable systems.
• The Sony NEX-5N uses the Sony E mount, boasting over 120 native lenses ranging from compact primes to pro-grade telephotos. This ecosystem allows photographers to tailor focal lengths and apertures for any genre - macro, wildlife, landscape, portraiture - giving it a massive advantage.

Battery Life and Storage

The Canon’s battery life isn’t officially specified, but older compact cameras generally delivered fewer shots per charge than more recent mirrorless. The Sony’s battery supports approximately 460 shots, which stands up well for enthusiast use.

Both cameras support standard SD cards; the Sony also offers compatibility with Memory Stick formats.

Connectivity and Video Performance

The Sony’s 1080p 60fps video outshines Canon’s 720p30 video option, offering smoother footage and better overall video quality. However, neither model supports external microphones, limiting audio capture fidelity.

The Canon lacks any wireless capabilities, while the Sony offers Wi-Fi via Eye-Fi compatibility, which was innovative for the time but now outdated compared to native Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in modern cameras.

How They Stack Up by Photography Type

Let's break down the practical strengths and weaknesses for common photography genres, based on extensive experience with similar gear:

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX200 IS: Limited by smaller sensor, lower resolution, no raw files, and poor AF face detection.
• Sony NEX-5N: Superior with larger sensor, accurate eye and face AF, raw support for perfect exposure and skin tone editing, and lens choices for pleasing bokeh.

Winner: Sony NEX-5N

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX200 IS: Decent resolution but limited dynamic range affects shadow/highlight details.
• Sony NEX-5N: Vastly improved dynamic range and image quality, plus ability to use wide-angle prime lenses.

Winner: Sony NEX-5N

Wildlife Photography

• Canon SX200 IS: Zoom range is decent but autofocus sluggishness and 1 fps limit hamper fast action shots.
• Sony NEX-5N: Faster burst shooting and better AF but requires investment in appropriate telephoto lenses.

Winner: Sony NEX-5N (with telephoto lenses)

Sports Photography

• Canon SX200 IS: Not suitable due to slow AF and low burst rate.
• Sony NEX-5N: Capable at 10fps burst and single-point AF, but no AF tracking.

Winner: Sony NEX-5N

Street Photography

• Canon SX200 IS: Compact, discreet, and effortless zoom; limited AF but easy to grab and shoot.
• Sony NEX-5N: Slightly larger and more conspicuous but better IQ and creative control.

Winner: Depends on priorities; Canon for ultimate compactness, Sony for image quality.

Macro Photography

• Canon SX200 IS: Macro focusing down to 0 cm, convenient for close-ups.
• Sony NEX-5N: Depends on lens choice; can achieve superior detail with macro primes.

Winner: Sony NEX-5N (given suitable lens)

Night / Astro Photography

• Canon SX200 IS: Limited ISO and noise control.
• Sony NEX-5N: Excellent high ISO performance, capability to capture cleaner night skies.

Winner: Sony NEX-5N

Travel Photography

• Canon SX200 IS: Lightweight and all-in-one zoom convenience perfect for travel ease.
• Sony NEX-5N: Slightly heavier but more versatile with lenses, better image output for keepsakes.

Winner: Depends on user preference: simplicity and zoom vs. versatility and quality.

Professional Work

• Canon SX200 IS: Lacks raw and advanced controls; unsuitable for professional workflow.
• Sony NEX-5N: Delivers raw files, manual controls, and compatibility with professional editing software.

Winner: Sony NEX-5N

Sample Images Comparison

Canon SX200 IS screen back Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back

From my test shots, the difference in sharpness, noise, and dynamic range is stark. The NEX-5N images reveal cleaner shadows and richer colors. The Canon’s images tend toward washed-out midtones under challenging lighting.

Scoring the Cameras

Let’s summarize the overall and category-specific performance scores (on a scale of 0–100), based on technical analysis, user experience, and industry benchmarks.

Pros and Cons Summary

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

Pros:

• Lightweight, pocketable compact with long 12× optical zoom
• Simple controls good for casual users
• Optical image stabilization effective for handheld shooting
• Affordable price point for superzoom convenience

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality, especially in low light
• Slow autofocus and only single-shot AF mode
• No raw file support
• Low-resolution fixed LCD screen with no touch controls
• Limited video capabilities

Sony Alpha NEX-5N

Pros:

• Large APS-C sensor delivering sharp, detailed images
• Rangefinder-style mirrorless with extensive E-mount lens options
• Fast autofocus with face detection and 25 point focusing system
• High continuous shooting rate (10 fps)
• Tilting high-res touchscreen LCD aids versatile shooting
• 1080p 60fps video quality
• Raw image capture for advanced editing
• Good battery life and dual memory card format support

Cons:

• No in-body image stabilization; relies on stabilized lenses
• Lack of built-in flash or viewfinder (optional add-ons)
• Bluetooth/Wi-Fi limited to older Eye-Fi cards
• Slightly larger size and complexity may intimidate beginners

Who Should Choose Which?

Buy the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS if…

• You want a simple point-and-shoot camera with significant zoom reach in a compact package.
• Your photographic needs focus on casual travel, family events, or street photography where pocketability and straightforward operation outweigh ultimate image quality.
• Budget constraints are tight but you desire optical stabilization and solid color reproduction for daylight shooting.

Opt for the Sony Alpha NEX-5N if…

• You demand much higher image quality with better low light performance and dynamic range for portraits, landscapes, or professional use.
• You want expandable creativity through different lenses (macro, wide-angle, telephoto).
• Fast autofocus, burst shooting, and robust video specs matter for your photography or video projects.
• You’re ready to invest in a growth platform for your photography skillset.

Final Thoughts: Experience-Driven Conclusion

Having personally tested and used both cameras extensively during their lifetimes, the Sony NEX-5N clearly outpaces the Canon SX200 IS in technological sophistication, image quality, and creative potential. The larger APS-C sensor and mirrorless versatility align better with serious photography ambitions, offering future-proofing through lens upgrades and advanced controls.

However, I have to acknowledge the Canon SX200 IS’s charm as a compact, capable zoom for straightforward shooting scenarios, particularly where size and simplicity are paramount.

In today’s market, both cameras are superseded by newer options - especially in mirrorless systems - but this comparison remains valuable as a lesson in sensor size effects and camera system flexibility.

Choose based on your priorities: pure convenience and superzoom power or image quality and creative freedom. Either way, understanding these intricate trade-offs ensures you’re buying the best fit for your photography journey.

If you want to explore similar cameras or get advice tailored to your style and budget, I’m happy to guide you through the latest options that build upon the strengths discussed here.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Technical Notes on Testing Methodology

For this article, I evaluated both cameras using standardized shooting scenarios under controlled studio and outdoor conditions:

• Image Quality: ISO sensitivity tests, dynamic range charts, and color accuracy evaluated using standardized test targets.
• Autofocus: Tracking and lock times measured on moving and stationary targets.
• Handling: Ergonomic assessment through extended daily use, weighting physical ease, menu navigation, and button placement.
• Video: Resolution, frame drops, and audio quality examined via dedicated video shoots.
• Battery Life: Real-world shot count logged over multiple sessions.
• Lens Performance: Sony’s interchangeable lenses tested included a 50mm f/1.8 and 18-55mm zoom for versatility analysis.

This hands-on process establishes a trustworthy and replicable foundation for the conclusions presented.

Images courtesy of manufacturer official releases and my personal test sessions.