Canon SX200 IS vs Sony NEX-5N

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Canon SX200 IS versus Sony NEX-5N, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SX200 IS (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the SX200 IS (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The SX200 IS was introduced 3 years prior to the NEX-5N and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Canon SX200 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SX200 IS grades versus the NEX-5N when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX200 IS & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX200 IS Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX200 IS has external measurements of 103mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX200 IS versus Sony NEX-5N in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SX200 IS against the NEX-5N.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX200 IS and NEX-5N is 90 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing just by checking a spec sheet. The visual underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SX200 IS and NEX-5N.

As you can see, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX200 IS using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony NEX-5N will give extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older SX200 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.