Canon SX210 IS vs Sony NEX-5N

Its time to examine more closely at the Canon SX210 IS vs Sony NEX-5N, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Canon and Sony. The resolution of the SX210 IS (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is pretty well matched but the SX210 IS (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

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The SX210 IS was released 15 months earlier than the NEX-5N which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX210 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SX210 IS matches up against the NEX-5N in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX210 IS and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX210 IS Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Canon SX210 IS provides exterior dimensions of 103mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 220 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Canon SX210 IS vs Sony NEX-5N in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the SX210 IS compared to the NEX-5N.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SX210 IS and NEX-5N is 90 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor sizes simply by looking at a spec sheet. The image below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX210 IS and NEX-5N.

As you can see, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SX210 IS because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-5N will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged SX210 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.