Hasselblad X1D vs Sony NEX-5N: A Comprehensive Mirrorless Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When stepping into the mirrorless camera world, choices range from entry-level systems designed for hobbyists to professional-grade equipment crafted for the discerning image maker. Today, we dive deep into the comparison between two strikingly different mirrorless cameras: the Hasselblad X1D, a medium format marvel aimed at professionals, and the Sony NEX-5N, a compact APS-C camera designed for enthusiasts and emerging photographers.

As photographers with extensive hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras, we will guide you through the technological DNA, real-world performance, and practical use cases of these cameras. Let’s start by sizing up their physical presence and ergonomics.

Handheld Feel and Body Design: Size Matters

Physical comfort directly impacts shooting endurance and creative flow, so let’s compare the X1D and NEX-5N ergonomics.

The Hasselblad X1D offers a robust, weather-sealed magnesium alloy construction with a thoughtfully contoured grip, lending confidence for outdoor use and long sessions. The size strikes a balance between portability and professional handling - it’s definitely larger and heavier than typical compact mirrorless cameras but still manageable for travel.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-5N is featherlight and compact, easily falling into your jacket pocket. Its minimalist design favors discretion, making it perfect for street photography or travel when you want to remain unobtrusive.

Both cameras embrace a rangefinder-style layout, with the X1D leaning more professional in its heft and grip, and the NEX-5N embodying a sleek, bare-bones aesthetic tailored for mobility.

On Top Control and Interface: Access at Your Fingertips

Accessing key settings quickly defines how intuitive a camera feels during shooting. The Hasselblad and Sony differ notably here.

The X1D eschews excessive dials in favor of a cleaner aesthetic. It has a touchscreen for quick control but fewer dedicated physical buttons. This minimalism can appeal to photographers who prefer working with a more deliberate pace, focusing on image creation more than dial juggling.

The NEX-5N sports a mode dial for straightforward exposure mode switching, plus customizable buttons, though it lacks backlit controls useful in dim conditions.

If rapid access and tactile control are your keystones - especially in dynamic environments - the NEX-5N’s physical dials offer an edge. For more contemplative styles or studio work, the X1D’s streamlined setup won’t slow you down.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

The crux of any camera comparison lies in sensor technology, which decisively impacts image quality. Here the gulf in technology between these two becomes glaringly clear.

With a sensor surface area roughly four times larger than the Sony’s APS-C unit, the Hasselblad X1D dominates in raw image quality potential. Its 51 MP medium format sensor produces extraordinarily detailed files with exceptional dynamic range and color depth, especially suited for high-end portrait, commercial, and landscape work where image fidelity is paramount.

By contrast, the Sony NEX-5N, sporting a 16 MP APS-C sensor, excels in delivering solid images for its class, making it an excellent option for enthusiasts prioritizing portability and decent low light performance without the bulk.

Measured on DxOMark benchmarks, the X1D records an overall score of 102 - far ahead of the NEX-5N’s 77. It significantly outperforms in color depth (26.2 vs 23.6), dynamic range (14.8 vs 12.7 EV), and low light ISO capability (ISO 4489 vs ISO 1079).

For photographers obsessed with fine detail, subtle tonal gradations, or professional-grade prints exceeding 30 inches wide, the medium format sensor stands in a league of its own.

Viewing and Touchscreen Experience

An effective user interface includes both an articulate viewfinder and usable rear LCD.

Although both cameras have a 3-inch 920K touchscreen LCD, the Sony NEX-5N adds a practical tilting mechanism, which is a boon for shooting at awkward angles such as low or overhead perspectives - a handy feature for street, macro, and vlogging scenarios.

The Hasselblad X1D offers a high-resolution built-in EVF with full 100% coverage, delivering a crystal-clear window for precise composition in bright outdoors or studio environments.

So, for visual clarity and critical focusing, the X1D’s viewfinder supremacy is apparent. For flexible shooting angles and lightweight setups, Sony’s tilting screen provides more versatility.

Real-World Image Results Across Photography Genres

Understanding practical performance comes alive when we see sample images and assess shooting experiences across key photography genres.

Portrait Photography

• Hasselblad X1D
  The 51 MP medium format sensor’s superior color depth captures skin tones with breathtaking subtlety, rendering nuanced hues and natural gradations. A big sensor creates shallow depth of field easily, helping isolate subjects with creamy bokeh - a hallmark of professional portraiture. Eye detection autofocus is reliable, though autofocus speed is moderate.

• Sony NEX-5N
  While its APS-C sensor produces sharp portraits suitable for online and print use up to A3 size, skin tones are less nuanced compared to the X1D. Bokeh quality depends heavily on the lens choice, and autofocus lacks eye detection or face tracking refinement found in modern cameras.

Landscape Photography

• Hasselblad X1D
  Exceptional dynamic range (14.8 EV) allows retaining highlight and shadow details for dramatic landscapes or HDR workflows. The 51 MP output supports large prints or cropping flexibility. The weather sealing adds confidence for nature photographers shooting in challenging conditions.

• Sony NEX-5N
  Good dynamic range for APS-C (12.7 EV) allows decent detail in bright daylight scenes. 16 MP resolution is adequate for online or small print works. No weather sealing means you’ll want protection in adverse weather.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Hasselblad X1D
  Modest continuous shooting speed (2.3 fps) limits action capture. Autofocus is contrast-detection only, slower compared to phase-detection systems, affecting tracking moving subjects.

• Sony NEX-5N
  Faster 10 fps burst rate advantage improves chances of capturing decisive wildlife or sports action. Yet, lack of advanced tracking autofocus reduces effectiveness for fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography

• Sony NEX-5N
  Compact size, lightweight build, and discreet appearance make it ideal for candid shooting. The tilting screen supports creative framing on the move.

• Hasselblad X1D
  Larger size and slower shutter speed range reduce spontaneity. However, image quality excels for contemplative street captures or environmental portraits.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is specialized for macro work, lacking dedicated focus stacking or high magnification modes, but both benefit from compatible macro lenses respective to their mounts.

Detailed Autofocus and Exposure Control

The X1D autofocus system focuses on precision rather than speed. It supports face and eye detection but lacks animal eye-detection and phase detection AF, leading to slower target acquisition, especially in action or wildlife scenarios.

The NEX-5N offers 25 AF points with face detection, no eye tracking, and limited subject tracking, but benefits from faster burst shooting.

While neither camera targets pro sports photographers, Sony’s higher frame rate and more AF points make it better suited for casual action.

Video Capabilities: Crafting Moving Stories

The Sony NEX-5N offers Full HD at smoother frame rates (up to 60p) suitable for casual video and slow-motion content. However, it lacks mic/headphone ports, limiting audio quality control.

The X1D’s Full HD capped at 25p and the inclusion of mic and headphone jacks cater better to professionals who value precise audio monitoring. Both lack in-body image stabilization, making stabilized lenses or gimbals preferred accessories.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

• Hasselblad X1D

  • Dual SD card slots enable flexible backup or overflow setups.
  • USB 3.0 and HDMI ports for tethered shooting and external monitors.
  • Built-in GPS is rare for medium format, great for location tagging.
  • Wireless built-in connectivity streamlines image transfer.
  • Battery life data is sparse, but medium format systems tend toward shorter effective use per charge.

• Sony NEX-5N

  • Single SD/Memory Stick slot, limiting redundancy.
  • USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs.
  • Eye-Fi card compatibility adds wireless transfer but requires compatible cards.
  • Battery life rated at 460 shots - decent for casual outings.

For professional deployment, the X1D offers more robust and versatile storage options and connectivity, while the Sony NEX-5N suits casual, mobile usage scenarios.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility

• The Hasselblad X1D uses the Hasselblad X mount, currently with a limited but highly specialized lens lineup focused on medium format quality and sharpness. There are only 4 native lenses, reflecting a boutique approach oriented toward studio and fine art professionals.

• The Sony NEX-5N, attached to the Sony E mount, enjoys access to over 120 native lenses plus myriad third-party options, providing unmatched versatility for anyone exploring lenses from wide angle to telephoto and specialty types.

This vast lens selection on Sony’s side makes it easy to tailor the system to any genre or budget.

Practical Recommendations Based on User Needs

Comparing Sample Images: A Visual Verdict

Below, look at sample image pairs from both cameras capturing similar scenes. Notice the nuances in color rendering, sharpness, and tonality. The X1D renders lifelike skin textures and delicate transitions in landscape gradients, while the NEX-5N outputs look clean and usable, but less nuanced.

Hasselblad X1D front Hasselblad X1D screen back Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back

Final Evaluation – Overall and Genre Scores

Here’s a summary of scores based on DxOMark data and our real-world testing:

And more granularly broken down by photographic type:

Conclusion: Which Mirrorless Camera Fits You?

The Hasselblad X1D is a medium format masterpiece that prioritizes uncompromising image quality, color fidelity, and professional-grade features. It’s tailored for photographers seeking the pinnacle in portrait, landscape, and commercial photography, who can embrace the camera’s size, slower burst rates, and price tag (~$6,500). Its weather sealing, dual cards, and professional interfaces bolster reliability under demanding conditions.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-5N is a nimble, affordable mirrorless offering perfect for beginners and enthusiasts who want a lightweight system with a robust lens catalog. Its faster burst rate and compactness make it ideal for street, travel, and casual wildlife or sports photography. Priced around $550 (often found refurbished now), it’s a fantastic starter camera with room to grow.

What’s your creative path?

• Prioritize image fidelity, large prints, and studio work: Go for the Hasselblad X1D. It’s a tool that elevates your portfolio and delivers artistic excellence.
• Want a compact, versatile, budget-friendly system for everyday use, travel, and casual video: The Sony NEX-5N is a reliable companion to fuel your photographic passion.

We encourage you to handle both cameras if possible, consider your shooting preferences, and select lenses that inspire you. Pair your choice with accessories like sturdy tripods for the X1D or extra batteries for the NEX-5N to optimize your setup.

Ready to explore? Dive into lenses, sample shots, and tutorials for your chosen path and unleash your creative potential.

Happy shooting!