Nikon 1 S1 vs Sony NEX-5N

Here is a extended assessment of the Nikon 1 S1 versus Sony NEX-5N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the 1 S1 (10MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the 1 S1 (1") and NEX-5N (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 1 S1 was brought out 21 months later than the NEX-5N which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick summation of how the 1 S1 grades vs the NEX-5N when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 S1 & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon 1 S1 Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 S1 has outside dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon 1 S1 versus Sony NEX-5N in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the 1 S1 vs the NEX-5N.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 S1 and NEX-5N is 92 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing only by checking technical specs. The photograph underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 S1 and NEX-5N.

As you can tell, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 1 S1 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh trickier and the Sony NEX-5N will resolve more detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more recent 1 S1 will have an edge in sensor innovation.