Nikon 1 S2 vs Sony NEX-5N

Lets look a bit more closely at the Nikon 1 S2 versus Sony NEX-5N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the 1 S2 (14.2MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is relatively well matched but the 1 S2 (1") and NEX-5N (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The 1 S2 was unveiled 2 years later than the NEX-5N and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the 1 S2 scores against the NEX-5N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon 1 S2 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 S2 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 S2 has physical measurements of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 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).

Look at the Nikon 1 S2 versus Sony NEX-5N in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the 1 S2 against the NEX-5N.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 S2 and NEX-5N is 93 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing merely by checking a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 S2 and NEX-5N.

Clearly, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 1 S2 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh harder and the Sony NEX-5N will give you greater detail having an extra 1.8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The more recent 1 S2 provides a benefit in sensor tech.