Nikon L21 vs Sony HX5

The following is a complete assessment of the Nikon L21 and Sony HX5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the L21 (8MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is fairly close but the L21 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") come with different sensor measurements.

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The L21 was announced 4 months earlier than the HX5 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the L21 grades versus the HX5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix L21 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon L21 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and volume. The Nikon L21 provides exterior dimensions of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") having a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sony HX5 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon L21 and Sony HX5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the L21 vs the HX5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the L21 and HX5 is 93 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions only by researching technical specs. The picture here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the L21 and HX5.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The L21 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Sony HX5 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos much more aggressively.