Nikon S32 vs Sony HX5
90 Imaging
36 Features
23 Overall
30


92 Imaging
33 Features
30 Overall
31
Nikon S32 vs Sony HX5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 13MP - 1/3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 1600
- Digital Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 30-90mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 175g - 108 x 66 x 40mm
- Released February 2014
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.4" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-250mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
- 200g - 102 x 58 x 29mm
- Launched June 2010

Nikon S32 vs Sony HX5 Overview
In this article, we are comparing the Nikon S32 vs Sony HX5, former is a Waterproof while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the S32 (13MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the S32 (1/3") and HX5 (1/2.4") use different sensor dimensions.

The S32 was introduced 3 years after the HX5 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the S32 scores against the HX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon S32 vs Sony HX5 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S32 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon S32 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S32 over the Sony HX5
S32 | HX5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | February 2014 | ![]() | June 2010 | More modern by 45 months |
Reasons to pick Sony HX5 over the Nikon S32
HX5 | S32 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Common features in the Nikon S32 and Sony HX5
S32 | HX5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Absent Touch friendly display |
Nikon S32 vs Sony HX5 Physical Comparison
When you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S32 comes with exterior measurements of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") with a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Sony HX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).
Take a look at the Nikon S32 vs Sony HX5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the S32 and the HX5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the S32 and HX5 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Nikon S32 vs Sony HX5 Sensor Comparison
Usually, its difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizes purely by seeing a spec sheet. The image underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the S32 and HX5.
Clearly, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S32 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Nikon S32 will provide extra detail using its extra 3MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images far more aggressively. The more recent S32 provides an edge in sensor technology.

Nikon S32 vs Sony HX5 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S32 vs Sony HX5 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S32 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix S32 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 |
Class | Waterproof | Small Sensor Compact |
Released | 2014-02-07 | 2010-06-16 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/3" | 1/2.4" |
Sensor dimensions | 4.8 x 3.6mm | 6.104 x 4.578mm |
Sensor surface area | 17.3mm² | 27.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 13 megapixel | 10 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4160 x 3120 | 3456 x 2592 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Minimum native ISO | 125 | 125 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 30-90mm (3.0x) | 25-250mm (10.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.3-5.9 | f/3.5-5.5 |
Macro focusing range | 5cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 7.5 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.7 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 4 secs | 30 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/1600 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 5.0 frames per sec | 10.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 3.10 m | 3.80 m |
Flash options | - | Auto, On, Off, Slow syncro |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920x1080 (30p), VGA 640x480 (30p, 15p) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (60, 30fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 175 gr (0.39 pounds) | 200 gr (0.44 pounds) |
Dimensions | 108 x 66 x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") | 102 x 58 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 images | - |
Battery form | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | EN-EL19 | NP-BG1 |
Self timer | Yes (Approx. 10 seconds ) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, portrait1/portrait2) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD / SDHC/SDXC | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo/ PRO HG-Duo, optional SD/SDHC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Pricing at release | $180 | $275 |