Nikon S5100 vs Sony HX5

Its time to look much closer at the Nikon S5100 and Sony HX5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Nikon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the S5100 (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is very close but the S5100 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S5100 was introduced 3 months later than the HX5 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summary of how the S5100 grades against the HX5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S5100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon S5100 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon S5100 provides physical dimensions of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Sony HX5 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon S5100 and Sony HX5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the S5100 compared to the HX5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S5100 and HX5 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to see the gap in sensor sizing only by viewing specifications. The graphic below may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the S5100 and HX5.

To sum up, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S5100 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Nikon S5100 will render greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively.