Nikon S5200 vs Sony WX500

Its time to take a closer look at the Nikon S5200 and Sony WX500, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the S5200 (16MP) and the WX500 (18MP) is pretty similar and they feature the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The S5200 was unveiled 3 years before the WX500 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the S5200 grades against the WX500 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S5200 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon S5200 Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon S5200 comes with exterior dimensions of 98mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Sony WX500 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon S5200 and Sony WX500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the S5200 versus the WX500.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S5200 and WX500 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes just by going over a spec sheet. The picture below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S5200 and WX500.

As you can see, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should expect the Sony WX500 to offer more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged S5200 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.