Nikon S630 vs Sony NEX-5

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Nikon S630 and Sony NEX-5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the S630 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively close but the S630 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The S630 was announced 16 months earlier than the NEX-5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Nikon S630 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the S630 matches up vs the NEX-5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S630 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon S630 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon S630 provides exterior dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Examine the Nikon S630 and Sony NEX-5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the S630 against the NEX-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the S630 and NEX-5 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing merely by looking through technical specs. The photograph underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the S630 and NEX-5.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S630 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-5 will render greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older S630 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.