Nikon Z50 vs Sony NEX-5

Below is a extensive assessment of the Nikon Z50 vs Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the Z50 (21MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The Z50 was introduced 9 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Nikon Z50 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the Z50 matches up versus the NEX-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Z50 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon Z50 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon Z50 offers outer measurements of 127mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 2.4") having a weight of 397 grams (0.88 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Nikon Z50 vs Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the Z50 against the NEX-5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the Z50 and NEX-5 is 74 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing specs. The photograph here might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the Z50 and NEX-5.

All in all, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You can expect the Nikon Z50 to show extra detail using its extra 7MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The fresher Z50 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.