Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony NEX-5N

Below is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic SZ8 versus Sony NEX-5N, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is very close but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ8 was announced 2 years later than the NEX-5N and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SZ8 scores versus the NEX-5N when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ8 enjoys external measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic SZ8 versus Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ8 against the NEX-5N.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ8 and NEX-5N is 94 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor measurements simply by viewing specs. The visual underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ8 and NEX-5N.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras offer the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor measurements. The SZ8 has got the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult. The newer SZ8 will have an advantage in sensor tech.