Panasonic XS1 vs Sony NEX-5N

In this article, we are comparing the Panasonic XS1 vs Sony NEX-5N, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the XS1 (16MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is very close but the XS1 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The XS1 was revealed 16 months after the NEX-5N making the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the XS1 matches up against the NEX-5N when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are available at Panasonic XS1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic XS1 comes with physical dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") and a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic XS1 vs Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the XS1 versus the NEX-5N.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XS1 and NEX-5N is 97 and 89 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizes purely by researching a spec sheet. The image underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the XS1 and NEX-5N.

Clearly, both the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The XS1 provides the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging. The more modern XS1 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.