Pentax RZ18 vs Sony NEX-5N
92 Imaging
39 Features
37 Overall
38


89 Imaging
56 Features
69 Overall
61
Pentax RZ18 vs Sony NEX-5N Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-450mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
- 178g - 97 x 61 x 33mm
- Announced September 2011
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 269g - 111 x 59 x 38mm
- Announced October 2011
- Superseded the Sony NEX-5
- Replacement is Sony NEX-5R

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony NEX-5N Overview
Here, we will be looking at the Pentax RZ18 versus Sony NEX-5N, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the RZ18 (16MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is relatively well matched but the RZ18 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

The RZ18 was introduced very close to the NEX-5N and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the RZ18 grades against the NEX-5N with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony NEX-5N Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ18 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax RZ18 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax RZ18 over the Sony NEX-5N
RZ18 | NEX-5N |
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Reasons to pick Sony NEX-5N over the Pentax RZ18
NEX-5N | RZ18 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Screen resolution | 920k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+460k dot) |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Pentax RZ18 and Sony NEX-5N
RZ18 | NEX-5N | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | September 2011 | ![]() | October 2011 | Similar generation |
Focus manually | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen |
Pentax RZ18 vs Sony NEX-5N Physical Comparison
For anyone who is going to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax RZ18 enjoys external measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).
Compare the Pentax RZ18 versus Sony NEX-5N in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the RZ18 against the NEX-5N.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the RZ18 and NEX-5N is 92 and 89 respectively.

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony NEX-5N Sensor Comparison
Typically, its hard to see the difference between sensor measurements purely by checking a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the RZ18 and NEX-5N.
Clearly, both of the cameras feature the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The RZ18 features the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field harder.

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony NEX-5N Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony NEX-5N Specifications
Pentax Optio RZ18 | Sony Alpha NEX-5N | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax Optio RZ18 | Sony Alpha NEX-5N |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Announced | 2011-09-12 | 2011-10-03 |
Body design | Compact | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4912 x 3264 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 25600 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 9 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | Sony E |
Lens zoom range | 25-450mm (18.0x) | - |
Largest aperture | f/3.5-5.9 | - |
Macro focusing distance | 4cm | - |
Available lenses | - | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of screen | 460 thousand dot | 920 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Screen tech | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating | Tilt Up 80°, Down 45° TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic (optional) |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 4 seconds | 30 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | 1.0 frames per second | 10.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 2.80 m | 12.00 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | - | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | AVCHD |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 178 gr (0.39 lbs) | 269 gr (0.59 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 97 x 61 x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") | 111 x 59 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | 77 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 23.6 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 12.7 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 1079 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 460 pictures |
Battery form | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | D-LI92 | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Launch cost | $210 | $550 |