Ricoh CX3 vs Sony NEX-5

Here is a complete comparison of the Ricoh CX3 and Sony NEX-5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Ricoh and Sony. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the CX3 (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the CX3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The CX3 was manufactured around the same time to the NEX-5 and they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh CX3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the CX3 scores vs the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh CX3 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are provided at Ricoh CX3 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and size. The Ricoh CX3 offers exterior measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Analyze the Ricoh CX3 and Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the CX3 vs the NEX-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the CX3 and NEX-5 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizing only by researching a spec sheet. The visual underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the CX3 and NEX-5.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The CX3 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-5 will result in greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots way more aggressively.