Ricoh CX4 vs Sony NEX-5N

On this page, we will be comparing the Ricoh CX4 and Sony NEX-5N, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Ricoh and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the CX4 (10MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the CX4 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The CX4 was manufactured 13 months prior to the NEX-5N which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Ricoh CX4 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the CX4 matches up versus the NEX-5N for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh CX4 & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX4 Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Ricoh CX4 comes with physical dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Ricoh CX4 and Sony NEX-5N in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the CX4 against the NEX-5N.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the CX4 and NEX-5N is 92 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing technical specs. The graphic below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the CX4 and NEX-5N.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The CX4 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-5N will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The older CX4 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.