Ricoh CX5 vs Sony NEX-5

Here is a thorough overview of the Ricoh CX5 versus Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Ricoh and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The CX5 was announced 14 months later than the NEX-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick overview of how the CX5 grades against the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh CX5 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Ricoh CX5 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh CX5 offers outer measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Ricoh CX5 versus Sony NEX-5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the CX5 against the NEX-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the CX5 and NEX-5 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Normally, its hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the CX5 and NEX-5.

Clearly, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The CX5 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony NEX-5 will render extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern CX5 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.