Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony NEX-5N

Here, we will be matching up the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony NEX-5N, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Ricoh and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and NEX-5N (APS-C) have different sensor size.

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The GR Digital IV was launched very close to the NEX-5N which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh GR Digital IV 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 simple synopsis of how the GR Digital IV grades vs the NEX-5N for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh GR Digital IV and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The complete galleries are available at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Ricoh GR Digital IV provides exterior dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Take a look at the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the GR Digital IV against the NEX-5N.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the GR Digital IV and NEX-5N is 92 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes just by reading through technical specs. The picture underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the GR Digital IV and NEX-5N.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The GR Digital IV featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-5N will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively.