Samsung CL80 vs Sony NEX-5N

On this page, we are analyzing the Samsung CL80 and Sony NEX-5N, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. The resolution of the CL80 (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is fairly well matched but the CL80 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The CL80 was revealed 21 months earlier than the NEX-5N making them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung CL80 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the CL80 grades vs the NEX-5N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung CL80 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are provided at Samsung CL80 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Samsung CL80 offers physical dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 20mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Samsung CL80 and Sony NEX-5N in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the CL80 vs the NEX-5N.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the CL80 and NEX-5N is 95 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the CL80 and NEX-5N.

Clearly, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The CL80 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-5N will give you more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The older CL80 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.