Samsung EX2F vs Sony NEX-5

Let's take a deeper look at the Samsung EX2F and Sony NEX-5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Samsung and Sony. The sensor resolution of the EX2F (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the EX2F (1/1.7") and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The EX2F was launched 2 years after the NEX-5 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Samsung EX2F being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the EX2F matches up versus the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung EX2F and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Samsung EX2F Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Samsung EX2F has outside dimensions of 112mm x 62mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Samsung EX2F and Sony NEX-5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the EX2F and the NEX-5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the EX2F and NEX-5 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes simply by going through specs. The image below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the EX2F and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The EX2F due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony NEX-5 will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The more modern EX2F will have an advantage in sensor innovation.