Samsung HZ10W vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we are evaluating the Samsung HZ10W and Sony NEX-5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Samsung and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the HZ10W (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the HZ10W (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

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The HZ10W was launched 12 months earlier than the NEX-5 so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung HZ10W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a short highlight of how the HZ10W scores vs the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung HZ10W and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung HZ10W Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Samsung HZ10W comes with external dimensions of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Samsung HZ10W and Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the HZ10W vs the NEX-5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ10W and NEX-5 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reading through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ10W and NEX-5.

Clearly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The HZ10W because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-5 will resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged HZ10W is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.