Samsung HZ15W vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we are comparing the Samsung HZ15W versus Sony NEX-5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the HZ15W (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very close but the HZ15W (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The HZ15W was launched 15 months before the NEX-5 making them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung HZ15W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summation of how the HZ15W grades against the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung HZ15W and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Samsung HZ15W Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Samsung HZ15W offers exterior measurements of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) while 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).

Check out the Samsung HZ15W versus Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the HZ15W and the NEX-5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ15W and NEX-5 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions just by looking through specs. The image below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the HZ15W and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The HZ15W featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh harder and the Sony NEX-5 will result in more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The more aged HZ15W will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.