Samsung HZ15W vs Sony NEX-5R

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Samsung HZ15W versus Sony NEX-5R, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the HZ15W (12MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the HZ15W (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The HZ15W was launched 4 years prior to the NEX-5R and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ15W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise view of how the HZ15W grades against the NEX-5R in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Samsung HZ15W provides exterior 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-5R has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check the Samsung HZ15W versus Sony NEX-5R in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the HZ15W versus the NEX-5R.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the HZ15W and NEX-5R is 90 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading specs. The graphic underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ15W and NEX-5R.

All in all, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The HZ15W due to its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Sony NEX-5R will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The older HZ15W is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.