Samsung HZ50W vs Sony NEX-5R

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Samsung HZ50W and Sony NEX-5R, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Samsung and Sony. The sensor resolution of the HZ50W (14MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is very comparable but the HZ50W (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The HZ50W was released 3 years before the NEX-5R and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung HZ50W being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the HZ50W matches up vs the NEX-5R in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung HZ50W and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung HZ50W Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and volume. The Samsung HZ50W features exterior measurements of 116mm x 83mm x 91mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung HZ50W and Sony NEX-5R in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the HZ50W and the NEX-5R.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the HZ50W and NEX-5R is 70 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing only by going through a spec sheet. The photograph here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the HZ50W and NEX-5R.

Clearly, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The HZ50W because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-5R will show greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images way more aggressively. The older HZ50W will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.