Samsung MV800 vs Sony NEX-5

Below, we are contrasting the Samsung MV800 versus Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. The resolution of the MV800 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very close but the MV800 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The MV800 was introduced 16 months later than the NEX-5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Samsung MV800 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the MV800 grades vs the NEX-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung MV800 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are viewable at Samsung MV800 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Samsung MV800 comes with exterior measurements of 92mm x 56mm x 10mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.4") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Samsung MV800 versus Sony NEX-5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the MV800 and the NEX-5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the MV800 and NEX-5 is 97 and 89 respectively.

Generally, its tough to picture the gap in sensor measurements only by researching technical specs. The graphic below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the MV800 and NEX-5.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The MV800 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Samsung MV800 will provide you with more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics much more aggressively. The more recent MV800 should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.