Samsung SL102 vs Sony NEX-5

Below, we will be matching up the Samsung SL102 and Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the SL102 (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the SL102 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SL102 was revealed 17 months before the NEX-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Samsung SL102 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a quick view of how the SL102 scores vs the NEX-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung SL102 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung SL102 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Samsung SL102 features physical dimensions of 90mm x 59mm x 22mm (3.5" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 116 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung SL102 and Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the SL102 vs the NEX-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SL102 and NEX-5 is 96 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing simply by looking through specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SL102 and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SL102 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-5 will result in extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The older SL102 will be behind in sensor innovation.