Samsung SL102 vs Sony NEX-5N

On this page, we are matching up the Samsung SL102 vs Sony NEX-5N, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Samsung and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the SL102 (10MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the SL102 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SL102 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the NEX-5N which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Samsung SL102 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SL102 scores versus the NEX-5N in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung SL102 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are available at Samsung SL102 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Samsung SL102 has exterior measurements of 90mm x 59mm x 22mm (3.5" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 116 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

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

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the SL102 and the NEX-5N.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SL102 and NEX-5N is 96 and 89 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading through specifications. The picture here should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SL102 and NEX-5N.

To sum up, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SL102 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Sony NEX-5N will give you greater detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged SL102 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.