Samsung SL30 vs Sony NEX-5

Following is a thorough comparison of the Samsung SL30 vs Sony NEX-5, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the SL30 (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the SL30 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The SL30 was launched 15 months before the NEX-5 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung SL30 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SL30 matches up against the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung SL30 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung SL30 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Samsung SL30 has got outside measurements of 94mm x 61mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Samsung SL30 vs Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the SL30 compared to the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SL30 and NEX-5 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The picture here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SL30 and NEX-5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SL30 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony NEX-5 will give extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged SL30 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.