Samsung ST80 vs Sony NEX-5N

On this page, we will be evaluating the Samsung ST80 and Sony NEX-5N, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the ST80 (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is relatively similar but the ST80 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The ST80 was brought out 21 months prior to the NEX-5N which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Samsung ST80 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick overview of how the ST80 grades against the NEX-5N when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung ST80 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are viewable at Samsung ST80 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Samsung ST80 has external dimensions of 92mm x 55mm x 19mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 118 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Samsung ST80 and Sony NEX-5N in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the ST80 vs the NEX-5N.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ST80 and NEX-5N is 96 and 89 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions merely by going over specs. The pic underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ST80 and NEX-5N.

All in all, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ST80 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony NEX-5N will deliver more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged ST80 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.