Sigma DP2s vs Sony NEX-5N: A Deep Dive into Two APS-C Cameras from the Early 2010s

In the early 2010s, the digital camera market was at a fascinating crossroads: compact cameras were striving for larger sensors to bridge the gap to DSLRs, and mirrorless systems were just beginning to carve out their territory. Two notable representatives from this era are the Sigma DP2s, a large-sensor compact camera with a fixed prime lens, and the Sony NEX-5N, an entry-level mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC).

This article compares these two cameras across multiple photography disciplines, technical capabilities, and user experience aspects. Drawing on extensive hands-on testing methodologies including real-world shooting sessions, image quality lab analysis, and ergonomics evaluations, we provide practical, evidence-based insights tailored for photography enthusiasts and professionals.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Compactness vs Handling Control

Understanding how a camera feels in hand and how its controls are laid out is foundational for assessing usability. The Sigma DP2s adopts a large sensor compact form factor with a fixed lens, while the Sony NEX-5N embraces the rangefinder-style mirrorless design with interchangeable lenses.

Sigma DP2s

• Dimensions: 113 x 60 x 56 mm
• Weight: 280 grams
• Fixed lens at a 41mm equivalent focal length (1× crop factor relative to Foveon sensor)
• Minimalistic button array, no optional electronic viewfinder
• Non-articulating 2.5-inch fixed LCD with low resolution (230k pixels)
• No image stabilization embedded in body or lens

Sony NEX-5N

• Dimensions: 111 x 59 x 38 mm (thinner body)
• Weight: 269 grams (lighter but with interchangeable lens system weight variance)
• 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with significantly higher resolution (920k pixels)
• Expansive control set consistent with a system camera
• Optional electronic viewfinder (via accessory shoe)
• Notably slimmer body design enables greater portability for an interchangeable lens camera

Ergonomics Summary: The DP2s, while compact, has a chunkier depth largely due to the large APS-C-sized Foveon sensor and fixed lens. Its controls are sparse, which results in a simplified yet somewhat limiting shooting experience. The Sony NEX-5N offers a more versatile control scheme with tilting touchscreen capabilities, which benefits varying shooting angles and more fluid autofocus operations. For photographers prioritizing size and pocketability, the DP2s is a strong contender; for those demanding extended usability and better handling, the NEX-5N is preferable.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Analysis

The core of image quality lies in sensor design, sensor size, and processing engine, all of which markedly influence resolution, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

Sigma DP2s

• Sensor: APS-C sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor (20.7 x 13.8 mm)
• Resolution: 5 MP effective (2640 x 1760 pixels)
• Sensor area: ~285.66 mm²
• ISO range: 50 – 3200 native
• Processing engine: True II
• No optical low-pass filter, but includes anti-aliasing filter
• The Foveon sensor captures full RGB color on each pixel site using stacked photodiodes, resulting in excellent color fidelity and fine detail rendition at low ISO
• Limited dynamic range compared to Bayer sensors, particularly in highlight recovery

Sony NEX-5N

• Sensor: APS-C sized Sony Exmor CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm)
• Resolution: 16 MP effective (4912 x 3264 pixels)
• Sensor area: ~365.04 mm²
• ISO range: 100 – 25600 native
• Processing engine: Bionz
• Standard Bayer RGB filter with anti-aliasing filter
• Strong dynamic range (~12.7 EV as per DXOmark), capable highlight recovery
• Higher base ISO enables more flexible shooting in diverse lighting conditions

Image Quality Observations: The DP2s’s Foveon sensor produces images with unique color rendition and excellent micro-detail at base ISO, often described as having a “film-like” look. However, its lower resolution and narrower dynamic range limit versatility, especially in challenging lighting or when cropping heavily.

The Sony NEX-5N's Bayer APS-C sensor delivers much higher resolution - over three times the pixel count - along with greater dynamic range and better high-ISO noise control. For landscape or portrait photographers relying on large prints or heavy post-processing latitude, the NEX-5N markedly outperforms the DP2s.

Autofocus Systems Compared: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Autofocus (AF) performance significantly impacts the user experience across genres such as wildlife, sports, and street photography.

Sigma DP2s

• Contrast-detection AF only (no phase detection)
• Single AF mode with no tracking or subject recognition
• No face or eye detection functionality
• No continuous AF for moving subjects
• Manual focus supported with focus peaking absent

Sony NEX-5N

• Contrast-detection AF with 25 focus points
• Touchscreen-enabled AF point selection
• Single AF and continuous AF modes supported
• Face detection available (animal eye AF absent)
• Touch-based manual focus assist and magnification help precise adjustments
• No phase-detection AF; tracking AF not fully implemented as modern standards

Performance Impact: The DP2s’s AF is relatively sluggish and less precise due to the fixed lens and contrast-only mechanism, making it acceptable mainly for static subjects or deliberate compositions in good light. The NEX-5N improves responsiveness markedly with faster AF acquisition times, aiding semi-dynamic shooting scenarios, though leafing behind modern hybrid AF systems.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers robust weather sealing, limiting their use in harsh environments.

• Sigma DP2s: Plastic-heavy build resulting in a relatively lightweight camera, with no dust or weather sealing.
• Sony NEX-5N: Compact but surprisingly well-constructed magnesium alloy chassis components; however, no official weather sealing.
• Both cameras require user discretion for outdoor shooting under wet or dusty conditions.

Viewfinder and Display Technologies

The DP2s lacks a viewfinder entirely and presents a modest fixed LCD of limited resolution and size.

The NEX-5N compensates with a high-res tilting LCD touchscreen and an optional electronic viewfinder attachment, enhancing framing flexibility and eye-level stability in bright conditions.

Usability Impact: The tilt LCD on the NEX-5N facilitates shooting at low angles, street photography, and video framing. The DP2s’s fixed, low-res screen hampers usability outdoors and provides minimal compositional feedback.

Lens Systems and Compatibility

Sigma DP2s

• Fixed 41mm equivalent Foveon lens
• No option to change or adapt lenses
• Lens quality praised for sharpness but lacks zoom flexibility

Sony NEX-5N

• Sony E-mount with access to 121 native lenses (including primes, zooms, and specialized optics)
• Compatibility extensible via adapters (A-mount, manual focus lenses)
• Enables greater creative freedom and genre-specific optimization
• Lens availability influences overall system versatility

Practical Consideration: The DP2s appeals to photographers who desire simplicity and image quality from a single fast prime. The NEX-5N targets users who value system expansion for travel, portraiture, wildlife, or macro photography.

Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting

Neither camera includes in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Sigma DP2s’s fixed lens does not offer optical stabilization. Thus, handheld low-light photography requires fast shutter speeds or tripods.

The NEX-5N also lacks IBIS but benefits from faster continuous shooting:

• DP2s: 3 fps continuous shooting
• NEX-5N: 10 fps continuous shooting

High frame rate on NEX-5N provides a clear advantage for action, sports, and wildlife photography, allowing capture of fast-moving subjects more effectively.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery endurance impacts fieldwork and travel use.

• DP2s: Unspecified battery life; known for modest endurance but lacks detailed manufacturer ratings
• NEX-5N: Approx. 460 shots per charge (CIPA standard) with the NP-FW50 battery - respectable given compact mirrorless design

Storage:

• Both cameras use SD/SDHC cards, with NEX-5N supporting also SDXC and Sony’s Memory Stick variants, providing more versatility and future-proofing.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The DP2s provides only USB 2.0 connectivity with no wireless capabilities.

The NEX-5N includes:

• USB 2.0
• HDMI output
• Support for Eye-Fi wireless SD cards (early wireless uploading option)
• Touchscreen interface aids wireless sharing workflows indirectly

Video Capabilities Review

Video functionality is a critical differentiator for hybrid shooters.

• Sigma DP2s: Extremely limited video - 320x240 resolution Motion JPEG (essentially a stills camera with rudimentary video capability)
• Sony NEX-5N:
  • Full HD 1920x1080 at 60fps (AVCHD format)
  • 1440x1080 and VGA modes available
  • No microphone or headphone jack, limiting advanced audio control
  • No in-body stabilization hinders handheld video smoothness

For those prioritizing video, NEX-5N is clearly superior but lacks professional video features.

Performance across Photography Specialties

Portrait Photography

• DP2s: 41mm equivalent lens provides natural perspective; Foveon sensor renders skin tones with exceptional color accuracy and fine texture detail. However, absence of face/eye detection AF and no autofocus tracking limits fluid portrait sessions.
• NEX-5N: Greater flexibility in focal lengths; face detection AF aids subject tracking; higher resolution allows cropping and retouching. Color reproduction is accurate, though less unique than Foveon.

Landscape Photography

High resolution and dynamic range are paramount.

• DP2s: Lower pixels and compromised dynamic range restrict large print quality and highlight recovery. The fixed lens delivers sharp center detail but less corner quality.
• NEX-5N: Higher resolution combined with broader DR outperforms DP2s for landscapes, supporting expansive prints and detail-rich edits.

Wildlife Photography

Requires rapid, reliable AF and telephoto lenses.

• DP2s: Limited by slow contrast AF, fixed short focal length, and slow 3 fps burst. Marginal suitability for wildlife.
• NEX-5N: Higher burst rate and AF points allow closer approximation of wildlife shooting, especially with telephoto lenses, though lacking phase-detection AF can limit tracking of erratic movement.

Sports Photography

Demanding fast autofocus and frame rates.

• DP2s: Unsuitable due to low burst speed and sluggish AF.
• NEX-5N: Improved 10fps burst and continuous AF help capture sports moments but system is not optimized for professional sports photography.

Street Photography

Compactness, discretion, and responsiveness count most.

• DP2s: Small and quiet; fixed lens promotes snap shooting but slow AF may frustrate rapid subject acquisition.
• NEX-5N: Slightly larger but still portable; tilt screen and fast AF enhance candid shooting; for those valuing autofocus speed over ultimate pocketability.

Macro Photography

Requires close focusing and precise manual control.

• DP2s: No macro mode or focus bracketing; manual focus simpler due to limited lens options.
• NEX-5N: Lens ecosystem offers dedicated macro optics; touchscreen and MF assist improve focus precision.

Night and Astro Photography

Especially challenging due to sensor noise and long exposures.

• DP2s: Foveon sensor noise increases rapidly above base ISO; low max shutter speed of 1/15s and no electronic shutter margin limits options.
• NEX-5N: Extended shutter speed (up to 30s), high max ISO (25600), and better noise performance make it more versatile for night scenes and astrophotography.

Video-Centric Use

• DP2s: Not recommended.
• NEX-5N: Decent HD video with basic stabilization but lacks professional video controls.

Travel Photography

Demands versatility, size balance, and battery flexibility.

• DP2s: Compact and simple, but fixed focal length limits versatility.
• NEX-5N: Lightweight system with lens options and superior battery life represent a better travel companion.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

• DP2s: Produces unique, high-quality RAW files; however, lack of AF sophistication and limited resolution reduce professional appeal.
• NEX-5N: Stronger support for established workflow software (Capture One, Lightroom); RAW files with more editing latitude; wider adoption makes system more scalable.

Putting It All Together: Ratings Overview

Our subjective consolidated ratings reflect practical lab tests, lab-measured metrics, and field test results.

Sample Image Comparisons

To concretely illustrate differences, here are captured images taken in identical scenes with both cameras under controlled lighting and settings:

Sigma DP2s screen back Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back

• Observe the richer detail and finer texture reproduction in Sony’s higher-resolution files.
• Notice the distinctive color palettes rendered by Sigma’s Foveon sensor, especially in skin tones and foliage.
• Consider the varying noise levels at ISO 800, where Sony’s sensor maintains better control.

Summary Recommendations by User Profile

Closing Thoughts

The Sigma DP2s and Sony NEX-5N represent distinct paths in camera design philosophy: the DP2s prioritizes a unique sensor technology and simplified handling with one superbly sharp fixed focal length lens, appealing to those who desire a contemplative, color-precise photographic experience. However, it has significant limitations in autofocus speed, resolution, and operational flexibility.

The Sony NEX-5N is a more versatile, modern mirrorless system camera with a robust ecosystem, faster autofocus, and advanced video capabilities. It remains competitive for enthusiasts who want adaptability despite its dated features by 2020+ standards.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize image uniqueness and color fidelity at base ISO, or flexibility, performance, and future expandability. Both cameras are noteworthy for collectors and those seeking distinct photographic tools from a transitional era in digital imaging history.