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Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N

Portability
77
Imaging
54
Features
43
Overall
49
Sigma SD1 front
 
Sony Alpha NEX-5N front
Portability
89
Imaging
56
Features
69
Overall
61

Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N Key Specs

Sigma SD1
(Full Review)
  • 15MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 0 - 0
  • No Video
  • Sigma SA Mount
  • n/ag - 146 x 113 x 80mm
  • Introduced September 2010
  • New Model is Sigma SD1 Merrill
Sony NEX-5N
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 269g - 111 x 59 x 38mm
  • Launched October 2011
  • Older Model is Sony NEX-5
  • Newer Model is Sony NEX-5R
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Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N Overview

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Sigma SD1 versus Sony NEX-5N, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Sigma and Sony. The image resolution of the SD1 (15MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is relatively well matched and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The SD1 was launched 12 months earlier than the NEX-5N and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Sigma SD1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a in depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SD1 matches up against the NEX-5N with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Sigma SD1 over the Sony NEX-5N

 SD1 NEX-5N 

Reasons to pick Sony NEX-5N over the Sigma SD1

 NEX-5N SD1 
LaunchedOctober 2011September 2010Fresher by 12 months
Screen typeTiltingFixed Tilting screen
Screen resolution920k460kClearer screen (+460k dot)
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Common features in the Sigma SD1 and Sony NEX-5N

 SD1 NEX-5N 
Manually focus More accurate focusing
Screen sizing3"3"Equivalent screen measurement
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen

Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N Physical Comparison

When you are going to carry your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Sigma SD1 enjoys physical dimensions of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") and a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Sigma SD1 versus Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SD1 vs the NEX-5N.

Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SD1 and NEX-5N is 77 and 89 respectively.

Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N top view buttons comparison

Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N Sensor Comparison

Usually, its difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The visual underneath will offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SD1 and NEX-5N.

As you have seen, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Sony NEX-5N to give you greater detail utilizing its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older SD1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.

Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N sensor size comparison

Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N Screen and ViewFinder

Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Sigma SD1 as a Portrait photography camera
Sony NEX-5N as a Portrait photography camera
64
you can focus manually
decent sensor resolution (15MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
does not have liveview
73
has manual focus
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
supports face detection autofocus
delivers RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Sigma SD1 Street photography features
Sony NEX-5N Street photography features
62
good sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
weather sealing
no moving screen
does not have image stabilization
maximum ISO low (0)
80
tilting screen
decent sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW formats
offers focus by touch
good high ISO (25,600)
does not have image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Sigma SD1 Sports photography information
Sony NEX-5N Sports photography information
55
decent sensor resolution (15 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
weather sealing
has phase detect autofocus
does not have liveview
max fps very slow (5.0 frames per second)
does not have image stabilization
58
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
good battery life (460 per charge)
does not have image stabilization
lacks phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Sigma SD1
Travel photography with Sony NEX-5N
65
weather sealing
decent sensor resolution (15MP)
flash built-in
no Timelapse function
screen isn't selfie friendly
70
good battery life (460 CIPA)
offers focus by touch
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
lack of Timelapse recording
display is not selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Sigma SD1 as a Landscape photography camera
Sony NEX-5N as a Landscape photography camera
61
you can focus manually
change lenses (Sigma SA mount)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
decent sensor resolution (15 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
weather sealing
does not have liveview
does not have image stabilization
maximum ISO low (0)
no Timelapse function
71
has manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Sony E mount)
screen size is good (3 inch)
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
good high ISO (25,600)
delivers RAW formats
good battery life (460 CIPA)
does not have image stabilization
lack of Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Sigma SD1 as a Vlogging camera
Sony NEX-5N as a Vlogging camera
9
no video recording
33
screen is touchscreen
supports face detection autofocus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
display is not selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
lack of external microphone jack
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Sigma SD1 vs Sony NEX-5N Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Sigma SD1 and Sony NEX-5N
 Sigma SD1Sony Alpha NEX-5N
General Information
Company Sigma Sony
Model type Sigma SD1 Sony Alpha NEX-5N
Class Advanced DSLR Entry-Level Mirrorless
Introduced 2010-09-21 2011-10-03
Body design Mid-size SLR Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Powered by Dual True II Bionz
Sensor type CMOS (Foveon X3) CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor measurements 24 x 16mm 23.4 x 15.6mm
Sensor surface area 384.0mm² 365.0mm²
Sensor resolution 15MP 16MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio - 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 4800 x 3200 4912 x 3264
Highest native ISO - 25600
Lowest native ISO - 100
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points 11 25
Cross type focus points 2 -
Lens
Lens support Sigma SA Sony E
Number of lenses 76 121
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.5
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Tilting
Display size 3 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 460 thousand dot 920 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Display tech - Tilt Up 80°, Down 45° TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Electronic (optional)
Viewfinder coverage 96% -
Viewfinder magnification 0.64x -
Features
Minimum shutter speed 15s 30s
Fastest shutter speed 1/2000s 1/4000s
Continuous shutter speed 5.0 frames per sec 10.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance - 12.00 m
Flash options - Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash sync - 1/160s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions - 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution None 1920x1080
Video file format - AVCHD
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight - 269 grams (0.59 lbs)
Dimensions 146 x 113 x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") 111 x 59 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested 77
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 23.6
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 12.7
DXO Low light rating not tested 1079
Other
Battery life - 460 shots
Style of battery - Battery Pack
Battery ID - NPFW50
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images))
Time lapse shooting
Storage media Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Storage slots 1 1
Retail pricing $2,339 $550