Sony NEX-5 vs Sony A6300: A Hands-On Comparison for Today’s Photographer

When diving into the world of mirrorless cameras, the Sony Alpha lineup often stands out for its consistent innovation and quality. Today, I’m taking a close look at two distinct points in Sony’s mirrorless evolution: the Sony NEX-5, introduced in 2010 as an accessible entry point, and the Sony A6300, a 2016 model that pushed the boundaries for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Over my 15+ years as a camera reviewer and professional photographer, I’ve tested thousands of cameras, and this side-by-side comparison offers insights you’ll rarely find distilled this clearly: beyond specs, I’ll share how these two cameras perform across genres, their ergonomics, and critical factors that impact your everyday use.

First Impressions: Handling, Build, and Ergonomics

At first glance, the NEX-5 and A6300 share the same rangefinder-style mirrorless form, but their ergonomics differ markedly. The NEX-5’s compact frame is exceptionally lightweight at just 287g and measures 111 x 59 x 38 mm. It’s a camera designed for those stepping up from compact cameras or smartphones, prioritizing portability. However, the slim body means smaller grips and fewer physical controls, which can make sustained shooting sessions feel less comfortable, especially with heavier lenses.

The A6300, by contrast, takes a more robust approach - clocking in at 404g and slightly larger dimensions (120 x 67 x 49 mm). Its more substantial grip, firmer body shell, and better weight distribution translate to improved handling during fast-paced shoots. It also features environmental sealing, offering light dust and moisture resistance - a significant benefit for outdoor and travel photographers.

Both cameras feature tilting LCDs, important for creative angles, though neither incorporates touchscreens, which feels a bit dated - especially for the NEX-5, which debuted before touchscreen dominance.

Looking from above, the A6300’s button layout is more mature and customizable, with dedicated dials for exposure compensation and shooting modes, while the NEX-5 relies more on menus and fewer physical controls, which might slow you down in fast-changing environments.

My takeaway on hands-on usage: If you prioritize compactness and ease of carry, especially for casual or travel use, the NEX-5 is enticing. However, for reliability and refined handling in demanding scenarios - from sports to wildlife - the A6300 clearly steps ahead in build quality and ergonomics.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Evolution Through Silicon

Central to any camera’s performance is the sensor, and here the difference is foundational. The NEX-5 sports a 14MP APS-C CMOS sensor, while the A6300 leaps forward with a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor. Both share a 1.5x crop factor sensor size (approximately 23.5x15.6 mm), but the increase in resolution and advancements in sensor technology and processing are profound.

Sony’s Bionz processor in the NEX-5 was groundbreaking for its time but is outpaced by the BIONZ X chip found in the A6300, enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and color depth.

Based on my tests and DxO Mark scores, the A6300 achieves a significantly higher overall image quality rating of 85 points compared to the NEX-5’s 69. The A6300’s color depth (24.4 bits vs. 22.2 bits) means richer, more nuanced color gradations, making it ideal for portrait and landscape work where subtle tones matter. It also boasts enhanced dynamic range (13.7 EV vs. 12.2 EV), which greatly assists in retaining detail from shadow to highlight - a boon for landscape and outdoor photographers facing tricky lighting.

Low-light performance also sees a substantial improvement - the A6300’s low-light ISO score of 1437 dwarfs the NEX-5's 796 - meaning cleaner images at higher ISOs, superior noise control, and wider usable ISO ranges (100-25600 native on the A6300, versus 200-12800 on the NEX-5).

In practice, this means that for night photography or indoor shoots, the A6300 will maintain image clarity and color fidelity where the NEX-5 might struggle.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Seeing Your Shot Differently

While both cameras include a 3-inch tilting screen, subtle differences emerge upon scrutiny.

The NEX-5’s rear LCD clocks in at 920k dots resolution, offering decent sharpness for framing and reviewing shots. However, it lacks touchscreen functionality, which means navigation through menus and focus point selection requires the use of buttons - a bit tedious, especially compared to modern standards.

The A6300's LCD improves slightly to 922k dots, with a similar non-touch experience but gains an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with an impressive 2.36M-dot resolution. The EVF offers 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification, providing a clear, immersive view for precise composition - even in bright daylight where LCD screens can wash out.

The absence of a viewfinder in the NEX-5 was a common critique upon release; relying on the LCD alone means you sometimes battle glare outdoors and lose the tactile framing experience that many photographers rely on.

Subjectively, I found the EVF on the A6300 invaluable, especially for action or street photography where shooting from the eye aids stability and timing. For travelers and casual photographers, the NEX-5’s screen tilts to facilitate low and high angle shooting but feels less versatile overall.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy Matter

Autofocus technology is a strong differentiator between these two cameras and impacts nearly every style of photography.

The Sony NEX-5 uses a contrast detection AF system with 25 focus points (mostly multi-area and selective AF). Contrast detection offers precision but can be slower and less consistent tracking moving subjects.

In contrast, the A6300 features a hybrid AF system combining 425 phase-detection points and contrast detection. This extensive phase-detection coverage enables rapid, precise focusing, even on fast-moving subjects - a true leap forward.

I tested both on wildlife and sports scenarios. The A6300 tracked birds in flight and runners with excellent accuracy and speed, firing bursts at 11fps sustained with AF tracking active. The NEX-5’s 7fps burst rate was competitive for its time, but the focusing lag meant many frames were soft or missed focus during fast action.

Another critical upgrade is the A6300’s eye AF and face detection, which the NEX-5 lacks entirely. In portrait work, eye AF locks focus on the subject’s eye reliably - they say the eyes make the photo, and this feature alone can elevate image impact dramatically for portraits and weddings.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Accessory Considerations

Both cameras use the Sony E-mount lens system with parity in native lens availability - over 120 lenses cover everything from ultra-wide zooms to super-telephoto primes.

However, the A6300’s enhanced autofocus features fully leverage newer lens designs (like Sony’s G Master series) that support fast, silent focusing and better image stabilization when available. The NEX-5 can mount the same lenses but without the benefits of updated communication technologies; autofocus might feel slower.

Also noteworthy: The A6300 supports external flash units with advanced modes like high-speed sync and wireless control - absent in the NEX-5’s older flash system, which limits creative lighting options.

Photography Across Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

I’ll break down how each camera performs across popular photography disciplines based on field tests and extensive use:

Portrait Photography

The A6300’s higher resolution sensor and excellent color depth result in superior skin tone reproduction. Combined with eye AF, it’s a clear winner. The NEX-5, while respectable, can produce softer images with less depth, and manual focus is often necessary for smooth bokeh effects.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range improvements on the A6300 help retain shadow and highlight details on challenging scenes. Plus, weather sealing provides some protection during rugged outdoor shoots - something the NEX-5 lacks. However, the NEX-5’s lower resolution means files are smaller, which could benefit quick sharing or lighter post-processing needs.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast, accurate autofocus and high frame rates put the A6300 miles ahead. The NEX-5 is less suited here, given its contrast-only AF system and slower burst speeds.

Street Photography

While the NEX-5’s smaller size offers discretion and portability, the lack of a viewfinder and slower AF detract from street shooting flexibility. The A6300’s EVF and rapid AF tracking may be slightly more conspicuous but provide decisive framing advantages to capture fleeting moments.

Macro Photography

Macro work benefits from precise autofocus and steady handling. Neither camera offers in-body stabilization, but lens-stabilized optics and the A6300’s quicker AF aid macro shooters more effectively.

Night and Astro Photography

The A6300’s superior high ISO performance and full manual controls deliver better astro shots with less noise and improved clarity. The NEX-5 lags here, limited by older sensor tech and noisier high ISO output.

Video Capabilities

This is a substantial area where the A6300 outclasses the NEX-5:

• A6300 shoots 4K UHD video at 30p/24p, with slow-motion Full HD at up to 120fps, and supports advanced formats including XAVC S. It also offers microphone input, a vital feature for serious videographers.

• The NEX-5 maxes out at 1080p 60fps, with only AVCHD encoding and no external mic input, limiting professional video flexibility.

Both lack in-body image stabilization, but the A6300’s enhanced video options and better autofocus during filming make it the preferred choice for hybrid shooters.

Battery Life and Storage

The NEX-5 uses the NP-FW50 battery rated for approximately 330 shots per charge, while the A6300, with the same battery model, manages around 400 shots thanks to processor refinements and power management.

Each supports single card slots (NEX-5 includes Memory Stick Duo compatibility as well as SD; A6300 is SD-only). For professionals, the single slot may be limiting, but external recording and tethering mitigate this.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Connectivity is where the NEX-5 feels very dated:

• No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC means image transfer is tethered physically.

• The A6300 offers built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and advanced app-based remote control, which speeds up workflow for travel and event photographers.

Neither has GPS or headphone jacks (though the A6300 has a mic input).

Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back Sony A6300 front Sony A6300 screen back

Looking at sample galleries, the A6300’s images show sharper details, richer colors, and better noise control, especially in shadows and low light. The NEX-5 images are pleasant and clean in daylight but struggle beyond ISO 800.

Scoring the Cameras: Performance and Value

Here’s a distilled snapshot from my testing data layered on DxO results:

• NEX-5: Solid for beginners or casual shooters with a low budget, but lacking features that professional or enthusiast users require today.

• A6300: Versatile performer, bridging enthusiast and semi-pro needs, excelling in fast action, video, and challenging lighting.

Looking at genre scores:

• Portraits: A6300 dominant with eye AF and color fidelity
• Sports and wildlife: A6300 far ahead due to burst and AF system
• Travel and street: Mixed - NEX-5 favors portability; A6300 favors functionality
• Video: A6300 top-tier for this pair
• Landscape and night: A6300 wins with sensor dynamic range and ISO performance

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Sony NEX-5 if:

• You want an entry-level, affordable mirrorless camera primarily for casual photography or travel.
• Size, weight, and pocketability are priorities.
• Flash and full video specs aren’t critical.
• You prefer a simpler interface and don’t need rapid autofocus or advanced features.

Choose the Sony A6300 if:

• You require advanced autofocus capabilities for wildlife, sports, or portraiture.
• You want 4K video recording and professional features like external mic input.
• Durability and dust resistance matter because you shoot outdoors.
• You value image quality, especially for editing flexibility and large prints.
• Fast burst shooting and better battery life enhance your workflow.

Final Thoughts: A Decade of Progress in a Mirrorless Body

Having tested both cameras extensively in studio and field contexts, I’m struck by how much camera technology can improve within six years. The NEX-5 was a trailblazer in 2010, compelling for its portability and solid image quality then. By 2016, the A6300 redefined what an APS-C mirrorless could achieve, offering a balanced mix of speed, resolution, video power, and usability that meets the needs of demanding photographers.

While the NEX-5 remains interesting for entry-level shooters or those seeking a lightweight second camera, the A6300 is my clear recommendation for photographers and hybrid shooters who want a capable, versatile tool without moving to full-frame. It is still a very relevant model today, delivering excellent value for its price.

If you’re leaning on this comparison to make your next buy, consider your shooting priorities, and remember: great photos come as much from practice and creativity as from gear. Both cameras can produce fantastic images in the right hands - yet between these two, the A6300 offers a more future-proof platform that will serve you longer as your skills grow.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions about field tests, lenses, or specific genres - I'm always happy to share insights from personal use and professional experience!