Sony NEX-5 vs Sony HX1

In this article, we are comparing the Sony NEX-5 versus Sony HX1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Sony. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the NEX-5 (14MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the NEX-5 (APS-C) and HX1 (1/2.4") use different sensor size.

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The NEX-5 was introduced 14 months later than the HX1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the NEX-5 matches up versus the HX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are available at Sony NEX-5 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Sony NEX-5 offers physical dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has specifications of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Examine the Sony NEX-5 versus Sony HX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the NEX-5 against the HX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5 and HX1 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements simply by viewing specs. The graphic below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-5 and HX1.

All in all, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The NEX-5 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Sony NEX-5 will render extra detail using its extra 5MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The younger NEX-5 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.