Sony NEX-5 vs Sony HX100V

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Sony NEX-5 versus Sony HX100V, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Sony. The sensor resolution of the NEX-5 (14MP) and the HX100V (16MP) is fairly well matched but the NEX-5 (APS-C) and HX100V (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5 was announced 16 months prior to the HX100V making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX100V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the NEX-5 matches up against the HX100V when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V. The whole galleries are provided at Sony NEX-5 Gallery and Sony HX100V Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-5 enjoys external measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs) while the Sony HX100V has dimensions of 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7") along with a weight of 577 grams (1.27 lbs).

See the Sony NEX-5 versus Sony HX100V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the NEX-5 vs the HX100V.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5 and HX100V is 89 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to see the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The picture underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-5 and HX100V.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The NEX-5 having a larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Sony HX100V will give more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics much more aggressively. The more aged NEX-5 is going to be behind in sensor technology.