Sony NEX-5 vs. Sony RX10: A Hands-On Comparison for the Photography Enthusiast

In the labyrinth of camera choices, two models from Sony often draw attention, especially for those who want quality without the wallet taking a nosedive: the Sony Alpha NEX-5, a pioneering entry-level mirrorless, and the ambitious Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10, a large sensor superzoom with SLR-like ambition. Both serve different niches but with overlapping audiences - enthusiasts, content creators, even semi-pros looking for complementary gear.

Having spent weeks with both in the trenches - testing everything from wildlife bursts to night skies - I’ll walk you through their strengths, quirks, and what user profiles they best serve. Pull up a chair and let’s get practical, informed, and honest (yes, even if that means pointing out the clubs for thumbs).

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling Compared

You can’t escape the fundamental difference on the first glance: the NEX-5 is slim, sleek, almost pocketable for a mirrorless with APS-C sensor. At 111x59x38 mm and 287 grams, it’s surprisingly lightweight. The RX10, meanwhile, is almost a different beast entirely: 129x88x102 mm, 813 grams, SLR-shaped, and full of heft. It’s a borderline workout to carry all day - though that plump build promises robust handling and a comforting grip for larger hands.

For mirrorless newcomers or travelers craving light gear, the NEX-5 feels like a trusty companion. But if your grip needs to be firm and your finger gets trigger-happy (think sports or wildlife), RX10’s chunky body provides that confidence. I found myself fumbling with the NEX-5's smaller controls once shutter fatigue set in; the RX10’s buttons, though unlit, are spaced comfortably for quick adjustments.

Design and Control Layout: Navigating Menus with Your Hands, Not Your Eyes

Control layout often determines how quickly you can change settings on the fly - crucial for sports or street shooters. The NEX-5’s minimalistic top deck keeps things simple, but there’s no dedicated mode dial or top screen. Instead, you dive into menus or rely on rear buttons. While manageable, it’s not ideal for rapid shifts.

The RX10, on the other hand, boasts an SLR-style top plate with a mode dial, control rings, and buttons that feel like they were designed with professionals in mind. The addition of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1440-pixel resolution provides eye-level framing that's absent on the NEX-5, which relies purely on the rear LCD. In bright daylight, shooting with the EVF on the RX10 is a game changer.

While the NEX-5 demands familiarity and sometimes menu diving, the RX10 empowers quick, tactile control - which improves workflow.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Let’s talk about pixels and sensor size, the true meat of any camera’s image potential.

The Sony NEX-5 sports a 14MP APS-C sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm. This larger sensor size offers inherently better light gathering than smaller sensors, contributing to richer color depth and dynamic range.

The Sony RX10 turns heads with a 20MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm). Though higher in pixel count, this sensor is physically smaller - about one-third the area of the NEX-5’s APS-C chip. Does it mean worse quality? Not always - Sony’s back-illuminated design here delivers excellent performance, especially in well-lit conditions.

Lab tests reveal an interesting tie: Both score 69 on DxOMark’s overall image quality metric. The NEX-5 edges slightly in dynamic range (12.2 stops vs. 12.6 stops on RX10), which benefits landscape and high-contrast scenes; meanwhile, RX10 pulls ahead in color depth.

Low-light sensitivity leans in favor of the NEX-5 with a DxO low-light ISO score of 796 compared to RX10's 474. In simple terms: NEX-5 can handle dimmer environments cleanly, whereas RX10’s smaller sensor introduces more noise at higher ISOs.

If you're chasing landscapes or portraits where delicacy in tonal gradation matters, APS-C is your ally. For decent quality and versatility in a compact, fixed-lens package, RX10 holds its ground impressively.

Back LCD and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

The NEX-5 offers a 3-inch 920k-dot tilting LCD - useful for low or high angles. However, lacking a viewfinder demands composing via the screen, which becomes troublesome in intense sunlight.

The RX10 doubles down with a slightly bigger and higher resolution 3-inch screen (1290k dots) plus a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (0.7x magnification). This viewfinder isn’t just a gimmick; it significantly boosts usability for action, wildlife, and street shooters who prefer eye-level shooting to steady the camera.

The RX10’s WhiteMagic technology makes the LCD visible in blazing sun - a detail I appreciated on desert landscapes that would blind many normal screens.

Autofocus System: Hunting or Catching?

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus only (no phase detection), but there are nuances.

• Sony NEX-5 autofocus's 25 points offer selective area modes but no face or eye detection, making it less adept for moving subjects or portraits needing sharp eyes.

• Sony RX10 also boasts 25 points but includes face detection autofocus - a boon for portraits and street photography - to quickly lock on a subject’s face, enhancing sharpness and ease.

In real-world wildlife and sports use, neither camera will rival today’s professional-level AF systems, but RX10’s faster burst rate at 10 fps slightly pulls ahead of NEX-5's 7 fps for action sequences.

For casual portraits or static subjects, the NEX-5 performs adequately but expect hunting for focus in low contrast or dim light. RX10’s added face detection is a practical advantage for fast-paced scenarios, though continuous tracking isn’t its forte.

Lens Versatility and Ecosystem

Here the difference is as profound as day and night.

The NEX-5 uses Sony’s E-mount lenses, granting access to over 120 lenses from Sony and third parties. That means true creative freedom: from ultra-fast primes perfect for shallow depth-of-field portraits, to macro lenses, and super telephoto for wildlife.

The RX10 sports a fixed 24-200mm f/2.8 constant aperture zoom. The fast f/2.8 throughout its zoom range is rare and an impressive feat, allowing shallow depth of field and good low-light shooting without switching lenses.

However, the fixed lens means no upgrades or focal length swaps. For a versatile all-in-one, RX10 is excellent - but it can’t replace the creative potential and image quality you’d squeeze from good glass on the NEX-5.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Fastest Moments

• NEX-5 max shutter speed is 1/4000s, continuous shooting at 7fps.

• RX10 max shutter speed is 1/3200s, continuous shooting at 10fps.

Interestingly, though RX10 offers a slightly slower max shutter speed, its burst mode speeds exceed the NEX-5, making it more adept at freezing motion sequences - an edge for sports and wildlife photography where timing is everything.

Stabilization and Durability: Are They Tough Enough?

The RX10 includes optical image stabilization, vital for its long zoom range to reduce camera shake. On the other hand, the NEX-5 lacks in-body stabilization and relies on lens IS (if available), which limits handholding in lower light or telephoto shots.

The RX10 also boasts weather sealing - dust and moisture resistance - making it the better candidate for landscape shooters and those shooting in inclement weather. The NEX-5 is a bit of a tenderfoot in this regard.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will They Shoot?

• NEX-5 offers about 330 shots per charge.

• RX10 stretches to 420 shots.

Both use the same NP-FW50 battery type, meaning extras are interchangeable, which is a bonus for shooters considering both or upgrading within Sony’s ecosystem.

Note that both cameras have a single card slot - SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony’s own Memory Stick formats - which limits dual card fail-safes pros often desire.

Video Capabilities: For the Videographer in You

Both support 1080p Full HD video.

• NEX-5 shoots AVCHD up to 60fps (progressive modes not mentioned), lacking external mic or headphone ports.

• RX10 does 1080p at 60p/i/24p, and importantly adds microphone and headphone jacks for external audio monitoring - a must for serious video work.

Neither offers 4K recording (unsurprising given their vintage) or advanced video features like log profiles, but RX10’s stabilized zoom lens and audio inputs elevate it to a casual videographer’s all-rounder compared to the NEX-5’s more limited video toolkit.

Diving Into Genre-Specific Use Cases

Using a camera across different photography types reveals strengths and weaknesses not obvious from specs alone. Here’s how the two stack up, informed by hands-on tests:

Portrait Photography

• NEX-5 shines thanks to APS-C sensor size yielding creamier bokeh and better tonal gradation with good glass.

• Lack of face or eye-detection autofocus is a downside, meaning manual focus or spot autofocus is often necessary for critical sharpness.

• RX10 has constant f/2.8 lens making it easier to blur backgrounds, but sensor size limits background separation.

• Face detection comes into play here, making candid portraits easier.

Landscape Photography

• NEX-5’s wider dynamic range and higher ISO latitude produce images with better shadow and highlight detail.

• However, no weather sealing reduces confidence shooting in rugged conditions.

• RX10’s weather resistance and lens versatility cover broad scenes well, with impressive corner-to-corner sharpness at all zoom lengths.

• The smaller sensor tightens depth of field but its stabilized lens compensates for low shutter speeds handheld.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither sport true phase-detect autofocus, limiting tracking on fast animals.

• RX10’s 200mm max zoom (300mm equivalent tightness with crop factor) and 10fps burst make it more practical in the field for short-range wildlife shots.

• NEX-5 paired with a long telephoto lens would outperform but requires more investment and heavier kit.

Sports Photography

• RX10’s faster frame rate, optical stabilization, and dedicated controls give it a slight advantage in capturing the fast paced action.

• NEX-5 can work but may feel hamstrung by slower continuous AF and more limited burst.

Street Photography

• NEX-5 impresses with its compactness and discrete profile.

• RX10’s bulk and SLR-like shape garner more attention, less ideal for street candids.

• Lens flexibility again favors NEX-5, especially for prime lenses optimal in tight urban environments.

Macro Photography

• Neither camera is explicitly optimized for macro, but NEX-5’s lens lineup offers macro-specific optics.

• RX10’s minimum focusing distance and zoom range provide some creative framing but lack fine focusing precision.

Night and Astrophotography

• The NEX-5’s APS-C sensor and higher low-light ISO performance prove advantageous, delivering cleaner star fields and less aggressive noise reduction.

• RX10 can handle casual night scenes with stabilization, but falls short in extremely low-light astrophotography due to smaller sensor and limitations on shutter speeds.

Video

• As mentioned, RX10 wins for video use with external mic and headphone ports plus image stabilization.

• NEX-5 is still serviceable for casual HD clips.

Travel Photography

• NEX-5’s size and weight make it ultimate lightweight travel buddy.

• RX10 offers all-in-one zoom convenience, weather sealing, and video features at the expense of bulk.

• Battery life lean slightly in RX10’s favor for long shooting days.

Professional Use

• NEX-5’s RAW support and lens ecosystem appeal for workflows needing high-quality files and editing flexibility.

• RX10 can serve as a secondary or specialized camera for professionals focused on fast shooting and lightweight setups with stabilized zoom.

Pricing and Value: Which Camera is the Better Bang for Your Buck?

As of announcement, NEX-5 and RX10 retail at approximately $599 and $698 respectively - a relatively narrow price gap considering their different classes.

• NEX-5 delivers exceptional sensor size and creative lens ecosystem for the money - ideal for photographers who value image quality and future system expandability.

• RX10 justifies its higher cost with zoom lens flexibility, stabilization, sturdier build, and video enhancements.

If budget conscious and hungry for image quality and versatility, NEX-5 paired with lenses delivers unmatched value.

If you desire a superzoom all-in-one with ruggedness and better continuous shooting performance, RX10’s premium is worthwhile.

Summary Table of Key Specs & Scores

Niche Performance Breakdown: Performance per Photography Type

This graphic confirms earlier assessments:

• NEX-5 excels in portrait, landscape, and night photography.

• RX10 leads in zoom versatility, sports, video, and weather-resistance-dependent categories.

Real-World Gallery Comparisons

Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back Sony RX10 front Sony RX10 screen back

Side-by-side samples provided important context. The NEX-5’s JPEGs showed richer detail and higher dynamic range, especially in shadows, while RX10 files were sharp and punchy with its lens wide open.

Skin tones looked more natural on the NEX-5, no surprise given larger sensor and lens choices. RX10’s images retained practicality when zoomed in, showing less noise but a more clinical look.

Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Sony NEX-5 if you:

• Are an enthusiast or beginner wanting to step into mirrorless with a large sensor.

• Prioritize image quality, dynamic range, and color depth for portraits, landscapes, and night work.

• Like the idea of building a system with interchangeable lenses for creative versatility.

• Need something compact and lightweight for travel and street shooting.

• Can put up with no viewfinder and limited weather sealing.

Buy the Sony RX10 if you:

• Want an all-in-one superzoom solution with weather sealing for unpredictable conditions.

• Shoot sports, action, or wildlife where faster burst and stabilization matter.

• Need better video features including professional audio interfaces.

• Prefer an integrated, foolproof zoom lens with constant aperture.

• Are okay with a heavier, bulkier body and smaller sensor.

Wrapping It Up: The Tale of Two Cameras

The Sony NEX-5 and Sony RX10 represent two compelling but distinct philosophies: a burgeoning mirrorless system craving creative expansion, and a versatile fixed-lens superzoom built for convenience and durability.

Personally, having habitually used APS-C cameras for years, I lean to the NEX-5 for serious photography - especially for its lens options and image quality advantages. But I won’t deny the RX10’s appeal for those wanting pocket zoom power and better ergonomics for demanding scenarios.

If you ask me, pairing the NEX-5 with a modest prime or zoom lens kicks the RX10’s fixed lens and smaller sensor combo into the synthetic dust - especially if you care about portraits and landscapes. But for budget-conscious adventurers who want one camera with a superzoom, water-resistant housing, and respectable video, the RX10 is a no-fuss powerhouse.

Final Thoughts

No camera is a magic bullet. The NEX-5 and RX10 balance their strengths and compromises in different ways. Your choice should hinge on what you shoot most - and how much weight or bulk you can tolerate trekking around.

If you want a camera that grows with you and keeps image quality at the heart, the Sony NEX-5 still impresses years after release.

If you want a reliable all-terrain tool with versatile zoom and video bells and whistles, the Sony RX10 remains a solid pick.

I hope this deep dive helps you cut through marketing fluff and choose a camera that actually fits your creative flow - saving you money and frustration down the line.

Happy shooting!

If you want more hands-on advice on lenses or specific shooting scenarios, just give me a shout.