Sony NEX-5 vs Sony S2100

Lets look more closely at the Sony NEX-5 and Sony S2100, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are manufactured by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-5 (14MP) and the S2100 (12MP) is very similar but the NEX-5 (APS-C) and S2100 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The NEX-5 was brought out 6 months after the S2100 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony S2100 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a short highlight of how the NEX-5 grades versus the S2100 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100. The entire galleries are available at Sony NEX-5 Gallery and Sony S2100 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-5 comes with 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) and the Sony S2100 has sizing of 98mm x 61mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Sony NEX-5 and Sony S2100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the NEX-5 and the S2100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5 and S2100 is 89 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes simply by going over specs. The image underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-5 and S2100.

All in all, the two cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The NEX-5 featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Sony NEX-5 will offer you more detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively.