Sony NEX-5 vs Sony S980

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Sony NEX-5 versus Sony S980, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-5 (14MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the NEX-5 (APS-C) and S980 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

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The NEX-5 was introduced 16 months later than the S980 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the NEX-5 scores versus the S980 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-5 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Sony NEX-5 features outside 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) whilst the Sony S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Analyze the Sony NEX-5 versus Sony S980 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the NEX-5 vs the S980.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5 and S980 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements merely by going through a spec sheet. The visual below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-5 and S980.

Clearly, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The NEX-5 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony NEX-5 will produce greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer NEX-5 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.