Sony NEX-5 vs Sony TX20

Below, we will be reviewing the Sony NEX-5 versus Sony TX20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact and both are produced by Sony. The sensor resolution of the NEX-5 (14MP) and the TX20 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the NEX-5 (APS-C) and TX20 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

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The NEX-5 was released 21 months earlier than the TX20 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony TX20 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise summary of how the NEX-5 matches up against the TX20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20. The complete galleries are provided at Sony NEX-5 Gallery and Sony TX20 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-5 features external dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs) while the Sony TX20 has proportions of 96mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony NEX-5 versus Sony TX20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the NEX-5 against the TX20.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5 and TX20 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The photograph below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-5 and TX20.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The NEX-5 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony TX20 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The older NEX-5 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.