Sony NEX-5 vs Sony W230

Here, we will be looking at the Sony NEX-5 and Sony W230, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-5 (14MP) and the W230 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the NEX-5 (APS-C) and W230 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

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The NEX-5 was released 16 months after the W230 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W230 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short view of how the NEX-5 grades versus the W230 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The complete galleries are provided at Sony NEX-5 Gallery & Sony W230 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-5 features external dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs) whilst the Sony W230 has dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony NEX-5 and Sony W230 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the NEX-5 against the W230.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the NEX-5 and W230 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Usually, its hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes simply by seeing specs. The image underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-5 and W230.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The NEX-5 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Sony NEX-5 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The newer NEX-5 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.