Sony NEX-5 vs Sony W650

Below, we will be reviewing the Sony NEX-5 and Sony W650, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Sony. The resolution of the NEX-5 (14MP) and the W650 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the NEX-5 (APS-C) and W650 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The NEX-5 was announced 19 months before the W650 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W650 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a concise summary of how the NEX-5 matches up versus the W650 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650. The whole galleries are provided at Sony NEX-5 Gallery and Sony W650 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-5 has external measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs) whilst the Sony W650 has proportions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 124 grams (0.27 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-5 and Sony W650 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the NEX-5 and the W650.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5 and W650 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by checking out technical specs. The graphic here might provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5 and W650.

As you can tell, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The NEX-5 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony W650 will show more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older NEX-5 will be behind in sensor tech.