Sony NEX-5 vs Sony ZV-1

Here is a detailed assessment of the Sony NEX-5 and Sony ZV-1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both are manufactured by Sony. There exists a noticeable gap among the image resolutions of the NEX-5 (14MP) and ZV-1 (20MP) and the NEX-5 (APS-C) and ZV-1 (1") posses different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5 was revealed 11 years before the ZV-1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony ZV-1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the NEX-5 scores versus the ZV-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5 & Sony ZV-1. The full galleries are provided at Sony NEX-5 Gallery & Sony ZV-1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-5 comes with physical measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs) and the Sony ZV-1 has proportions of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") with a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Examine the Sony NEX-5 and Sony ZV-1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the NEX-5 versus the ZV-1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5 and ZV-1 is 89 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The graphic here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5 and ZV-1.

Plainly, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The NEX-5 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony ZV-1 will result in more detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older NEX-5 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.