Sony NEX-5 vs YI M1

Below, we will be looking at the Sony NEX-5 vs YI M1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Sony and YI. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the NEX-5 (14MP) and M1 (20MP) and the NEX-5 (APS-C) and M1 (Four Thirds) use different sensor measurements.

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The NEX-5 was brought out 7 years earlier than the M1 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the NEX-5 scores against the M1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-5 & YI M1. The entire galleries are available at Sony NEX-5 Gallery & YI M1 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-5 enjoys exterior 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 YI M1 has sizing of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

Analyze the Sony NEX-5 vs YI M1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the NEX-5 compared to the M1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5 and M1 is 89 and 87 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The graphic here may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-5 and M1.

As you can see, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The NEX-5 because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the YI M1 will resolve greater detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The older NEX-5 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.