Sony NEX-5N vs Sony a1

Here is a extensive analysis of the Sony NEX-5N versus Sony a1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless and both of them are built by Sony. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the NEX-5N (16MP) and a1 (50MP) and the NEX-5N (APS-C) and a1 (Full frame) have different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5N was released 10 years prior to the a1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a brief view of how the NEX-5N matches up vs the a1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5N and Sony Alpha a1. The complete galleries are available at Sony NEX-5N Gallery and Sony a1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Sony NEX-5N has outside measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Sony a1 has specifications of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Examine the Sony NEX-5N versus Sony a1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the NEX-5N versus the a1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5N and a1 is 89 and 61 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking specs. The visual below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5N and a1.

All in all, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The NEX-5N featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony a1 will resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 34MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The older NEX-5N is going to be behind in sensor technology.