Sony NEX-5N vs Sony HX300

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Sony NEX-5N and Sony HX300, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Sony. The resolution of the NEX-5N (16MP) and the HX300 (20MP) is very well matched but the NEX-5N (APS-C) and HX300 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5N was manufactured 16 months prior to the HX300 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the NEX-5N scores versus the HX300 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-5N and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The entire galleries are provided at Sony NEX-5N Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-5N has got outer dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Sony HX300 has proportions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Contrast the Sony NEX-5N and Sony HX300 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the NEX-5N and the HX300.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5N and HX300 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Usually, its tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-5N and HX300.

Clearly, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The NEX-5N due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Sony HX300 will resolve more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older NEX-5N is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.