Sony NEX-5N vs Sony HX5

Following is a in depth analysis of the Sony NEX-5N vs Sony HX5, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both produced by Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the NEX-5N (16MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the NEX-5N (APS-C) and HX5 (1/2.4") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5N was launched 16 months after the HX5 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the NEX-5N scores against the HX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-5N and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-5N Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Sony NEX-5N has outer dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Sony HX5 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-5N vs Sony HX5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the NEX-5N and the HX5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the NEX-5N and HX5 is 89 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes merely by viewing specifications. The image underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-5N and HX5.

To sum up, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The NEX-5N featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Sony NEX-5N will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures more aggressively. The more modern NEX-5N will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.