Sony NEX-5N vs Sony HX50V

On this page, we will be evaluating the Sony NEX-5N versus Sony HX50V, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Sony. The sensor resolution of the NEX-5N (16MP) and the HX50V (20MP) is pretty similar but the NEX-5N (APS-C) and HX50V (1/2.3") have different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5N was revealed 18 months prior to the HX50V which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX50V being a Compact camera.

Before going into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short introduction of how the NEX-5N grades vs the HX50V in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5N & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V. The full galleries are provided at Sony NEX-5N Gallery & Sony HX50V Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Sony NEX-5N provides external 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) whilst the Sony HX50V has measurements of 108mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 272 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-5N versus Sony HX50V in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the NEX-5N versus the HX50V.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5N and HX50V is 89 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing just by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-5N and HX50V.

Clearly, each of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The NEX-5N having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony HX50V will offer you greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older NEX-5N is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.