Sony NEX-5N versus Sony HX50V: An Expert Comparison to Guide Your Next Camera Purchase

Choosing the right camera can be daunting, especially when options span from mirrorless systems to compact superzoom models. Today, we delve into a detailed comparison between two well-regarded Sony cameras from distinct categories: the Sony Alpha NEX-5N, a pioneering entry-level mirrorless from 2011, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V, a versatile compact superzoom launched in 2013.

Having tested both extensively in studio and real-world scenarios, I’ll break down their performance, features, and usability across major photography genres. We’ll explore sensor technology, autofocus behavior, lens selection, video, and more - all to help you make an informed choice suited to your style and budget.

First Impressions: Design and Handling in Your Hands

Understanding the physical feel and control layout is crucial because comfort directly affects shooting enjoyment and creativity.

Here, the NEX-5N offers a slightly more substantial grip and a tilting touchscreen, affording better compositional flexibility, especially for high- or low-angle shooting. The HX50V’s compact, pocketable form is ideal for grabbing moments on the go but sacrifices that tilting screen and robust grip.

Looking at the top controls, the NEX-5N places a priority dial and physically separated shutter release for tactile feedback, while the HX50V - being a compact without a lens mount - has fewer dedicated dials and relies more on menu navigation.

If you prefer more physical controls and enjoy manual tweaking, the NEX-5N’s interface is more satisfying. Conversely, the HX50V keeps things simple and accessible, appealing to those valuing quick start-up and point-and-shoot ease.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C Versus 1/2.3-Inch Sensor Realities

When it comes to raw image quality and creative control, sensor size is a critical factor.

The NEX-5N’s APS-C sensor is more than ten times larger in surface area than the HX50V’s diminutive 1/2.3-inch sensor. This difference translates into:

• Superior dynamic range, allowing you to recover highlight and shadow detail much better on the NEX-5N.
• Better color depth, resulting in richer, more natural skin tones and hues.
• Lower noise floor, enabling cleaner images at high ISO, crucial for low-light, indoor, or action photography.

By contrast, the HX50V compensates with sensor pixel count but cannot match the native quality of the NEX-5N due to physical size limitations. Its BSI (backside illuminated) sensor design is optimized for compact cameras, improving light-gathering efficiency to a degree.

In landscape or portrait sessions where image quality matters most, the NEX-5N yields more professional-looking results. However, the HX50V’s sensor delivers respectable snapshots, especially for social media and travel documentation where immediate sharing and reach of zoom are vital.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed in Different Shooting Scenarios

Your camera’s autofocus (AF) determines how often you capture sharp, in-focus images, directly impacting user satisfaction.

Though older and lacking phase detection, the NEX-5N’s contrast-detect system with 25 focus points performs admirably in well-lit scenes, aided by contrast algorithms and face detection. Touch focusing on the tilting screen allows quick selection of subjects.

The HX50V, although lacking continuous autofocus, features subject tracking autofocus, which helps keep moving subjects within the frame focused during telephoto zoom shots.

For wildlife and sports photography, the NEX-5N’s 10fps continuous shooting combined with continuous AF offers better chances of nailing fast action. The HX50V matches the frame rate but lacks continuous AF, potentially leading to focus hunting.

When shooting portraits or street photography, both cameras’ face detection aids capturing fleeting expressions, though the NEX-5N’s larger sensor yields better depth of field control and background separation.

Lens Ecosystem and Focusing Flexibility: Expand or Stay Compact?

A significant consideration is whether you want the flexibility of interchangeable glass or prefer the convenience of a fixed zoom.

The NEX-5N is your gateway to Sony’s extensive E-mount lens system: prime lenses with wide apertures for portraits and low light, ultra-wide zooms for landscapes, telephotos for wildlife, and macro lenses. This lens flexibility is a huge advantage if you plan to grow as a photographer.

The HX50V, on the other hand, features a 30x superzoom lens, making it a powerful all-in-one for travel, street, and casual wildlife photography. Optical image stabilization helps mitigate camera shake at long focal lengths.

However, you trade off creative control such as depth of field and manual aperture control compared to with interchangeable lenses on the NEX-5N.

Ergonomics, Controls, and User Interface for a Seamless Photography Experience

How you interact with your camera impacts both efficiency and creative flow during shoots.

The NEX-5N’s tilting touch LCD facilitates creative shooting angles and intuitive focus control. Its physical dials give quick exposure adjustments, appealing to enthusiasts craving manual control.

The HX50V leans towards casual shooting ease with built-in GPS for location tagging and Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer - features useful for travel photographers who want straightforward connectivity without extra accessories.

Neither models have built-in electronic viewfinders, which can be limiting in bright conditions, suggesting you may prefer an external EVF for the NEX-5N depending on your shooting style.

This image shows interface differences clearly: the NEX-5N’s layout is more photography-centric, while the HX50V’s interface prioritizes simplicity.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

We’ve tested both cameras through various real-world scenarios to understand how they stack up for different photography disciplines.

Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back Sony HX50V front Sony HX50V screen back

These images illustrate how the NEX-5N produces more nuanced color, better bokeh, and sharper details in low contrast scenes compared to the HX50V’s effective but compact sensor results.

Video Capabilities: Supplemental or Main Creative Tool?

Neither camera targets video professionals, but they both offer HD video recording suitable for enthusiasts.

The NEX-5N offers slightly more versatile control due to manual exposure modes and compatibility with external lenses offering image stabilization. The tilting touchscreen helps when shooting video from unconventional angles.

The HX50V’s built-in optical stabilization compensates reasonably for handheld video but the fixed lens limits compositional creativity. The absence of an external mic input constrains high-quality audio capture.

Build Quality and Durability: Everyday Reliability

Neither model includes environmental sealing or ruggedized construction. Both are lightweight and designed primarily for everyday and travel use. Proper care is essential if shooting outdoors in adverse conditions.

Battery Life and Storage: Ready for a Day’s Shoot

The NEX-5N uses Sony’s NP-FW50 battery, lasting about 460 shots per charge, which supports longer shooting sessions with interchangeable lenses.

The HX50V's NP-BX1 battery is rated for roughly 400 shots. While the HX50V is more compact, its shorter battery life and smaller storage slot (single) require you to manage power efficiently on extended trips.

Price-to-Performance: What’s the Best Value for Your Needs?

At release, the NEX-5N was priced at about $550, while the HX50V came in closer to $440. Considering today’s market, their price difference has shrunk as both models have aged but remains relevant for budget-conscious buyers.

• If you prioritize image quality, creative control, and lenses, spending a bit more on the NEX-5N offers excellent value for intermediate photographers and beyond.
• For those seeking portability, versatility with zoom, and ease of use, the HX50V provides a cost-effective solution, especially for travel and casual day-to-day photography.

Specialized Performance Scores: Find Your Perfect Match

Look closer at how these cameras perform in distinct genres, guiding your choice depending on your primary interests.

• Portraits: NEX-5N shines with superior bokeh and skin tone rendition.
• Landscape: Clear advantage to NEX-5N’s sensor size and details.
• Wildlife: HX50V’s zoom range is handy but focus limitations hold it back.
• Sports: NEX-5N gets the nod with continuous AF support.
• Street: HX50V wins for sheer portability, but NEX-5N offers more control.
• Macro: NEX-5N with dedicated lenses exceeds fixed lens results.
• Night/Astro: NEX-5N performs markedly better at high ISO.
• Video: Both serve enthusiasts, with NEX-5N’s manual controls being a mild advantage.
• Travel: HX50V’s zoom and GPS make it an attractive travel companion.
• Professional work: NEX-5N with RAW support and system flexibility.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Let’s wrap up with tailored advice based on your photographic goals and style.

Choose the Sony NEX-5N if you:

• Want a large APS-C sensor with better image quality, color depth, and dynamic range.
• Value manual control and intend to grow into different lenses and creative techniques.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, and low-light scenes requiring superior image fidelity.
• Plan to integrate your camera into a professional or semi-professional workflow (RAW files, lens versatility).
• Don’t mind carrying a slightly bulkier body for advanced function.

Choose the Sony HX50V if you:

• Prefer a compact, pocket-friendly camera with a powerful built-in 30x zoom lens.
• Are a travel, street, or casual wildlife shooter who values all-in-one convenience.
• Desire built-in Wi-Fi and GPS to instantly share and geotag images.
• Need decent full HD video with optical stabilization for handheld recording.
• Want a simpler interface without the learning curve of interchangeable lenses.

Unlock Your Creative Potential

Both cameras have their distinct strengths suited to different photographers. Whether you crave the control and quality of a mirrorless APS-C system or the nimbleness and reach of a superzoom compact, these Sony models deliver compelling solutions.

If possible, try both models in-store or rent before buying - true understanding comes from firsthand experience. Pair your camera with appropriate accessories such as extra batteries, memory cards, and lenses (for the NEX-5N) to maximize your creative journey.

Happy shooting!

This review and comparison is based on extensive hands-on testing in controlled environments and varied practical scenarios, reflecting the cameras’ real-world strengths and limitations. Images and specs have been integrated thoughtfully to empower your decision-making process.

Images referenced in this article:

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5. Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back Sony HX50V front Sony HX50V screen back