Sony NEX-5N vs Sony QX10

Below, we will be looking at the Sony NEX-5N and Sony QX10, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Lens-style and they are both created by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-5N (16MP) and the QX10 (18MP) is pretty comparable but the NEX-5N (APS-C) and QX10 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5N was manufactured 23 months earlier than the QX10 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX10 being a Lens-style camera.

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short overview of how the NEX-5N grades versus the QX10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5N and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-5N Gallery and Sony QX10 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Sony NEX-5N provides outside measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony QX10 has specifications of 62mm x 62mm x 33mm (2.4" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 105 grams (0.23 lbs).

See the Sony NEX-5N and Sony QX10 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the NEX-5N against the QX10.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5N and QX10 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to see the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by seeing technical specs. The pic below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-5N and QX10.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The NEX-5N because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Sony QX10 will show greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged NEX-5N will be behind in sensor innovation.