Sony NEX-5N vs Sony QX30

In this article, we will be reviewing the Sony NEX-5N vs Sony QX30, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Lens-style and they are both designed by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-5N (16MP) and the QX30 (20MP) is pretty close but the NEX-5N (APS-C) and QX30 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The NEX-5N was introduced 3 years before the QX30 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the NEX-5N grades against the QX30 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5N and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The whole galleries are available at Sony NEX-5N Gallery and Sony QX30 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-5N offers external dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony QX30 has dimensions of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Compare the Sony NEX-5N vs Sony QX30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the NEX-5N and the QX30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5N and QX30 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by researching a spec sheet. The picture underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-5N and QX30.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The NEX-5N with its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony QX30 will provide you with more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged NEX-5N will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.