Head-to-Head: Sony NEX-5N vs Sony RX1 – A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Sony Cameras

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when comparing models that cater to different segments yet share the same manufacturer pedigree. In this comprehensive comparison, we scrutinize two notable Sony cameras - the 2011 Sony NEX-5N, an APS-C entry-level mirrorless model designed to appeal to enthusiastic beginners and casual shooters, and the 2013 Sony RX1, a high-end compact featuring a full-frame sensor and a fixed prime lens targeted at demanding enthusiasts and professionals seeking uncompromising image quality in a travel-friendly form factor. Drawing from extensive hands-on testing and exacting benchmarks, this article breaks down these cameras across all critical aspects - image quality, autofocus, build, ergonomics, and suitability for various photographic disciplines.

Physical Presence and Ergonomics: Compactness vs. Handling

A camera’s feel and size are paramount considerations, especially for users concerned with portability or comfortable extended use. The Sony NEX-5N sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body which, broadly speaking, is petite but versatile. Weighing only 269 grams and measuring 111 x 59 x 38 mm, it boasts excellent pocketability without a lens attached, making it an attractive choice for travel and street photographers who prioritize discretion. In contrast, the Sony RX1 is more substantial, tipping the scales at 482 grams and dimensions of 113 x 65 x 70 mm, reflecting its full-frame sensor and fixed 35 mm f/2 lens assembly - a trade-off between size and image quality.

Despite its smaller size, the NEX-5N offers good ergonomics with a modest grip that suits small to medium hands comfortably; nevertheless, the reduced body thickness may challenge those with larger digits during prolonged handheld shooting. The RX1’s more robust body allows roomier handling - its greater depth and heft provide stability, especially when shooting outdoors or with one hand. Both cameras eschew built-in grips common on DSLR-style cameras, but the RX1’s weight distribution compensates well.

This size and handling contrast informs the intended users: the NEX-5N is ideal for individuals seeking lightweight, everyday usability, whereas the RX1 caters to those placing a premium on image quality and build without sacrificing too much portability.

Top Controls and User Interface Design: Balancing Simplicity and Functionality

Navigating a camera’s controls profoundly affects the user experience, and here the two Sonys diverge.

The NEX-5N features a clean top plate with limited dials and buttons, consistent with its entry-level mirrorless classification around 2011. It offers a single command dial, a shutter release, and a mode dial for exposure settings, but lacks customizable buttons or dedicated function dials, which somewhat constrains efficiency for advanced users. The interface relies heavily on touchscreen interaction - its 3-inch tilting TFT LCD with a 920k-dot resolution supports touch-based focusing and menu navigation, easing access for novice photographers. However, the lack of viewfinder or integrated eye-level finder necessitates composing via LCD, limiting usability in bright light.

Conversely, the RX1’s top controls, given its 2013 release and higher-end positioning, strike a more classic photographer-oriented balance. Although it omits touch screen functionality, instead adopting a fixed 3-inch Xtra Fine TFT LCD at a higher 1229k-dot resolution, thrusting the emphasis on tactile control. A dedicated exposure compensation dial, shutter speed dial, and aperture ring on the lens provide direct manipulation essential for swift creative control - a staple of professional workflow. An optional electronic/optical viewfinder can be attached, a useful addition to improve bright-environment framing.

Hence, interface preferences will hinge on user familiarity: NEX-5N favors touchscreen simplicity, while RX1 offers traditional controls prized by seasoned photographers.

Imaging Tech: Sensor Architecture and Raw Image Quality

Here lies the crux of the comparison: image quality, driven by sensor size, resolution, and processing capability.

Sensor Size & Resolution:
The NEX-5N employs a 16.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm, resulting in a crop factor of 1.5x. This sensor size, common among mirrorless and DSLR cameras in its era, provides a satisfactory balance of depth of field control, noise performance, and lens flexibility. Its anti-aliasing filter helps reduce moiré but subtly softens detail.

The RX1 stands apart: housing a full-frame 35.8 x 23.8 mm 24.3-megapixel sensor, it naturally captures more detail, dynamic range, and color depth - attributes affirmed by DxOMark objective testing with an overall score of 93 versus the NEX-5N’s 77. The RX1’s sensor area (852.04 mm²) is more than twice as large as the NEX-5N’s (365.04 mm²), translating into markedly superior low-light performance and tonal gradation, particularly beneficial in professional applications.

Dynamic Range and Color Fidelity:
Measurements indicate the RX1’s sensor enables ~14.3 EV dynamic range compared to 12.7 EV from the NEX-5N - significant for landscape shooters who demand retention of shadow and highlight detail. Color depth is slightly better on the RX1 (25.1 bits versus 23.6), enhancing skin tonal rendition in portraits.

ISO Sensitivity:
Despite both cameras capping at ISO 25600, the RX1 exhibits more usable image quality at elevated ISOs, with a DxO low-light ISO rating of 2534 - over double the NEX-5N’s 1079. For photographers working in dim conditions (astro, events), this advantage is critical.

While the NEX-5N produces respectable 16MP files and supports raw capture, the RX1’s 24MP full-frame sensor affords more flexibility for large prints, cropping, and professional workflows.

Rear LCD and Viewfinder: Composition Tools Compared

The NEX-5N’s 3" tilting TFT touchscreen, with 920k dots, supports composing from challenging angles - a boon for video and macro shooters, and street photographers seeking candid perspectives. Yet, lack of a built-in viewfinder is a disadvantage when shooting in bright sunlight or for photographers who prefer eye-level framing.

The RX1’s 3" fixed Xtra Fine TFT LCD at higher resolution (1229k dots) provides excellent sharpness and color accuracy but lacks touch interaction and articulation. However, the camera supports optional attachable electronic and optical viewfinders, invaluable for situations demanding precise manual focusing or bright ambient light shooting - standouts for professionals and landscape photographers.

Autofocus: Responsiveness and Accuracy for Real-World Shooting

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus without hybrid phase-detection, reflective of their respective release years.

The NEX-5N provides 25 focus points and supports continuous autofocus with face detection enabled via touch screen interaction, offering nimble autofocus for its class. With a burst mode shooting up to 10 fps, it performs admirably for casual sports, wildlife, and street photography - although its AF tracking and low-light sensitivity are limited compared to modern standards, and it lacks animal eye AF.

The RX1 offers single-shot and tracking AF modes, also using 25 points and contrast detection with face detection. However, it operates at a slower 5 fps continuous shooting rate, reflecting its prioritization of ultimate image quality over speed. Autofocus speed is respectable but not intended for high-speed action; combined with the fixed 35mm lens, it’s better suited to deliberate composition rather than fleeting moments in fast sports or wildlife scenarios.

In sum, NEX-5N performs better for action and quick-focus demands, RX1 excels in static and portrait work emphasizing precision.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability in the Field

Neither camera offers weather sealing nor qualifies as shockproof or waterproof, demanding careful use in adverse conditions. The NEX-5N’s polycarbonate and aluminum body construction feels light but somewhat fragile, with a thin plastic lens mount on lenses being a known limitation that impacts durability under heavy use.

The RX1, despite lacking formal sealing, boasts a more robust magnesium alloy chassis, lending it a reassuring heft and durability. While neither is a rugged choice, the RX1 withstands daily professional handling better, an important factor for working photographers and travelers.

Lens Compatibility: Ecosystem and Versatility

A fundamental decision point is the lens system.

The Sony NEX-5N uses the Sony E-mount, boasting a broad ecosystem of over 120 native lenses including primes and zooms from Sony and third parties. This versatility makes it excellent for photographers who want to experiment across genres - macro, telephoto wildlife, landscapes, portraits - by swapping lenses.

The RX1, by contrast, features a non-interchangeable fixed Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens - a classic focal length prized for street, documentary, and landscape photography. The lens is razor-sharp with excellent bokeh characteristics, but fixed focal range reduces flexibility and may necessitate cropping or additional gear for telephoto needs.

Thus, the NEX-5N appeals to photographers valuing system expandability, the RX1 suits those who prefer a superb all-in-one package emphasizing compactness and image quality.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Durability

Batteries on both cameras deliver moderate endurance.

The NEX-5N’s NP-FW50 battery rated for approximately 460 shots per charge affords a solid shooting session, enhanced by the lower-resolution sensor and leaner processing load. The RX1’s smaller NP-BX1 battery yields around 270 shots, less accommodating for extended use but mitigated by its purpose as a high-quality compact.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Sony Memory Stick formats in single slots, with no dual card redundancy.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and Video Performance

Wireless options on both cameras are limited to Eye-Fi compatibility, eschewing Bluetooth or NFC. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports are present for tethered use and external playback.

Video-wise, both capture Full HD 1080p at 60 fps (NEX-5N) and varying frame rates including 60/50/25/24 fps on RX1. The NEX-5N records AVCHD video but lacks microphone input, hindering quality audio capture. The RX1 offers microphone input for improved sound recording but no headphone jack for monitoring.

Neither camera provides in-body image stabilization, relying on stabilized lenses or external rigs. The NEX-5N’s touchscreen aids video focus pulling; the RX1 must use manual focus, posing challenges for run-and-gun videography.

Practical Applications Across Photography Genres

Let's analyze suitability in distinct photography disciplines based on real-world shooting experience.

Portrait Photography

The RX1’s full-frame sensor significantly enhances skin tone gradation and bokeh quality, aided by its sharp f/2 Zeiss lens that beautifully isolates subjects. The absence of advanced eye AF is a caveat but face detection compensates well. NEX-5N’s smaller sensor and kit lenses deliver competent portraits but with less depth of field separation and softer background blur.

Landscape

Dynamic range and resolution favor the RX1, allowing capture of wide tonal ranges in skies and shadow areas. Its fixed wide-normal 35mm lens strikes a good balance but lacks ultra-wide perspectives. The NEX-5N benefits from interchangeable wide-angle lenses, enhancing compositional options. No weather sealing in either requires caution outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports

NEX-5N’s faster burst shooting (10 fps vs 5 fps) and more versatile lens mount earn it advantage here. Its autofocus may falter on fast-moving subjects but overall better suited for casual use. RX1’s fixed lens and slower AF make it less practical despite superior image quality.

Street Photography

RX1’s discreet form factor and silent leaf shutter lend considerable stealth advantage; coupled with superb image quality, it’s a favorite for street and documentary shooters. NEX-5N is lightweight but less quiet and lacks viewfinder, hampering street usability.

Macro Photography

NEX-5N’s lens ecosystem allows macro lenses offering high magnification and focusing precision. RX1, lacking lens exchange, is limited for dedicated macro work.

Night and Astro Photography

RX1’s superior low-light ISO performance and dynamic range make it ideal. NEX-5N can manage but noise reduction becomes more aggressive above ISO 1600, limiting quality.

Video

Both cameras provide Full HD video, but RX1 offers microphone input for better audio; NEX-5N features touchscreen AF. Neither excels for serious videographers due to lack of stabilization and 4K video.

Travel

NEX-5N’s compactness and lens versatility are assets; RX1’s image quality and quiet operation justify its heft on focused trips.

Professional Work

RX1’s DNG raw files, full-frame sensor, and robust build align well with pro workflows despite speed constraints. NEX-5N more suitable for beginners or pros on budget needing flexibility.

Image Quality Showcase: Side-by-Side Comparison

Below are sample images from both cameras illustrating the differences in sharpness, depth of field, and color fidelity. Notice the RX1’s superior detail rendering, cleaner shadows, and natural skin tones.

Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back Sony RX1 front Sony RX1 screen back

Objective Ratings and Performance Scores

Below is a comparative synthesis of core performance scores as per DxOMark testing and expert benchmarks, reflecting sensor capabilities, image noise, and dynamic range.

Genre-Specific Scoring: Where Each Camera Shines

A detailed breakdown shows the NEX-5N excels in burst speed and lens versatility, scoring higher in wildlife and sports usability, while the RX1 dominates portrait, landscape, and low-light categories.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

• Choose the Sony NEX-5N if you:

  • Seek an affordable, lightweight mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses
  • Desire faster continuous shooting for action photography
  • Prefer touchscreen controls and ease of use
  • Want versatility across photographic genres without breaking the bank
  • Are entering serious amateur or enthusiast photography and value expandability

• Choose the Sony RX1 if you:

  • Demand uncompromising full-frame image quality in a compact body
  • Prioritize portrait, landscape, and low-light photography excellence
  • Value tactile manual controls and optional viewfinder support
  • Can work within the fixed 35mm focal length constraint or prefer optic perfection over zoom versatility
  • Need a professional-grade compact for travel or documentary work with superior color fidelity

Closing Summary

Both the Sony NEX-5N and RX1 embody Sony’s engineering prowess but target distinct users and photographic needs. The NEX-5N offers fantastic entry into mirrorless photography with practical features, excellent lens options, and commendable image quality for the price. The RX1 presents the holy grail of large-sensor compacts - remarkable image quality and classic controls in a pocketable size, albeit at a premium price and with limited lens flexibility.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to your priorities: do you prefer flexibility, speed, and affordability - go with the NEX-5N. Or do you seek image quality that approaches professional full-frame DSLRs in a compact package and are willing to invest accordingly - then the RX1 is exceptional.

Informed by years of rigorous testing, this analysis aims to empower photographers at all levels to select the tool best suited to their artistic vision and practical requirements.

If you would like hands-on assistance selecting lenses or accessories for either camera, or detailed workflow tips, feel free to reach out. Your photographic journey deserves the best foundation possible.