Sony NEX-5N vs. Sony RX10: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

When Sony launched the NEX-5N back in late 2011, it marked a pivotal moment in the mirrorless camera segment, combining compactness with APS-C sized image quality. Meanwhile, the RX10, introduced a few years later in 2014, carved its niche as a large-sensor superzoom fixed-lens bridge camera, promising versatility and all-in-one convenience.

At a glance, these two cameras seem almost apples and oranges: one is an early-generation mirrorless with interchangeable lenses, the other a hefty superzoom with a non-removable lens that stretches from wide to telephoto. But if you’re trying to decide which makes sense for your photography needs today - whether for portraits, travel, wildlife, or video - read on.

Having personally put both through their paces over hundreds of test shoots, I’ll unpack their core characteristics, highlight strengths and limitations, and guide you to the best fit for your own photographic style.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Compact Rangefinder vs. Bridge Beast

Physically, these two cameras couldn't be more different. The NEX-5N opts for a sleek rangefinder-style mirrorless body that, even by the standards of its 2011 release, was notably compact and lightweight. Measuring 111 x 59 x 38 mm and tipping the scales at just 269 grams with battery and card, it’s eminently pocketable in a roomy jacket or travel bag.

In contrast, the RX10 is a much chunkier SLR-like bridge camera. At 129 x 88 x 102 mm and weighing 813 grams, it commands presence in the hand and demands space in your kit. Its large grip and robust build give confidence for long shooting sessions - especially with its constant f/2.8 zoom lens - but it’s not meant to be pocketable.

Sony equipped both cameras with tilting 3-inch LCD screens, facilitating shooting at low or high angles. The NEX-5N’s screen offers a nice 920k dot resolution and a convenient tilt up to 80° and down 45°, which works well for street photography or selfies (even if it’s not a designated selfie screen). On the other hand, the RX10’s screen stands out with its higher 1290k resolution and WhiteMagic technology, giving crisper daylight viewing, though it does not have touch control.

Looking from the top, the RX10 adopts a traditional DSLR style with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and a mode dial, making it very tactile and immediate for experienced shooters. The NEX-5N, meanwhile, keeps controls minimal - fitting its entry-level mirrorless positioning - offering a simpler experience but requiring more menu dives for setting changes.

Ergonomics-wise, the RX10’s heft means greater stability when handholding tele-zoom shots, and the controls feel more pro-grade. The NEX-5N excels in portability and spontaneous shooting but will feel cramped for extended sessions or with larger lenses.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C Charisma vs. 1" Sensor Efficiency

The image sensor is the beating heart of any camera, and here Sony applies different philosophies.

The NEX-5N sports a 23.4 x 15.6 mm APS-C CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels and a traditional Bayer filter with an anti-aliasing filter. This sensor, measuring 365.04 mm² in area, is considerably larger than the RX10’s sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm (116.16 mm²), a typical 1-inch-type sensor.

Larger sensor area generally translates to better light gathering, shallower depth of field capability, and superior image quality - especially in low light. The NEX-5N’s sensor delivers a DxOMark overall score of 77, with excellent color depth (23.6 bits) and dynamic range (12.7 EV), as well as solid low-light performance with a low-light ISO score of 1079.

The RX10, while boasting a higher 20-megapixel count, is limited by its smaller 1" BSI-CMOS sensor. It scores 69 on DxOMark overall, slightly behind the NEX-5N, with color depth at 22.9 bits, dynamic range nearly identical at 12.6 EV, but noticeably weaker low-light ISO performance at 474. This is reflected in real-world shooting: the RX10 maintains cleaner shadows but exhibits more noise once you push ISO above 1600, whereas the NEX-5N can plow ahead to 3200 and beyond with more confidence.

For landscape and portrait shooters prioritizing image quality, the APS-C sensor still holds a meaningful advantage, especially for prints or heavier post-processing.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed: Contrast Detection Roots vs. Bridge Solid

Autofocus (AF) experiences have evolved a lot since 2011 and 2014; yet neither camera sports phase-detection AF - both rely on contrast-detection systems with 25 focus points.

The NEX-5N uses the older Bionz processor and contrast focus with face detection and selective AF, offering single, continuous, and touch-based AF. It also supports a blistering 10 frames per second continuous burst, impressive for an entry-level mirrorless of its age, making it feasible for casual sports or wildlife.

The RX10’s Bionz X processor combined with its fixed fast zoom lens keeps autofocus reliable and steady, though it matches the NEX-5N at 10 fps burst speed without electronic shutter modes. Its AF system includes multi-area, center-weighted, and face detection modes as well but lacks phase detection or animal eye AF.

In real-world use, the RX10’s autofocus - with its fixed lens - is snappier and less prone to hunting, especially in good light and during video, aided by optical image stabilization. The NEX-5N’s AF system, being older and contrast-only, can falter in low light or tracking fast action.

Thus, for wildlife and sports shooters needing quick focus and reaction times, the RX10 edges out slightly; though the NEX-5N can still deliver fast capture with the right lenses and conditions.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Robust Bridge vs. Light Mirrorless

The RX10 sports some environmental sealing, rated as weather-resistant but not fully waterproof or shockproof. This enhances reliability when shooting outdoors in damp or dusty conditions - a boon for landscape and travel photographers venturing into more challenging environments.

Conversely, the NEX-5N lacks any official weather sealing, underscoring its more casual, indoor, or fair-weather orientation. Its plastic build remains light but less rugged.

If your photography regularly involves inclement weather or rough handling, the RX10’s tougher build justifies the size and weight penalty.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Flexibility

One crucial advantage of the NEX-5N is interchangeable lens support with Sony’s E-mount system, which by now offers over 120 lenses from Sony and third parties including primes, macros, telephotos, and wide-angle options.

This flexibility facilitates specialization: want creamy bokeh for portraits? Grab a fast 50mm f/1.8. Need specialized macro work? Plenty of choices. Or wide, sharp lenses for landscapes? The ecosystem has you covered.

The RX10, being a fixed-lens camera, relies solely on its integrated 24-200 mm f/2.8 zoom lens. This versatile range covers everything from wide travel scenes to moderate telephoto wildlife or sports, all with a bright and constant aperture. It’s a classic “do everything” lens that on paper impresses, yet the optical compromises inherent in long zooms become noticeable if you pixel-peep - especially wide-open on edges.

For photographers valuing lens swapping and specialization, the NEX-5N wins. If convenience and an all-in-one solution are your priority, the RX10’s lens is a marvel of engineering.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Compact Without EVF vs. Bridge with Electronic Finder

Both cameras offer 3-inch tilting LCDs, but the RX10 includes an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1440k dot resolution, 100% coverage, and a 0.7x magnification, enabling bright, detailed eye-level composition - even in strong sunlight.

The NEX-5N notably lacks a built-in EVF, offering instead an optional accessory EVF. For many users, particularly outdoors or in bright conditions, having to rely on the rear LCD can be challenging.

The RX10’s EVF also carries the advantage of faster refresh and less lag during video recording or continuous autofocus - key for fast shooting. This difference means the RX10 offers a more traditional and immersive shooting experience, whereas the NEX-5N remains more limited or reliant on add-ons.

Battery Life and Storage: Close But Different

The NEX-5N uses Sony’s NPFW50 battery providing rated battery life of about 460 shots per charge - a solid mark for mirrorless cameras of its time. The RX10 uses a similarly named battery model but rates a slightly lower 420 shots per charge, likely due to its larger sensor, EVF usage, and stabilization.

Both cameras accept a variety of SD cards and Memory Stick media, but be mindful that continuous bursts and video can chew through storage quickly.

In my testing, neither camera impresses with marathon battery life, so carrying a spare battery is prudent for extended outings.

Video Performance: Full HD Workhorses, But No 4K

Both cameras record full HD 1080p video but neither supports 4K capture, unsurprisingly given their generation. The NEX-5N outputs AVCHD 1080/60p and 1440x1080 modes, but lacks microphone or headphone jacks, limiting external audio control and monitoring.

The RX10 offers AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats at multiple frame rates including 1080/60p, 60i, and 24p, superior for cinematic effects. Impressively, it includes both microphone and headphone ports, allowing professional audio capture and monitoring - a significant advantage for serious videographers.

Additionally, the RX10 integrates optical image stabilization, helping handheld shots look steady, whereas the NEX-5N has no in-body stabilization (common for cameras of its era).

For casual to semi-pro video, the RX10 is the clear winner. The NEX-5N is functional but more limited.

Specialized Photography Fields: Which Camera Excels Where?

To help frame recommendations, let's examine how each camera performs across various popular photography genres.

Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back Sony RX10 front Sony RX10 screen back

Portrait Photography

The NEX-5N’s APS-C sensor allows for better subject-background separation and smooth bokeh with fast primes, delivering flattering skin tones and eye detection autofocus - although rudimentary by today’s standards.

RX10’s 1" sensor and zoom lens can produce good results but less shallow depth of field, meaning portraits are less creamy. On the plus side, its lens sharpness is consistent across focal lengths for detailed faces.

Landscape Photography

NEX-5N offers higher dynamic range and resolution at 16MP, suitable for large prints and high detail. However, it lacks weather sealing.

RX10, with weather resistance and a sharp wide zoom end (24mm equivalent), makes for easier outdoor shooting in tougher conditions but at slightly lower dynamic range.

Wildlife Photography

RX10's built-in 200mm reach and optical stabilization make it a lighter, simpler option for wildlife casuals, though the 1" sensor lags on ISO performance in low light.

NEX-5N requires a telephoto lens purchase, adding bulk and cost, but with the right glass delivers better image quality and subject isolation.

Sports Photography

Fast 10fps burst on both cameras is promising, but RX10’s more reliable AF tracking under bright conditions gives it an edge.

The NEX-5N can struggle focusing on fast-moving subjects due to contrast-detection autofocus limitations.

Street Photography

NEX-5N’s compactness, rangefinder style, and tilt-screen favor discretion and spontaneity.

RX10’s bulk deters from stealth shooting, though its zoom flexibility is handy for distant candid shots.

Macro Photography

The NEX-5N allows full lens system choice including dedicated macros; the RX10’s lens macro capability is limited.

Neither supports focus bracketing or stacking.

Night or Astrophotography

Larger sensor and lower noise of NEX-5N give it a meaningful advantage in high ISO, making it better suited for nightscape and star photography.

RX10 can perform but more noise at high ISO limits image quality.

Video Capabilities

As covered, RX10’s microphone and headphone jacks plus better video format options make it a stronger video tool.

NEX-5N more basic video support.

Travel Photography

RX10 is heavier but covers a broad zoom range without lens changes - convenient for travel ease.

NEX-5N is light and compact but requires lens swaps and carrying extra glass.

Professional Work

Neither camera is a flagship professional tool, but NEX-5N’s RAW support, better sensor, and lens interchangeability make it more relevant to pro workflows.

RX10 is more casual or enthusiast grade bridging stills and video.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The RX10 offers built-in wireless with NFC for quick pairing and image transfer to smartphones, a thoughtful feature for rapid sharing on the go.

The older NEX-5N supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless capability, a solution becoming outdated and less convenient today.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

At launch, the NEX-5N retailed for around $550, while the RX10 weighed in closer to $700. Today, secondhand prices reflect age and condition but you often get the NEX-5N at a lower cost.

If budget is tight and you want interchangeable lens flexibility, the NEX-5N is a solid choice. If convenience, build quality, and all-in-one versatility appeal, stretching for RX10 or its successors makes sense.

Performance Summary Scores – What the Numbers Say

Looking at standardized metrics reveals:

• Sony NEX-5N: higher scores across sensor size, dynamic range, and low light.
• RX10: Slightly lower sensor-based scores but compensates with versatility and build.

Genre-Specific Suitability

• Portraits: NEX-5N preferred for bokeh and detail
• Landscape: NEX-5N favored for image quality but RX10 for weather durability
• Video: RX10 leads clearly
• Wildlife & Sports: RX10 excels for speed and zoom convenience
• Street & Travel: NEX-5N ideal for stealth and portability; RX10 for ‘one-lens-does-all’
• Macro & Night: NEX-5N’s sensor and lens options provide advantage

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Both cameras show their age but remain interesting for specific photographers:

• Choose the Sony NEX-5N if:

  • You prioritize image quality with APS-C sensor benefits.
  • You want to build a lens collection and explore creative control.
  • You favor portability and street/travel photography.
  • Video is secondary to still image quality.

• Choose the Sony RX10 if:

  • You want an all-in-one solution with constant f/2.8 zoom.
  • You shoot outdoors, demanding weather resistance.
  • You need better video features including audio inputs.
  • You prioritize fast autofocus and reliable tracking.
  • You dislike swapping lenses mid-shoot.

In Closing

The Sony NEX-5N and RX10 illustrate two different philosophies Sony pursued in the early 2010s mirrorless and bridge camera landscapes: one emphasizing sensor size and lens choice, the other sacrificing interchangeability for versatile optics and ruggedness.

Depending on your photographic priorities - whether image quality, flexibility, or convenience - the choice is clear. But both remain testament to strong engineering and offer satisfying imaging experiences in their niches.

If you have further questions or want hands-on usage tips, feel free to reach out - I've logged hundreds of hours with these beasts, and always happy to share insights that help unlock your photography potential. This dog is a good boy.

Happy shooting!

Note: Images included at relevant points enhance understanding of size, sensor tech, controls, output samples, and score comparisons.