Sony NEX-5N vs Sony RX10 III

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the Sony NEX-5N versus Sony RX10 III, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Sony. The sensor resolution of the NEX-5N (16MP) and the RX10 III (20MP) is pretty close but the NEX-5N (APS-C) and RX10 III (1") come with different sensor size.

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The NEX-5N was announced 5 years earlier than the RX10 III and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX10 III being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a brief summary of how the NEX-5N grades vs the RX10 III in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5N & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-5N Gallery & Sony RX10 III Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-5N offers outer measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 III has proportions of 133mm x 94mm x 127mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.0") and a weight of 1051 grams (2.32 lbs).

Check out the Sony NEX-5N versus Sony RX10 III in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the NEX-5N compared to the RX10 III.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NEX-5N and RX10 III is 89 and 53 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements only by looking through technical specs. The photograph underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-5N and RX10 III.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The NEX-5N using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony RX10 III will render greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older NEX-5N will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.