Sony NEX-5N vs Sony RX100

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Sony NEX-5N and Sony RX100, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Sony. The resolution of the NEX-5N (16MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is pretty comparable but the NEX-5N (APS-C) and RX100 (1") enjoy different sensor size.

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The NEX-5N was announced 11 months prior to the RX100 so they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the NEX-5N scores vs the RX100 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5N & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The whole galleries are available at Sony NEX-5N Gallery & Sony RX100 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-5N provides exterior dimensions 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 RX100 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Sony NEX-5N and Sony RX100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the NEX-5N versus the RX100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5N and RX100 is 89 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements merely by seeing technical specs. The photograph underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-5N and RX100.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The NEX-5N having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony RX100 will show extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older NEX-5N will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.