Sony NEX-5N vs Sony RX100 VA

Here is a in-depth review of the Sony NEX-5N and Sony RX100 VA, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both built by Sony. The resolution of the NEX-5N (16MP) and the RX100 VA (20MP) is very close but the NEX-5N (APS-C) and RX100 VA (1") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The NEX-5N was launched 7 years earlier than the RX100 VA and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the NEX-5N scores vs the RX100 VA in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-5N and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The complete galleries are available at Sony NEX-5N Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-5N offers exterior measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Sony RX100 VA has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-5N and Sony RX100 VA in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the NEX-5N and the RX100 VA.

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

Normally, it's difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing merely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic below will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5N and RX100 VA.

Clearly, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The NEX-5N featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony RX100 VA will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos more aggressively. The older NEX-5N will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.