Sony NEX-5N vs Sony RX1R

On this page, we are reviewing the Sony NEX-5N versus Sony RX1R, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Sony. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the NEX-5N (16MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the NEX-5N (APS-C) and RX1R (Full frame) posses totally different sensor size.

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The NEX-5N was unveiled 21 months before the RX1R making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the NEX-5N scores against the RX1R with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-5N & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The full galleries are available at Sony NEX-5N Gallery & Sony RX1R Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-5N enjoys outside dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony RX1R has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-5N versus Sony RX1R in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the NEX-5N and the RX1R.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5N and RX1R is 89 and 79 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements purely by going through technical specs. The visual below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-5N and RX1R.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The NEX-5N using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX1R will provide extra detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older NEX-5N will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.