Sony NEX-5N vs Sony W550

Here is a extended analysis of the Sony NEX-5N vs Sony W550, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact and both of them are manufactured by Sony. The sensor resolution of the NEX-5N (16MP) and the W550 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the NEX-5N (APS-C) and W550 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The NEX-5N was revealed 3 months later than the W550 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short view of how the NEX-5N grades against the W550 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-5N & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The full galleries are available at Sony NEX-5N Gallery & Sony W550 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Sony NEX-5N has external measurements 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 W550 has measurements of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-5N vs Sony W550 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the NEX-5N versus the W550.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5N and W550 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing only by checking out technical specs. The visual underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-5N and W550.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The NEX-5N using its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Sony NEX-5N will provide more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively.