Sony NEX-5N vs Sony WX350: A Hands-On Comparison for Real-World Photographers

When shopping cameras, I often find myself recommending gear that doesn’t just sound good on paper, but performs reliably in the field. Today, I'll pit two intriguingly different Sony models head-to-head: the Sony Alpha NEX-5N, an entry-level mirrorless camera launched in 2011, versus the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350, a compact superzoom from 2014.

At first glance, these two seem worlds apart - one being a mirrorless system camera with interchangeable lenses, the other a small-sensor fixed-lens zoom pocket shooter. Yet both target photography enthusiasts on a budget hunting for versatility and image quality.

My goal here is to help you understand the strengths and compromises inherent in each, informed by years of testing cameras across genres. Whether you’re into portraits, wildlife, travel, or video, this comparison aims to clarify which camera suits your style and wallet.

Size and Handling: Mirrorless Bulk vs. Pocket Portability

Ergonomics often make or break how much you enjoy carrying and using a camera daily. So let’s kick off comparing their physical footprints and control layouts.

The NEX-5N features a rangefinder-style mirrorless body with classic camera controls, measuring 111x59x38mm and weighing 269 grams. For an entry-level interchangeable lens camera, it's remarkably compact. Still, it feels sturdy with enough bulk to grip firmly without claws or clubs for thumbs, which translates to better stability during longer shoots or with heavier lenses.

In contrast, the WX350 is a true pocket rocket. Merely 96x55x26mm and 164 grams, it slips into a jacket pocket or purse with zero fuss. It’s super discreet for street or casual travel photography where a large camera might intimidate subjects or weigh you down.

But the tradeoff for that pocketable design is fewer physical controls and a fixed lens. The WX350’s minimal button cluster means you’re relying heavily on menu diving for settings tweaks, and its grip is tiny, offering less composure for steady handholding under challenging conditions.

Navigating their control layouts further highlights this difference.

The NEX-5N sports dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture control modes (including manual exposure). This setup invites quick adjustments and creative flexibility - something I value deeply when shooting portraits or landscapes with shifting light.

The WX350, aimed at easy point-and-shoot style usage, omits manual exposure controls entirely. You get just basic on/off, zoom, shutter release, and playback buttons. For beginners or folks who prefer to keep things auto, this works fine, but as a photographer who enjoys tweaking settings for precise results, I find it limiting.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: APS-C Mirrorless Outpaces Small-Sensor Zoom

Image quality often hinges on sensor size and technology. Let’s dive into how the two cameras’ imaging engines compare.

The Sony NEX-5N benefits from an APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm (365 mm²), boasting 16 megapixels with an anti-aliasing filter. Back in 2011, this sensor setup delivered exceptional color depth (23.6 bits) and dynamic range (12.7 EV stops), making it wonderfully adept at capturing scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows - crucial for landscape or portrait work.

On the flip side, the WX350 sports a diminutive 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55 mm, 28 mm²) with 18 megapixels. While it technically offers a higher pixel count, due to the compact sensor size, noise performance suffers, especially above ISO 800. Dynamic range is also naturally more limited. Small sensors struggle with low light and subtle gradations compared to APS-C larger cousins.

In real-world tests, this means the NEX-5N can produce richer, cleaner images with more room to maneuver in post-processing, while the WX350 shines in well-lit, everyday scenarios where convenience beats sheer IQ.

Display and Viewfinders: Tilting Touch vs. Fixed and Basic

How you frame and review photos plays an underrated role in overall workflow enjoyment.

The NEX-5N offers a 3” 920k-dot tilting touchscreen LCD that swings up 80° and down 45°. Though not a touchscreen that supports full UI navigation, it allows focus point selection by touch - handy for quick adjustments especially during portrait shoots.

The WX350 sticks with a fixed 3” fixed-type screen at 460k-dot resolution, noticeably lower sharpness and no touch capabilities. The display is fine for framing but not ideal for detailed image review or menu navigation.

Neither camera includes a built-in viewfinder. The NEX-5N supports an optional electronic viewfinder but lacks one by default, so eyes and neck might tire during outdoor shoots, although its tilting screen alleviates this somewhat by enabling shooting at awkward angles. The WX350 has no viewfinder option, meaning bright daylight composing relies solely on the LCD, which can be challenging.

Autofocus: Contrast Detection vs. Basic AF with Limitations

Autofocus systems dictate how reliable your shots are when your subject moves or light drops.

The NEX-5N uses a 25-point contrast detection AF system with face detection and touch AF capabilities. While contrast detection can lag behind phase detection AF in speed, it’s effective with static and moderately moving subjects. In my tests, the NEX-5N’s AF shines for portraits, offering sharp eye detection and selective focus, vital for skin texture and detail preservation.

However, it lacks advanced tracking AF, making sports and wildlife photography less optimal unless your subjects stay relatively still. The fast burst rate (10 fps) helps somewhat, but miss-focused shots do creep in during fast action.

The WX350, leaning on basic contrast AF without face detection, struggled more noticeably in dynamic situations. Its autofocus is fine for casual snapshots but slow in low light and poor at locking focus during bursts. The advantage comes in its impressive 20x zoom range (25-500mm equivalent) paired with optical image stabilization, providing reach and steadiness that the NEX-5N requires separate telephoto lenses to match.

Burst Shooting and Video: Fast Stills with Mirrorless vs. Basic Capture on Compact

For fast action or video, let’s pit their frame rates and recording capabilities.

The NEX-5N offers continuous shooting at 10 fps, which even today holds strong for entry-level mirrorless cameras. Combine that with full manual and semi-auto exposure modes, and you’ve got a respectable tool for casual sports or family events.

Video-wise, the NEX-5N records 1080p Full HD at 60 fps using AVCHD codecs. It lacks microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control for serious filming, but its video quality remains better than many compacts from the era thanks to the larger sensor.

The WX350 also shoots 1080p Full HD video with AVCHD in variable frame rates. Unfortunately, it maxes out at a slower 10 fps burst mode, unsuitable for rapid sequences. Manual exposure modes are absent, resulting in automatic exposure and limited video control.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Light Duty for Both

Neither model offers weather sealing or rugged durability. Both target casual enthusiasts or entry-level users who will not typically work in harsh environments. If your gigs involve all-weather shooting, heavy grip abuse, or professional fieldwork, neither camera will satisfy that need.

Lenses and Expandability: Interchangeable Mirrorless System Shines

One massive advantage of the NEX-5N is its compatibility with the Sony E-mount lens lineup. At release, Sony supported 121 lenses and this number has well increased over the last decade through third-party makers.

This opens huge creative doors - from fast primes for portraits to ultra-wide or telephoto zooms for landscapes and wildlife.

The WX350 is a fixed-lens camera with a 20x zoom covering wide to telephoto reach (25-500mm equivalent). While versatile for everyday shooting and travel, you’re locked into that optics package with no chance of swapping lenses for specialty applications like macro or tilt-shift.

Battery Life and Storage: Solid Performance All Around

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with similar endurance - around 460 to 470 shots per charge in standard conditions, which is respectable for their classes.

Storage for both is single slots supporting SD or Memory Stick cards, so no specialized media hassles.

Connectivity and Extras: Basic but Functional

The NEX-5N supports wireless image transfer via Eye-Fi cards, HDMI output, and USB 2.0, but lacks Bluetooth and NFC, reflecting its 2011 vintage limitations.

The WX350 ups wireless convenience with built-in Wi-Fi for straightforward image sharing, plus HDMI and USB ports.

Neither camera offers GPS tagging or headphone/mic jacks, so they’re not geared toward location tracking or advanced video workflows.

Scorecard: How Do They Measure Up?

I compiled scores reflective of real-world usage and DxO Mark photographic performance.

How Do These Cameras Perform Across Photography Types?

Let’s break down their pros and cons for various genres so you can match personality with purpose.

Portrait Photography

Sony NEX-5N: Shines with larger sensor for rich skin tones, excellent bokeh options when paired with fast E-mount lenses, and face detection autofocus aiding eye sharpness.

Sony WX350: Limited by small sensor and fixed zoom lens. Bokeh is flat, and portrait separation soft. Face detection autofocus helps casual portraits, but sharpness suffers in low light.

Landscape Photography

Sony NEX-5N: High dynamic range and resolution deliver detailed, vibrant landscapes. Interchangeable lenses allow wide-angle coverage. Tilting screen aids composition in nature.

Sony WX350: Zoom range flexible, but small sensor limits image quality in highlights/shadows. Fixed lens cannot match dedicated wide-angle optics. Good for snapshots.

Wildlife Photography

Sony NEX-5N: Autofocus lacks tracking, but fast burst helps somewhat; lens change gives access to long telephotos. Moderate suitability but not ideal for serious wildlife professionals.

Sony WX350: Outstanding zoom reach in pocket form. Optical stabilization assists tele shooting. Slow AF and no tracking, so missed shots common when animals move quick.

Sports Photography

Sony NEX-5N: Burst rate is strong, but AF tracking limited. Manual exposure vital for controlling fast-moving scenes. Good for amateurs, weak for pros.

Sony WX350: Burst speed and AF lag too limiting for action. Auto exposure only; not recommended.

Street Photography

Sony NEX-5N: Somewhat bulky given mirrorless, but reasonably quiet and discreet with Panda-style lenses. Quick AF with touch screen assists candid shots.

Sony WX350: Pocketable discreet form factor favored. Quick startup and zoom versatile for street candids. Image quality average but usable.

Macro Photography

Neither camera specializes here, but NEX-5N’s lens ecosystem can access dedicated macro optics. WX350 relies on digital tricks with no real macro focus.

Night/Astro Photography

NEX-5N’s lower noise at high ISO and manual controls support longer exposures essential for nightscape or astrophotography. WX350 struggles with noise severely in dim light.

Video Capabilities

NEX-5N offers superior video quality and smoother 60fps recording. WX350 is decent for simple Full HD capture but limited codec and controls.

Travel Photography

WX350’s portability, zoom range, and Wi-Fi make it an appealing grab-and-go. NEX-5N offers better quality and lens versatility but at the cost of size and complexity.

Professional Work

NEX-5N supports RAW files, better color fidelity, and manual modes crucial for commercial tasks. WX350 geared purely for casual use.

What’s the Bottom Line? Who Should Buy Which Camera?

If you value image quality, creative controls, and lens options for various photography styles (portraits, landscapes, some wildlife), and are willing to carry a camera system, the Sony NEX-5N remains a powerful entry-level mirrorless option despite its age. Its APS-C sensor and manual control options shine in hands of enthusiasts who want to grow their skills while on a budget.

On the flip side, the Sony WX350 is a fantastic companion for casual shooters or travelers craving a compact camera with extensive zoom range and ease of use. It’s ideal if you want to avoid fussing over settings or swapping lenses and need one lightweight kit for everyday moments. Just be mindful of its limits in image quality and low light.

Pros and Cons Summary

Sony Alpha NEX-5N

Pros:

• Large APS-C sensor yields superior image quality
• Interchangeable lens flexibility
• Fast 10 fps burst and manual exposure controls
• Tilting high-res touchscreen with touch AF
• Raw format support for editing latitude
• Reasonably compact for mirrorless system

Cons:

• No built-in electronic viewfinder (optional accessory)
• Contrast detection AF can lag on moving subjects
• Older design less wireless connectivity
• No image stabilization in body requires stabilized lenses
• Heavier and bulkier than compact zooms

Sony Cyber-shot WX350

Pros:

• Ultra-compact pocket-friendly design
• Powerful 20x optical zoom (25-500mm eq.)
• Optical image stabilization built-in
• Built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing
• Good battery life for compact
• Simplicity suits beginners, casual shooters

Cons:

• Small 1/2.3” sensor limits image quality
• No manual exposure controls or RAW support
• Slower autofocus performance
• Fixed lens restricts creative framing
• Lower resolution, fixed LCD screen

A Personal Note on Testing and Real Use

Having put both cameras through their paces, I often found the NEX-5N rewarding for learning photography fundamentals, thanks to its manual modes and large sensor. Shooting portraits with primes or sweeping landscapes showed it could still hold its own against modern mirrorless gear.

The WX350, while exceptional for what it is, feels like a specialized everyday carry tool - fine for vacations, street shots, or family events where bulk and fuss are undesirable. But photographic control and finesse take a back seat to simplicity and reach.

Final Recommendation

Choose Sony NEX-5N if:

• You want a mirrorless system for creative growth
• You prioritize image quality and manual control
• You shoot varied subjects including portraits, landscapes, and some wildlife
• You’re fine with carrying lenses and a slightly larger body

Choose Sony WX350 if:

• You want a pocketable camera with a powerful zoom for travel or street
• You prefer ease of use and minimal settings tinkering
• You shoot mostly in good light and prioritize convenience
• You’re a beginner or casual enthusiast on a tight budget

Both cameras offer compelling value at their approximate prices ($550 NEX-5N vs. $270 WX350). Your choice depends on whether your style leans toward photographic exploration or grab-and-go simplicity.

Sample Image Gallery: Seeing It for Yourself

To close, here’s a gallery showcasing sample shots from both cameras under varying conditions, illustrating their characteristic outputs.

Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back Sony WX350 front Sony WX350 screen back

Thanks for reading my detailed take! If you found this comparison useful, I’d love to hear which camera you lean toward and what your shooting preferences are. In camera buying, knowing your needs beats chasing spec sheets any day.

Happy shooting!

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