Sony NEX-5N vs Sony WX5

Below is a in depth overview of the Sony NEX-5N and Sony WX5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Sony. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the NEX-5N (16MP) and WX5 (12MP) and the NEX-5N (APS-C) and WX5 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

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The NEX-5N was brought out 16 months later than the WX5 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony WX5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the NEX-5N grades vs the WX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-5N & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5. The entire galleries are available at Sony NEX-5N Gallery & Sony WX5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-5N has physical dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Sony WX5 has proportions of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") and a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs).

Contrast the Sony NEX-5N and Sony WX5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the NEX-5N and the WX5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5N and WX5 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements purely by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-5N and WX5.

As you can see, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The NEX-5N featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Sony NEX-5N will provide you with extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics way more aggressively. The more recent NEX-5N will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.