Sony NEX-5N vs Sony A37

The following is a detailed review of the Sony NEX-5N vs Sony A37, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and they are both created by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-5N (16MP) and the A37 (16MP) is pretty comparable and they feature the exact same sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The NEX-5N was revealed 7 months earlier than the A37 so they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summary of how the NEX-5N scores versus the A37 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5N & Sony SLT-A37. The full galleries are available at Sony NEX-5N Gallery & Sony A37 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-5N has got exterior 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 A37 has proportions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Compare the Sony NEX-5N vs Sony A37 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the NEX-5N compared to the A37.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NEX-5N and A37 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by going through a spec sheet. The picture here should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-5N and A37.

Clearly, each of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the identical MP so you can expect comparable quality of pictures although you need to consider the launch date of the cameras into account. The more aged NEX-5N will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.