Sony NEX-5R vs Sony a3500

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Sony NEX-5R vs Sony a3500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras and they are both manufactured by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-5R (16MP) and the a3500 (20MP) is pretty similar and they possess the same exact sensor sizes (APS-C).

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The NEX-5R was manufactured 18 months before the a3500 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony a3500 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the NEX-5R grades vs the a3500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5R and Sony Alpha a3500. The entire galleries are provided at Sony NEX-5R Gallery and Sony a3500 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-5R provides outside dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Sony a3500 has sizing of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") along with a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Check out the Sony NEX-5R vs Sony a3500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the NEX-5R versus the a3500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5R and a3500 is 89 and 69 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing technical specs. The picture below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-5R and a3500.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Sony a3500 to offer you more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged NEX-5R is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.