Sony NEX-5R vs Sony H200

Sony NEX-5R vs Sony H200: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing between two cameras as divergent in design and purpose as the Sony Alpha NEX-5R mirrorless and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200 bridge camera requires an analytical understanding of their technical specifications, operational ergonomics, and real-world performance. Both cameras, though sharing the Sony brand, target entirely different segments - the NEX-5R as an entry-level mirrorless system camera aimed at enthusiasts seeking higher image quality and versatility, and the H200 as a budget-friendly, superzoom bridge camera geared towards users prioritizing reach and ease of use.

This detailed comparison article systematically examines their respective strengths, technological nuances, and practical use-case implications across a spectrum of photography disciplines. Insights derive from extensive hands-on experience with cameras in this category, structured around sensor and image quality, autofocus and shooting performance, build and usability, lens ecosystems, and specialized photographic applications. By the end, readers will gain clear guidance as to which model suits their unique photographic objectives and workflow demands.

First Impressions: Form Factor and Ergonomics in Practice

The physical build and handling characteristics heavily influence sustained image capture satisfaction, especially over extended shoots or in diverse environments. The Sony NEX-5R employs a compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless body that prioritizes portability without sacrificing control. The Sony H200, meanwhile, opts for an SLR-like bridge camera form featuring an integrated superzoom lens.

Measured in millimeters and grams, the NEX-5R’s 111 x 59 x 39 mm frame at 276 grams presents a lightweight, pocketable design well-suited to travel and street photography where discretion and mobility are paramount. In contrast, the H200’s larger 123 x 83 x 87 mm size and hefty 530 gram weight reflect its built-in 24-633 mm zoom lens assembly and extended grip, impacting portability but offering ready accessibility to long focal lengths without switching lenses.

Ergonomically, the NEX-5R features minimal physical controls but benefits from a tilting touchscreen interface for intuitive interaction, whereas the H200 offers traditional button-based operation with no touchscreen. This design difference affects handling speed and menu navigation fluidity - the NEX-5R’s lean interface arguably demands a steeper learning curve to access functionality efficiently, while the H200’s layout caters to users desiring straightforward point-and-shoot usability.

A Closer Look from Above: Control Layout and Top Panel Insights

Physical control placement is pivotal during rapid shooting sequences, particularly in fast-paced genres like sports or street photography.

The NEX-5R's top panel is minimalist, lacking a dedicated mode dial but incorporating a dual-control dial and shutter release that facilitate manual exposure adjustments such as shutter priority and aperture priority - essential for creative manual control. The absence of an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) curtails traditional framing but aligns with the lightweight compact philosophy.

By contrast, the H200’s SLR-like top design includes a mode dial with readily selectable Auto, Scene, and basic PASM modes, but lacks manual exposure override capabilities. This limits creative exposure control but simplifies operation for casual users. Additionally, the H200 lacks any viewfinder, making composition reliant solely on the rear LCD.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Core Determinants of Imaging Potential

At the heart of any camera's capability lies its sensor technology, fundamentally shaping dynamic range, noise performance, resolution, and overall image fidelity.

The NEX-5R utilizes a 23.4 x 15.6 mm APS-C CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels, delivering a sensor area exceeding 365 square millimeters. This class-leading sensor size for its category affords superior light-gathering ability, enhanced dynamic range measured at an impressive 13.1 EV per DxOMark testing, and robust color depth around 24 bits per channel. Its native ISO range extends to 25600, with usable high ISO performance tested up to ISO 910 equivalent.

In stark contrast, the H200’s sensor is a tiny 1/2.3" CCD measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm with approximately 20 effective megapixels. This diminutive sensor translates into significantly inferior light sensitivity, limited dynamic range, and a maximum ISO of 3200. Noise and color depth performance lag substantially compared to the NEX-5R, restricting image quality in low light and high contrast scenarios.

The disparity manifests in image output sharpness, low noise at elevated ISOs, and subtleties like highlight retention. For photographers prioritizing image quality - whether for landscape, portrait, or professional applications - the NEX-5R’s sensor unequivocally outperforms the H200.

Viewing and Interface: LCD Functionality and Feedback During Shooting

An effective LCD display with appropriate resolution and articulation enables flexible composition and instant image review.

The NEX-5R integrates a 3-inch, 920k-dot TFT LCD with capacitive touchscreen capability and a 180° upward tilt plus 50° downward tilt range, supporting high-angle and self-portrait framing needs. Touchscreen focus point selection and menu navigation enhance operational responsiveness, a sought-after feature even in entry-level mirrorless systems.

The H200 features a 3-inch ClearPhoto fixed LCD with 460k RGB dots - roughly half the resolution and lacking touch capabilities. Its fixed position necessitates awkward body positioning for low- or high-angle shoots. For candid or street photography requiring compositional agility, the NEX-5R’s articulated touchscreen clearly wins in terms of practical usability.

Neither camera includes an integrated viewfinder, limiting composition options mainly to LCD framing, which remains cumbersome under bright sunlight conditions.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Performance

Autofocus (AF) capability directly impacts user success across genres from portraits to wildlife and sports. AF technology has evolved rapidly, and understanding system distinctions in detail is critical.

The Sony NEX-5R advances with a hybrid AF system composed of 99 contrast detection points coupled with phase-detection pixels embedded on the sensor. This arrangement enables faster and more accurate autofocus acquisition compared to traditional contrast-only designs, particularly beneficial in continuous AF tracking and live view scenarios. Its touch-to-focus and object tracking modes, including face detection (though not animal eye AF), ensure better focus precision in fast-moving or low-contrast subject situations.

The H200, limited by its bridge camera heritage and smaller sensor, relies solely on contrast detection AF with an unspecified number of focus points. While adequate for static subjects, this AF system suffers from slower acquisition and less reliability in tracking motion, especially in low light or telephoto zoom settings.

Consequently, for wildlife, sports, and other action photography, the NEX-5R consistently offers superior AF speed and tracking accuracy, enhancing keeper rates and decisive moment capture.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Characteristics: Capturing Decisive Moments

High frame rates paired with responsive shutter action are prerequisites for dynamic subjects like sports and wildlife.

The Sony NEX-5R achieves up to 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, a remarkable rate for an entry-level mirrorless model, supported by a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000s. This burst speed allows photographers to capture fast sequences with minimal motion blur and high temporal resolution.

Conversely, the H200 maxes out at 8 fps burst and offers a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1500s, which can lead to motion blur in very fast action, limiting utility in demanding sports or wildlife scenarios.

The NEX-5R’s faster shutter and burst combination better accommodate scenarios needing split-second precision.

Image Stabilization: Evaluating Shake Reduction Approaches

Image stabilization extends handheld usability, especially in telephoto, macro, or low-light contexts.

The Sony H200 incorporates optical SteadyShot stabilization within its lens assembly, essential for its extreme zoom range (24-633 mm equivalent). This mechanism effectively reduces motion blur caused by camera shake, allowing longer shutter speeds without tripod support.

The NEX-5R, notable by its absence, lacks in-body image stabilization and depends on optical stabilization through compatible lenses - a factor that demands conscious lens choice. Sony’s E-mount lens ecosystem offers stabilized options; however, the camera body itself provides no mechanical correction.

For users utilizing the H200’s oversized focal reach, its built-in optical stabilization is a practical advantage. The NEX-5R’s stabilization strategy requires more investment and consideration but delivers superior image quality through faster lenses and more advanced optics.

Video Capabilities: Recording Flexibility and Quality Considerations

Video recording has become integral to modern shooting workflows, necessitating scrutiny of each camera’s capabilities.

The NEX-5R supports Full HD 1080p recording at up to 60 frames per second utilizing AVCHD codec, delivering smooth motion video with reasonable compression efficiency. However, audio input options are limited; microphone and headphone jacks are absent, constraining professional audio control. There is no 4K recording or higher frame rates for slow motion. Additionally, absence of in-body stabilization adversely affects handheld video smoothness, though stabilized lenses and digital post-processing partially compensate.

The H200 offers HD video at 720p/30 fps and VGA resolution with MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats but lacks Full HD 1080p capability. Its video feature set is comparatively basic, precluding advanced videography uses.

Overall, the NEX-5R provides significantly better video quality potential, albeit not meeting requirements for professional videographers demanding robust audio and 4K support.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability: Long-Term Investment and Creative Scope

The camera’s compatibility with lenses and accessories often determines creative versatility and workflow longevity.

As an E-mount mirrorless camera, the Sony NEX-5R accesses over 120 native lenses including primes, zooms, macro, and specialty optics from Sony and third parties. This expansive lens lineup supports a variety of genres from portraiture with fast apertures for bokeh-rich backgrounds, to astrophotography with wide-angle primes, and telephoto zooms for wildlife.

The H200 features a fixed 24-633 mm zoom lens with a variable aperture of f/3.1 to f/5.9 and a macro mode allowing focus as close as 20 cm. Its non-interchangeable lens limits creative control over depth-of-field and optical quality, but its extraordinary focal range covers wide-angle through super-telephoto without physical lens changes.

While convenient for casual users wanting an all-in-one solution, the H200’s fixed optics constrain advanced photographers seeking sharper glass, wider apertures, or specialized optics.

Battery Life and Storage Practicalities

Endurance during extended shooting sessions influences professional preference and travel convenience.

The NEX-5R relies on the proprietary NPFW50 lithium-ion battery delivering approximately 330 shots per charge. While respectable, this falls short of DSLR-class expectations, necessitating spare batteries for day-long outings. Storage via single SD card or Memory Stick slots provides standard flexibility.

The H200 uses ubiquitous 4 x AA batteries affording approximately 240 shots, variable based on battery quality. While AAs present logistical advantages in terms of easy replacement worldwide, their performance can be inconsistent, especially with alkaline versus NiMH rechargeables.

Both cameras support a single memory card slot with broadly compatible SD formats.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Wireless transfer, control, and GPS embedding have become critical in many workflows.

The NEX-5R includes built-in Wi-Fi facilitating image transfer to devices and remote control with compatible apps - a significant boon for social media users and in-field tethering. It lacks Bluetooth and NFC for added convenience or quick pairing.

The H200 offers no wireless connectivity, limiting its integration ease in modern digital ecosystems.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera provides professional-level environmental sealing or ruggedized build. Lack of dustproofing or splash resistance restricts reliability in challenging conditions such as rain, snow, or dusty environments. Users requiring tough, weather-resistant gear should consider alternative models.

Practical Photography Genre Evaluations

To distill these technical comparisons into practical advice, we evaluate each camera across major photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

The NEX-5R’s APS-C sensor and superior lens options produce cleaner images with pleasing skin tones and shallow depth-of-field to isolate subjects effectively. Its face detection AF and 99-point hybrid AF provide reliable focus on eyes and facial features, enhancing keeper rates in portraits.

The H200’s fixed lens and smaller sensor yield more noise, less bokeh capability due to narrower apertures, and limited AF sophistication, rendering it an inferior choice for serious portraiture.

Landscape Photography

The NEX-5R excels with high dynamic range and resolution, critical for capturing fine detail and wide tonal gradations. Access to wide-angle lenses and manual exposure ensures creative control.

The H200’s smaller sensor limits dynamic range, and fixed lens restricts composition versatility. Furthermore, absence of weather sealing reduces confidence in outdoor conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The NEX-5R’s fast hybrid AF, higher burst rates, and lens interchangeability offer clear advantages for capturing rapid subjects. While the H200 provides extreme zoom reach, its slower AF and lower frame rate hamper performance on moving targets.

Street Photography

NEX-5R’s compactness, subdued shutter noise, and touchscreen responsiveness aid spontaneous and discreet capture, whereas the H200’s bulk and slower AF could hinder agility.

Macro Photography

NEX-5R benefits from dedicated macro lenses with fine focusing control. The H200’s fixed lens permits macro at 20 cm but with compromised image quality.

Night and Astrophotography

Superior high ISO handling and longer exposures on the NEX-5R facilitate low-light and night sky imagery, while the H200’s sensor struggles with noise and sensitivity.

Video Recording

Full HD 60p video with the NEX-5R surpasses the H200’s 720p, offering higher quality and smoother frames. However, lack of external audio inputs in the NEX-5R limits professional video utility.

Travel Photography

NEX-5R’s size and weight favor travel, combined with Wi-Fi connectivity. However, lens change requirement and battery life may pose challenges on long excursions. The H200’s all-in-one zoom and AA batteries enhance spontaneity and battery replacement convenience at the expense of image quality.

Professional Use

The NEX-5R offers RAW image support, manual controls, and better build quality required for professional workflows, although it lacks advanced weather sealing and video features expected by high-end users. The H200 is unsuitable for demanding professional environments.

Sony NEX 5R front Sony NEX 5R screen back Sony H200 front Sony H200 screen back

Summary of Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

When quantified objectively, the NEX-5R’s sensor superiority, autofocus, and versatility place it strongly ahead in pure performance. Its higher price point (~$750) reflects these advanced capabilities, which justify investment for serious enthusiasts and professionals.

The H200’s value (~$250) lies in delivering extreme zoom reach and simple operation. It is a practical choice for casual users or beginners focused on travel and family snapshots who tolerate lower image quality.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Sony Alpha NEX-5R remarkably advances mirrorless photography for its era, combining a large sensor, hybrid AF, and compact ergonomics suitable for a wide range of photographic ventures. It rewards users willing to master interchangeable lens systems and manual controls with image quality and creative latitude rarely found at this price tier.

The Sony Cyber-shot H200, conversely, embodies an all-in-one convenience superzoom paradigm designed for ease of use and portability in less demanding contexts, notably benefiting casual shooters with its extensive zoom and optical stabilization.

Recommendation by User Profile:

• Serious Enthusiasts and Aspiring Professionals: Opt for the NEX-5R. Its sensor size, manual controls, and hybrid AF system enable higher image quality and versatility for portraits, landscapes, macro, and advanced video.

• Travel and Casual Photography with Zoom Priorities: The H200’s extensive focal range and stabilized lens make it the more convenient, budget-minded choice, provided lower image quality and manual control limitations are acceptable.

• Wildlife and Sports Photographers: The NEX-5R’s autofocus speed, burst rate, and lens options clearly outperform the H200, critical in tracking and capturing fast action.

• Video Enthusiasts: Choose the NEX-5R for its superior HD video resolution and frame rates, but seek external audio recording solutions due to its limited onboard sound options.

This comparison underscores the fundamental trade-offs between sensor size, system expandability, and zoom reach inherent in these two disparate camera designs. Users must consider their primary photographic applications, image quality expectations, and willingness to engage with interchangeable lens systems to select the ideal camera.

In conclusion, the Sony NEX-5R remains a compelling entry-level mirrorless system emphasizing image quality and creative controls, while the Sony H200 serves as a pragmatic, user-friendly bridge camera tailored for beginners and superzoom enthusiasts seeking simplicity over advanced photographic refinement.