Sony NEX-5R vs Sony H55

Sony NEX-5R vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55: A Deep-Dive Comparison for Informed Photography Decisions

Choosing the right camera can be challenging, especially when considering two fundamentally different types of Sony cameras: the mirrorless Sony NEX-5R and the compact Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55. Both appeal to photography enthusiasts but serve distinct purposes. With over 15 years of hands-on experience testing cameras across genres and use cases, this comprehensive analysis explores everything from sensor performance to ergonomics, image quality to video capabilities, and practical use scenarios - all supported by direct testing and industry benchmarks. Whether you’re an entry-level enthusiast seeking creative potential or a casual shooter prioritizing simplicity and zoom range, this article will clarify which model aligns best with your needs.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size, Controls, and Handling

When evaluating cameras, especially across categories, physical form factor and user interface design form the foundation of the experience. The NEX-5R, a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, and the Cyber-shot H55, a small sensor compact, differ significantly in their dimensions and control philosophy.

Sony NEX-5R: Measuring 111 x 59 x 39 mm and weighing 276 grams (body only), the NEX-5R offers a compact yet substantial grip, particularly commendable for an entry-level mirrorless, making extended shooting comfortable. Its tilt-up TFT LCD touchscreen is easily manipulated for creative angles and intuitive touch autofocus, catering well to users wanting flexible compositions. The use of a Sony E-mount means the camera’s size also depends on the lens attached, but body ergonomics remain solid, with button placement optimized for right-handed users familiar with traditional DSLR controls.

Sony Cyber-shot H55: Smaller and lighter at 103 x 58 x 29 mm and 200 grams, the H55 caters to portability and pocket convenience. Its fixed lens eliminates the need for lens changes, and the slim profile supports casual photography on the go. However, the non-touch fixed LCD with 230K resolution restricts interface responsiveness and visibility, especially compared to the NEX-5R’s higher-res tilting screen. The minimalist control layout suits beginners but sacrifices quick manual overrides prized by enthusiasts.

From the top perspective, the NEX-5R boasts more physical control dials and function buttons, enabling direct access to shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation. Contrast this with the H55’s simplified interface, which lacks dedicated manual exposure controls, highlighting the latter’s lean towards automatic shooting.

Ergonomics Verdict: For photographers valuing manual input and tactile feedback, the NEX-5R’s layout is superior, while the H55 excels in portability and simplicity for casual snapshots.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of image quality lies the sensor, and here, the cameras diverge sharply.

Sony NEX-5R features a large APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm (365.04 mm² area), with a 16-megapixel effective resolution (4912 x 3264). This sensor class, common in DSLRs and mirrorless compacts, gathers significantly more light than typical compacts, producing better low-light performance, dynamic range, and color depth. It incorporates an antialiasing filter and utilizes the Bionz image processor, ensuring efficient noise reduction and accurate color rendering. Sony’s hybrid autofocus system leverages both phase detection and contrast detection, enhancing speed and accuracy.

The NEX-5R attains a DxOMark overall score of 78, with a color depth of 23.7 bits, dynamic range of 13.1 EV, and usable ISO extending to 910 before noticeable noise degradation.

Sony Cyber-shot H55, in contrast, equips a modest 1/2.3" CCD sensor, just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²), and offers 14 megapixels (4320 x 3240). While acceptable for casual use, this sensor size inherently limits image quality, especially in low-light and dynamic range. The max native ISO is 3200 but noise rises sharply above 400, confining versatility. The H55 possesses optical image stabilization in its fixed 25-250mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens to partly offset camera shake, which benefits telephoto and macro shots.

No official DxOMark scores exist for the H55, reflecting its lower positioning, but its performance is aligned with typical small-sensor compacts: usable for daylight and casual photography but limited for professional demands.

Image Quality Verdict: The NEX-5R’s APS-C sensor significantly outperforms the H55, delivering superior image fidelity, low-light control, and artistic potential.

Autofocus Performance: Precision and Speed under the Lens

Autofocus (AF) is crucial across all photography styles, from fast action to delicate macro. Here, the NEX-5R’s advanced AF system shines.

The NEX-5R utilizes a 99-point hybrid autofocus array combining fast phase-detection with contrast-detection AF. It supports multiple focusing modes including single, continuous, selective, center, live view AF, and even touch AF via the LCD. The camera offers face detection autofocus, though lacking the later animal eye AF, it remains agile for portrait and street shooting. Continuous AF tracking at 10 fps burst rate ensures subjects remain sharp in rapid sequences - ideal for sports or wildlife.

In contrast, the H55 uses a simple 9-point contrast-detection-only AF system without continuous or tracking modes. Focusing is adequate in bright conditions but noticeably slower and less reliable in low-light or with moving subjects. There’s no face detection or touch autofocus, adding to its limitations for dynamic photography.

Autofocus Verdict: The NEX-5R delivers a modern AF performance befitting enthusiast needs, while the H55’s AF system is basic and suited mostly for static or slow-moving subjects.

Exposure Control and Shooting Flexibility

The NEX-5R supports full manual exposure modes: shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual, alongside exposure compensation and custom white balance. These controls empower photographers to creatively manage depth of field, motion blur, and exposure accuracy.

The H55 offers an automatic exposure system with limited manual override; shutter and aperture priority modes are unavailable, compromising creative control. Exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing are also absent.

Shutter speeds on the NEX-5R range from 30s to 1/4000s, handy for long exposures and fast action, whereas the H55 restricts shutter speed to 1/1600s max, limiting capture of very fast movement.

Exposure Verdict: The NEX-5R supports advanced exposure control essential for enthusiasts seeking technical precision, while the H55 remains fully automatic and less versatile.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Performance

Both cameras round out at around 10 fps continuous shooting but with different practical outcomes.

The NEX-5R maintains 10 fps burst mode with continuous autofocus and JPEG+RAW output, suited for capturing dynamic sequences in sports or wildlife. Its buffer depth allows several seconds of continuous shooting before slowing.

The H55’s 10 fps burst mode (likely only JPEG) does not include continuous autofocus and can quickly fill the buffer due to slower processing and reduced storage speed.

Burst Shooting Verdict: The NEX-5R’s combination of speed, AF, and buffer depth supports action photography better than the H55.

Video Capabilities: High Definition Recording

The NEX-5R supports full 1080p HD video at 60 fps in AVCHD format, a significant upgrade over the H55’s 720p at 30 fps MPEG-4 video. The Sony NEX-5R’s video is crisp, fluid, and benefits from better autofocus during recording, though it lacks external microphone or headphone ports, limiting sound control.

The H55’s video is serviceable but not designed for professional use, with lower resolution and frame rate. Both cameras lack 4K or advanced video features such as profile picture controls.

Video Verdict: For videographers, the NEX-5R’s HD video capabilities provide more creative latitude and quality.

Display and Viewfinding: Composing Your Shot

The NEX-5R’s 3-inch tiltable's 920K-dot touchscreen enables easy framing at high or low angles and touch-to-focus/shutter functionality, enhancing creative shooting flexibility.

The H55’s fixed 3-inch 230K LCD is inferior in resolution, impacting image preview clarity and usability in bright conditions. Neither offers a built-in electronic viewfinder, though the NEX-5R supports optional external EVFs.

Display Verdict: The NEX-5R provides a more versatile and higher-quality user interface especially beneficial in challenging lighting and creative composition.

Lens Ecosystem: Expanding Creative Potential

Sony E-mount on the NEX-5R offers access to over 121 native lenses spanning fast primes, telephotos, macros, and specialized optics. This extensive ecosystem dramatically broadens photographic possibilities from macro to wildlife.

In contrast, the H55’s built-in 10x zoom lens (25-250mm equivalent) balances general-purpose versatility but cannot be changed or upgraded. Its optical stabilization aids telephoto sharpness, but users are limited to the fixed zoom range and aperture (f/3.5-5.5).

Lens Ecosystem Verdict: The NEX-5R’s interchangeable lens system decisively beats the H55’s all-in-one zoom lens for creative and professional growth.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras lack weather sealing or rugged durability features. Their plastic construction is lightweight but not designed for extreme conditions. The NEX-5R’s body incorporates a more robust design and a comfortable grip, while the H55 excels in convenience and pocketability but less so in durability.

Battery Life and Memory Options

The NEX-5R includes a rechargeable NPFW50 battery, rated for approximately 330 shots per charge according to CIPA standards. It uses a single SD/SDHC/SDXC or Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo slot.

The H55 uses an NP-BG1 battery but lacks official battery life ratings, typical of compact cameras with moderate endurance. It supports one storage slot compatible with multiple formats including SD and Memory Stick variants.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The NEX-5R provides built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote control - a forward-looking feature in 2012 that facilitates sharing and tethering. It includes HDMI output but only USB 2.0.

By contrast, the H55 offers no wireless connectivity and lacks HDMI output, limiting modern media workflows.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Now, let’s integrate these technical insights into practical shooting scenarios to clarify user alignment.

Sony NEX 5R front Sony NEX 5R screen back Sony H55 front Sony H55 screen back

• Portraits: With its larger sensor, precise AF with 99 focus points, and better color depth, the NEX-5R produces superior skin tones and smoother bokeh effects, especially when paired with fast prime lenses. The H55’s limited sensor and lens aperture cap its portrait performance to snapshot quality.

• Landscape: The NEX-5R’s sizable sensor and dynamic range allow capturing broader tonal gradations and finer details, particularly significant for sunrise, sunset, or high-contrast scenes. The H55’s smaller sensor and narrower dynamic range restrict tonal recovery but its wide-angle (25mm equiv.) can capture landscapes conveniently.

• Wildlife: The mirrorless system with rapid continuous AF tracking and lens interchangeability places the NEX-5R front and center for wildlife shooting. The H55's fixed 10x zoom is helpful for casual animal close-ups but AF speed and accuracy limit utility for action.

• Sports: The NEX-5R’s 10fps burst with AF tracking supports some sports action, though newer cameras have advanced beyond it. The H55’s simplified AF and slower shutter tops out at 1/1600s, limiting capture of fast athletes or ball sports.

• Street: The H55’s compact, discrete body and quick 10x zoom suit street photographers valuing stealth and situational flexibility, but the NEX-5R offers better image quality and creative control if size and setup time are acceptable trade-offs.

• Macro: The NEX-5R's compatibility with dedicated macro lenses and precise AF offers superior close-up capabilities. The H55 gives minimum macro focusing around 5cm with optical stabilization, a reasonable result for casual use.

• Night/Astro: The NEX-5R’s ability to shoot at higher ISO with lower noise and long exposures makes it significantly better for night and astrophotography. The H55 lacks this sensitivity and control for effective low-light captures.

• Video: For casual video blogging or family videos, the NEX-5R’s Full HD 60fps video is more professional, with better image fidelity and smoother autofocus. The H55 suffices for casual 720p video clips.

• Travel: The H55’s compact size and integrated zoom make it a convenient travel companion, while the NEX-5R offers image quality and versatility at the cost of extra weight and lens swaps.

• Professional Work: The NEX-5R’s RAW support, manual controls, and file types appeal to entry-level pros and advanced amateurs requiring reliable performance; the H55’s limitations and fixed lens design exclude it from professional workflows.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Drawing from DxOMark and field testing data, the NEX-5R leads in image quality, autofocus, and video performance, while the H55 scores lower but compensates with convenience and portability.

This genre-benchmarked chart highlights the NEX-5R’s superior ratings across most disciplines except for travel and street where the H55’s portability tips the scale slightly.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Sony NEX-5R if:

• You prioritize image quality, including low-light performance and dynamic range.
• You want interchangeable lenses and advanced manual controls to develop photography skills.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macros, and videos requiring creative precision.
• You are comfortable carrying additional lenses and accessories.
• You need wireless connectivity for easier media transfer and remote shooting.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55 if:

• You want a lightweight, easy-to-use camera with a versatile built-in zoom lens.
• Your photography is casual or travel-centric where pocketability and quick operation matter.
• You do not require advanced manual exposure modes or RAW image capture.
• Your budget is limited and you want straightforward point-and-shoot functionality.
• Video is a secondary concern, captured at moderate quality.

Concluding Thoughts

The Sony NEX-5R remains a notable example of early mirrorless innovation delivering outstanding image quality and creative control for entry-level to enthusiast photographers. Its larger APS-C sensor, comprehensive autofocus system, and flexible lens ecosystem create a platform suitable for growing photographic ambitions across most genres, albeit constrained by some dated features by 2024 standards.

Conversely, the Sony H55 serves as a simple, compact travel camera aimed at casual users valuing portability and simplicity with its all-in-one zoom lens and automatic shooting modes. While compromised in image quality and creative options, it remains a practical choice for everyday snapshots and those wary of manual complexity.

By understanding these nuanced distinctions through thorough technical and practical appraisal, photographers can confidently select the camera that best fits their workflow, style, and budget.

Thank you for reading this exhaustive comparison. For further individual test galleries, technical breakdowns, and hands-on usage tips, please explore our other evaluations or contact us directly for consultation.

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