Sony NEX-5R vs Sony RX10

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Sony NEX-5R vs Sony RX10, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-5R (16MP) and the RX10 (20MP) is relatively similar but the NEX-5R (APS-C) and RX10 (1") enjoy different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5R was manufactured 18 months prior to the RX10 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the NEX-5R matches up vs the RX10 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-5R and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-5R Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-5R features outer measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 has sizing of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") and a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-5R vs Sony RX10 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the NEX-5R against the RX10.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5R and RX10 is 89 and 58 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes only by going over technical specs. The picture below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5R and RX10.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The NEX-5R because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony RX10 will deliver more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged NEX-5R is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.