Sony NEX-5R vs Sony TX66

In this article, we will be evaluating the Sony NEX-5R versus Sony TX66, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact and both of them are sold by Sony. The sensor resolution of the NEX-5R (16MP) and the TX66 (18MP) is pretty comparable but the NEX-5R (APS-C) and TX66 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5R was revealed 7 months later than the TX66 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony TX66 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short highlight of how the NEX-5R scores versus the TX66 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5R and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66. The full galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-5R Gallery and Sony TX66 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-5R comes with outside measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Sony TX66 has sizing of 93mm x 54mm x 13mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.5") with a weight of 109 grams (0.24 lbs).

Analyze the Sony NEX-5R versus Sony TX66 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the NEX-5R compared to the TX66.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5R and TX66 is 89 and 97 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing merely by seeing technical specs. The visual below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5R and TX66.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The NEX-5R with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Sony TX66 will show extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent NEX-5R is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.