Sony NEX-5R vs Sony W550

Following is a extended assessment of the Sony NEX-5R vs Sony W550, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact and both are built by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-5R (16MP) and the W550 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the NEX-5R (APS-C) and W550 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5R was introduced 14 months after the W550 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick overview of how the NEX-5R scores versus the W550 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-5R & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The whole galleries are available at Sony NEX-5R Gallery & Sony W550 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera, you should factor in its weight and size. The Sony NEX-5R enjoys outside dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Sony W550 has specifications of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Check out the Sony NEX-5R vs Sony W550 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the NEX-5R compared to the W550.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the NEX-5R and W550 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes just by checking out technical specs. The picture here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-5R and W550.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The NEX-5R using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony NEX-5R will provide more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more recent NEX-5R will have an edge in sensor technology.