Sony NEX-5R vs Sony WX5

Its time to look much closer at the Sony NEX-5R versus Sony WX5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both manufactured by Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the NEX-5R (16MP) and WX5 (12MP) and the NEX-5R (APS-C) and WX5 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The NEX-5R was brought out 2 years later than the WX5 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony WX5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summation of how the NEX-5R grades versus the WX5 in the way of 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-WX5. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-5R Gallery and Sony WX5 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-5R offers outer 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 WX5 has proportions of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-5R versus Sony WX5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the NEX-5R against the WX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5R and WX5 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5R and WX5.

Clearly, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The NEX-5R featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony NEX-5R will resolve extra detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The newer NEX-5R is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.