The Sony NEX-5T vs Sony HX350: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Cameras

Choosing a camera today is both thrilling and a bit daunting. The sheer variety - from mirrorless systems to superzoom bridge cameras - means you’re not just picking a device, but an entire photographic approach. Today, I’ll walk you through a detailed comparison between two wildly different Sony offerings: the Sony Alpha NEX-5T and the Sony Cyber-shot HX350. These cameras cater to distinct audiences but have crossed my test bench side-by-side more than once. My goal here: to guide you through their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world use to find which might be a better fit for your photography journey.

Let’s dive in!

A Tale of Two Cameras: Mirrorless vs Superzoom Bridge

At first glance, the Sony NEX-5T and HX350 feel like they belong in separate worlds. The NEX-5T is an entry-level mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, offering flexibility and image quality. The HX350, on the other hand, is a bridge-style superzoom with a fixed, insanely long 50x zoom lens.

The physical difference says it all. The compact, rangefinder-style design of the NEX-5T (measuring roughly 111x59x39mm and weighing only 276g) clearly targets portability and user-friendly handling. Meanwhile, the HX350 is noticeably larger and heavier, built more like a DSLR with SLR-style ergonomics (130x93x103mm and a hefty 652g). If you prize lightweight gear that tucks into a jacket pocket, the NEX-5T wins here hands down.

Sensor, Image Quality & Raw Potential

At the heart of any camera’s image looks is the sensor and processing pipeline. This duo profoundly shapes image detail, dynamic range, noise handling, and color accuracy.

Sensor Technologies in Play

The NEX-5T sports a standard APS-C sensor, measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm, with 16MP resolution. This sensor size is common in enthusiast mirrorless cameras and DSLRs, offering distinctly better light-gathering capabilities and dynamic range compared to smaller sensors.

The HX350 has a much smaller 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with 20MP. Despite the higher pixel count on paper, the sensor's small size results in diminished performance, particularly in low light, noise, and depth of field control.

What You See in Real-World Tests

During my lab and field tests, the NEX-5T’s sensor proved capable of rendering rich color depth (DxO color depth score: 23.6) and impressive dynamic range (13 EVs), boasting superior highlight retention and smooth shadow gradients. Its low-light noise performance was good for its era, supporting ISO up to 25600 (though practical noise-free images top out around ISO 1600-3200).

The HX350 lacks detailed DxO Mark data, but in my shooting, its small sensor results in:

• Noticeable noise at ISO 800 and above
• Limited dynamic range, causing quicker highlight clipping
• Less control over shallow depth of field (more on that later)

Overall, the NEX-5T is the clear king for image quality.

Autofocus and Speed - Catching The Moment

For any photographer, autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break shots - especially for wildlife, sports, or street.

NEX-5T: Hybrid AF System

Sony’s NEX-5T incorporates a hybrid autofocus system with both phase detection and contrast detection, covering 99 focus points. The hybrid AF brings quicker acquisition than pure contrast systems and gives it a decent edge in continuous autofocus tracking during burst shooting (up to 10 fps). The camera supports face detection autofocus, including eye detection, which is a real boon for portrait photographers wanting sharp focus on eyes.

HX350: Contrast-Detect AF

The HX350 relies solely on contrast detection AF with no phase-detection assistance, limiting AF speed and tracking capabilities. It lacks tracking AF for continuous bursts and does not include advanced eye detection.

In practical photography with moving subjects, the NEX-5T’s system is noticeably more reliable at locking focus quickly and staying there through bursts or video recording. The HX350 can struggle to maintain focus on erratically moving wildlife or sports players.

Handling and Ergonomics: Controls at Your Fingertips

You want your camera to feel intuitive - controlling settings swiftly without fumbling.

The NEX-5T’s control layout is minimalist, aimed at beginners, but with enough manual modes - shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure - to satisfy enthusiasts. The tilting 3” LCD supports touch input with excellent resolution (922k dots), making menu navigation and focus selection straightforward.

In contrast, the HX350 provides a more traditional bridge camera experience with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) built in, albeit with low resolution (202k dots). Its fixed lens means aperture rings or manual zoom rings are not present, but zoom speed and control feel robust.

The NEX-5T’s 180º tilt screen outclasses the HX350’s less versatile tilt; a helpful feature for selfie enthusiasts or creative angles.

Both cameras lack illuminated buttons, but the NEX-5T’s touchscreen somewhat compensates for this by offering faster, on-screen adjustments. That said, the HX350’s dedicated buttons for key functions may appeal to photographers who prefer tactile feedback.

Lens Ecosystem and Creative Versatility

A defining advantage of the NEX-5T lies in its compatibility with Sony’s E-mount lenses. As of now, there are 121 native lenses - spanning ultra wide to super telephoto, macro, prime, and zooms from third-party manufacturers as well.

This extensive native lens support allows you to tailor your gear to many photography styles:

• Portraits: fast 50mm f/1.8 primes for creamy bokeh and sharpness
• Landscapes: high-quality wide-angle zooms or primes for edge-to-edge clarity
• Macro: dedicated macro E-mount lenses
• Wildlife and sports: telephoto zooms to reach distant subjects

No fixed lens camera can offer similar flexibility.

The HX350’s fixed 24-1200mm f/2.8-6.3 zoom lens is a marvel for its zoom range - 50x optical! It covers everything from wide landscapes to extreme telephoto. However, optical compromises exist:

• Aperture narrows significantly at long end (f/6.3), limiting low light and background separation
• Distortion and chromatic aberrations are more noticeable at zoom extremes
• No possibility to upgrade or swap lenses limits creative growth

Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting for Action

For handheld telephoto shots, whether wildlife or sports, image stabilization is critical.

The HX350 features built-in optical image stabilization (Sony’s SteadyShot technology), vital given the 1200mm equivalent reach, helping to mitigate handshake blur. This system performs admirably, extending the usability of long zoom shots handheld into slower shutter speeds.

The NEX-5T, unfortunately, lacks in-body stabilization but relies on optically stabilized lenses. That means stable images are dependent on lens choice. If you pair it with non-stabilized lenses, you may need a tripod or high shutter speeds to keep blur at bay.

On burst speed, both cameras claim 10 fps. The NEX-5T delivers quicker and more accurate continuous autofocus performance during shooting bursts, making it more suitable for action photography.

Video Performance: Full HD with Some Caveats

In today’s multimedia world, video capability matters more than ever.

Both cameras can shoot Full HD 1080p video:

• NEX-5T records 60p, 60i, and 24p at 1920x1080 resolution with AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, providing decent frame rate options for cinematic or smooth footage.
• HX350 also records 1080p video but only at 30 fps (PAL / NTSC frame rates may vary) using AVCHD or MPEG-4.

Neither camera offers 4K video or mic/headphone ports, limiting serious videographers.

The NEX-5T’s lack of image stabilization hurts video handheld smoothness unless stabilized lenses are used. The HX350, by contrast, benefits from effective optical stabilization for steadier video capture.

Battery Life and Portability: Power on the Go

Considering real-world usability means weighing battery life and overall convenience.

The NEX-5T uses Sony’s NP-FW50 battery, offering around 330 shots per charge (CIPA rating). It’s modest, matching many entry-level mirrorless cameras of its time but may require spare batteries for all-day shoots.

The HX350 delivers about 300 shots per charge. While slightly less, its larger size can accommodate bigger batteries in other models hypothetically, but this camera sticks to compact power.

Neither camera offers USB charging, so an external charger is needed.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Neither the NEX-5T nor HX350 offers weather sealing or ruggedized build. Outdoor photographers shooting in the rain or dusty conditions should be cautious or consider additional protections.

Real-World Use Case Scenarios

Portrait Photography

The NEX-5T’s large sensor and rich lens selection give it an edge in portrait work. Its eye AF and face detection, combined with the ability to shoot wide-aperture lenses, create creamy bokeh and natural skin tones hard to beat by the HX350. The HX350’s small sensor and slower lens apertures limit subject isolation, though it still can capture decent close-ups.

Landscape Photography

With APS-C resolution and dynamic range, the NEX-5T often produces more detailed, nuanced landscapes. However, the HX350’s enormous zoom could let you frame distant subjects creatively without changing lenses or carrying heavy gear. If weather resistance is a priority, neither excels.

Wildlife and Sports

For demanding speed and reach, the HX350’s 1200mm equivalent zoom lens has obvious appeal for distant wildlife. However, the NEX-5T’s faster hybrid AF and better image quality might be more rewarding if you invest in a long telephoto lens. The HX350’s lack of AF tracking makes fast-moving subjects difficult to capture sharply.

Street Photography

The compact NEX-5T is better suited for discretion and maneuverability in tight urban spaces. Its silent shutter modes and tilting touchscreen allow more candid shots. The HX350, being larger and heavier, can be cumbersome in street scenarios.

Macro Photography

The NEX-5T’s ability to change lenses opens doors to macro work with dedicated lenses. The HX350 offers a macro focus down to 1 cm, which is surprisingly close, but is limited by its fixed lens optical quality.

Night and Astro Photography

The large APS-C sensor of the NEX-5T excels at high ISO performance, necessary for star fields and low-light scenes. The HX350’s small sensor noise quickly degrades image quality in such conditions.

Travel Photography

If you treasure compactness and flexibility, the NEX-5T suits travel well, letting you pack multiple lenses if you wish. The HX350’s fixed lens zoom makes for less lens juggling, but bulk and weight might be a burden on long treks.

Professional Work and Workflow

The NEX-5T supports RAW capture, crucial for professional post-processing and color grading. The HX350 lacks RAW support, limiting professional image editing. For professionals needing reliable file flexibility, the NEX-5T is preferred.

Connectivity and Extras

The NEX-5T offers built-in WiFi and NFC for easy image transfer to smartphones, a plus in fast-paced shooting environments. The HX350 has no wireless features.

Both cameras have HDMI output for external monitors but lack microphone or headphone jacks, limiting video accessories.

Final Performance Scores at a Glance

Looking at comprehensive performance scoring - especially sensor quality, autofocus, and versatility - the NEX-5T leads in image quality, speed, and creative control. The HX350 shines mainly in superzoom reach and optical stabilization.

From portrait to wildlife to travel, the NEX-5T generally outperforms except in extreme zoom telephoto reach where the HX350’s lens dominates.

Sample Image Gallery: Seeing Is Believing

Sony NEX 5T front Sony NEX 5T screen back Sony HX350 front Sony HX350 screen back

The sample photos confirm expectations: the NEX-5T produces crisper, cleaner photos with more natural colors and smoother bokeh. The HX350’s images are fine for casual use or extensive zoomed-in shots but lack the polish preferred by enthusiasts.

Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Sony NEX-5T if you:

• Value image quality, dynamic range, and greater creative control
• Want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses tailored to multiple genres
• Are interested in portraits, landscapes, macro, and low-light work
• Require RAW files for serious editing workflows
• Desire wireless connectivity and a compact, lightweight body
• Are willing to invest in lenses and accessories over time

Pick the Sony HX350 if you:

• Want an all-in-one camera with insane zoom reach (24-1200mm equivalent)
• Prefer a DSLR-style body with built-in EVF and optical stabilization
• Need straightforward point-and-shoot usability with manual features
• Shoot casual travel or wildlife photos without the hassle of lens changes
• Have a limited budget and want fast access to diverse focal lengths
• Are less concerned with image quality nuances or professional RAW processing

Final Thoughts: Distinct Tools for Distinct Needs

It's tempting to compare the Sony NEX-5T and HX350 head to head, but they serve entirely different photographer types. The NEX-5T stands as a flexible, capable entry-level mirrorless system for enthusiasts craving quality and lens variety. The HX350 is a one-lens superzoom champion aimed at convenience seekers who prize reach over sensor performance.

If you prioritize image quality, low-light ability, and creative potential, the NEX-5T remains a compelling choice despite its age. For those who want a single camera to capture scenes from sweeping vistas to distant wildlife without swapping lenses, the HX350 shines.

Both cameras reflect Sony’s innovative spirit in their respective categories, and spending hands-on time with each reveals their unique charms. I hope this in-depth analysis helps you find the right fit for your photographic aspirations.

Happy shooting!

If you want to dive deeper, check my extended hands-on reviews and sample galleries linked above. Feel free to ask any questions - choosing gear is as much about your style and priorities as specs on paper.

Safe travels and sharp focusing!