Sony NEX-5T vs Sony S980

Here, we are reviewing the Sony NEX-5T versus Sony S980, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are manufactured by Sony. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the NEX-5T (16MP) and S980 (12MP) and the NEX-5T (APS-C) and S980 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5T was unveiled 4 years after the S980 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-5T being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a brief overview of how the NEX-5T scores against the S980 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-5T and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are available at Sony NEX-5T Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-5T has exterior measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Sony S980 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Sony NEX-5T versus Sony S980 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the NEX-5T and the S980.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5T and S980 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizes purely by seeing technical specs. The picture below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5T and S980.

As you have seen, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The NEX-5T using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony NEX-5T will show greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more recent NEX-5T will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.