Sony NEX-5T vs Sony W290

Here is a in-depth analysis of the Sony NEX-5T and Sony W290, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the resolutions of the NEX-5T (16MP) and W290 (12MP) and the NEX-5T (APS-C) and W290 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-5T was introduced 4 years later than the W290 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-5T being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W290 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a simple summary of how the NEX-5T scores against the W290 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-5T & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The whole galleries are available at Sony NEX-5T Gallery & Sony W290 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Sony NEX-5T features physical measurements 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 W290 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-5T and Sony W290 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the NEX-5T compared to the W290.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-5T and W290 is 89 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing purely by looking through a spec sheet. The visual here may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5T and W290.

As you can see, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The NEX-5T using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Sony NEX-5T will render greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern NEX-5T is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.