- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Sony NEX-5N
- 16 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
Released August, 2011
Rated 77% by by c|net (Sep, 2011)Video looks very good, with bright, saturated colors, relatively sharp edges, and with no rolling shutter or moiré, rock solid in 60p.
Conclusion Check out the Sony NEX-5N
First reviewed December, 2011
Features Key features of the Sony NEX-5N
16 MP
APS-C
Rated 79% by by DPReview (Sep, 2011)While it is nice to see the addition of this level of flexibility while shooting video we're not certain that these features will be used to a large extent while recording, in many cases it is more useful to set all of your values before recording.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 16 MP    | 20 MP |
NEX-5N by amxmanThe combination of 23.6 x 15.8mm with a 16 million pixel count beats even the Nex 7N on low light performance (maybe due to higher pixel count on the Nex 7N for same sensor size ) and even some DSLRs.
NEX-5N by Ramesh-Kumar--dedicated (Dec, 2011)Close-ups are stunning with great bokeh and the high megapixel count permits very large enlargements or close cropping.
sensor size
NEX-5N by DPReview (Sep, 2011)The 16.1MP sensor in the 5N is capable of capturing images that rival some of the best APS-C format DSLRs on the market, and up to ISO 6400 image quality is impressive.
NEX-5N by TrustedReviews (Feb, 2012)Indeed, the compact-sized dimensions of the NEX-5n even hold up quite well against its Micro Four Thirds and Nikon CX competitors as well – at least in terms of the actual camera body.
body size
111 x 59 x 38 mm
148 x 111 x 74 mm
132 x 98 x 81 mm
NEX-5N by zach (Jul, 2012)the camera is light-weight, easy to use, and produces AMAZING quality photos and video.
NEX-5N by LGO--LG10 (Sep, 2011)As a long-time dSLR user now used to the size and weight of a dSLR with its fairly large and heavy weight lenses (e.g., Nikon D700+MB-D10 and 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II lens), the NEX-5N's most startling aspect for me was its small size and light weight.
focus points
| 0 | 99   | 100 |
NEX-5N by Slept-Thru-It (Nov, 2011)Many other reviews cover the overall high points of the camera, so I'll focus on a few review elements I think need reinforcement.
NEX-5N by Lee-Tsakh (Mar, 2012)For manual focusing, the focus-by-wire system present on the e-mount lenses feels somewhat disconnected but is very precise.
Performance Real world tests of Sony NEX-5N
DxOMark image quality
NEX-5N by Kreader (Aug, 2012)It is very fast, has great depth of color and it exceptional at low light photos, like night sky with little moonlight.
NEX-5N by Michael-McKee--mystic-cowboy (Apr, 2012)The NEX's hand held night function actually works very well, allowing me to take a number of indoor photos in low light that came out great.
DxOMark low light performance
NEX-5N by crow4868 (Mar, 2012)I'm really enjoying it's strengths such as stunningly vivid daylight shots and excellent low light quality.
shutter lag
| 0 ms | 235 ms | 200 ms |
NEX-5N by Photography Blog (Oct, 2011)For us the faster auto-focusing and greatly reduced shutter lag have a much bigger impact on the camera's handling and are worth upgrading from the NEX-3 / 5 or a simpler compact camera on their own.
NEX-5N by S.-James (Oct, 2011)Now while the focusing may be somewhat slow by dslr standards the shutter lag is the best in the world bar none right now.
continuous shooting
NEX-5N by c|net (Sep, 2011)It can burst at about 3.3fps, which is sufficient for occasionally shooting kids and pets, as long as they're not moving too fast.
NEX-5N by Pernell-Cox (Apr, 2013)Once dimension that can use improvement is the continuous shooting feature.
battery life
460 photos
800 photos
270 photos
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
pros
-
Contrast detection focusing system -
HD video -
Proprietary -
77.0 -
25,600 ISO -
920 k dots -
Fewer buttons, interact directly with menus -
Great for recording movies -
460 -
23.6 bits -
1,079 ISO -
12.7 ev -
Create 3D photos to view on a 3D TV -
For that film look -
Combines multiple photos together to capture both bright and dark areas -
Stitches together multiple photos into a single ultra-wide view -
84.24% -
269 g -
111 x 59 x 38 mm
cons
-
None -
Aug, 2011 -
Taking quality photos in low-light will require external hardware -
0 -
None
Reviews Word on the street
 |  
|
|---|---|
 | 
|
 |
|
 |
|
 | Rated by 239 users at amazon.com Rated 80% by by JR (Dec, 2011) Rated 80% by by Cosmonaut (Oct, 2011) |
Lens
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 80% by by Hassan-B.-Bn-HadhramOverall i recommend NEX 5n for anyone, it's hard to find anything similar in the market for the price right now (Amazing sensor/small camera/tilt LCD/shoots 1080p60 video/touchscreen/easy to use/etc), it does beat any Entry/mid range nikon/canon DSLR "IF" you are type of a person who just sticks to the zoom kit lens, NEX 5N got a better zoom Kit lens and the better sensor.
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 100% by by HS (May, 2012)I added the 80-200mm zoom telephoto lens, and am still extremely happy with the quality and versatility.
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 100% by by Y.-Lu--KOANGthe advanced Tri-Navi dial make no senses if you mainly use manual lenses.
Sensor
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 100% by by Eric-C.-Anderson (Nov, 2011)Sony is pushing the pixel count far out and the results are not nearly as good, nor is high ISO nearly as good.
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Oct, 2011)Featuring a 16.1 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, 25-point contrast-detect autofocus system, 49-segment exposure meter and 3-inch tilting LCD panel with 921,000-dot resolution, the NEX-5N also offers a brand new touch-screen interface, an expanded ISO range of 100-25600 and both a mechanical and electronic shutter.
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 100% by by Re-Decker--Mr.-Ed (Jul, 2012)Now I'm looking for video editing software with the knowledge that this will deliver raw footage I won't need to be ashamed of on high-definition screens.
Video
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 100% by by HS (May, 2012)I HIGHLY recommend this camera, as well as the 18-55 lens, the 16mm and the fisheye adapter and an extra battery, as well as a large fast memory chip (64GB Komputer Bay class 10 works very well); and the extra audio adapter (but only if you plan to take advantage of the excellent 1080p video).
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 100% by by Uncle-J (Sep, 2011)So yes, I am a happy camper, the camera is awesome, it takes great pictures, and even better video, I love the continuous auto-focus on HD video and the 24FPS look.
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Oct, 2011)With a 16 megapixel APS HD CMOS sensor, 1080p HD movies, high-res 3 inch tilting screen and external flash, the NEX-5N also adds a touchscreen user interface, faster auto-focus and reduced shutter-lag.
Screen
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 80% by by Charlie-Hill (Dec, 2011)The high-res LCD makes a great display with nice clear text overlays, although I have found myself wanting the electronic viewfinder in some bright sunlight conditions.
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 80% by by Sofia-Hernandez--Lover--fighter--sister--moth... (Aug, 2012)Onto colors: It has been a joy shooting images where the colors pop out of the screen!
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 100% by by Sean-Lancaster (Oct, 2011)The touch screen can pop up and tilt up or down, which is nice when trying to be stealth or trying to shoot over a crowd.
Image quality
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 80% by by S.-James (Oct, 2011)This is when your subject is crisp and that beautiful rose bush behind them is blurry with just some great color coming through and wow the picture just jumps at you.
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 100% by by Nicholas-Parks (Feb, 2012)For the image quality, size and price, I doubt you can beat this camera.
Sony NEX-5N | Rated 100% by by pimeson (Oct, 2011)The image quality coming from this small frame is absolutely fantastic.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | Sony NEX-5R Larger dynamic range NEX-5R vs NEX-5N |
 | 2 | Sony SLT A57 Fastest rapid fire mode SLT A57 vs NEX-5N |
 | 3 | Canon EOS 7D Is weather sealed Canon EOS 7D vs Sony NEX-5N |
 | 4 | Sony NEX-F3 4-way tie: Most detailed video recording mode NEX-F3 vs NEX-5N |
 | 5 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 Long long exposure Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 vs Sony NEX-5N |
 | 6 | Sony NEX-5 2-way tie: Smallest NEX-5 vs NEX-5N |
 | 7 | Pentax K-01 Largest sensor Pentax K-01 vs Sony NEX-5N |
 | 8 | Samsung NX1000 High resolution Samsung NX1000 vs Sony NEX-5N |
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
Popular Questions
June 21, 2012
I need help deciding! Nikon D3200 vs. Sony NEX-5N
I'm a beginner but a lot of my friends have DSLR's and I have played around with theirs a lot of times. I was planning on buying the D3200 but when I went to the store to actually try it, I I...
Visitor
15
Answers July 13, 2012
Does the NEX-7 viewfinder justify its cost vs. the NEX-5N?
I love the size and features of the NEX-7 but it is SO expensive. The NEX-5N is almost as capable in all dimensions, but for 2.5x less. The main thing I'm wondering about is the lack of Is the...
Beginner II
8
Answers May 8, 2012
Ability to take good quality sports/action shots
I had an SLR many years ago and my first DSLR was a compact SONY DSC-H9 i bought 5 years ago, but am seriously considering the Nikon V1 combined with the Nikkor 30-110 lens. The price of this the...
Visitor
7
Answers Latest Questions
May 11, 2012
The image quality for streetpictures or portraits...
I am a little bit less than an expert :-) and I love streetphotography and portraits
Visitor
2
Answers December 11, 2012
An 8000 mile bicycle ride through South America with my son.
Hello, I am a photographer and have been shooting photos for over 40 years. Started with a Yashaka D, moved to Minolta and am currently using a cannon 20 D I don't want to lug my SLR 8000 mi....
Visitor
1
Answers December 21, 2012
Digital camera for HD indoor video with second hand price of £200/$300
I'm looking for a digital camera that shoots high quality HD video indoors. My budget is around £200/$300 for a used camera so it cant be a camera that's just out. A GH2 is just outside my I...
Visitor
1
Answers Unanswered Questions
- 24 discussions
- View more
Visitor
0
Answers January 20, 2013
Baby photography
Want clear pictures when my baby is laughing, rolling, walking etc
Visitor
0
Answers January 8, 2013
Vacation general photography
Which of the 3 will give me the most bang for my buck right out of the box? Nex-f3, Nex-5n, or the Nex-5r? want to take good pics on a trip to Disney and have a decent camera to possibly get into...
Visitor
0
Answers Community Find out what the Sortable community is saying about the Sony NEX-5N
60
people have recommended the
Sony NEX-5NTop Sony NEX-5N experts at Sortable
Denny-Ordinary 
Beginner II
Harri-Heikkil 
Intermediate III
Brenden-Sherratt 
Expert I
sasuke1212 
Intermediate I
Nikon D3200
- 24.1 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
5 more Sortable users recommended the Sony NEX-5N over the Nikon D3200.
View all discussions | View comparison 
Beginner II
10
votes I have loved my 5n and have used it for landscape and studio shoots incl wedding video actingheadshots at facebook.com <https://facebook.com/actingheadshots> i am always going to look at Nikon and...
- 0 comments
- June 21, 2012
- Reply to: I need help deciding! Nikon D3200 vs. Sony NEX-5N
Sony NEX-7
- 24 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
3 more Sortable users recommended the NEX-5N over the NEX-7.
View all discussions | View comparison Beginner II
2
votes IMO, if you have the money, buy a 5n + SEL18200 (vs. a 7). And if you need more megapix, save for a D800. Tri-navi is nice, but you can program the 5n for easy function access and you can buy a a...
- 0 comments
- July 17, 2012
- Reply to: Does the NEX-7 viewfinder justify its cost vs. the NEX-5N?
Expert I
0
votes 5N should satisfy all ur needs - get some good glass as recommended by others too
- 0 comments
- May 11, 2013
- Reply to: The image quality for streetpictures or portraits...
