• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 365.0mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Sony NEX-5 advantages over Sony NEX-C3

  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sony NEX-C3 advantages over Sony NEX-5

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,083 vs 796 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.5 fps vs 2.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

  • Very small body, refined build. Large sensor for good light gathering. Various low-light shooting modes to improve results. HD video mode with real-time autofocus.

  • Menu-driven interface is sometimes confusing, making quickly finding what you want difficult. Camera may be too small for some.

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-3

Sony NEX-5
Sony NEX-3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Sony NEX-C3
Sony NEX-3
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Samsung NX100

Sony NEX-5
Samsung NX100
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony NEX-C3
Samsung NX100
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $799
  • APS-C

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-5
Sony NEX-5N
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony NEX-C3
Sony NEX-5N
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compared to Samsung NX200

Sony NEX-5
Samsung NX200
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • More pixels
Sony NEX-C3
Samsung NX200
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • More pixels

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-5
Sony NEX-5R
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Sony NEX-C3
Sony NEX-5R
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
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