Sony NEX-5N has a
16.0MP APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Bionz processor. On the other hand, Canon SX50 HS has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Digic 5 processor.
Below you can see the NEX-5N and SX50 HS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony NEX-5N and Canon SX50 HS Cameras
As seen above, Sony NEX-5N has a 13.0x Larger sensor area than Canon SX50 HS. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Sony NEX-5N and Canon SX50 HS sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, NEX-5N has scored 77, 30 points higher than SX50 HS.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Sony NEX-5N
77
23.6 bits
12.7 Evs
1079 ISO
Canon SX50 HS
47
20.3 bits
11.2 Evs
179 ISO
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Sony NEX-5N
or the
Canon SX50 HS ,
including hyperfocal distance.
One thing to watch when comparing these two: they have different sensor sizes
(APS-C versus 1/2.3-inch),
so compare them at the same framing rather than the same focal length.
Put the same focal length on the smaller sensor and it will show less depth of
field, not more, because it also crops tighter. The calculator shows the
full frame equivalent focal length for each body so you can match the framing.
