Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Sony NEX-5N and Nikon P310 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Sony NEX-5N has external dimensions of 111 x 59 x 38 mm (4.37 x 2.32 x 1.5″) and weighs 269 g (0.59 lb / 9.49 oz) (including batteries). Nikon P310 has external dimensions of 103 x 58 x 32 mm (4.06 x 2.28 x 1.26″) and weighs 194 g (0.43 lb / 6.84 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Sony NEX-5N and the Nikon P310. Nikon P310 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 8mm narrower, 1mm shorter and 6mm thinner than Sony NEX-5N. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Nikon P310 has a built-in lens but Sony NEX-5N doesn't. Once you put a lens on NEX-5N, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Sony NEX-5N and Nikon P310.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Sony NEX-5N and Nikon P310.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Nikon P310 is significantly lighter (75g ) than the Sony NEX-5N which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on NEX-5N, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Sony Alpha NEX-5N nor Nikon Coolpix P310 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Sony NEX-5N and Nikon P310's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Sony NEX-5N features a
Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels whereas the Nikon P310 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to NEX-5N.