Fujifilm X-E1 vs Sony NEX-5N

This is a full comparison between the cameras Fujifilm X-E1 and Sony NEX-5N. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Fujifilm X-E1 is manufacturered by Fujifilm but Sony NEX-5N is from Sony. Both Fujifilm and Sony are well known brands though.

Fujifilm X-E1 were released 2012 and Sony NEX-5N was released 2011. That is a 1 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Fujifilm X-E1 2012
Sony NEX-5N 2011

Type of camera

Both these cameras are Mirrorless cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Fujifilm X-E1 has a "Fujifilm APS-C"-sensor while Sony NEX-5N has a "Sony APS-C"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Fujifilm X-E1 75 mm
Fujifilm sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Sony NEX-5N 75 mm
Sony APS-C sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:

Resolution

Fujifilm X-E1 has a 16 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony NEX-5N has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Fujifilm X-E1 16 MP
15980544 pixels
4896 x 3264
Sony NEX-5N 16 MP
16032768 pixels
4912 x 3264

Sony NEX-5N has a 0 % larger resolution than Fujifilm X-E1. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Sony NEX-5N has a larger ISO-range than Fujifilm X-E1. Sony NEX-5N has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Fujifilm X-E1 has 200 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Fujifilm X-E1 200-6400
Sony NEX-5N 100-25600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Fujifilm X-E1
Lens compatibility chart for Sony NEX-5N

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Fujifilm X-E1 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds and Sony NEX-5N can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Fujifilm X-E1 6
Sony NEX-5N 10

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Fujifilm X-E1 and Sony NEX-5N can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Fujifilm X-E1 weighs 350 gr (equal to 0.77 lb) which is 30% heavier than Sony NEX-5N and its 269 gr (or 0.59 lb).

Camera Weight
Fujifilm X-E1 350 gr
0.77 lb
Sony NEX-5N 269 gr
0.59 lb

Fujifilm X-E1 vs Sony NEX-5N Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Fujifilm X-E1 and Sony NEX-5N, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
Name Fujifilm X-E1 Sony NEX-5N
Manufacturer Fujifilm Sony
Release Date and Price
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
Release Year 2012 2011
Release Date 2012-09-06 2011-08-24
MSRP 999 USD 599 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
Camera Type Mirrorless Mirrorless
Sensor
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4896 x 3264 pixels 4912 x 3264 pixels
Megapixels 16 MP 16 MP
Image Processor EXR Pro Bionz
Image
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
ISO Range 200 - 6400 100 - 25600
White Balance Presets 7 6
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Multi Area
Center
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Focus Points N/A 25
Lens Mount Fujifilm X

See Compatible Lenses
Sony E

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier APS-C Sensor (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
APS-C Sensor (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
Articulated LCD Fixed Tilting
Screen size 2.8” 3”
Screen dots 460000 920000
Touch screen No Yes
Screen type TFT color LCD monitor Tilt Up 80°, Down 45° TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Electronic Electronic (optional)
Viewfinder Coverage 100%
Viewfinder Magnification
Viewfinder Resolution N/A 0
Photography features
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
Frames per second 6 fps 10 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash Yes Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 12 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No No
Metering modes Multi
Spot
Average
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format H.264
AVCHD
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
1440 x 1080
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers Yes Yes
Storage
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Memory Stick Pro Duo
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No Yes
Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control Optional through RR-80
Yes (optional RMT-DSLR1)
GPS No No
Body & Dimensions
Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-5N
Enviromentally sealed No No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion NP-W126 rechargeable battery & charger
ithium-Ion NPFW50 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 350 shots 460 shots
Width 129 mm 111 mm
Height 75 mm 59 mm
Depth 38 mm 38 mm
Weight 350 gram 269 gram