• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

Buy From

Differences

Sony NEX-5 advantages over Fujifilm X-E1

  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $1400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Fast startup
    ~1.00 vs 2.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Lighter weight
    502g vs 687g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 16 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Fujifilm X-E1 advantages over Sony NEX-5

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.5 fps vs 2.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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

  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony NEX-5

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm X-E1
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All X-E1 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Produces superior image quality that's better than many DSLRs; Handsome and functional camera design recalls classic rangefinder models; Surprisingly good kit lens.

  • Mixed-bag operational performance, with sluggish startup and mediocre autofocus speed and shot-to-shot times; Video quality is only so-so.

  • Read our Fujifilm X-E1 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-3

Sony NEX-5
Sony NEX-3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony NEX-5 vs Sony NEX-3

Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-3
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Fujifilm X-E1 vs Sony NEX-3

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

Compare Sony NEX-5 vs Samsung NX100

Fujifilm X-E1
Samsung NX100
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Fujifilm X-E1 vs Samsung NX100

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5
Sony NEX-C3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony NEX-5 vs Sony NEX-C3

Fujifilm X-E1
Sony NEX-C3
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Fujifilm X-E1 vs Sony NEX-C3

Compared to Fujifilm X-E2

Sony NEX-5
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1059
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony NEX-5 vs Fujifilm X-E2

Fujifilm X-E1
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • $1059
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Fujifilm X-E1 vs Fujifilm X-E2

Compared to Fujifilm X-T10

Sony NEX-5
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Lighter weight
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony NEX-5 vs Fujifilm X-T10

Fujifilm X-E1
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup

Compare Fujifilm X-E1 vs Fujifilm X-T10

Compare Other Cameras?