Nikon 1 AW1 vs Sony a5100

Lets look closer at the Nikon 1 AW1 versus Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Nikon and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the 1 AW1 (14MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the 1 AW1 (1") and a5100 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The 1 AW1 was unveiled 11 months earlier than the a5100 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short overview of how the 1 AW1 matches up vs the a5100 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 AW1 and Sony Alpha a5100. The full galleries are available at Nikon 1 AW1 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 AW1 provides outer dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.5") having a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Sony a5100 has sizing of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Check the Nikon 1 AW1 versus Sony a5100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the 1 AW1 compared to the a5100.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 AW1 and a5100 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to see the contrast in sensor dimensions only by looking through a spec sheet. The pic here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 AW1 and a5100.

As you can see, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 1 AW1 with its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Sony a5100 will render greater detail having an extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged 1 AW1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.