Nikon 1 J2 vs Sony NEX-5

Let's look more in depth at the Nikon 1 J2 versus Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the 1 J2 (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the 1 J2 (1") and NEX-5 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

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The 1 J2 was announced 2 years after the NEX-5 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the 1 J2 matches up vs the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 J2 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are available at Nikon 1 J2 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon 1 J2 provides outer measurements of 106mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.2") along with a weight of 238 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Examine the Nikon 1 J2 versus Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the 1 J2 against the NEX-5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 J2 and NEX-5 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to picture the gap in sensor sizes merely by going through specs. The picture below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 J2 and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The 1 J2 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony NEX-5 will produce more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The newer 1 J2 provides a benefit in sensor tech.