Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R
92 Imaging
44 Features
63 Overall
51
![Nikon 1 J3 front Nikon 1 J3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-1-J3/Nikon-1-J3-front.jpg)
![Sony Alpha NEX-5R front Sony Alpha NEX-5R front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Sony-Alpha-NEX-5R/Sony-NEX-5R-front.jpg)
89 Imaging
57 Features
76 Overall
64
Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 201g - 101 x 61 x 29mm
- Announced November 2013
- Superseded the Nikon 1 J2
- Renewed by Nikon 1 J4
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 276g - 111 x 59 x 39mm
- Launched August 2012
- Succeeded the Sony NEX-5N
- Renewed by Sony NEX-5T
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R Overview
In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Nikon 1 J3 and Sony NEX-5R, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is pretty similar but the 1 J3 (1") and NEX-5R (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
The 1 J3 was introduced 16 months after the NEX-5R which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the 1 J3 scores versus the NEX-5R when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J3 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 J3 over the Sony NEX-5R
1 J3 | NEX-5R | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | November 2013 | ![]() | August 2012 | More modern by 16 months |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 920k | Crisper screen (+1k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-5R over the Nikon 1 J3
NEX-5R | 1 J3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Nikon 1 J3 and Sony NEX-5R
1 J3 | NEX-5R | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen |
Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon 1 J3 comes with outside measurements of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5R has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).
See the Nikon 1 J3 and Sony NEX-5R in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the 1 J3 against the NEX-5R.
![Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R size comparison Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-1-J3-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-5R-size-comparison.jpg)
Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J3 and NEX-5R is 92 and 89 respectively.
![Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R top view buttons comparison Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-1-J3-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-5R-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading technical specs. The picture underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 J3 and NEX-5R.
As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 1 J3 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-5R will offer you more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The fresher 1 J3 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.
![Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R sensor size comparison Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-1-J3-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-5R-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-1-J3-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-5R-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-5R Specifications
Nikon 1 J3 | Sony Alpha NEX-5R | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon 1 J3 | Sony Alpha NEX-5R |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Announced | 2013-11-30 | 2012-08-29 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 116.2mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4608 x 3072 | 4912 x 3264 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 25600 |
Lowest native ISO | 160 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | 135 | 99 |
Cross type focus points | 41 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Nikon 1 | Sony E |
Amount of lenses | 13 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.7 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 921k dots | 920k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Screen tech | TFT LCD | Tilt Up 180� Down 50� TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic (optional) |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Max silent shutter speed | 1/16000 seconds | - |
Continuous shutter rate | 15.0fps | 10.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.00 m | no built-in flash |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | 1/60 seconds | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 1072 x 720 (60 fps) 640 x 240 (400), 320 x 120 (1200) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Optional | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 201 gr (0.44 lbs) | 276 gr (0.61 lbs) |
Dimensions | 101 x 61 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 111 x 59 x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 52 | 78 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.4 | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.0 | 13.1 |
DXO Low light rating | 420 | 910 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 photographs | 330 photographs |
Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL20 | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
Time lapse feature | With downloadable app | |
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch price | $170 | $750 |