Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony a5100

Below is a extensive analysis of the Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the 1 J3 (14MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the 1 J3 (1") and a5100 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

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The 1 J3 was launched 8 months prior to the a5100 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the 1 J3 grades vs the a5100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J3 & Sony Alpha a5100. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera, you have 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) and the Sony a5100 has specifications of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony a5100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the 1 J3 against the a5100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J3 and a5100 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualize the difference in sensor measurements purely by seeing specifications. The photograph underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 J3 and a5100.

To sum up, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 1 J3 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony a5100 will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older 1 J3 will be behind in sensor technology.