Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5N
92 Imaging
49 Features
62 Overall
54


89 Imaging
56 Features
69 Overall
61
Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5N Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 160 - 12800
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 232g - 100 x 60 x 29mm
- Launched April 2014
- Old Model is Nikon 1 J3
- Replacement is Nikon 1 J5
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 269g - 111 x 59 x 38mm
- Launched October 2011
- Earlier Model is Sony NEX-5
- Updated by Sony NEX-5R

Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5N Overview
Below, we are looking at the Nikon 1 J4 versus Sony NEX-5N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the 1 J4 (18MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is very comparable but the 1 J4 (1") and NEX-5N (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

The 1 J4 was unveiled 2 years later than the NEX-5N and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the 1 J4 scores versus the NEX-5N in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5N Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 J4 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are available at Nikon 1 J4 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 J4 over the Sony NEX-5N
1 J4 | NEX-5N | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | April 2014 | ![]() | October 2011 | More recent by 31 months |
Display resolution | 1037k | ![]() | 920k | Clearer display (+117k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-5N over the Nikon 1 J4
NEX-5N | 1 J4 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Common features in the Nikon 1 J4 and Sony NEX-5N
1 J4 | NEX-5N | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical display size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5N Physical Comparison
For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 J4 features exterior dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).
Analyze the Nikon 1 J4 versus Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the 1 J4 against the NEX-5N.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J4 and NEX-5N is 92 and 89 respectively.

Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5N Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it is tough to see the difference in sensor measurements just by going through technical specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 J4 and NEX-5N.
As you can tell, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 J4 using its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Nikon 1 J4 will show extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos much more aggressively. The fresher 1 J4 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.

Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5N Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5N Specifications
Nikon 1 J4 | Sony Alpha NEX-5N | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Sony |
Model | Nikon 1 J4 | Sony Alpha NEX-5N |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Launched | 2014-04-10 | 2011-10-03 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Expeed 4 | 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 | 18MP | 16MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 5232 x 3488 | 4912 x 3264 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 25600 |
Minimum native ISO | 160 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 171 | 25 |
Cross focus points | 105 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon 1 | Sony E |
Amount of lenses | 13 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.7 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 1,037 thousand dots | 920 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Screen tech | - | Tilt Up 80°, Down 45° TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic (optional) |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Fastest silent shutter speed | 1/16000 secs | - |
Continuous shutter rate | 60.0fps | 10.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m (ISO 100) | 12.00 m |
Flash modes | Auto, auto + red-eye reduction, fill-flash, fill-flash w/slow sync, rear curtain sync, rear curtain w/slow sync, redeye reduction, redeye reduction w/slow sync, off | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | - | 1/160 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1472 x 984 (60p, 30p) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 232 gr (0.51 pounds) | 269 gr (0.59 pounds) |
Dimensions | 100 x 60 x 29mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 111 x 59 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | 77 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 23.6 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 12.7 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 1079 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 300 images | 460 images |
Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL22 | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | microSD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Launch price | $600 | $550 |