Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5T

On this page, we will be evaluating the Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5T, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the 1 J4 (18MP) and the NEX-5T (16MP) is pretty well matched but the 1 J4 (1") and NEX-5T (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The 1 J4 was announced 8 months later than the NEX-5T which means that they are both of a similar age. The two cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the 1 J4 matches up against the NEX-5T when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J4 & Sony Alpha NEX-5T. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon 1 J4 Gallery & Sony NEX-5T Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 J4 provides external measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5T has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Compare the Nikon 1 J4 vs Sony NEX-5T in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the 1 J4 versus the NEX-5T.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J4 and NEX-5T is 92 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing only by checking technical specs. The photograph below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 J4 and NEX-5T.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 1 J4 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Nikon 1 J4 will give extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger 1 J4 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.