Nikon 1 J5 vs Sony a5100

Here, we will be looking at the Nikon 1 J5 vs Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the 1 J5 (21MP) and the a5100 (24MP) is pretty comparable but the 1 J5 (1") and a5100 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 1 J5 was revealed 8 months later than the a5100 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the 1 J5 scores against the a5100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J5 and Sony Alpha a5100. The full galleries are available at Nikon 1 J5 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon 1 J5 comes with external measurements of 98mm x 60mm x 32mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 231 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony a5100 has proportions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Examine the Nikon 1 J5 vs Sony a5100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the 1 J5 versus the a5100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J5 and a5100 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements only by going through specifications. The visual here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 J5 and a5100.

To sum up, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 J5 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony a5100 will provide greater detail because of its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more modern 1 J5 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.