Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-5
84 Imaging
39 Features
68 Overall
50
89 Imaging
53 Features
58 Overall
55
Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 383g - 113 x 76 x 44mm
- Introduced January 2012
- Replacement is Nikon 1 V2
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 12800
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 287g - 111 x 59 x 38mm
- Revealed June 2010
- Refreshed by Sony NEX-5N
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Here, we are evaluating the Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the 1 V1 (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the 1 V1 (1") and NEX-5 (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe 1 V1 was revealed 20 months after the NEX-5 making them a generation away from each other. The two cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the 1 V1 grades against the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 V1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are provided at Nikon 1 V1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 V1 over the Sony NEX-5
| 1 V1 | NEX-5 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revealed | January 2012 | June 2010 | More modern by 20 months | |
| Display resolution | 921k | 920k | Crisper display (+1k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-5 over the Nikon 1 V1
| NEX-5 | 1 V1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display type | Tilting | Fixed | Tilting display |
Common features in the Nikon 1 V1 and Sony NEX-5
| 1 V1 | NEX-5 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | More accurate focus | |||
| Display size | 3" | 3" | Same display sizing | |
| Selfie screen | Lacking selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly display | Neither contains Touch friendly display |
Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-5 Physical Comparison
For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 V1 has got exterior dimensions of 113mm x 76mm x 44mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.7") having a weight of 383 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).
Check out the Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the 1 V1 vs the NEX-5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the 1 V1 and NEX-5 is 84 and 89 respectively.
Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-5 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes simply by viewing specs. The image below may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 V1 and NEX-5.
All in all, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1 V1 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony NEX-5 will result in greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images way more aggressively. The fresher 1 V1 provides an edge in sensor tech.
Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-5 Screen and ViewFinder
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Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-5 Specifications
| Nikon 1 V1 | Sony Alpha NEX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Company | Nikon | Sony |
| Model | Nikon 1 V1 | Sony Alpha NEX-5 |
| Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
| Introduced | 2012-01-20 | 2010-06-07 |
| Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Powered by | - | 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 | 10 megapixel | 14 megapixel |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest resolution | 3872 x 2592 | 4592 x 3056 |
| Highest native ISO | 6400 | 12800 |
| Minimum native ISO | 100 | 200 |
| RAW images | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focus | ||
| AF touch | ||
| AF continuous | ||
| AF single | ||
| AF tracking | ||
| Selective AF | ||
| Center weighted AF | ||
| Multi area AF | ||
| AF live view | ||
| Face detect AF | ||
| Contract detect AF | ||
| Phase detect AF | ||
| Number of focus points | 135 | 25 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount | Nikon 1 | Sony E |
| Number of lenses | 13 | 121 |
| Focal length multiplier | 2.7 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Type of display | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Display diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| Display resolution | 921 thousand dots | 920 thousand dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch function | ||
| Display tech | TFT LCD | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | Electronic | None |
| Viewfinder resolution | 1,440 thousand dots | - |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% | - |
| Features | ||
| Slowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
| Maximum quiet shutter speed | 1/16000 seconds | - |
| Continuous shooting rate | 10.0 frames per sec | 7.0 frames per sec |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Change WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash range | no built-in flash | 12.00 m |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
| Hot shoe | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Maximum flash synchronize | 1/250 seconds | 1/160 seconds |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported 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 | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | Optional | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental sealing | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 383g (0.84 lb) | 287g (0.63 lb) |
| Physical dimensions | 113 x 76 x 44mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.7") | 111 x 59 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around score | 54 | 69 |
| DXO Color Depth score | 21.3 | 22.2 |
| DXO Dynamic range score | 11.0 | 12.2 |
| DXO Low light score | 346 | 796 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 350 photographs | 330 photographs |
| Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | EN-EL15 | NPFW50 |
| Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| Card slots | Single | Single |
| Retail price | $670 | $599 |