Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-5N

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Nikon 1 V1 versus Sony NEX-5N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the 1 V1 (10MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the 1 V1 (1") and NEX-5N (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The 1 V1 was manufactured 4 months later than the NEX-5N which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summary of how the 1 V1 grades versus the NEX-5N with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 V1 & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 V1 Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 V1 provides outside 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-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Nikon 1 V1 versus Sony NEX-5N in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the 1 V1 against the NEX-5N.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 V1 and NEX-5N is 84 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The visual underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 V1 and NEX-5N.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 1 V1 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony NEX-5N will give greater detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos much more aggressively.