Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony a5100

Let's take a closer look at the Nikon 1 V1 versus Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the 1 V1 (10MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the 1 V1 (1") and a5100 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The 1 V1 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the a5100 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the 1 V1 grades vs the a5100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 V1 & Sony Alpha a5100. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 V1 Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon 1 V1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 113mm x 76mm x 44mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.7") and a weight of 383 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Sony a5100 has dimensions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon 1 V1 versus Sony a5100 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have at that moment. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the 1 V1 versus the a5100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 V1 and a5100 is 84 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading through specifications. The visual below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 V1 and a5100.

To sum up, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 1 V1 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony a5100 will give greater detail having an extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older 1 V1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.