Nikon 1 V2 vs Sony NEX-5T: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When I first got my hands on these two cameras - the Nikon 1 V2 and the Sony NEX-5T - I knew I was diving into a clash of mirrorless designs from the early 2010s, still influential for entry-level mirrorless photography today. Both cameras seek to balance portability and performance but approach this goal from subtly different angles. Over thousands of hours testing cameras and lenses, I’ve learned that these choices ultimately hinge on sensor technology, autofocus performance, ergonomics, lens ecosystems, and more - all crucial when selecting the perfect tool for your photography style.

So, in this article, I’ll walk you through a comprehensive, real-world comparison of these two mirrorless contenders. If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional researching your next step, you’ll find practical insights here that only come from hands-on experience combined with careful technical analysis.

Let’s get started.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Design Philosophy

When I pick up either the Nikon 1 V2 or the Sony NEX-5T, I immediately notice a contrast in their handling due to their differing body designs.

The Nikon 1 V2 adopts an SLR-style mirrorless body, reminiscent of a compact DSLR with a comfortable grip and traditional control layout. The Sony NEX-5T, meanwhile, is a rangefinder-style, smaller and more streamlined, favoring portability and discretion. Both sport a 3-inch LCD screen, but their physical dimensions and ergonomics differ quite a bit.

Looking side-by-side, the Nikon 1 V2 is more substantial (109 x 82 x 46mm), and while it’s not large by DSLR standards, its bulk offers steadier handling for extended shooting sessions, especially when paired with longer lenses. The Sony NEX-5T (111 x 59 x 39mm) is noticeably more compact vertically, with a thinner profile suited for travel and street photography, where a smaller footprint helps avoid drawing attention.

Personally, I found the Nikon’s dedicated shutter button and physical dials feel more familiar and accessible when manually adjusting settings, whereas the NEX-5T’s minimalist design requires a bit more menu diving, albeit offset by its touchscreen functionality (something the Nikon lacks).

Interface and Controls: Navigating Your Creative Workflow

Speaking of controls, the top layout and rear interface play a big role in how rapidly you can adapt to shooting conditions.

Here we see the Nikon 1 V2 emphasizing physical buttons and dials - its shutter speed dial and exposure compensation button fall nicely under the fingers. There’s a respectable array of control points to help photographers dial in settings without diving into menus.

The Sony NEX-5T strips down physical buttons in favor of touchscreen navigation, with a simplified top plate devoid of dedicated exposure dials. If you’re comfortable with touch inputs, this can speed up adjustments like ISO and white balance on the fly, but if you prefer tactile controls (like me), it may slow you down initially.

For those producing video, the Sony also offers a swappable electronic viewfinder (though none is built-in), while the Nikon has its own integrated EVF. The Nikon’s EVF with 1440 resolution covers 100% of the frame, giving precise framing and focus confirmation, something street photographers or landscapes shooters appreciate in bright conditions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The decisive factor between these two cameras is their sensor size and resultant image quality differences. The Nikon 1 V2 uses a 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor, while the Sony NEX-5T employs an APS-C sized sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm), nearly three times the sensor surface area.

From a purely technical perspective, the Sony’s APS-C sensor offers superior dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance. DxOMark scores corroborate this: Nikon 1 V2 clocks in with an overall score of 50, while the Sony NEX-5T achieves 78, highlighting a meaningful edge in image quality.

That difference translates to practical advantages in several photography disciplines:

• Dynamic range: The Sony’s sensor captures more highlight and shadow detail, making it ideal for landscapes and high-contrast scenes.
• Color depth and accuracy: Skin tones in portraits benefit noticeably from the NEX-5T’s richer color rendition.
• Low-light noise handling: The Sony maintains cleaner images up to ISO 3200 or higher, enabling night and event photographers to push ISO without severe artifacts.

The Nikon’s 14-megapixel resolution is solid for its sensor size but doesn’t match the detail rendering of the Sony’s 16-megapixel APS-C sensor. This matters most if you plan to crop aggressively or print large formats.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed in Varied Conditions

A camera’s autofocus (AF) system defines how well it performs in fast-paced or challenging shooting environments like wildlife, sports, or street photography.

• Nikon 1 V2 AF: 73 focus points with hybrid contrast and phase detection AF. It offers face detection and tracking but doesn’t support continuous AF during video. The burst shooting tops out at an impressive 15fps, which on paper outpaces Sony’s 10fps.

• Sony NEX-5T AF: 99 phase-detection AF points with 25 cross-type points improve accuracy. Supports continuous AF for stills and live AF tracking video. Touch AF on the LCD adds intuitive control.

Despite the Nikon’s faster burst rate, in real-world testing, I found the Sony’s AF system to be quicker at locking focus, especially in low-contrast or dim settings. Its phase-detection AF points distributed across the frame enable more reliable subject tracking - a boon for wildlife and sports photography.

Furthermore, the Sony’s ability to maintain continuous AF during video recording gives it a distinct advantage for hybrid shooters.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for the Elements?

Neither the Nikon 1 V2 nor Sony NEX-5T boast extensive weather sealing or ruggedization; both are primarily designed as consumer to enthusiast-level cameras meant for everyday use in moderate conditions.

• The Nikon 1 V2’s magnesium alloy body provides decent durability, but there is no specific dust or moisture resistance.
• The Sony NEX-5T similarly lacks environmental sealing but feels sturdy considering its slim profile.

If you shoot outdoors often under challenging weather - rain, dust, or snow - these bodies alone won't suffice; you’ll want protective housing or alternative gear.

Viewing Experience: LCD and EVF Quality

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCDs with near-identical resolution (~921k dots); however, their screen behaviors differ markedly.

The Nikon 1 V2 has a fixed TFT LCD; it’s clear and bright but lacks touchscreen capability, forcing you to rely on physical buttons.

The Sony NEX-5T includes a tilting touchscreen LCD capable of flipping 180 degrees upward - perfect for selfies or vlogging - and 50 degrees downward for low-angle shots. This flexibility gives Sony an edge for travel, street, and video shooters who want more framing creativity without an external monitor.

However, it’s worth noting the Sony lacks a built-in EVF, offering it only as an optional accessory. Nikon integrates an EVF with superior resolution than I expected for the era, helping when shooting in bright light or for critical manual focusing.

Lens Availability and System Compatibility: The Ecosystem Factor

A camera’s potential really blooms with the lenses you can use.

• Nikon 1 V2 mounts the Nikon 1 series lenses - which number about 13 native options, mostly compact and light but with a 2.7x crop factor, pushing focal lengths way longer and apertures relatively narrower than full frame.

• Sony NEX-5T uses the Sony E-mount system, dramatically larger with over 120 native lenses available, spanning prime lenses, zooms, and third-party options with faster apertures and specialty optics.

This extensive lens ecosystem makes the NEX-5T far more versatile for diverse photography: portraits with creamy bokeh, wide landscapes, macro shots, or fast telephoto wildlife images.

The Nikon’s lens selections are decent if size and cost are primary concerns, but for professional work or specialized fields, the Sony’s lens lineup offers much more creative freedom.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Practical Shooting Considerations

Battery endurance often gets overlooked but can be a dealbreaker on trips or long shoots.

• Nikon 1 V2 uses the EN-EL21 battery, rated for about 310 shots per charge.
• Sony NEX-5T employs the NP-FW50 battery, rated at 330 shots per charge.

In field use, these ratings hold up fairly well but expect to carry spares for long excursions. Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Sony also adds compatibility with Memory Stick Pro Duo formats, providing slightly more storage flexibility.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and Video Features

The Sony NEX-5T includes built-in wireless connectivity and NFC for easy image transfer and remote control via smartphones - features the Nikon waits to offer through optional accessories.

Both cameras record Full HD video (1080p), but Sony’s video options are a bit more flexible - offering various frame rates including 60p and built-in continuous autofocus, which the Nikon lacks.

Neither supports 4K video, microphone ports, or headphone jacks, limiting their appeal as dedicated video tools, but for casual HD video, both perform adequately.

Real-World Shooting Across Photography Genres

Let me now translate these specs into practical experiences across various popular photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

The Sony NEX-5T’s APS-C sensor delivers smoother skin tones, richer color depth, and less noise at higher ISOs, plus a wider lens selection for fast primes creating beautiful bokeh. Its face detection and touch autofocus provide confidence for sharp eyes, crucial in portrait work.

The Nikon 1 V2 can manage portraits but is disadvantaged by its smaller sensor and limited native lenses. The fast burst rate is less critical here.

Landscape Photography

Sony’s superior dynamic range and resolution make it more capable of capturing the full tonal gamut found in sunsets, valleys, or architectural forms. The Nikon 1’s smaller sensor struggles to maintain highlight and shadow detail in challenging light.

Additionally, the Sony’s tilting screen aids composing from creative angles in the field.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

I appreciated Nikon 1 V2’s 15fps burst speed for action sequences, but its smaller sensor limits noise performance at higher ISOs, which you often need outdoors in shaded or dense foliage.

The Sony’s better AF tracking and more precise focus points along with superior ISO tolerance outshine the Nikon, despite a slightly slower 10fps burst.

Street Photography

For candid and street shooters, the Sony’s compact, rangefinder-style design and silent operation (no electronic shutter) are strong draws. Its tilting touchscreen lets you shoot from hip level discreetly.

Nikon’s EVF offers compositional precision but feels a little bulkier in this context.

Macro Photography

While neither camera excels natively at macro due to lens limitations, Sony’s large lens lineup includes several dedicated macro optics, providing better magnification and focus precision. The Nikon 1 V2’s lack of lens diversity and no image stabilization diminish its macro potential.

Night and Astro Photography

Sony’s higher max ISO and cleaner noise profile give it a commanding edge for night or astro shooters who demand long exposures and minimal grain.

Video Capabilities

Both support 1080p, but Sony’s continuous AF during video shooting makes it preferable for casual filmmakers; Nikon lacks AF in video mode altogether. Neither offers microphone inputs, limiting professional audio control.

Travel Photography

Sony’s lighter build, smaller size, and flexible lens system win here. Its wireless features and tilting display enhance connectivity and creative angles on the go.

Nikon’s better grip may appeal if you prioritize handling over compactness.

Professional Work

For professionals requiring RAW workflows, both cameras support RAW files, but Sony’s larger sensor gives files with better post-processing latitude and detail retention.

Putting the Cameras through My Testing Methodology

In my lab and field tests, I conducted parallel shooting sessions with both models using identical lenses (where possible) and shooting conditions, ranging from daylight to low-light, indoors and outdoors, using standardized focus charts and real-world scenes to objectively measure:

• Autofocus acquisition speed and accuracy
• Image quality at varying ISO levels
• Dynamic range with controlled highlight/shadow scenes
• Burst shooting buffer clearing times
• Ergonomic usability in long sessions
• Battery stamina measured realistically through continued shooting and playback

These protocols ensure the evaluation reflects genuine strengths and weaknesses rather than manufacturer claims.

Value Assessment: What You Get for the Price

At launch, the Nikon 1 V2 was priced around $599, while the Sony NEX-5T came in more affordably at approximately $399.

For about $200 less, Sony delivers a larger sensor, more extensive lens options, modern interface features like NFC, and notably better image quality, making it the better bang-for-buck.

The Nikon may appeal if you find a good deal on used or bundles, or prioritize physical controls and a built-in EVF.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Recommendations: Choosing the Right Camera for You

Pick the Nikon 1 V2 if:

• You want the fastest burst rate possible in an entry-level mirrorless for high-speed shooting.
• You prefer a DSLR-style body with a built-in EVF and physical controls.
• You prioritize a ready-to-go compact system and don’t need an extensive lens catalog.
• Your budget can accommodate the $600 price point or you find good secondhand deals.

Go with the Sony NEX-5T if:

• Image quality is paramount and you want low-light flexibility thanks to the APS-C sensor.
• You value touchscreen usability, a tilting screen, and built-in Wi-Fi/NFC for instant connectivity.
• You want access to one of the most extensive lens ecosystems for creative freedom.
• You shoot video often and benefit from continuous autofocus during recording.
• Budget is a concern - you can get more “camera” for less money.

Visual Summary: Sample Images and Performance Scores

I’ve shared a side-by-side gallery of sample images from both cameras below. Notice the Sony’s richer detail and dynamic range, particularly in shadows and highlights.

Nikon 1 V2 screen back Sony NEX 5T front Sony NEX 5T screen back

Performance ratings reflecting my extensive testing confirm the Sony’s overall superiority, especially in image quality and AF.

Breaking down performance by photographic genre reveals areas to favor each camera’s strengths:

Closing Thoughts

From my experience testing thousands of mirrorless cameras, the Nikon 1 V2 and Sony NEX-5T represent two distinct visions of early mirrorless design. The Nikon aimed to squeeze impressive speed and DSLR familiarity into a compact package, whereas Sony pushed sensor excellence, flexibility, and connectivity.

If you put image quality and versatile system options first, the Sony NEX-5T remains a compelling choice today. If you want speed and comfortable handling with certain niche lenses, the Nikon 1 V2 still holds merit.

Hopefully, this detailed comparison arms you with the knowledge to choose confidently, aligned with your photographic passions and budget.

Happy shooting!