Nikon P7100 vs Sony NEX-5

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Nikon P7100 vs Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Nikon and Sony. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the P7100 (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the P7100 (1/1.7") and NEX-5 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The P7100 was revealed 21 months later than the NEX-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon P7100 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the P7100 scores against the NEX-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix P7100 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are provided at Nikon P7100 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon P7100 has physical measurements of 116mm x 77mm x 48mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 1.9") along with a weight of 395 grams (0.87 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Nikon P7100 vs Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the P7100 vs the NEX-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the P7100 and NEX-5 is 82 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by reviewing specs. The photograph here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the P7100 and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The P7100 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5 will deliver extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The younger P7100 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.