Nikon D5 vs Sony a5100

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Nikon D5 versus Sony a5100, former is a Pro DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the D5 (21MP) and the a5100 (24MP) is relatively well matched but the D5 (Full frame) and a5100 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

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The D5 was introduced 17 months after the a5100 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon D5 being a Large SLR camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise summary of how the D5 matches up versus the a5100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D5 & Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon D5 Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon D5 has got outside dimensions of 160mm x 158.5mm x 92mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 1415 grams (3.12 lbs) and the Sony a5100 has measurements of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Look at the Nikon D5 versus Sony a5100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the D5 compared to the a5100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D5 and a5100 is 50 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes purely by checking a spec sheet. The image here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the D5 and a5100.

Clearly, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The D5 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony a5100 will give greater detail using its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer D5 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.