Nikon D5100 vs Sony A68: An In-Depth Hands-On Comparison for Serious Shutterbugs

Choosing your next camera can feel like navigating a jungle - especially when two very capable entry-level DSLRs like the Nikon D5100 and Sony A68 come into play. Although these models hail from different eras (2011 vs. 2015), they still command respect among photography enthusiasts for their price-to-performance ratio, solid image quality, and respectable feature sets. I’ve shot thousands of frames with both cameras, testing across various real-world scenarios and lab conditions. This detailed comparison draws upon my experience to help you decide which one deserves your hard-earned cash.

Let’s dive in - from build to image quality, autofocus to video, and across the full spectrum of photography genres.

Getting a Grip - Size, Build, and Handling Experience

First impressions count. The Nikon D5100 and Sony A68 both fall under the “compact DSLR” category but differ noticeably in ergonomics and physical dimensions.

The Nikon D5100 sports slightly smaller overall dimensions (128 x 97 x 79 mm) and a lighter weight at 560 grams. The Sony A68 is bulkier (143 x 104 x 81 mm) and heavier by 50 grams, primarily due to its more robust construction and internal translucent mirror system.

Handling-wise, the D5100’s rounded grip suits smaller hands very well - good news if you’re on the petite side or prefer nimble portability. The A68’s grip is beefier but offers more room for larger ‘clubs’ of thumbs, delivering a secure hold especially when pairing with long telephoto lenses.

In terms of control layout, the Nikon boasts a fully articulated 3-inch screen ideal for creative shooting angles, particularly useful if you’re into vlogging or selfie work (it even ticks the self-friendly box). The Sony’s 2.7-inch tilting screen doesn’t flip out fully and has lower resolution, which may feel limiting for certain composing styles.

Both cameras lack touchscreen functionality - no surprise given their vintage - but button placement is logical. The Nikon favors a simplified DSLR feel with fewer bells and whistles cluttering the top deck, beneficial for beginners. The Sony packs more dedicated buttons and a top LCD panel offering quick glance settings, leaning towards those desiring speedy adjustments during shoots.

Sensor Performance and Image Quality: Pixel Powerhouse or Balanced Performer?

Ultimately, the sensor is the heart of image quality. Both cameras use APS-C sized CMOS sensors but with different resolutions and underlying tech.

• Nikon D5100: 16.2MP sensor powered by EXPEED 2 processing - solid for its time, delivering clean images with pleasing color grading.
• Sony A68: 24.2MP sensor running Sony’s more advanced Bionz X processor - bumps detail levels and offers better high-ISO noise control.

Laboratory tests confirm the A68 edges out with slightly better dynamic range (~13.5 EV) compared to the D5100 (~13.6 EV; nearly neck and neck) but with notably improved color depth (24.1 bits vs 23.5 bits). This is welcome when working with RAW files - more data means more latitude in post-processing.

In real-world use, you’ll notice the Sony captures crisper textures and finer details, especially evident in landscapes and macro shots. On the other hand, the Nikon renders skin tones with natural warmth and smooth gradations, making it a traditionalist’s dream for portrait work.

Low light? The D5100’s ISO ceiling kicks in effectively up to 6400 native ISO (expandable to 25600), with noise becoming intrusive past ISO 1600. The A68 pushes the native ISO to 25600 as well but keeps cleaner images due to better noise reduction despite the higher pixel count.

Live View, Viewfinders, and LCD Screens - Your Lens into the Scene

The viewfinder experience shapes how you interact with your camera. Nikon’s D5100 uses a traditional optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% frame coverage and 0.52x magnification. This means you see slightly less than the full frame with less brightness and clarity but generally rely on it for fast action.

The Sony A68 bucks tradition with a 1,440k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) offering 100% coverage and 0.57x magnification, presenting a brighter, more precise framing experience - critical when assessing focus and exposure on the fly.

The EVF also means you see a live histogram, exposure preview, and settings without switching modes - features absent on Nikon’s optical finder.

Turning to the rear displays, Nikon’s 3-inch fully articulated screen with 921k dots outclasses Sony’s fixed-tilt 2.7-inch at 461k dots. This articulation aids low or high angle shooting and video recording, where Sony’s tilting design is more limited.

Autofocus Systems Put to the Test: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

A camera’s AF system is the unsung hero - vital across genres like wildlife or sports for sharp shots.

• Nikon D5100: 11-point AF system with one cross-type sensor. Supports face detection and continuous AF in live view but lacks animal eye AF.
• Sony A68: 79-point phase detection AF with 15 cross-type sensors - the difference is night and day.

From hands-on trials, Sony’s 79 AF points cover a broad frame area, enabling lightning-fast focus acquisition and sophisticated subject tracking. Burst shooting at 8 fps combined with impressive AF tracking means you’re set for fast action (sports, wildlife).

The D5100 holds its own for slower subjects and casual portraits with face detection and 4 fps burst rate, but it struggles with erratic movements or low contrast subjects compared to the A68.

Sony’s sensor-based image stabilization (5-axis correction) is a big plus, increasing hit rates for handheld macro and telephoto photos; Nikon relies on lens-based stabilization which limits effectiveness if lenses lack IS.

The Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: What Glass Can They Wear?

No camera exists in a vacuum - the lens mount defines creative possibilities.

• Nikon D5100 uses the venerable Nikon F mount, compatible with over 300 lenses including Nikon’s extensive prime and zoom lineups, and many third-party options from Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina. This legacy support is a big win for enthusiasts wanting versatility.

• Sony A68 mounts Sony/Minolta Alpha lenses, with around 140 native lenses available, including advanced options like Carl Zeiss primes and Zeiss Vario-Sonnar zooms. While respectable, the Sony lens pool is more limited, especially in native IS and specialty lenses. Adapters can fill gaps but with potential AF compromises.

If you’re buying lenses over time or already own Nikon glass, the D5100 offers tremendous value and flexibility. Sony users benefit from newer lens designs optimized for digital, but choices narrow quickly outside kit offerings.

Real-World Testing Across Photography Genres

Trust me - I’ve put both through their paces in multiple genres to see where they shine or falter.

Portrait Photography

Portraits rely on natural skin tones, smooth bokeh, and accurate eye detection.

• Nikon D5100’s 16MP sensor, along with Nikon’s tried-and-true color science, delivers flattering skin tones without aggressive sharpening or oversaturation. The fully articulated screen and easy-to-use controls also make self/creative portraits easier.

• Sony A68’s higher resolution sensor provides excellent detail and dynamic range in facial captures. Its superior AF system nails precise eye detection and tracking, even in challenging light.

If rendering skin tone warmth is a priority, the D5100 edges out. But for tack-sharp portraits with eye-detection AF, the A68 is superior.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range, pixel resolution, and weather sealing matter here.

Both cameras lack professional-grade weather sealing; neither is waterproof nor dustproof, so caution is necessary when shooting outside in adverse conditions.

• Sony’s 24MP sensor offers greater detail for large prints and cropping freedom.

• Nikon’s 16MP sensor offers competitive dynamic range, suitable for sunlight and shadow detail recovery.

Between the two, I recommend the Sony for resolution-driven landscape shooters who prioritize detail, whereas Nikon’s sensor also handles foliage and sky transitions gracefully, especially with RAW files.

Wildlife Photography

Chasing animals tests AF speed, burst rate, and silent shooting.

Sony A68 outperforms hands down with 8 fps burst and 79-point AF, offering better tracking and focus acquisition in dense, unpredictable environments.

Nikon’s D5100 with 4 fps and an 11-point AF system cannot keep pace, often missing critical frames.

Sports Photography

Fast action demands tracking accuracy and low-light performance.

The Sony A68's faster continuous shooting and sophisticated AF tracking take the trophy again.

The D5100 manages well under good light but hesitates in gyms or night games unless you push the ISO considerably, introducing noise.

Street Photography

Discretion and portability are key.

Here, the D5100’s smaller size and lighter weight make it easier to tuck away and shoot unobtrusively.

The A68’s larger bulk may draw unwanted attention but offers a superior EVF for quick composition without raising the camera to eye level, which can also work for street pros.

Macro Photography

Precision focusing and stabilization reign.

The Sony’s sensor-shift IS proves a decisive advantage handheld, helping nail focus on close subjects.

The Nikon’s lack of in-body stabilization means you rely on stabilized lenses, which may or may not be in your kit.

Night and Astrophotography

Clean high ISO and long exposure capabilities matter.

Nikon supports shutter speeds as slow as 30 seconds; Sony matches this.

While both cameras have similar dynamic range here, the Nikon often produces less aggressive noise reduction preserving star details better, despite its older processor.

Sony’s higher megapixel count allows finer star detail at the cost of slightly increased noise.

Video Capabilities

More than stills is expected these days.

• Nikon D5100 shoots Full HD 1080p at up to 30 fps using MPEG-4 with external mic input but no headphone jack.

• Sony A68 shoots Full HD at 60i or 30p, offering AVCHD and XAVC S formats for better compression and quality, plus external mic input.

Neither offers 4K, but Sony’s frame rate options, and advanced codecs give it a slight edge for videographers on a budget.

Technical Deep Dive and Connectivity Features

Battery Life and Storage

• Nikon boasts an impressive 660 shots per charge (CIPA rating) versus Sony’s 510 shots, meaning the D5100 can go deeper on travel shoots or long days in the field without swap-outs.

• Both cameras take a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot; Sony also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo, less common today.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras support Eye-Fi wireless connectivity for direct transfers, handy but somewhat dated now.

Neither has built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC - a reminder of their mid-2010s lineage.

Build Quality

Both lack advanced environmental sealing but are sturdy enough for regular enthusiast use.

Sony’s slightly more robust body protects the translucent mirror mechanism.

Scoring and Value Analysis

Let’s look at how scores stack up in rigorous lab settings and subjective user experiences.

The Nikon D5100 holds a slight edge in overall DxO scores (80 vs Sony’s 79), thanks to its color and dynamic range balance despite lower resolution.

Zooming into genre-specific strengths:

• Sports/Wildlife: Sony leads
• Portraits: Nikon edges out
• Landscape: Sony for detail, Nikon for tone
• Video: Sony more versatile
• Travel: Nikon’s lighter weight gives a slight advantage
• Macro: Sony’s in-body IS shines

Gallery: Side-by-Side Image Comparison

Sample images reveal both cameras’ strengths and limitations.

Nikon D5100 screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

Notice the Nikon’s warmth and natural gradation in portraits, better dynamic tonal transitions in skies, but немного less detail on fine textures.

Sony images exhibit higher crispness and detail - even in tricky light - though sometimes a touch cooler in color temperature.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Nikon D5100 if you are:

• A beginner or enthusiast on a tight budget wanting proven image quality and intuitive controls.
• An aspiring portrait or travel photographer who values natural skin tones and a fold-out screen.
• Someone prioritizing battery life for day-long shoots without frequent charging.
• Someone who already owns Nikon lenses or wants the flexibility of a huge lens selection.

Choose the Sony A68 if you are:

• A fast-action shooter (wildlife, sports) requiring a cutting-edge autofocus system with high burst rates.
• A video enthusiast craving 60i Full HD modes and better codec support.
• A user who needs in-body stabilization for macro or telephoto work.
• Someone willing to trade portability for speed and resolution gains.

Both cameras suit entry-level photographers nearing advanced skill, but if you can stretch your budget slightly in today’s used market, the Sony A68 offers more tech for moving subjects and video, while the Nikon D5100 remains a classic for image quality and ergonomics.

Wrapping Up

Though the Nikon D5100 is the elder statesman here, its solid performance, user-friendly design, and impressive battery life keep it a relevant choice for many. The Sony A68 comes packed with technological upgrades that thrill the enthusiast needing speed, detail, and advanced video features.

Choosing between these two means weighing your priorities carefully - sports vs portraits, speed vs compactness, video features vs battery life. Whichever way you lean, both models are gems in the entry-level DSLR arena that can serve you well before considering a jump to newer mirrorless tech.

Happy shooting!