Nikon D6 vs Sony NEX-5

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the Nikon D6 and Sony NEX-5, former being a Pro DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Nikon and Sony. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the D6 (21MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the D6 (Full frame) and NEX-5 (APS-C) have different sensor measurements.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The D6 was introduced 9 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Nikon D6 being a Large SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the D6 scores versus the NEX-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D6 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are available at Nikon D6 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D6 has external dimensions of 160mm x 163mm x 92mm (6.3" x 6.4" x 3.6") having a weight of 1270 grams (2.80 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Nikon D6 and Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the D6 versus the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D6 and NEX-5 is 50 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to imagine the gap in sensor measurements simply by checking out technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the D6 and NEX-5.

As you have seen, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The D6 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Nikon D6 will produce extra detail using its extra 7MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The younger D6 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.