Nikon Z5 vs Sony A57

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Nikon Z5 and Sony A57, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the Z5 (24MP) and A57 (16MP) and the Z5 (Full frame) and A57 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The Z5 was manufactured 7 years later than the A57 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Nikon Z5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the Z5 scores versus the A57 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Z5 and Sony SLT-A57. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon Z5 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon Z5 features exterior measurements of 134mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 675 grams (1.49 lbs) whilst the Sony A57 has sizing of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

See the Nikon Z5 and Sony A57 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the Z5 against the A57.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Z5 and A57 is 62 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing only by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the Z5 and A57.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The Z5 because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Nikon Z5 will offer greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer Z5 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.