Nikon Z50 vs Sony a5100
74 Imaging
67 Features
84 Overall
73


89 Imaging
65 Features
74 Overall
68
Nikon Z50 vs Sony a5100 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 21MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Push to 204800)
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon Z Mount
- 397g - 127 x 94 x 60mm
- Launched October 2019
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 283g - 110 x 63 x 36mm
- Announced August 2014
- Old Model is Sony a5000

Nikon Z50 vs Sony a5100 Overview
Following is a in-depth overview of the Nikon Z50 versus Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the Z50 (21MP) and the a5100 (24MP) is relatively similar and both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (APS-C).

The Z50 was announced 5 years after the a5100 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Nikon Z50 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the Z50 grades vs the a5100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon Z50 vs Sony a5100 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Z50 and Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon Z50 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon Z50 over the Sony a5100
Z50 | a5100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | October 2019 | ![]() | August 2014 | More modern by 63 months |
Screen size | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Screen resolution | 1040k | ![]() | 922k | Crisper screen (+118k dot) |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies |
Reasons to pick Sony a5100 over the Nikon Z50
a5100 | Z50 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon Z50 and Sony a5100
Z50 | a5100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Tilting | Tilting screen |
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Nikon Z50 vs Sony a5100 Physical Comparison
When you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Nikon Z50 offers exterior measurements of 127mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 2.4") with a weight of 397 grams (0.88 lbs) while the Sony a5100 has sizing of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).
Compare the Nikon Z50 versus Sony a5100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the Z50 against the a5100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Z50 and a5100 is 74 and 89 respectively.

Nikon Z50 vs Sony a5100 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it is very tough to see the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading specifications. The image underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the Z50 and a5100.
To sum up, the two cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Sony a5100 to offer more detail with its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The newer Z50 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.

Nikon Z50 vs Sony a5100 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon Z50 vs Sony a5100 Specifications
Nikon Z50 | Sony Alpha a5100 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Sony |
Model | Nikon Z50 | Sony Alpha a5100 |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Launched | 2019-10-10 | 2014-08-17 |
Physical type | SLR-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed 6 | Bionz X |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 369.0mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 21MP | 24MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 5568 x 3712 | 6000 x 4000 |
Max native ISO | 51200 | 25600 |
Max enhanced ISO | 204800 | - |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | 209 | 179 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon Z | Sony E |
Total lenses | 15 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Tilting | Tilting |
Display diagonal | 3.2" | 3" |
Display resolution | 1,040k dots | 922k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | None |
Viewfinder resolution | 2,360k dots | - |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | - |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 11.0 frames/s | 6.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 7.00 m (at ISO 100) | 4.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | - | Flash off, auto, fill-flaw, slow sync, redeye reduction |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (120p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p) |
Max video resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 397 gr (0.88 lb) | 283 gr (0.62 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 127 x 94 x 60mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 2.4") | 110 x 63 x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | 80 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 23.8 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 12.7 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 1347 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 320 images | 400 images |
Type of battery | Built-in | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL25 | NP-FW50 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec, continuous (3-5 shot)) |
Time lapse feature | With downloadable app | |
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported) | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail cost | $857 | $448 |