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Nikon D5100 vs Sony A1

The Nikon D5100 and the Sony A1 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in April 2011 and January 2021. The D5100 is a DSLR, while the A1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D5100) and a full frame (A1) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 49.8 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D5100
versus
Sony A1
Nikon D5100   Sony A1
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor 49.8 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/30p Video 8k/30p Video
ISO 100-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 100-32,000 (50 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (9437k dots)
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 1440k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
4 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
660 shots per battery charge530 shots per battery charge
128 x 97 x 79 mm, 560 g 129 x 97 x 81 mm, 737 g
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Check D5100 offers at
ebay.com
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Check A1 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5100 and the Sony A1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D5100 and the Sony A1 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D5100 vs Sony A1
Compare D5100 versus A1 top
Comparison D5100 or A1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D5100 and the Sony A1 are of equal size. However, the A1 is markedly heavier (32 percent) than the D5100. It is noteworthy in this context that the A1 is splash and dust-proof, while the D5100 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D5100) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A1). Mirrorless cameras, such as the A1, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D5100 gets 660 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14 battery, while the A1 can take 530 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the A1 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 n Apr 2011 749ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon T2i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 530 g 440 n Feb 2010 699ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5200 129 mm 98 mm 78 mm 555 g 500 n Nov 2012 749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 Y Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3100 124 mm 96 mm 75 mm 505 g 550 n Aug 2010 599ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7 IV 131 mm 96 mm 80 mm 659 g 580 Y Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-5N 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 269 g 460 n Aug 2011 699ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The D5100 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 88 percent) than the A1, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D5100 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A1 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A1 is 132 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D5100 and Sony A1 sensor measures

With 49.8MP, the A1 offers a higher resolution than the D5100 (16.1MP), but the A1 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.16μm versus 4.80μm for the D5100). Yet, the A1 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 9 months) than the D5100, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 43.2 x 28.8 inches or 109.7 x 73.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 34.6 x 23 inches or 87.8 x 58.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 28.8 x 19.2 inches or 73.2 x 48.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D5100 are 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the D5100, the A1 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (YESMP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Nikon D5100 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony A1 are ISO 100 to ISO 32000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the D5100 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A1 uses a Stacked BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D5100 versus A1 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the A1 offers substantially better image quality than the D5100 (overall score 18 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.4 bits higher color depth, 0.9 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.6118380
2.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
3.
 
Canon T2i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.578466
4.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
5.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
6.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
7.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
8.
 
Nikon D5200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.213.9128484
9.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
10.
 
Nikon D3100 APS-C 14.2 4608 30721080/24p22.511.391967
11.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
12.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
13.
 
Sony A7 IV Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7337997
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
15.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
16.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
17.
 
Sony NEX-5N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.612.7107977
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A1 provides a better video resolution than the D5100. It can shoot movie footage at 8k/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the A1 has an electronic viewfinder (9437k dots), while the D5100 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the A1 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D5100 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the A1 has a higher magnification (0.9x vs 0.51x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D5100 and Sony A1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D5100optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
2.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon T2ioptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D5200optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D7000optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D3100optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
12.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A7 IV3686 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony NEX-5Noptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D5100 has one, while the A1 does not. While the built-in flash of the D5100 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The D5100 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the A1 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A1 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon D5100 and the Sony A1 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D5100 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A1 uses CFexpress (type A) or SDXC cards. The A1 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D5100 only has one slot. The A1 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the D5100 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D5100 and Sony A1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
2.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon T2iYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
5.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
6.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D5200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D3100Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Sony A7 IVYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
15.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
16.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Sony NEX-5NYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
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It is notable that the A1 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D5100 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A1 (unlike the D5100) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The A1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the D5100 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D5100 was succeeded by the Nikon D5200. Further information on the features and operation of the D5100 and A1 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D5100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A1 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D5100 and the Sony A1? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D5100:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 177g or 24 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (660 versus 530) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (88 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in April 2011).

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Advantages of the Sony A1:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (49.8 vs 16.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 76%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (18 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.4 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.9 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8k/30p vs 1080/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.9x vs 0.51x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1440k vs 921k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 9 months of technical progress since the D5100 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A1 is the clear winner of the contest (30 : 9 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D5100 09:30 A1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5100 and the Sony A1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D5100 or the A1 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 749ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon T2i..+ +..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 699ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D52004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2012 749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D31005/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2010 599ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7 IV5/5+ +4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-5N3/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2011 699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check D5100 offers at
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Check A1 price at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon D5100 vs Sony A1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D5100 Sony A1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date April 2011 January 2021
    Launch Price USD 749 USD 6,499
    Sensor Specs Nikon D5100 Sony A1
    Sensor Technology CMOS Stacked BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.7 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 370.52 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 49.8 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 pixels 8640 x 5760 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.80 μm 4.16 μm
    Pixel Density 4.34 MP/cm2 5.78 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 8k/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 32,000 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 2 Dual BIONZ XR
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80 98
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 25.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.6 14.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1183 3163
    Screen Specs Nikon D5100 Sony A1
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.51x 0.9x
    Viewfinder Resolution 9437k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 1440k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D5100 Sony A1
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations500 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CFexA or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D5100 Sony A1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D5100 Sony A1
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14 Sony NP-FZ100
    Battery Life (CIPA)660 shots per charge530 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 128 x 97 x 79 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in)
    129 x 97 x 81 mm
    (5.1 x 3.8 x 3.2 in)
    Camera Weight 560 g (19.8 oz) 737 g (26.0 oz)
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