Sony A7 versus Nikon D5600

The Sony Alpha A7 and the Nikon D5600 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2013 and November 2016. The A7 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D5600 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (A7) and an APS-C (D5600) sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixel. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Sony A7 vs Nikon D5600

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Sony A7 and the Nikon D5600 is provided 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter. If you prefer, you can also use the toggle button to switch to a comparison in percentage terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the A7 – represents 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7 and the Nikon D5600 are of equal size. However, the D5600 is slightly lighter (2 percent) than the A7. It is worth mentioning in this context that the A7 is splash and dust resistant, while the D5600 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 find an overview of optics for the two cameras in the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D5600). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Sony A7, have moreover the advantage that they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance and can thus use many lenses from other systems via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the A7 gets 340 shots out of its NP-FW50 battery, while the D5600 can take 970 images on a single charge of its EN-EL14a power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Sony A7»	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	16.7 oz	340	Y	Oct 2013	1,699	-		Sony A7
	Nikon D5600«	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	16.4 oz	970	n	Nov 2016	699			Nikon D5600
	Nikon D3400« »	4.9 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	15.7 oz	1200	n	Aug 2016	499	-		Nikon D3400
	Nikon D5500« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	14.8 oz	820	n	Jan 2015	899	-		Nikon D5500
	Nikon D610« »	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.2 in	30.0 oz	900	Y	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Nikon D5300« »	4.9 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	16.9 oz	600	n	Oct 2013	799	-		Nikon D5300
	Nikon D3200« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	3.0 in	17.8 oz	540	n	Apr 2012	599	-		Nikon D3200
	Nikon D5200« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	19.6 oz	500	n	Nov 2012	749	-		Nikon D5200
	Panasonic GH4« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	3.3 in	19.8 oz	500	Y	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Samsung NX1« »	5.5 in	4.0 in	2.6 in	19.4 oz	500	Y	Sep 2014	1,499	-		Samsung NX1
	Sony A6300« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	1.9 in	14.3 oz	400	Y	Feb 2016	999	-		Sony A6300
	Sony A6500« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	2.1 in	16.0 oz	350	Y	Oct 2016	1,399			Sony A6500
	Sony A7 II« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.4 in	21.1 oz	350	Y	Nov 2014	1,999	-		Sony A7 II
	Sony A7S« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	17.2 oz	380	Y	Apr 2014	2,499	-		Sony A7S
	Sony A7R« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	16.4 oz	340	Y	Oct 2013	2,299	-		Sony A7R
	Sony RX1R« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	2.8 in	17.0 oz	270	n	Jun 2013	2,799	-		Sony RX1R
	Sony RX1« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	2.8 in	17.0 oz	270	n	Sep 2012	2,799	-		Sony RX1
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The D5600 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 59 percent) than the A7, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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: Sony A7 vs Nikon D5600

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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 Sony A7 features a full frame sensor and the Nikon D5600 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D5600 is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

Even though the A7 has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 24 megapixel. This implies that the A7 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 5.97μm versus 3.91μm for the D5600), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. It should, however, be noted that the D5600 is much more recent (by 3 years) than the A7, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that at least partly compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D5600 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The A7 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in relatively fast and reliable autofocus acquisition during video recording.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the A7 has a notably higher overall DXO score than the D5600 (overall score 6 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.7 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison: Sony A7 vs Nikon D5600

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7 has an electronic viewfinder (2400k dots), while the D5600 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 adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Sony A7 and Nikon D5600 along with similar information for a selection of comparators. The full specs-sheets can be found in the camera manual or in the dpreview camera hub.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The D5600 has a touchscreen, while the A7 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The A7 writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the D5600 uses SDXC cards.

The D5600 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the A7 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the A7 was succeeded by the Sony A7 II.

Review summary: Sony A7 vs Nikon D5600

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Sony A7 or the Nikon D5600 – has the upper hand? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Sony Alpha A7:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (6 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.8 stops ISO advantage).
• Better video autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident movie 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 detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 1037k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (8000/sec vs 4000/sec) to freeze action.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2013).

Arguments in favor of the Nikon D5600:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (970 versus 340) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (59 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 3 years of technical progress since the A7 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the A7 comes out slightly ahead of the D5600 (11 : 10 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.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the A7 or the D5600 handle or 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. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The full reviews are available by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Sony A7»	HiRec	80/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	1,699	-		Sony A7
	Nikon D5600«	-	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2016	699			Nikon D5600
	Nikon D3400« »	Rec	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	499	-		Nikon D3400
	Nikon D5500« »	Rec	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	899	-		Nikon D5500
	Nikon D610« »	HiRec	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Nikon D5300« »	HiRec	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	799	-		Nikon D5300
	Nikon D3200« »	HiRec	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	599	-		Nikon D3200
	Nikon D5200« »	HiRec	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2012	749	-		Nikon D5200
	Panasonic GH4« »	HiRec	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Samsung NX1« »	-	87/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	1,499	-		Samsung NX1
	Sony A6300« »	Rec	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2016	999	-		Sony A6300
	Sony A6500« »	HiRec	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	1,399			Sony A6500
	Sony A7 II« »	Rec	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Nov 2014	1,999	-		Sony A7 II
	Sony A7S« »	-	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2014	2,499	-		Sony A7S
	Sony A7R« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	2,299	-		Sony A7R
	Sony RX1R« »	-	-	4/5	rev	4.5/5	Jun 2013	2,799	-		Sony RX1R
	Sony RX1« »	-	79/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,799	-		Sony RX1

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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 make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool. If you do not see the camera that you are looking for, kindly get in touch, and I will try to update the database with the necessary infos.

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