• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A6100 advantages over Nikon Z5

  • Less expensive
    $698 vs $1297
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer video battery life
    125 vs 85 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Nikon Z5 advantages over Sony A6100

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.80x vs 0.70x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

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Buy the Sony A6100

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Buy the Nikon Z5

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS M50

Sony A6100
Canon EOS M50
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Higher-res screen
Nikon Z5
Canon EOS M50
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Fujifilm X-T100

Sony A6100
Fujifilm X-T100
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Slower slow-motion
  • NFC
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon Z5
Fujifilm X-T100
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Sony A6400

Sony A6100
Sony A6400
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Higher extended ISO
Nikon Z5
Sony A6400
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Sony A6100
Nikon Z6 II
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Sony A6100
Panasonic S5 II
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
Nikon Z5
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
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