Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5 – A Detailed Comparison

As you know, we love to help you make your best decision when it comes to cameras. And today, we will be comparing the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5. With two gigantic camera companies, we can only begin to imagine how interesting today’s review would be.

We’re even more excited to be comparing the Sony a5000 with the Nikon J5 because these are two entry-level cameras. So, today’s review is mostly targeted at beginners by default. We’ve definitely got enough resources packed in this review to help you make your best decision.

When it comes to market share, you might be tempted to immediately pick the Nikon camera over the Sony a5000. However, a smarter option might be to go through this review first in order to make your best decision. Without further ado, let’s get into this review.

Comparison Overview — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

Our comparison of the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5 is a pretty lengthy one. But we also understand and respect that not everybody might have time enough to go through the article in its entirety. So, if you’re one of those, this overview is for you. We’ve divided it into bite sized subsections to make things even easier for you to assimilate.

Where Both Cameras Get It Right — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

These cameras are actually great devices for the money. Being mirrorless, they are both quite compact and lightweight. So, they are easy to carry around and make excellent travel, or backup cameras.

In sensor resolution, these cameras are excellent. We are talking about 20 vs 21 megapixels for the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5. Of course this is great and you’d immediately tell from the picture quality of each camera.

You’ll be able to print your pictures in fairly large sizes and cropping won’t be a problem. Your pictures will be plenty clear enough.

These cameras come with wireless connection which makes it easy and convenient to transfer your photos to your devices.

In addition, these cameras also come with articulating LCD screens, RAW support, and the option for smartphone remote control.

Where The Sony a5000 Does It Better — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

The first advantage the Sony a5000 has over the Nikon J5 is its cost. The Sony a5000 is not as expensive as the Nikon J5. In fact, it’s far less expensive which might make it the more attractive choice. And for the money, this camera sure does as expected, perhaps even a bit more.

Besides cost though, the a5000 does better in terms of max ISO and low light performance in general. Apart from the max ISO of the a5000, the low light ISO of the Sony a5000 is also a lot better than that of the Nikon J5. The a5000 comes with a low light ISO of 1089 while that of the Nikon J5 comes with a low light ISO of 479.

The Sony a5000 has a higher dynamic range than the Nikon J5. It also has a higher sensor pixel area as well as a longer battery life.

Where The Nikon J5 Does It Better — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

The Nikon J5 is the better camera in many aspects actually. The features are more sophisticated than that of the Sony a5000 in many major areas.

Its sensor resolution is only slightly higher. But at 20 frames per second, its continuous shooting feature knocks the ball right out of the park. Plus, the LCD screen is so amazing as well. For one it’s way sharper than that of the Sony a5000. We’re looking at 1.037k dots vs 461k dots. The gap is quite wide. And to make matters better the screen is a touch screen too!

Furthermore, the Nikon J5 also comes with the benefit of shooting in 4K. Plus the max shutter speed is much faster as well.

Where They Both Get It Wrong — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

There are quite a few areas where these cameras get it wrong. However, that’s to be expected since these are inexpensive, compact cameras.

In the first place, the cameras do not come with image stabilization which is one of our biggest challenges. This would make the camera a little difficult to use if you ever have to use long lenses, except, of course, you’re using a tripod or some other setup.

The next thing these cameras lack is a viewfinder. This means you’d have to depend on your camera’s LCD screen which can be somewhat weird. The Nikon J5 won’t pose too much of a challenge though since the screen is quite sharp. Also, if you want, you can get yourself a viewfinder.

Lastly, these cameras are not weather-sealed which means they are left unguarded and exposed to excess handling and the weather as well. Weather-sealing would have served to protect and prolong the lives of these cameras.

Which has the better price-value ratio: a5000 or J5?

The Sony a5000 has a better price-value ratio than the Nikon J5. It may not be the more functional of the two, but what is sure is that you can get this camera for a price reasonably lower than that of the Nikon camera.

Comparative Brand Strengths — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

Although Nikon is a bigger brand than Sony, everybody knows that Sony is the biggest brand when we talk about full frame cameras. Everybody also knows that when it comes to pro cameras, the top three brands that come to mind are Canon, Nikon, and Sony in that order. Although they each have a few entry-level cameras, they are all mostly known for their pro cameras.

Alright, let’s begin with Sony. Sony is not a DSLR camera company, the company does mirrorless cameras mostly. Like we said, most of its cameras are full frame, but it also has a few APS-C cameras as well. It’s the world’s largest supplier of imaging sensors. So, most likely, if you set out to buy a generic sensor, you’ll most likely end up buying something from Sony. Thankfully, that’s not a problem as they are good quality ones.

On the other hand we have Nikon. Nikon is a way older brand than Sony. Also, unlike Sony, Nikon does DSLR cameras mostly rather than mirrorless cameras. These cameras are typically pricey but they also give less noise, produce sharper subjects and solider color. The camera offerings from this brand vary widely from super pricey ones to entry-level models.

Nikon has a few mirrorless cameras which come with full frame sensors. It used to have the 1 inch series called the Nikon 1 but that series has been discontinued.

Comparison Of Major Specs And Features — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

	Sony a5000	Nikon J5
Announcement Date	7th January, 2014	3rd April, 2015
Sensor Resolution	20 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor	21 MP 1 Inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
ISO	100 – 16000	100 – 12800
Continuous Shooting	4 Frames Per Second	20 Frames Per Second
Video Resolution	1920 x 1080	3840 x 2160
LCD Touch Screen	No	Yes
Focus Points	25	171
LCD Screen Resolution	461k dots	1.037k dots
Max Shutter Speed	1/4000 second	1/16000 second
Flash Coverage	4 meters	5 meters
Color Depth	23.8	22.1
Dynamic Range	13.0	12.0
Low Light ISO	1089	479
Battery Life	420 shots	250 shots
Weight	269 grams	231 grams
Time Lapse Recording	With optional app	Yes

What Situation Is Each Camera Best Suited For — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5?

Sony a5000

Nikon J5

The Sony a5000 is an amazing entry-level camera. If you’re a beginner in the market and you can’t afford to spend so much on a camera right now. Or if you just need an easy, lightweight camera that can work as a backup and you don’t care to go into any arena that remotely looks like a thousand bucks, this is the camera to get. It’s lightweight, it’s inexpensive, and it will definitely serve.   With a sensor resolution of 20 megapixels, this camera gives really beautiful pictures. You’ll be proud to show off your images taken with this camera.   It does lack a viewfinder which you can decide to get as an add-on. Of course, that would translate to more expenses for you but you could probably also live without it too.   And yeah, lest we forget, if you’re more the low light scene kinda photographer, the Sony a5000 would be right up your alley, in comparison to the Nikon J5. Sony is pretty popular for making cameras with outstanding low light capabilities so this doesn’t come as a surprise.

Now, if you’re a beginner but you don’t want to begin at the very bottom of the ladder, then think more towards the Nikon J5. This camera is completely amazing. Yes, it is nearly twice the price of the Sony a5000 but hey you only need to look through the features it offers to see that the camera is totally worth it.   This camera also makes a great travel or backup camera. Its 1 inch sensor might not make it first choice for professionals but then again, this is an entry-level camera. Besides the 1 inch sensor greatly reduces the cost of this camera.   This camera is great for scenes that involve a lot of action. It’s got a swift shutter speed for that. It’s also got an amazing continuous shooting feature as well. The only thing it lacks actually is image stabilization. And yeah, its battery life and low light capabilities also suck.   As for the 4K video, we doubt that many beginners would be thinking along those lines for now. But if you’re a pro that shoots in 4K and you got this as a flexible alternative, then it’s a good thing that you can also shoot 4K if you want with the Nikon J5.

Common Features — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

Here are things both the Sony a5000 and the Nikon J5 have in common:

i. Good sensor resolution

ii. Decent ISO

iii. Tilting screen

iv. RAW support

v. They are both mirrorless

vi. Fast shutter speed

vii. Dynamic range

viii. No image stabilization

Let us now look at them individually…

Great Sensor Resolution

So, first up on the common features section of the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5 comparison, we check out their max sensor resolution. Now, although they have differing camera sensor resolutions, we’ve decided to discuss them under one sub. And the reason is obvious. It’s just a megapixel difference between the Sony a5000 and the Nikon J5. So, basically, you’re not likely to experience a world of difference going for one over the other.

Alright, first, we’ve got to understand what the whole talk about megapixels is about.

First up, thankfully, more and more people are beginning to understand that megapixels are not the be all and end all when it comes to image quality. There are other more important factors to consider.

That said, there are two major questions you need to always ask yourself before you decide to go for a higher megapixel count. All the while though, keep in mind that a megapixel count that is too high can even affect the sensitivity of your sensor.

So, the questions. One, you want to ask yourself just how large you normally print. And then you also want to ask yourself how aggressively you normally crop.

You need only bother about higher megapixel resolutions if you print in large sizes or do a lot of cropping. Because of the sharper resolution, you retain image quality when you blow the picture up or crop it.

However, if, on the other hand, you’re just sharing to the internet after taking the photo, then even a 12 MP camera is good enough. No need getting bamboozled by marketing hype and spending more than you need.

In this case, a 20 (or 21) megapixel camera is great for doing all the cropping you need. As for print size, with either of these cameras, you’ll be able to print pictures in sizes up to 20 by 30 inches. Although anything beyond 11 x 14 inches down to 20 x 30 inches might just be decent quality at best. Of course anything beyond 20 x 30 inches would be absolutely terrible.

Decent ISO

Another common feature you encounter when comparing the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5 is their ISO. They both have decent ISO ranges although one camera is one stop higher than the other. The Sony a5000 comes with a max ISO of 16000 while the Niko J5 comes with a max ISO of 12800. Especially since we see a lot of incredibly high ISO in modern cameras, it’s easy to get discouraged upon seeing “low ISOs” such as these. Nonetheless, two things…

The first is that these are entry-level cameras. So, bearing that in mind, you’d probably understand why the ISO is that low.

Secondly, even the so called high ISOs have their challenges. If you understand cameras to a certain degree, you know that the higher your ISO climbs, the higher the chances of your image suffering from noise. In fact, it can get so bad that the image is rendered totally useless.

For this reason, therefore, many experts recommend that you always keep your ISO at the lowest stop possible. Of course, there are times you’d have to up the ISO a bit especially in low light when shooting indoors. Plus, you might not be able to work with certain aperture settings or max shutter speeds without raising your ISO settings. That’s understandable, only ensure you’re not using more than you actually need.

In fact, many photographers have said they like to keep the limit to their ISO settings at 12800. Of course it doesn’t hurt to get a camera with a higher ISO and that’s what many professionals go for. All the same, ensure that you use your ISO wisely.

Tilting LCD Screen

The Sony a5000 and Nikon J5 both have LCD screens that tilt which is great for your convenience. As you know there are times you’d have to take pictures from really inconvenient angles, a tilting screen just makes it a lot easier to use your camera without bending at uncomfortable angles.

Tilting screens (or articulating screens as they are also called) help when using a camera on a tripod. For one, you can read your menu a lot more easily. Plus, it’s also easier to compose your scenes on the back screen when the LCD is of the articulating sort.

Now, there are two types of articulating screens. There are the regular articulating screens and there are the ones that articulate all the way. Of course, those are different levels of convenience. Plus, screens that articulate all the way are also selfie-friendly.

Because the screens of the Sony a5000 and the Nikon 1 J5 are both not fully articulating, they aren’t selfie-friendly. This means you can’t use the screens to take a selfie. Also, for those who shoot one-man videos, these cameras might not be great to use. You know it’s just awkward looking into the lens not knowing how exactly the video is coming out.

Another small setback is that these screens do not come with a touch feature. While it’s not exactly the end of the world, it would have been nice to have a touch screen. But hey, entry-level cameras, right?

RAW Support

To shoot in RAW is becoming more and more the norm for obvious reasons. RAW photos are amazing! So this brings us to the next common feature you notice in comparing the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5. These cameras both come with RAW support. Is there really any camera these days that does not come with RAW support? We highly doubt that.

Anyway, what does RAW support translate to for the beginner? It’s a great way to shoot like we already mentioned. However, to really harness the benefits of shooting in RAW, you’re going to have a few tools in your arsenal.

For one, RAW photos as their names suggest have not been processed or compressed at all. So, typically, they are large in size. But it’s not just that, they are also quite muted in appearance because they haven’t been processed. When you compare it to JPEG, you see a world of difference. Once you shoot in JPEG, you can immediately upload and share your photo with the internet. The image has already been compressed and processed. So, the size and looks are just right.

RAW photos, on the other hand, require the use of special software to get them share-ready. As a beginner, if you haven’t already, you need to get either Lightroom or Adobe’s Photoshop. Also, you might want to get a faster computer as well as RAW photos require speedy processors to edit them.

And talking about editing RAW photos, that’s one of the benefits of shooting in RAW. You get the benefit of non-destructive editing. That is, when you edit, the photo retains its initial image quality and when you undo any edit, the image goes back to its original quality.

Mirrorless Cameras

Still on the common features between the Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5, another common feature is the fact that they are both mirrorless cameras. But no, they do not come with electronic viewfinders. They do not come with optical viewfinders either. Yes, you are correct. These guys do not come with viewfinders at all. And yes, that is very much a bummer.

You need a viewfinder to be able to see what you’re photographing. You also need it to compose your scenes accordingly. So shooting without a viewfinder is kinda like shooting blind. In such cases, though, you can still shoot but you’d have to use the screen which is just weird since you can’t hold up the screen to your eyes. Plus, looking through a screen is a bit awkward when composing your scenes and stuff.

Anyway, the deed is done and we’re here. You’d have to make use of the LCD screen. However the Nikon 1 J5 would fare better in this respect since it has a sharper LCD screen. The Sony a5000 isn’t as sharp and so will present some problems with autofocusing and things like that.

Another option though would be to get an external viewfinder to use with your camera. Of course this would translate to more expenses but it’s either that or use your LCD screen.

But back to the main point here – mirrorless cameras. Normally, in a DSLR camera, there’s a mirror in the camera with which you view the subject or scene you’re shooting. This mirror flips out of the way when you press the shutter release button so that light gets to the sensor when you’re ready to take your shot.

In a mirrorless camera though, the light goes straight from the lens to the sensor since there is no mirror. Normally, the EVF would have generated the image so you can see what it looks like through the eyes of the camera before you snap. However, in this case, both cameras do not have any kind of viewfinder.

Anyway, with the absence of a mirror, mirrorless cameras are typically more compact and also more lightweight. This is why they are a preferred choice when going for an everyday or travel camera.

Also, mirrorless cameras are a lot easier to work around than DSLR cameras which require some practice to get used to.

Fast Shutter Speeds

Everyone wants a camera with a pretty snappy shutter speed, isn’t it? And these days there are a plethora of options when it comes to cameras with fast shutter speeds. In comparing the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5, you discover that the Sony a5000 comes with a max shutter speed of 1/4000 second which is common in entry-level Sony cameras. On the other hand, the Niko J5 comes with a max shutter speed of 1/8000 second. Even though the Niko J5 has a faster shutter speed, a shutter speed of 1/4000 second cannot be considered slow. It could be faster but as is, the shutter speed is still plenty fast enough.

Fast shutter speeds are great when you want to take photos of subjects frozen in motion. Because the shutter speed is so fast, there’s hardly ever a chance for a blur and the picture comes out beautifully. It’s different when you use a slower shutter speed which tends to create blurry areas along the direction of motion.

But then slower shutter speeds also have their use. With a slower shutter speed, the sensor is able to take in more light which is better for your picture quality especially in low light. Also, the blur they create can sometimes be used to create an illusion of speed when taking photos of automobiles for marketing purposes.

It’s a good thing that you get a wide range of shutter speeds from 1/4000 second / 1/16000 second to as slow as 30 seconds. There’s a whole lot you can achieve simply by adjusting the shutter speeds of the camera.

Dynamic Range

The dynamic range of any camera is an important feature to consider when checking out or comparing two cameras like we’re comparing the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5 today. Thankfully, in this case both the Sony a5000 and the Nikon J5 pass the test. Their dynamic range is sufficient even though the Sony a5000 comes with a better dynamic range.

The dynamic range of a camera is important when it comes to determining how sensitive your camera is to light. If the dynamic range is good enough, it will pick up all the subtle details in the highlights and shadows, otherwise, all that detail can get lost to your camera.

Typically, if a camera comes with a dynamic range that falls in between 12 and 14, it is considered good enough. And anything between 14 and 15 is considered excellent.

Considering their dynamic range therefore, the Sony a5000 would be the better option in bright sunlight.

No Image Stabilization

In higher end cameras, it is common for you to find one form of image stabilization or the other. Even some entry-level cameras also come with image stabilization. However, in the case of the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5, there is no form of image stabilization.

Image stabilization helps you steady your image in the face of camera shake. And there are two types of image stabilization – the optical image stabilization and the sensor-shift image stabilization

With the optical image stabilization, the stabilization occurs in the lens. It’s a great way to stabilize images especially when you’re using long lenses. The images remain stable whatever happens to the camera and you know such lenses shake a lot especially when you’re not working on a tripod. Little involuntary shakes of the camera could translate to a very erratic shake of the image which can make it difficult to compose scenes. If, however, the photographer makes use of IS lenses in such a case, it becomes easier to compose their scenes.

As for sensor-shift stabilization, the image stabilization is built-in which means that you can use any lens on the camera and the image will still come out stabilized. However, the slightest camera shake could cause the image to move erratically as you look through the lenses. But then again, it’s the more cost effective option.

In this case, you can choose to get IS lenses. It will cost you more but it’s your best bet. Or you can choose to use a tripod instead which is the more cost effective option.

Unique Features — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

Which has the bigger sensor: a5000 or J5?

The Sony a5000 comes with an APS-C crop sensor while the Nikon J5 comes with a 1 inch BSI-CMOS sensor. Both these sensors are different and smaller than full frame sensors. So, for obvious reasons, more people prefer full frame cameras. But then again, as with all things, crop sensors also have their benefits.

Let’s begin with an explanation of what a crop sensors is. A crop sensor is smaller than a full frame, and as its name suggests tends to capture only a crop of the actual frame. As a result, the image you get from a camera with a crop sensor tends to have a tighter field of view than one taken with a full frame sensor.

Now the primary advantage that full frame sensors have over crop sensors is that they have a wider angle and a shallower depth of field. They also have better dynamic range. And all of these features work together to bring about improved picture quality.

As for crop sensors, on the other hand, image quality is good but definitely not as good as full frame sensors. But then again, cameras with crop sensors are less expensive which is why they are found mostly among entry-level cameras. That’s one benefit of crop sensors.

Secondly, cameras with crop sensors are more compact and, therefore, more portable than cameras with full sensors. So, they are more convenient to carry around.

That said though, professional photographers would be more inclined to working with full frame cameras than crop sensor cameras. But then again, they are more expensive to work with than crop sensors.

Setting up for telephoto photography, for instance, would cost you about 3 to 4 times more with a full frame camera than a crop sensor camera. Therefore, even if the results would be better, the photographer on a budget might be better off working with a crop sensor camera.

Now, for the 1 inch sensor. First off, technically, a 1 inch sensor isn’t a 1 inch sensor. It actually measures at 13.2 millimeters by 8.8 millimeters. And 1 inch is actually, by conversion, about 25 millimeters thereabout. Anyway, 1 inch screens are great because they make for compact yet versatile cameras.

You’d mostly find 1 inch sensors in pocket, travel-friendly cameras. However, they are limited to working with lenses that are either 24 – 70 millimeters or 24 – 100 millimeters (in 35 millimeter equivalent terms).

A 1 inch sensor, though smaller than most, is great and can be used to get high quality images, at least by compact camera standards. Typically, cameras that use 1 inch sensors come with a pretty wide maximum aperture opening which is great because it lets in plenty of light into the small sensor.

In fact, with the advancement in technology, 1 inch sensors are being improved and upgraded to be even more sensitive to light. So many of them capture light even better than standard sensors would.

Which has more focus points: a5000 or J5?

The Sony a5000 comes with way fewer focus points than the Nikon J5 — 25 vs 171 — and this, of course, has implications. Focus points help your camera narrow in on your subject or scene accurately so that the picture comes out in focus and all.

Usually, more focus points means that the autofocusing is faster. Plus, it’s very useful for when you’re taking of subjects that have the tendency to move out of the pre-assigned focus. If the focus points are too few, if the subject moves out of focus after you press the shutter release button, it could ruin the image.

Nonetheless, cameras with few focus points are great for taking portraits and landscapes. They are also great for taking photos of architecture and stills. If you’re going to be photographing kids or pets, this camera might not be your go-to camera.

At 117 focus points, the Nikon J5 will focus faster than the Sony a5000. Plus having more focus points makes the camera a more versatile one when compared to the Sony a5000.

While the few focus points of the Sony a5000 will limit its use to mostly stills, portraits and landscape, the Nikon J5 is a camera that can get in all the action. Children and pet photographers would also find the Nikon J5 a better companion than the Sony a5000.

Which is faster in continuous shooting: a5000 or J5?

The Nikon J5 has a burst mode speed of 20 frames per second which is 5 times faster than the Sony a5000 — 4 frames per second. Continuous shooting happens when you press and hold on to the shutter release button and the camera continues to take photos. The frames per second rating tells you just how many shots per second your camera will be taking in every second when the shutter release button is pressed down. It’s a feature commonly used by photographers who shoot action, sport, and wildlife photography.

Now, if the action, sport or wildlife scene is what you’re looking to go into, then your preferred camera will easily be the J5, for obvious reasons.

Which is better for video: a5000 or J5?

The Nikon J5 shoots 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 1200 frames per second while the Sony a5000 shoots full HD (1920 x 1080). Therefore, the Nikon camera is the better one to record videos with. Most entry-level cameras shoot full HD and this is why the 4K resolution of the J5 is even more impressive.

Anyway, Full HD is actually a great video resolution even though many think that it’s getting slightly outdated because of the rise of 4K. Well, that’s a pretty funny assumption since 4K is not as prevalent as people think. Most people are actually still shooting in full HD right now.

While 4K is amazing, it does require a good deal of work to get it up and ready. So, even though 4K is definitely the future of videography, full HD is still very much in use right now. For instance, in broadcasting, you can’t shoot in any resolution other than full HD.

Now, here are the benefits of full HD.

Full HD videos are not so large and require little to no editing afterward to make them good. 4k, on the other hand, have a couple of “hurdles.” In most cameras, you’d have to use an external HDMI recorder, then there’s the special software you have to use to edit the video. Plus, let’s not forget that you can only use computers with fast processors to work on such videos. As you can see, there are quite a number of requirements.

For a beginner, you’re golden with full HD. You’re not missing anything much. Plus, it means you’d also spend less. Plus, there’s also the chance to upscale if need be to do 4K. It might not be exact, but it will definitely come close to what you initially intended to achieve.

Now, to 4K. 4K video is something everyone is crazy about these days and for all the right reasons. Its quality is out of this world. Even though many people are still shooting in full HD, 4k is gradually becoming quite popular among videographers everywhere.

Some of the main reasons people shy away from shooting in 4K is the cost. It can be a bit expensive shooting in 4K since you’d have to make some upgrade to your setup or get new stuff altogether to be able to do 4K. We already mentioned this in the sub where we discussed full HD so we won’t go back to that.

But anyway, 4K is fantastic. Our challenge with this camera now would be in low light. This camera isn’t exactly a low light ninja and you can tell that from our comparison table alone. With such mediocre low light ISO, we are not confident this camera will give you what you want in low light.

Our advice? If you regularly find yourself shooting at wedding receptions, indoors, or generally, places where you don’t have total control over the lighting, do yourself a favor and get something else. The Nikon J5 won’t serve.

Which comes with an anti-aliasing filter: a5000 or J5?

The Sony a5000 comes with the anti-aliasing filter. Not every camera has this but it can prove to be a really useful feature especially for photographers that take photos of clothes and fabric. So, what’s aliasing and why don’t we want that?

Well, there are certain materials that come with similar patterns that tend to recur over and again. In some cameras, when the sensor sees such repeating patterns, because they are so similar and the sensor is limited, they find it hard to separate one pattern from the other. As a result, they blend all the patterns together which causes the resulting image to form something called a moire. It looks like wavy repeating patterns especially found in fabric.

In order to take care of this, therefore, camera manufacturers add something called an AA filter. This filter blurs the detail just a bit which changes the frequency of the patterns. By doing that, when the patterns get to the sensor, the sensor is better able to tell the patterns apart and the moire is averted.

AA filters are common with older generation cameras though. These days, more modern cameras have sensors that are able support a wider range of frequencies. Hence such sensors can easily tell one pattern apart from the next.

The issue with AA filters is that they affect the sharpness of your image and can tend to affect the detailing of your image as well. However, even at that, some camera makers still add an AA filter just for the user’s peace of mind.

But then again, researchers are still working out the kinks in this new technology. So, for now, if you take photos of fabric mostly, then you might want to get a camera with an AA filter. So, between the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5, the Sony a5000 would be the better option.

Unique Pros — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

Pros Of The Sony a5000

• The Sony a5000 has the higher ISO (including low light ISO).
• It also has a better battery life than the Nikon 1 J5. A single recharge will give you 420 shots.
• Better color depth.
• Better dynamic range as well.
• Low light ISO of the Sony a5000 is a whole lot better than the Nikon J5 – 1089 vs 479.
• Its sensor pixel area is also way larger than that of the Nikon J5.
• Finally, this is the more affordable camera.

Pros Unique To The Nikon J5 — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

• The Nikon J5’s LCD screen comes with the touch feature.
• It also has way more focus points than the Sony a5000.
• Its LCD screen resolution is sharper than that of the Sony a5000.
• Shutter speed is also a lot faster at 1/16000 second compared to Sony’s 1/4000s.
• Continuous shooting feature is also better. it comes with 20 frames per second.
• The Nikon J5 is slightly lighter than the Sony a5000.
• Flash coverage extends a longer distance.
• The Nikon J5 cam shoot in 4K.

Unique Cons — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

Cons Of The Sony a5000

• The LCD screen does not come with a touch feature (it is not a touch screen).
• It has only few focus points – about 25 vs Nikon J5’s 171.
• LCD screen resolution is only 461k dot resolution.
• Continuous shooting feature is only 4 frames per second.

Cons Of The Nikon J5

• The Nikon J5 comes an ISO of 12800 which is one shot below that of the Sony a5000.
• Battery life is much shorter than that of the Sony a5000 at 250 shots vs 420.
• Low light ISO is also not as good. It comes with only 479 stops while the Nikon J5 comes with 1089 stops.
• It’s the more expensive camera.

Check out these other articles:

• Sony a6500 Vs Panasonic GX85 – Which Is Better For You?
• Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – A Detailed Comparison
• Sony a5000 Vs Canon 600D – Detailed Comparison
• Sony a6000 Vs G7X – Extensive Comparison
• Sony a6000 Vs Nikon D3200 – Detailed Comparison
• Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – An Extensive Comparison

Common Pros — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

Sony a5000	Nikon J5
This camera comes with a wireless connection which allows you automatically transfer your photos and videos to your phone or laptop. From there you can make your edits and then share it instantly with the world.	Same applies to the Nikon J5.
The camera also features an articulating screen which makes it easier and more convenient to make use of the camera. Sadly, it does not come as a touch screen which would have added to its ease of use.	The Nikon J5 also comes with an articulating screen. However, as a plus, it also comes as a touch screen. Changing your settings on a whim will be so easy using the Nikon 1 J5.
Comes with RAW support which means you get to shoot in RAW in addition to the regular JPEG	Also comes with RAW support.
The Sony a5000 also comes with face detection focus.	Same goes for the Nikon J5
High sensor resolution	The sensor of the Nikon J5 also comes with a pretty high resolution as well.
There’s the option for smartphone remote control	You also get smartphone remote control with the Nikon J5

Common Cons — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

Sony a5000	Nikon J5
This camera does not come with image stabilization which could affect picture quality especially when using longish lenses without making use of a tripod or any other rig.	Also does not come with image stabilization.
No external flash shoe	Also no external flash shoe
Does not come with a viewfinder, you’d have to make use of the LCD screen.	Also does not come with a viewfinder
This camera is not environmentally sealed which affects durability.	The same applies to the Nikon J5.

General Feeling Among Users — Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5

We’re inching ever closer to the end of th Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5. It’s been a long ride for sure.

And now, in this section, let’s find out what people who have used either of these cameras have to say about each of these cameras.

Sony a5000

Nikon J5

Users of the Sony a5000 were quite impressed by the price of the camera. It’s a budget camera after all. So people who needed a back up camera or something for less sophisticated uses found the camera quite a great deal. It also made a fantastic travel camera for many who enjoyed the light weight and compact size of the camera.   Picture quality was really good as well especially when said user worked using the app.   Nonetheless, the video recording wasn’t as good though which is where a few complaints started coming in from. Plus there’s no jack for an external mic which affects the audio of the camera as well.   Besides that, a particular user observed that you can only record for so long before the camera gets too hot to handle. It wasn’t a general complaint though but, all the same, it’s something worth keeping in mind anyway.   So, how did this camera fare in the people’s court? It was loved for sure. However, many still didn’t feel confident that it was the sort of camera you’d need for a hi-tech shoot.

Every customer seemed to agree on one thing regardless of whatever gripe they had with the camera.   This camera takes amazing photos and that was one comment that kept recurring all through the comments of users. It seemed like people couldn’t get enough of the picture quality of the Nikon J5. It was the most talked about benefit of the camera. So, it appears Nikon did a solid job on the camera picture quality wise.   Besides that, the size of this camera also got customers attracted to the camera. It’s compact and lightweight which makes the camera an excellent candidate for an excellent camera. Most users who got this camera, got it as a convenient backup for their DSLR cameras. So, getting quality photos out of them was something they truly appreciated.   Plus handling was great as many customers testified. This camera feels nice to hold. The sad thing though is that the buttons are a little small and can make the camera a little difficult to use. Some users complained about accidentally pressing the wrong buttons because of how small and cramped the menu buttons are.   The continuous shooting feature was another thing. We saw a number of action photographers who had great comments about the camera’s continuous shooting feature.   Altogether though, many customers loved their cameras barring the few complaints they had, isolated and otherwise.

In Conclusion…

Now that you’ve seen everything there is to know and compare between the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5, it’s time for us to let you know what we think.

If we were to pick between the Sony a5000 and the Nikon J5, we would definitely go for the Nikon J5. It has better features and a better performance as well. But then again, in all fairness to the Sony a5000, this is a camera that costs nearly twice the price of the Sony a5000.

From picture quality to video quality, the Nikon J5 is the obvious winner in the Sony a5000 vs Nikon J5 duel. Its continuous shooting feature is also much better than that of the Sony a5000 with a faster max shutter speed and a lighter body to boot.

All the same, if you can’t afford to turn out the money for the price of the Nikon J5, you’ll definitely be fine with the Sony a5000. It’s a great camera and you won’t miss all the upgrades on the Nikon J5 so much. It’s definitely something you can make do with until something better comes.

Sony a5000 Vs Nikon J5 — FAQs

Is the Nikon J5 a good camera?

The Nikon J5 is a good camera. It may not have the biggest sensor or the best battery, but it makes up for them in other ways. This camera has a pretty impressive screen resolution, pretty decent built-in flash coverage, and a not-so-bad maximum sensor resolution.

Also, considering that the J5 comes with RAW support, you can still get some pretty great images when shooting with this camera. It however does not have a viewfinder, but well, you can still frame your photos using the LCD screen.

Is the Nikon J5 good for beginners?

The Nikon J5 is a great camera for you if you are a beginner photographer. First of all, as a beginner, you surely want a camera that is easy to use, something that won’t take you too long to figure out, and that is exactly what the Nikon J5 is. As a matter of fact, it has a touch screen, so, yes you can pretty much operate this one just like you do your smartphone.

Furthermore, the J5 is an affordable camera. So, it will fit just right into pretty much every amateur photographer’s budget.

Is the Nikon J5 good for video?

It is really difficult to not be impressed by the quality of video the Nikon J5 produces considering its status and price. This beginner camera shoots 4K UHD at 1200 frames per second, and if that is not impressive, then we do not know what is. Also, if you want to get creative with your recording, this camera comes with an in-camera time-lapse app which lets you manipulate time in your videos.

However, it must be said that the J5 is not compatible with external microphones, so, if you will have to record in very quiet places to get good audio quality. More so, the battery of this camera could really frustrate you while you record; it’s that bad.

Is the Nikon J5 good for HDR photography?

If the plan is mainly to take HDR photos with your camera, stay far away from the Nikon J5. This camera does not come with the auto exposure bracketing feature which is really the most important “ingredient” needed to get the best HDR photos.

The auto exposure bracketing feature is also pretty useful in really difficult lighting situations. It helps the photographer see what the photo would look like with different exposures. Well, you will be missing out on that with this camera.

Does the Nikon J5 have wireless connectivity?

The Nikon J5 comes with built-in Wi-Fi. Thanks to this, you won’t have to rely on USB cables to transfer files away from this camera. All you need to do is create a wireless connection between your J5 and your device and you are good to go.

Furthermore, you can create a connection even more quickly just by touching the two devices together, this is thanks to the near field communication technology that the J5 comes with. But before you use this, you have to make sure that the other device is NFC compatible (not many older smartphones are).

Is the Nikon J5 fast?

In continuous shooting, the Nikon J5 is actually one of the fastest entry-level cameras you will ever come across. This camera is able to capture up to 20 shots in each second; this is more than you can say for a couple of advanced cameras, in fact.

This impressive burst mode speed, along with its 1/4000s mechanical shutter speed will be doing really great in getting the best photos of people/objects in motion. Having said this, you will imagine that the Nikon J5 is a pretty good fit for sports photography. Except maybe for its poor battery and a lack of a viewfinde/image stabilization.