Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – A Detailed Comparison

Getting a camera that works for you requires that you gain basic knowledge of what a good camera offers; that is, after considering what your photography needs are.

In this review, we will be presenting you with timely information that we hope will aid you in your choice of cameras. We will be comparing the mirrorless Sony Alpha a5000 vs the DSLR Nikon D3300.

The time spent going through this review will be well worth it. However, if you do not have that luxury of time, the next three sections are for you. Let us get straight into it!

Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300
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Table of Contents

Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – Comparison Overview

This overview has been divided using various subheadings to give you a clearer picture of what these two cameras can offer you before making your decision.


Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – Where Do They Both Get It Right?

Sony Alpha a5000 and Nikon D3300 both come with amazing sensor resolutions. Although both cameras have the same sensor type (APS-C CMOS sensor), they differ in resolution and processor type.

The Sony Alpha a5000’s sensor is 20 megapixels and features the BIONZ X image processor. The Nikon D3300’s sensor, on the other hand, is 24 megapixels and features the EXPEED 4 image processor.

The high sensor resolutions of the two cameras make them great choices, especially if you want to produce large prints. This is because the sensor resolution ensures that image details are not lost when images are blown out or cropped.

Also, the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Nikon D3300 both have RAW Support. This guarantees better image quality when you shoot in RAW with either of the cameras as your images will be stored with minimal changes effected on them. 

Both cameras under review come with the face detection focusing feature. The feature allows the camera to automatically set its focus and exposure to take a shot immediately it detects the faces of humans.

Because both the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Nikon D3300 have the face detection feature, they are great camera choices for shooting portraits and when filming people.

Furthermore, the manufacturers of these cameras also got it right in the area of lighting. The Sony Alpha a5000 and the Nikon D3300 each come with a built-in flash, and best believe, while shooting in low lighting environments, this will come in handy.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!   Get the Nikon D3300!

 

Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – A Sony a5000 Demonstration Video

 

Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – Where Do They Both Get It Wrong?

One major flaw of the cameras under review is that neither comes with built-in image stabilization. Why is this a big deal? Well, usually, when shooting with a camera that has a built-in image stabilizer, the likelihood of shooting blurry images is reduced.

This is because the stabilizer automatically stabilizes the camera’s lens against vibrations or movements in the camera’s position. Without a built-in stabilizer, investing in an external stabilizer might be necessary.

Another major thing that is absent from the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Nikon D3300 is environmental sealing. The most common causes of damage to a camera’s system are the water and dust particles that creep into it.

In a bid to provide added protection to the camera, manufacturers fit some of their cameras with environmental sealing. Unfortunately, neither the Sony Alpha a5000 nor the Nikon D3300 comes with this environmental sealing on their bodies.

Almost everyone desires to experience some level of ease when it comes to using purchased equipment. One feature that sure increases the ease of use of a camera is the touch feature (touch screen).

However, when it comes to either the Sony Alpha a5000 or the Nikon D3300, do not expect a touch screen; none of the cameras was fitted with this feature.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!


Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – How Do They Differ From Each Other?

What is the major difference between Sony a5000 and Nikon D3300?

The major difference between the two cameras is that while the Sony Alpha a5000 is a mirrorless camera, the Nikon D3300 is a DSLR.

The battery life of a camera is definitely of concern to the photographer; it helps keep a lot of things in perspective. The Sony Alpha a5000 comes with an NP-FW50 battery pack that allows you to take 420 shots per single charge.

On the other hand, the Nikon D3300 comes with an EN-EL-14 battery pack that affords you 700 shots per single charge. This camera’s battery is obviously stronger than that of the Sony Alpha a5000, and that ought not to be very surprising as DSLR cameras are generally known to come with far better batteries than mirrorless ones.

Further, as a result of being a DSLR camera, the Nikon D3300 comes with an optical viewfinder, while the Sony Alpha a5000, on the other hand, neither comes with a viewfinder nor support for an external viewfinder to be attached.

Another major difference between the two cameras can be seen in their LCD screens. The Sony Alpha a5000 has an articulating screen, while that of the Nikon D3300 is completely fixed. The Sony Alpha a5000’s flip screen makes it possible to shoot self-portraits and videos for vlogs.

The Sony Alpha a5000 comes with the smartphone remote control feature, but the Nikon D3300 does not. The feature allows you to control your camera with your smartphone.

More so, while the Nikon D3300 has an external flash hot shoe that provides an option to use an external flash to boost your camera’s lighting, the Sony Alpha a5000 does not. The Sony Alpha a5000, hence, limits your lighting to just the built-in flash.

A wireless connection makes for better connectivity, with respect to directly sharing images. In this regard, the two cameras differ. While the Sony Alpha a5000 supports wireless connectivity, the Nikon D3300 does not.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!


Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – A Nikon D3300 Demonstration Video



Price Value Ratio – Sony a5000 vs Nikon D3300

Which is more expensive: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The Nikon D3300 is more expensive than the Sony a5000. This is not so surprising, as the mirrorless type cameras are most times not as expensive as their DSLR counterparts.

One major reason is that it costs more to produce a DSLR than a mirrorless type camera. However, with the feature set of the two cameras and their efficiency, the prices are justified. Plus, they are quite affordable.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!


Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – Brand Strength

It is a known fact that while Nikon is a major optics or imaging company, Sony is a larger company with a large imaging division. Although Sony and Nikon are major game players in the camera and imaging market, they have their specialties.

While Nikon is known for its better selection of DSLR type cameras, Sony is known for its better variety of mirrorless cameras.

However, both Nikon and Sony manufacture cameras with amazing image quality. The image quality of both cameras is so good and similar that you might need to be a psychic to tell whether it was a Nikon or Sony that shot it.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!

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Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – Comparison Table

  Sony Alpha a5000 Nikon D3300
Weight 269 grams 430 grams
Sensor resolution 20.0 megapixels APS-C CMOS 24.0 megapixels APS-C CMOS
Viewfinder None Optical
LCD resolution 461k dots 921k dots
Continuous shooting 4.0 frames per second 5.0 frames per second
Battery life 420 shots per charge 700 shots per charge
ISO Range 100 – 16000 100 – 12800
External flash shoe No Yes
Flash coverage 12.0 metres 4.0 metres
Microphone port No Yes
Wireless connection Built-in No
Articulating Screen Yes No
DxOMark Overall Score 79 82
Smartphone remote control Yes No
NFC connection Yes No
Colour depth 23.8 24.3
Auto Exposure Bracketing Yes No
  Get the Sony Alpha a5000! Get the Nikon D3300!
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Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – Circumstances They Are Best Suited For

Sony Alpha a5000 Nikon D3300
Its weight of 269 grams makes the Sony Alpha a5000 a good camera for daily photography. Actually, not just its weight, but its large APS-C sensor, and 20 megapixels sensor resolution, among other great features.

The Sony Alpha a5000 has a fast shutter speed of 1/4000 seconds, good low light ISO, 25 focus points, and an average continuous shooting.

These features work together to make it a good camera for sports photography. Although this could have been better with built-in stabilization and a weather-sealed body.

In addition, its incredible flip screen, live-view feature, and face detection feature combine to make a great tool for street photography.  
This is an excellent camera for sports photography. With the Nikon D3300, be ready to capture all the sports action. It has a fast shutter speed, 11 focus points, battery life of 700 shots per charge, good low light ISO, and an optical viewfinder.

These features in addition to its 1 cross-type focus sensors and good ergonomics make it a great camera for shooting sports.

Its high sensor resolution, face detection auto-focus, and large sensor size together with its other features make it very suitable for portrait photography and street photography.

Its portable nature makes it a good camera for daily photography.
Get the Sony Alpha a5000! Get the Nikon D3300!
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Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – Common Features

The following features are common to both the Sony a5000 and Nikon D3300:

High sensor resolution

RAW Support

Fast Continuous Shooting

Built-In Flash

Face Detection Focusing

Portability

Although the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Nikon D3300 are in two different classes, they bear some similarities. These similarities are what will be discussed in this section of the review. However, some of these features will be exactly the same in some cases, while slightly different in others.


High Sensor Resolution

Which has a higher sensor resolution: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The Nikon D3300 has a higher sensor resolution than the Sony a5000.
the Nikon D3300 has a 23.5 x 15.6 millimeter-sized CMOS sensor and features the Expeed 4 image processor while the Sony Alpha a5000 has a 23.2 x 15.4 millimeter-sized CMOS sensor and features the Bionz X image processor.

Don’t we just like to start with sensor resolution? Seeing as it’s one of the first things you look out for to determine a camera’s worth, it sort of figures. If you are more into large print images, you definitely would not want to give up high quality and details. So, it is important to consider the sensor resolution of your camera.

What really is the BIONZ X processor? The BIONZ X imaging processor is simply Sony’s improved imaging technology that imbues each shot taken with realism. It processes image data at incredibly high speeds and delivers the images with real-life color and minimal noise.

What about the Expeed 4 processor? This is Nikon’s imaging processor that boasts 1080p video capture, noise reduction, and pictures with improved autofocus.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!


RAW Support

Which has the RAW support feature: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

Both the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Nikon D3300 have the RAW support feature. This feature allows for the storage of the uncompressed images containing undeveloped data from the camera’s image sensor.

This means that the camera stores the shot images with little or no changes effected on them. However, for the images to be printed or shared, they need to be converted to JPEG or other convenient image formats.

The benefit of shooting images in RAW is the better image quality that comes with the format. Also, since the two cameras under review have this feature, There’s certainly nothing to worry about.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!       Get the Nikon D3300!


Fast Continuous Shooting

Like many other cameras in the market, Sony Alpha a5000 and Nikon D3300 allow continuous shooting. Continuous shooting (or burst mode) allows you to take several shots in quick succession within a specific timeframe before you release the shutter button.

This is a great feature for any type of photography, as it gives you a number of opportunities to capture the best possible picture. The Sony Alpha a5000 offers you 4 frames per second, while the Nikon D3300 affords you 5 frames per second in continuous shooting.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!


Built-In Flash

Which has a built-in flash: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300

Both the Sony a5000 and the Nikon D3300 have the built-in flash. The built-in flash of a camera comes to full use when capturing images in low lighting conditions. This is especially true when carrying an external flash will prove obstructive or too-much of unwanted weight.

Please note that we are not suggesting that a built-in flash is an almighty solution for low lighting issues. What we are saying, however, is that the built-in flash will come in handy sometimes, and it is a great thing both the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Nikon D3300 have this feature.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!


Face Detection Focus

Which has the face detection focus feature: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The Sony Alpha a5000 and Nikon D3300 feature the face detection autofocusing system. This feature enables the camera to automatically set its focus and exposure for a shot immediately it detects human faces within the frame.

This feature makes both the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Nikon D3300 good camera choices for shooting portraits and filming people.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!       Get the Nikon D3300!


Portability

Which is more portable: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The Sony a5000 is more portable than the Nikon D3300. Mirrorless cameras are generally expected to be lightweight and compact, and weighing only 269 grams, the Sony Alpha a5000 is just exactly that. The Nikon D3300 weighs 430 grams and is considered to be lightweight too by all standards.

With a lightweight and compact body, these cameras are great to use for daily photography, among other activities.

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Buy this Nikon D3300 on Amazon 5

Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – What Are The Unique Features?

The following are the unique features of the Sony a5000 and the Nikon D3300:

1. Viewfinder

2. Battery Life

3. Articulating Screen

4. Wireless Connection

5. Automatic Exposure Bracketing

6. Microphone Port

7. Flash Coverage

8. External Flash Shoe

9. NFC Connection

10. Smartphone Remote Control

11. Number Of Focus Points

In this section, we will be taking a look at what features differentiate the Sony Alpha a5000 from the Nikon D3300. To help you make a well-informed decision, some of the unique features of both cameras have to be pointed out. In a situation where they share a particular feature, their differences will also be pointed out too.


Viewfinder

Which has a viewfinder: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The Nikon D3300 comes with an optical viewfinder while the Sony Alpha a5000 comes with neither a viewfinder nor support for an external viewfinder to be attached. The viewfinder is that part of a camera where you look through to properly compose and focus your picture.

Viewfinders are basically of two types: optical and electronic. How do they work? The optical viewfinder allows you to see exactly what the lenses see, thereby, showing you the image as it really appears.

The electronic viewfinder, on the other hand, allows you to see the sensor’s view, thereby, showing you exactly what the image will look like after it has been captured.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!       Get the Nikon D3300!


Battery Life

Which camera battery lasts longer: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The battery life of the Nikon D3300 lasts longer than the Sony a5000. The Sony Alpha a5000 comes with an NP-FW50 battery pack that allows you to take 420 shots per single charge while the Nikon D3300 comes with an EN-EL-14 battery pack that affords you 700 shots per single charge.

As you can see, you will be getting a longer-lasting battery in the Nikon camera which is surely good news for you if you are already leaning towards this camera. You will be able to shoot for long hours, and who doesn’t love that?

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!       Get the Nikon D3300!


Articulating Screen

Which has an articulating screen: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The Sony Alpha a5000 has an articulating screen while the Nikon D3300 has a fixed LCD screen. One camera feature that promotes easy usage is the articulating screen. An articulating screen is an LCD screen that is not fixed but can be turned in a number of directions independent of the camera body.

The articulating screen which the Sony camera provides you will be helping you shoot from really flexible positions.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!       Get the Nikon D3300!


Wireless Connection

Which has wireless connectivity: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The Sony Alpha a5000 has wireless connectivity feature while the Nikon D3300 does not have this feature. Having a camera with a built-in wireless connection affords you the option of directly sharing images from your camera to nearby compatible devices.

And to make it even more interesting, it is a really easy feature to use. So, not only will you be getting the speed in the transfer of files, but you will also be enjoying the massive convenience.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!       Get the Nikon D3300!


Automatic Exposure Bracketing

Which has the automatic exposure bracketing feature: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The Sony a5000 has the auto exposure bracketing feature while the Nikon D3300 does not have this feature. This means that once the camera is in automatic exposure bracketing (AEB) mode, you will be able to set the width of the three pictures to be taken.

What this does is that when you take the next shots, the first shot will be in the exposure you set, the second will be underexposed by the number of stops set, while the third picture will be overexposed also by the number of stops you set. This feature is really useful for High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging. It is unfortunate that the Nikon D3300 does not have this feature.

While one camera has automatic exposure bracketing, the other does not. What exactly is automatic exposure bracketing? When you are not sure about the exposure to use, especially in tricky lighting conditions, exposure bracketing becomes necessary.

This feature ensures that you can shoot one picture at a particular exposure, and then take two other shots, adjusting the exposure after each shot. From these three options, you can select the image that you think is best for you. Automatic exposure bracketing helps you do this automatically on your camera.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!


Microphone Port

Which has a microphone port: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The Nikon D3300 comes with a microphone port while the Sony a5000 doesn’t have the microphone port. With the microphone port, you can boost the audio quality of your recordings with the use of an external microphone.

Cameras are not just limited to shooting stills, they can also be used to shoot videos. It is, therefore, important to pay attention to those features that will boost the quality of the videos filmed. Audio quality is very paramount to producing an amazing video. Hence, you will very much like to be given options for high-quality audio recording.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!


Flash Coverage

Which camera flash has a better flash: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The Nikon D3300 extends a longer distance than the Sony Alpha a5000 by 8.0 meters. The Sony Alpha a5000 has a flash coverage of 4.0 meters, while the Nikon D3300 has a flash coverage of 12.0 meters.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!


External Flash Shoe

Which has the external flash shoe feature: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

Only the Nikon D3300 is fitted with an external flash shoe on which you can mount an external flash, making it a better work tool than the Sony Alpha a5000 for flash photography.  

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!


NFC Connection

Which has the NFC connection feature: Sony a5000 or Nikon D3300?

The near field communication feature is present in the Sony Alpha a5000, but absent in the Nikon D3300. This feature is what makes it possible to do a one-touch wireless connection with the Sony Alpha a5000.

So, you are getting even more convenience in wireless connectivity with this camera. Amazing, isn’t it?

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!          Get the Nikon D3300!


Smartphone Remote Control

Of the two cameras under review, only the Sony Alpha a5000 has the smartphone remote control feature. This feature is what makes it possible for you to control your camera with your smartphone.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!       Get the Nikon D3300!


Number Of Focus Points

What is the number of focus points in Sony a5000 and Nikon D3300?

The Sony Alpha a5000 offers 25 focus points while the Nikon D3300 offers only 11 focus points. These autofocusing systems guarantee the speed and accuracy of the cameras’ focusing, and obviously, you will be getting better results from the camera with more focus points, which is the Sony Alpha a5000.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000!      Get the Nikon D3300!

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Sony Alpha a5000 – What Are The Unique Pros?

The following are the unique pros of Sony a5000 and Nikon D3300:

1. The Sony Alpha a5000 has an articulating (flip) screen that ensures it is a great tool for shooting self-portraits and vlogs.

2. The Sony Alpha a5000 comes with a built-in Wi-Fi which allows for easy wireless connectivity.

Wireless connectivity apparently gets even easier with this camera, thanks to the near field communication technology. With this feature, just one touch can get you connected with a Wi-Fi and NFC compatible device nearby.

3. Weighing just 269 grams, this camera is one you can take with you anywhere. You can even fit this camera into your purse if it comes down to it; great for walks and hikes.

4. The Sony Alpha a5000 has 14 more focus points to choose from than the Nikon D3300.

5. The automatic exposure bracketing feature which is absent in the Nikon D3300 is present in the Sony Alpha a5000.

6. The Sony Alpha a5000 comes with the smartphone remote control feature which allows you to catch a little fun with your photography.

Get the Sony Alpha a5000 here now!


Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – A Sony Alpha a5000 Demonstration Video


Nikon D3300 – What Are The Unique Pros?

The following are the unique pros of Nikon D3300:

1. The Nikon D3300 has an optical viewfinder that helps you properly compose and focus your picture.

2. The camera provides 280 more shots per single charge than the Nikon D3300.

3. The Nikon D3300 has an external microphone port that provides you with a lovely option for high-quality audio.

4. The maximum sensor resolution of the Nikon D3300 is 19 percent higher than that of the Sony Alpha a5000.

5. With a screen resolution of 921k dots, the Nikon D3300 has almost a hundred percent higher resolution than the LCD of the Sony Alpha a5000.

6. The Nikon D3300 has an external flash shoe that provides you with an option to boost your camera’s lighting.

Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300
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Get the Nikon D3300 here now!

 


Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – A Nikon D3300 Demonstration Video


Sony Alpha a5000 – What Are The Unique Cons?

The following are the unique cons of Sony a5000:

1. There is the absence of an external flash shoe on the Sony Alpha a5000.

2. The Sony Alpha a5000 does not come with a built-in viewfinder, neither does it give an option on which an external viewfinder can be attached.

3. The Sony Alpha a5000 has a poor battery life that provides just 420 shots per single charge.

4. The Sony Alpha a5000 has a low screen resolution.


Nikon D3300 – What Are The Unique Cons?

The following are the unique cons of Nikon D3300:

1. The LCD screen on the Nikon D3300 is fixed and not articulated like that of the Sony Alpha a5000.

2. The Nikon D3300 does not support wireless connection.

3. Nikon D3300 does not come with the automatic exposure bracketing feature.

4. In the Nikon D3300, there is the absence of the smartphone remote control feature that is present in the Sony Alpha a5000.

Common Pros Of Sony Alpha a5000 And The Nikon D3300

  Sony Alpha a5000 Nikon D3300
High sensor resolution With a 20 megapixels APS-C sized CMOS sensor, the Sony Alpha a5000 is capable of producing nothing but amazing high-quality large prints. The Nikon D3300 has a 24 megapixels APS-C sized CMOS sensor, which makes it capable of producing well-detailed large print images, even after some blowing up and cropping has been done.
Portability With a weight that is even lighter than average mirrorless type cameras, the Sony Alpha a5000 is by all standards a really light-weight. A weight of 269 grams and a thickness of 36 millimetres makes the Sony Alpha a5000 a really portable treasure. The Sony Alpha a5000 will surely not be posing an unnecessary burden. The Nikon D3300 weighs 430 grams, and coupled with a thickness of 76 millimetres, this camera is a really portable DSLR which can be carried around all day.
Face detection focusing The Sony Alpha a5000 comes with the face detection automatic focusing system. This makes it a great camera for shooting portraits and filming people. The face detection feature on the Nikon D3300 makes it a great choice for shooting images and videos with a lot of people in it.
Built-in flash The built-in flash of the Sony Alpha a5000 comes in handy when shooting in low lighting conditions, especially when you’ll rather not carry an external flash. The Nikon D3300 comes with a built-in flash to aid shooting in low lighting conditions.
Fast continuous shooting Encouraging you to capture those amazing moments, the Sony Alpha a5000 offers continuous shooting of 4 frames per second. The Nikon D3300 gives you 5 frames per second in the continuous shooting mode (burst mode), making it a good camera for action photography.
RAW support The Sony Alpha a5000 has RAW support, storing your images to as unprocessed and uncompressed files. This affords you the freedom to edit images as you deem fit. The RAW Support is also available on the Nikon D3300. This feature ensures that images shot in RAW do not lose much image data.
  Get the Sony Alpha a5000! Get the Nikon D3300!
Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300
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Common Pros Of Sony Alpha a5000 And The Nikon D3300

  Sony Alpha a5000 Nikon D3300
No built-in image stabilization There is an absence of built-in image stabilization in the Sony Alpha a5000. This can result in blurry images when there is a movement in the camera’s position. Investing in an external image stabilizer will be a good idea. The Nikon D3300 also does not come with a built-in image stabilizer. And this can prove problematic when really long lenses are used without placing the camera on a rig or tripod.
No touch screen The Sony Alpha a5000 does not come with the touch feature. The Nikon D3300 is also without the touch feature.
No environmental sealing There is no environmental sealing on the Sony Alpha a5000 to provide protection against tough conditions. The Nikon D3300 does not have environmental sealing on its body. This means that extra caution must be taken when shooting in harsh weather conditions.

Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – What Do People Think Of Both?

Sony Alpha a5000 Nikon D3300
A vast majority of users were delighted about the Sony Alpha a5000’s portability. They called it a camera that was convenient to carry around while producing amazing pictures. A lot of users found the controls of the Nikon D3300 easy to learn and understand. Nothing too complex for a yearning soul.
A whole lot of users pointed out that the camera was satisfying as its image quality was amazing for a camera less than 500 bucks. The Nikon D3300 was commended for great video quality. The users also said there was no use to get a separate HD video camera because the Nikon D3300’s video quality was okay.
Vloggers, in particular, were very satisfied with the quality of videos shot with the Sony Alpha a5000. Also, they are really appreciative of how easy this camera is to use. Some users complained that the automatic focusing system was faulty.
The major complaint by vloggers was the absence of a microphone port and a horseshoe bay to connect an external microphone and a headphone. A lot of users also complained about the absence of environmental sealing on the Nikon D3300’s body. They complained that this restricted the fun they could have with respect to action photography.
Another complaint is the absence of environmental sealing on the camera’s body. Majorly, the compact body was one great thing users found satisfying.
The general opinion is that the Sony Alpha a5000 is worth every penny it costs. All in all, the popular opinion is that Nikon D3300 is an amazing camera that does not cost so much for a DSLR.
Get the Sony Alpha a5000! Get the Nikon D3300!
Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300
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Sony Alpha a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – What’s Our Take On Them?

Sony Alpha a5000 Nikon D3300
Apart from this being a comparison of two cameras from different brands, it is also about camera types. A contest of mirrorless vs DSLR.   That being said, we feel the Sony Alpha a5000 is a great camera and well represented the mirrorless cameras in today’s comparison. This camera is worth its price tag. So, it not only suits your photography needs, but it also fits well into your budget. With a wider feature set and it being a DSLR, the Nikon D3300 is the obvious winner of this contest. Although it costs more than the Sony Alpha a5000 by a couple of hundred bucks, it is still a relatively affordable camera for its class. Bearing in mind your photography needs, if this won’t create an unforgivable dent in your pocket, go for Nikon D3300.
Get the Sony Alpha a5000! Get the Nikon D3300!

PS: if you want to know how the Sony Alpha a5000 does when compared to a camera made by another company, check out our Sony a5000 Vs Fujifilm X-A10 comparison article.

Sony a5000 vs Nikon D3300 – Related FAQs

What is The Best Image Quality Setting For Nikon D3200?

The best image quality setting on the Nikon D3200 ranges from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. There’s also an expanded set of ISO 12800. The slightest noise starts at ISO 800 but with clean images at that setting. For ISO 1600 and 3200, they show more noise and are usable for large prints.

JPEG RAW
ISO 1600 (100% Crop) ISO 1600 (100% Crop)
ISO 3200 (100% Crop) ISO 3200 (100% Crop)
ISO 6400 (100% Crop) ISO 6400 (100% Crop)

How Do You Blur The Background On Nikon D3300?

To blur the background on your Nikon D3300, set the zoom lens to 35mm to control the depth of field with the use of Aperture Priority. With an aperture setting of f5.6 or less, you can get a shallow depth of field capable of blurring out the background while focusing on the subject.

To set the camera aperture, turn the rear control dial until you get the accurate setting that suits your shoot. With a good setting, your images will be clear even in low light conditions.

How Do I Manually Focus My Nikon D3300?

To manually focus your Nikon D3300, below are the steps to take:

  1. Set the viewfinder to your eyesight.
  2. Adjust the focus switch on the lens to M.
  3. Choose a focal point.
  4. Frame the shot to put your subject under the selected focus point.
  5. Press the shutter button halfway to initiate exposure metering.
  6. Rotate the focus ring on the lens to call the subject into focus.

While focusing your Nikon D3300, note that some subjects can appear confusing even to sophisticated and standard autofocusing systems. This leads to a lengthy time in processing the focus of the camera.

How Do I Turn On The Manual Exposure On My Sony a5000?

To turn on the Manual Exposure on the Sony a5000, below are the steps to follow:

  1. MENU → (Camera Settings) → [Shoot Mode] → [Manual Exposure]
  2. Press the bottom part of the control wheel to choose the aperture value or shutter speed. After this, select a value by turning the control wheel.
  3. Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

It is also important to note that it is possible to shoot with your choice exposure setting by adjusting the aperture and shutter speed. The aperture value and the shutter speed change when you are recording movies.

Is Sony a5000 Good For Photography?

The Sony a5000 is good for photography. It measures 4.4 x 2.5 x 1.9 inches and with a few dials, you are sure to get the best out of your camera. The camera uses the E-mount system with two-dozen lenses that come with it. The camera lens kit comes with 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom and an in-built optical image stabilization feature.

In terms of interface, the camera comes with a user-friendly interface that a beginner will find it easy to navigate. 

What Lenses Are Compatible With Sony a6000?

The following lenses are compatible with the Sony a6000:

  1. Sony E 16mm f/2.8.
  2. Sony 16-55mm f2. 8 G.
  3. Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS.
  4. Sigma 16mm f/1.4.
  5. Sony 35 f/1.8 OSS.
  6. Sony 70-200mm f/4.
  7. Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS.
  8. Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS.
  9. Sony 70-200mm f/4
  10. Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS

There are factors to consider when choosing a new camera lens. Factors like overall value, weight, and versatility in the focal range are paramount for any camera user, so keep them in mind.