Sony NEX-5T vs Nikon Z7

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Sony NEX-5T
Sony NEX-5T

Released: 2013
Camera Type: Mirrorless

Nikon Z7
Nikon Z7

Released: 2018
Camera Type: Mirrorless

Sony NEX-5T is made by Sony, while Nikon Z7 is made by Nikon. Both brands have unique strengths and specializations, catering to different photography needs.

Release Date and Price

Release Year

Nikon Z7 was released in 2018, which is more recent than Sony NEX-5T, released in 2013.

Release Date

Nikon Z7 was released on 2018-08-23, making it a more recent release compared to Sony NEX-5T, which was released on 2013-08-27.

MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)

The MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) helps compare the original cost of the camera, offering insight into its market position.

Nikon Z7 is priced higher at $3399, compared to Sony NEX-5T which has an MSRP of $549. This indicates Nikon Z7 might offer better features or performance.

Camera and Sensor Type

Camera Type

The camera type (DSLR, mirrorless, etc.) affects size, handling, and features, impacting its usability for different photography styles.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 are mirrorless cameras, which means they offer similar design and functionality.

Sensor Size

Sensor size influences image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance, with larger sensors generally producing better results.

Sony NEX-5T has a APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor, while Nikon Z7 uses a Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) - Also known as 'FX' sensor. These differences can impact image quality, low-light performance, and depth of field.

Sensor Type

The sensor type (e.g., CMOS, CCD) determines how light is captured, affecting image quality, speed, and power consumption.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 feature the same sensor type: CMOS. This similarity could indicate comparable image processing and performance characteristics.

Resolution and Megapixels

Higher megapixels allow for larger prints and more detailed images but may result in larger file sizes.

Nikon Z7 has a superior resolution with 45,441,024 pixels and 46 megapixels, while Sony NEX-5T features 16,032,768 pixels and 16 megapixels.

Processor

The image processor affects camera speed, image processing quality, and power efficiency.

Sony NEX-5T uses the Bionz processor, while Nikon Z7 is powered by the EXPEED 6 processor. These differences could impact overall speed, performance, and image processing quality.

ISO Range

The ISO range measures the camera’s sensitivity to light, impacting performance in low-light environments and image noise levels.

Nikon Z7 offers a wider ISO range (64 - 25600), while Sony NEX-5T has a more limited ISO range (100 - 25600). This makes Nikon Z7 more capable in challenging lighting conditions.

Image Properties

White Balance Presets

White balance ensures colors are accurately represented by adjusting the camera for the lighting conditions.

Nikon Z7 offers more white balance presets (12) than Sony NEX-5T, which has 6 presets. This gives Nikon Z7 an edge in fine-tuning color accuracy in different lighting environments.

Custom White Balance

Custom white balance allows users to manually adjust color tones, ideal for achieving precise color in challenging lighting conditions.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 offer custom white balance, allowing for precise color adjustments in challenging lighting conditions.

Uncompressed Format Support

Uncompressed formats retain more data for higher image quality, useful for professional editing.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 support the same uncompressed format: RAW. This means they provide similar flexibility in post-processing and image quality.

Optics and Focus

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization reduces camera shake, allowing for sharper images, especially in low light or handheld shooting.

Nikon Z7 provides image stabilization, while Sony NEX-5T does not, making Nikon Z7 a better option for handheld or low-light photography.

Image Stabilization Details

Nikon Z7 is equipped with image stabilization: Sensor Shift (5 axis).

CIPA Image Stabilization Performance
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating N/A 5.0
Autofocus Motor

An autofocus motor allows lenses to focus automatically, improving the speed and accuracy of focusing.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 are equipped with an autofocus motor, allowing for fast and accurate focusing with a wide range of lenses.

Autofocus Modes

Autofocus modes determine how the camera focuses, with options like continuous, single, and tracking autofocus for different scenarios.

Autofocus Modes for Sony NEX-5T
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi Area
  • Center
  • Selective Single Point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • LiveView
Autofocus Modes for Nikon Z7
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi Area
  • Center
  • Selective Single Point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • LiveView
Autofocus Points

Focus points define how much of the scene can be focused automatically, impacting flexibility in composition.

Nikon Z7 has more autofocus points (493) than Sony NEX-5T, which only has 25 points. This provides Nikon Z7 with better control over focus precision.

Lens Mount Compatibility

The lens mount determines compatibility with different lenses, affecting the versatility of the camera.

Lens Mounts for Sony NEX-5T
  • Sony E
Lens Mounts for Nikon Z7
  • Nikon Z
Focal Length Multiplier (Crop Factor)

Focal length multipliers (crop factor) impact the effective field of view, especially for non-full-frame cameras.

Focal Length Multiplier for Sony NEX-5T

APS-C Sensor
1.6x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 38 mm
50 mm becomes 80 mm
100 mm becomes 160 mm
200 mm becomes 320 mm

Focal Length Multiplier for Nikon Z7

Full frame
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm

Screen and Viewfinder

Screen Dots (LCD Resolution)

The number of dots on the camera screen affects display clarity, useful for reviewing images and navigating menus.

Nikon Z7 offers better screen resolution with 2100000 dots, while Sony NEX-5T has only 921600 dots.

Touchscreen

A touchscreen allows for easier navigation, focusing, and menu selection, providing a more intuitive user interface.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 are equipped with a touchscreen, offering enhanced usability for navigation and settings.

Live View

Live view allows users to see a real-time preview of their shot on the camera’s display, making it easier to compose and focus.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 support live view, making it easier to preview shots in real time on the LCD screen.

Photography Features

Frames Per Second (FPS)

FPS, or Frames Per Second, measures how many photos a camera can take in one second during continuous shooting. A higher FPS is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as in sports, wildlife, or action photography, where timing is critical to get the perfect shot.

Sony NEX-5T offers a faster burst shooting rate at 10 fps, making it better for capturing fast-moving subjects compared to Nikon Z7, which shoots at 9 fps.
Shutter Speed

Shutter speed determines how long your camera's sensor is exposed to light. A slower shutter speed is ideal for low-light photography and capturing motion blur, while a faster shutter speed is better for freezing fast-moving subjects like in sports or wildlife photography.

Minimum Shutter Speed

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 offer the same minimum shutter speed of 30 seconds, allowing for long-exposure shots like light trails or astrophotography.

Maximum Shutter Speed

Nikon Z7 provides a faster maximum shutter speed of 1/8000, offering better performance for action photography compared to Sony NEX-5T, which has a slower maximum speed of 1/4000.

Built-in Flash

A built-in flash can be handy for quick shots in low-light environments, especially when an external flash isn't available. However, built-in flashes are typically less powerful than external ones and are best for shorter ranges.

Neither Sony NEX-5T nor Nikon Z7 have a built-in flash, so an external flash is required for low-light photography.

External Flash Compatibility

An external flash provides more power and flexibility compared to a built-in flash. External flashes can be mounted on the camera’s hot shoe and offer greater lighting control, making them ideal for professional and low-light photography.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 support external flashes, providing more control over lighting for professional-grade photography.

Self-Timer Functionality

A self-timer allows you to delay the shutter release, giving you time to get into the frame for group shots, self-portraits, or to avoid camera shake when shooting on a tripod.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 have a self-timer feature, making them convenient for group shots or self-portraits.

Time-Lapse Photography

The time-lapse feature allows you to capture a sequence of photos at intervals and combine them into a video, creating stunning visual effects like speeding up slow-moving subjects such as clouds, sunsets, or cityscapes.

Nikon Z7 supports time-lapse photography, giving it an edge over Sony NEX-5T, which does not offer this feature.

Metering Modes

Metering modes help your camera measure the light in a scene to determine the proper exposure. Different metering modes are useful in different situations, such as multi-pattern for general use, center-weighted for portraits, spot metering for precise areas, and more.

Metering Modes for Sony NEX-5T
  • Multi
  • Center Weighted
  • Spot
Metering Modes for Nikon Z7
  • Multi
  • Center Weighted
  • Highlight Weighted
  • Spot

Videography Features

Video Recording Capability

Video recording is an essential feature for users who want to capture high-quality videos alongside still photography. Cameras with video recording capabilities allow for versatility, whether you're creating cinematic content, vlogging, or capturing everyday moments.

Video Recording

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 support video recording, making them versatile options for users who want to shoot both photos and videos.

Built-in Microphone and Speakers Comparison

Having a built-in microphone and speakers can help you quickly capture and review audio when recording video. While they may not replace professional equipment, they are useful for casual video recording and on-the-go playback.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 are equipped with built-in microphones, allowing you to record audio directly with the camera.

Sony NEX-5T includes built-in speakers, making it convenient for on-camera audio playback compared to Nikon Z7, which lacks this feature.

Connectivity

HDMI Output, Microphone, and Headphone Ports Comparison

These ports are important for video professionals who need external monitoring and audio control. HDMI allows external display connections, while microphone and headphone ports offer superior audio recording and monitoring options.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 have HDMI output, making them ideal for real-time monitoring and external recording.

Nikon Z7 includes a microphone port for external audio capture, while Sony NEX-5T lacks this feature.

Nikon Z7 offers a headphone port for sound monitoring, giving it an advantage over Sony NEX-5T.

Wireless Connectivity Comparison

Wireless connectivity allows for convenient sharing of photos and remote camera control. Some cameras offer advanced wireless options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for easy file transfer and remote shooting.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 feature wireless connectivity, making it easy to transfer photos or control the camera remotely.

Sony NEX-5T supports wireless features like Built-in (NFC & WiFi), while Nikon Z7 includes features like Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth).

Remote Control Feature Comparison

Remote control functionality allows photographers to control the camera without physically touching it, which is useful for reducing camera shake during long exposures or self-portraits. Some cameras offer compatibility with dedicated remotes, while others support wireless or app-based control.

Nikon Z7 supports remote control (Yes (via MC-DC2 or smartphone)), giving it an advantage over Sony NEX-5T, which does not include this feature.

Camera Body and Dimensions

Environmentally Sealed Comparison

An environmentally sealed camera is protected against dust, moisture, and sometimes freezing temperatures. This feature is important for photographers who often shoot in challenging environments like rain, snow, or desert landscapes.

Nikon Z7 offers environmental sealing, giving it better protection against dust and moisture than Sony NEX-5T, which is not sealed.

Battery Life Comparison

Battery life is an important consideration, especially for photographers who shoot for long periods. The number of shots per charge is measured according to CIPA standards, giving a reliable estimate of real-world performance.

Both Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7 have the same battery life, rated at 330 shots according to CIPA standards, providing similar performance in terms of battery life.

Camera Dimensions Comparison

Camera dimensions affect portability and comfort when using the camera. Here's how the two cameras compare in size.

The Sony NEX-5T has dimensions of 111 mm in width, 59 mm in height, and 39 mm in depth.

The Nikon Z7 measures 134 mm in width, 101 mm in height, and 68 mm in depth.

The Sony NEX-5T is more compact with a total volume of 255411 mm³ compared to the Nikon Z7, which has a larger volume of 920312 mm³.

Camera Weight Comparison

The weight of a camera can affect portability and handling, especially for long shooting sessions. Here’s how the two cameras compare in terms of weight, including the battery.

The Sony NEX-5T weighs 276 grams including the battery.

The Nikon Z7 weighs 675 grams including the battery.

The Sony NEX-5T is lighter, weighing 276 grams, compared to the Nikon Z7 which weighs 675 grams.

View and Compare Specifications for Sony NEX-5T and Nikon Z7

Product
Sony NEX-5T

Nikon Z7

Name
This is the official name of the camera as listed by the manufacturer.
Sony NEX-5T Nikon Z7
Manufacturer
The company that designs, manufactures, and markets this camera model.
Sony Nikon
SKU
The Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) is a unique identifier used by retailers to track inventory. Some cameras might have multiple SKUs depending on the bundle or specific features.
CX76500
Release Date and Price
Release Year
The year when this camera model was officially released to the public.
2013 2018
Release Date
The exact date when this camera model was launched.
2013-08-27 2018-08-23
MSRP
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the price at which the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sells the product. This can vary by region and retailer. Here the price is listed in US Dollars.
$ 549 $ 3399
Camera Type
Camera Type
The camera type defines the fundamental design of the camera, whether it uses a mirror for its viewfinder (DSLR), a translucent mirror (SLT), or no mirror at all (Mirrorless).
Mirrorless Mirrorless
Sensor
Sensor Size
The sensor size determines the amount of light that can be captured, impacting image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance. Different sensor sizes are used for various camera types and applications.
APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm) Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) - Also known as 'FX'
Sensor Type
The type of sensor used in the camera, which could be CCD, CMOS, or others, affecting how the image data is captured and processed.
CMOS CMOS
Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels used to create an image. Higher resolution allows for larger prints and more detailed images.
4912 x 3264 pixels 8256 x 5504 pixels
Megapixels
Megapixels refer to the number of millions of pixels the sensor can capture, impacting the detail and print size of the images.
16 MP (16,032,768 pixels) 46 MP (45,441,024 pixels)
Image Processor
The image processor is responsible for converting the data captured by the sensor into a viewable image, impacting speed, quality, and performance.
Bionz EXPEED 6
Image
ISO Range
The ISO range indicates the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light. A lower ISO is ideal for bright conditions, while a higher ISO allows for shooting in low light but may introduce noise.
100 - 25600 64 - 25600
White Balance Presets
White balance presets allow the camera to adjust colors to match different lighting conditions, ensuring that your photos have accurate and natural colors.
6 12
Custom White Balance
Custom white balance allows you to manually set the white balance using a neutral reference, such as a gray card, ensuring accurate color reproduction in various lighting conditions.
Yes Yes
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, allowing you to capture sharper images, especially in low-light situations or when using longer focal lengths.
No Yes (Sensor Shift (5 axis))
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating
The CIPA rating measures the effectiveness of image stabilization, indicating how many stops of exposure you can gain by using the stabilization feature.
N/A 5.0 stops
Uncompressed Format
An uncompressed format retains all the image data captured by the sensor, resulting in higher quality images with more detail, but also larger file sizes.
RAW RAW
Optics and Focus
Autofocus Motor
The autofocus motor allows the camera to automatically focus on subjects. If 'Yes', the camera has a built-in autofocus motor, enabling faster and quieter focusing with compatible lenses.
Yes Yes
Autofocus
Different autofocus modes allow the camera to focus in various ways, such as detecting contrast, tracking moving subjects, or focusing on specific points in the frame.
Contrast Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Contrast Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points
Focus points refer to the number of areas in the frame where the camera can lock focus. More focus points allow for more accurate focusing, especially in complex scenes.
25 493
Lens Mount
The lens mount indicates the type of lenses that are compatible with the camera. Different mounts are used by different manufacturers and camera types.
Sony E


Sony Lens Mount Adapter LA-EA5
Nikon Z


Nikon Lens Mount Adapter FTZ
Focal Length Multiplier
The focal length multiplier, also known as the crop factor, affects the effective focal length of a lens when used with cameras that have sensors smaller than full frame. This value multiplies the lens's focal length, which can be beneficial for telephoto photography but limits the field of view for wide-angle lenses.
APS-C Sensor
1.6x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 38 mm
50 mm becomes 80 mm
100 mm becomes 160 mm
200 mm becomes 320 mm
Full frame
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen and Viewfinder
Articulated LCD
An articulated LCD allows for flexible screen movement, making it easier to capture shots from difficult angles. It can be particularly useful for vlogging, low-angle, or high-angle photography.
Tilting Tilting
Screen Size
The screen size is measured diagonally in inches. A larger screen can be beneficial for reviewing images and navigating menus.
3” 3.2”
Screen Dots
Screen dots refer to the resolution of the camera's LCD screen, with more dots generally indicating a sharper display.
921600 2100000
Touchscreen
A touchscreen allows you to interact with the camera's menu and focus points directly by touching the screen.
Yes Yes
Screen Type
The screen type indicates the technology used in the camera's display, such as LCD, OLED, etc.
Tilt Up 180° Down 50° TFT LCD TFT LCD
Live View
Live View allows you to use the LCD screen as a viewfinder, showing a live preview of the image before you capture it.
Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type
The viewfinder type specifies whether the camera uses an optical viewfinder (OVF), electronic viewfinder (EVF), or has no viewfinder.
Electronic (Optional) Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage
Viewfinder coverage indicates the percentage of the scene that is visible in the viewfinder compared to what the sensor captures. 100% coverage means you see exactly what the sensor will capture.
N/A 100%
Viewfinder Magnification
Viewfinder magnification describes the size of the image seen in the viewfinder relative to the size of the actual scene.
N/A 0.8x
Viewfinder Resolution
Viewfinder resolution refers to the number of pixels in the electronic viewfinder. A higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed image.
N/A 3690000
Photography Features
Frames per second
Frames per second (fps) measures how many frames the camera can capture in one second. Higher fps rates are useful for action photography.
10 fps 9 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed
The minimum shutter speed is the longest exposure time the camera can achieve, allowing for more light to enter, which is useful in low-light situations.
30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed
The maximum shutter speed is the shortest exposure time the camera can achieve, helping to freeze motion in fast-moving subjects.
1/4000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash provides additional light when shooting in low-light environments, improving image quality.
No No
External Flash
An external flash option allows you to attach a separate flash unit, providing more powerful lighting options and flexibility.
Yes Yes
Self-Timer
The self-timer feature allows you to set a delay between pressing the shutter button and when the photo is actually taken. This is useful for including yourself in photos or reducing camera shake.
Yes Yes
Time-lapse
Time-lapse photography allows you to capture a series of frames at set intervals, which are then combined into a video that shows a process, like a sunset, happening much faster.
No Yes
Metering Modes
Metering modes determine how the camera measures the brightness of the scene to set the exposure. Different modes are suited to different lighting conditions.
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation
Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the exposure set by the camera, making the image brighter or darker as needed.
+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography Features
Video Recording
Indicates whether the camera supports video recording functionality.
Yes Yes
Video Format
The camera supports various video formats, which determine the compression and quality of the recorded video.
MPEG4
H.264
AVCHD
MPEG4
H.264
Video Resolution
The resolutions supported by the camera determine the clarity and detail of the recorded video.
1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone
Indicates whether the camera has a built-in microphone for recording audio during video capture.
Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers
Indicates whether the camera has built-in speakers for audio playback.
Yes No
Storage
Memory Card
Indicates the types of memory cards that are compatible with the camera.
Memory Stick Pro Duo
SD/SDHC
XQD
Connectivity
HDMI Output
Indicates whether the camera has an HDMI output port for connecting to external displays.
Yes Yes
Microphone Port
Indicates whether the camera has a dedicated microphone input port.
No Yes
Headphone Port
Indicates whether the camera has a headphone port for monitoring audio during recording.
No Yes
Wireless
Indicates whether the camera has wireless capabilities for transferring files or remote control.
Yes
Built-in (NFC & WiFi)
Yes
Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth)
Remote Control
Indicates whether the camera supports remote control functionality.
No Yes (via MC-DC2 or smartphone)
Remote Control SKU
The specific SKU associated with the camera's remote control or accessory.
MC-DC2
GPS
Indicates whether the camera has built-in GPS functionality for geotagging images.
No No
Body and Dimensions
Environmentally Sealed
Indicates whether the camera is sealed against dust and moisture.
No Yes
Battery
The type of battery used by the camera.
Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details
Additional information about the battery, such as capacity or specific model details.
Lithium-Ion NPFW50 rechargeable battery & charger EN-EL15b lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery SKU
The specific SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) associated with the camera's battery.
NPFW50 EN-EL15b
Battery Life
The estimated number of shots the camera can take on a full battery, based on CIPA standards. CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) sets the industry standard for measuring and comparing battery life across different camera models.
330 shots according to CIPA 330 shots according to CIPA
Width
The width of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
111 mm 134 mm
Height
The height of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
59 mm 101 mm
Depth
The depth of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
39 mm 68 mm
Weight
The weight of the camera body, including the battery, measured in grams.
276 grams including battery 675 grams including battery
Henrik Törner

Written by Henrik Törner

Camera Expert and Founder of Cameraby


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