Sony NEX-5R vs Nikon D3x
This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony NEX-5R and Nikon D3x. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Sony NEX-5R is manufacturered by Sony but Nikon D3x is from Nikon. Both Sony and Nikon are well known brands though.
Sony NEX-5R were released 2012 and Nikon D3x was released 2008. That is a 4 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Sony NEX-5R | 2012 |
Nikon D3x | 2008 |
Type of camera
Sony NEX-5R is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D3x is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Sony NEX-5R has a "Sony APS-C"-sensor while Nikon D3x has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Sony NEX-5R | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D3x | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Sony NEX-5R has a 16 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3x has 24,5 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Sony NEX-5R |
16 MP
16032768 pixels 4912 x 3264 |
Nikon D3x |
24,5 MP
24385536 pixels 6048 x 4032 |
Nikon D3x has a 52 % larger resolution than Sony NEX-5R. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Sony NEX-5R has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3x. Sony NEX-5R has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Sony NEX-5R | 100-25600 |
Nikon D3x | 100-6400 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony NEX-5R
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3x
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony NEX-5R can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Sony NEX-5R | 10 |
Nikon D3x | 5 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Sony NEX-5R. Unfortunately Nikon D3x does not support recording movies and movie clips.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 357% heavier than Sony NEX-5R and its 276 gr (or 0.61 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Sony NEX-5R | 276 gr 0.61 lb |
Nikon D3x | 1260 gr 2.78 lb |
Sony NEX-5R vs Nikon D3x Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony NEX-5R and Nikon D3x, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
Name | Sony NEX-5R | Nikon D3x |
Manufacturer | Sony | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
Release Year | 2012 | 2008 |
Release Date | 2012-08-29 | 2008-12-01 |
MSRP | 649 USD | 7470 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | DSLR |
Sensor |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
Sensor Size | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 4912 x 3264 pixels | 6048 x 4032 pixels |
Megapixels | 16 MP | 24,5 MP |
Image Processor | Bionz | EXPEED |
Image |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
ISO Range | 100 - 25600 | 100 - 6400 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Focus Points | 25 | 51 |
Lens Mount |
Sony E See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
FX (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 & Viewfinder |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 3” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 920000 |
Touch screen | Yes | No |
Screen type | Tilt Up 180° Down 50° TFT LCD | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic (Optional) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7× | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 0 | N/A |
Photography features |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
Frames per second | 10 fps | 5 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | No |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
Video recording | Yes | No |
Video format |
AVCHD |
N/A |
Video resolution |
1440 x 1080 1920 x 1080 |
N/A |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | No |
Storage |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
Memory Card |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Built-in |
No |
Remote Control |
Yes (Optional RMT-DSLR1)
|
Yes |
GPS | No |
Yes Optional through GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Sony NEX-5R |
Nikon D3x |
Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion NPFW50 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 330 shots | 4400 shots |
Width | 111 mm | 160 mm |
Height | 59 mm | 157 mm |
Depth | 39 mm | 88 mm |
Weight | 276 gram | 1260 gram |