• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D5100 advantages over Sony HX90V

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.79 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 660 vs 390 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony HX90V advantages over Nikon D5100

  • Less expensive
    $448 vs $650
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Thinner
    35 mm vs 79 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/200 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 3.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Side-mounted tilt / swivel LCD screen; same sensor and processing as the Nikon D7000; good speed and battery life; in-camera HDR and filter effects; Full HD video capture with aperture control; audio levels control and external microphone jack.

  • AF-S lens mount doesn't offer autofocus with screw-drive lenses; popup flash isn't the greatest; no built-in wireless flash control; HDR function doesn't microalign source images.

  • Read our Nikon D5100 Full Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony A55

Nikon D5100
Sony A55
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony A55

Sony HX90V
Sony A55
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX90V vs Sony A55

Compared to Sony A33

Nikon D5100
Sony A33
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony A33

Sony HX90V
Sony A33
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX90V vs Sony A33

Compared to Sony A57

Nikon D5100
Sony A57
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony A57

Sony HX90V
Sony A57
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX90V vs Sony A57

Compared to Sony WX500

Nikon D5100
Sony WX500
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony WX500

Sony HX90V
Sony WX500
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX90V vs Sony WX500

Compared to Sony HX80

Nikon D5100
Sony HX80
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony HX80

Sony HX90V
Sony HX80
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in GPS
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX90V vs Sony HX80

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