Sony A5100 vs Nikon Z6

Nikon Z6 advantages over Sony A5100

• Larger sensor
  35mm vs APS-C
  More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
• Eye-level viewfinder
  Eye-level vs Rear display only
  You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
• In-Camera Image Stabilization
  Yes vs No
  Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
• Bigger pixels
  ~ 5.94 vs 3.92 microns
  Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
• Shoot 4K video
  4K (UHD) vs 1080p
  Make sure you have a fast computer
• Fast startup
  ~1.50 vs 2.0 sec
  Faster startup lets you catch the moment
• Built-in Bluetooth
  Yes vs No
  Always-on wireless connectivity
• Higher effective ISO

  Higher effective ISO

  Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

  Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

  You can learn more at our glossary entry.

  Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.

  Z6 test data on DxO Mark A5100 test data on DxO Mark
  3,299 vs 1,347 iso
  Take photos in low light with less noise
• More dynamic range

  More dynamic range

  Cameras with more dynamic range allow you to take photos with dramatic differences in highlight and shadow areas while retaining detail in both.

  Think of a brilliant sunset on a rocky beach: Bright sunset in the background, with dark rocks in the foreground. High dynamic range means more of the extremes will be faithfully reproduced.

  Dynamic range test data courtesy of DxO Mark.

  Z6 test data on DxO Mark A5100 test data on DxO Mark
  14.3 vs 12.7 evs
  Retain detail in highlight and shadows
• Top deck display
  Yes vs No
  Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
• External Mic Jack
  Jack vs No jack
  Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
• Newer
  6 years vs 10 years old
  Newer cameras often support more advanced features
• More dots on screen
  2100k vs 922k dots
  Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
• Hot shoe
  Hot shoe vs None
  Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
• Headphone jack
  Yes vs No
  Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
• Faster JPEG shooting
  12.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
  Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
• Faster RAW shooting
  12.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
  Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
• Bigger RAW buffer
  35 vs 25 shots
  Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
• Slow-motion videos
  Yes vs No
  Shoot slow-motion videos
• Faster shutter
  1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
  Shoot wide open in bright light
• Higher extended ISO
  204800 vs 25600 ISO
  Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility