• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 840.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A99 advantages over Nikon A1000

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm 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
    ~ 5.97 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    17 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon A1000 advantages over Sony A99

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    40 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    6 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    330g vs 828g
    Lighter weight
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D800

Sony A99
Nikon D800
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A99 vs Nikon D800

Nikon A1000
Nikon D800
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon A1000 vs Nikon D800

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A99
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A99 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon A1000
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon A1000 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Nikon D800E

Sony A99
Nikon D800E
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A99 vs Nikon D800E

Nikon A1000
Nikon D800E
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon A1000 vs Nikon D800E

Compared to Canon SX740 HS

Sony A99
Canon SX740 HS
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $447
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sony A99 vs Canon SX740 HS

Nikon A1000
Canon SX740 HS
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $447
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon A1000 vs Canon SX740 HS

Compared to Panasonic ZS80

Sony A99
Panasonic ZS80
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony A99 vs Panasonic ZS80

Nikon A1000
Panasonic ZS80
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Nikon A1000 vs Panasonic ZS80

Compare Other Cameras?