• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 384.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony DSC-HX9V advantages over Nikon J5

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos

Nikon J5 advantages over Sony DSC-HX9V

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.37 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    10 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.8 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    59.4 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    20 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J5

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent optical quality; High resolution; High-resolution Panorama mode; Good video quality; Good grip; Fast autofocus.

  • Sluggish user interface and Full HD video mode; Heavy noise suppression; GPS is sometimes slow to sync.

  • Photographer-friendly controls; Impressive dynamic range for its class; Very fast hybrid autofocus; Fast high-speed shooting capabilities; Tilting touchscreen display.

  • No hot shoe or viewfinder; Aggressive noise reduction, even at base ISO; 4K video is limited to 15fps.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS8

Sony DSC-HX9V
Panasonic ZS8
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Nikon J5
Panasonic ZS8
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup

Compared to Sony HX10V

Sony DSC-HX9V
Sony HX10V
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
Nikon J5
Sony HX10V
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony H90

Sony DSC-HX9V
Sony H90
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Nikon J5
Sony H90
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Samsung NX Mini

Sony DSC-HX9V
Samsung NX Mini
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon J5
Samsung NX Mini
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon J4

Sony DSC-HX9V
Nikon J4
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon J5
Nikon J4
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
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