• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 8.3 megapixels
  • 15.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony NEX-5 advantages over Nikon 170

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.61 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 345k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 8.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 1/2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon 170 advantages over Sony NEX-5

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    8 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-3

Sony NEX-5
Sony NEX-3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Nikon 170
Sony NEX-3
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung NX100

Sony NEX-5
Samsung NX100
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon 170
Samsung NX100
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5
Sony NEX-C3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
Nikon 170
Sony NEX-C3
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nokia N8

Sony NEX-5
Nokia N8
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Nikon 170
Nokia N8
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Samsung Galaxy S II

Sony NEX-5
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon 170
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash
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