• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Sony NEX-5R advantages over Nikon D7100

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 76 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    466g vs 1222g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Nikon D7100 advantages over Sony NEX-5R

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,256 vs 910 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 950 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    158 mm vs 83 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More dots on screen
    1229k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    24.1 vs 16.1 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
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D7100

Review Excerpt

  • Solid, ergonomic body design; Stunning, highly detailed photos, thanks to 24.1MP sensor upgrade and removal of optical low-pass filter; Cool 1.3x crop mode extends reach to nearly 2x the full-frame equivalent; Records Full 1080p HD video at up to 30fps with full-time AF; Many pro-level features packed into a consumer-friendly body at reasonable price.

  • Shallow buffer that hampers continuous burst shooting; AF slightly slower than average for its class; No real-time aperture control while in Movie mode (among other quirks); More noticeable moire patterns and aliasing artifacts (but only found when shooting fabrics with strong, distinct patterns).

The Competition

Compared to Canon 70D

Sony NEX-5R
Canon 70D
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D7100
Canon 70D
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5R
Sony NEX-C3
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
Nikon D7100
Sony NEX-C3
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-5R
Sony NEX-5N
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon D7100
Sony NEX-5N
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon EOS M

Sony NEX-5R
Canon EOS M
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
Nikon D7100
Canon EOS M
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Pentax K-3

Sony NEX-5R
Pentax K-3
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon D7100
Pentax K-3
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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