• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 70.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony RX100 VA advantages over Nikon Z5

  • Less expensive
    $998* vs $1297
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    41 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/200 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    299g vs 675g
    Lighter weight
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon Z5 advantages over Sony RX100 VA

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer video battery life
    85 vs 35 minutes
    Capture more video
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    4 years vs 6 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.80x vs 0.59x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 20.1 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
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 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
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon Z5

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony RX100 IV

Sony RX100 VA
Sony RX100 IV
  • $998
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Newer
  • $898
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon Z5
Sony RX100 IV
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $898
  • 1 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Sony RX100 V

Sony RX100 VA
Sony RX100 V
  • $998
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $998
  • 1 inch
Nikon Z5
Sony RX100 V
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $998
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sony ZV-1

Sony RX100 VA
Sony ZV-1
  • $998
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Internal flash
  • $800
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Nikon Z5
Sony ZV-1
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $800
  • 1 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Sony RX100 VA
Nikon Z6 II
  • $998
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Sony RX100 VA
Panasonic S5 II
  • $998
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon Z5
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
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