Sony A9 vs Nikon D5 Comparison

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Here is the quick overview and detailed specifications comparison of Sony A9 vs Nikon D5. You can take a look at the key differences between Sony A9 and Nikon D5.

Sony A9 ($4,498 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama): Making use of a 24.2MP full-frame Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the new Sony a9 is capable of shooting at up to 20 fps, recording UHD 4K video internally, and shooting with an expanded sensitivity range to ISO 204,800. Balancing the quickness of the processor is a well-matched 693-point phase-detection autofocus system that covers 93% of the image area for accurate and quick subject tracking in a variety of lighting conditions.

Nikon D5 ($6,497 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama): Revolving a 20.8MP full frame CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor, this workhorse touts an impressive 12 fps continuous shooting rate with full-time AF and AE, an expandable sensitivity range that goes up to ISO 3280000, and 4K UHD video recording at 30 fps. Matching the imaging versatility, the Nikon D5 is also characterized by its redeveloped Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system, which incorporates 99 cross-type sensors for refined precision when tracking moving subjects or working in difficult lighting conditions.

Sony a9 vs Nikon D5 Size Comparison:

  • Sony Alpha A9 is 21% (33.1 mm) narrower and 40% (62.9 mm) shorter than Nikon D5.
  • Sony Alpha A9 is 32% (29 mm) thinner than Nikon D5.
  • Sony Alpha A9 [673 g] weights 52% (732 grams) less than Nikon D5 [1405 g] (*inc. batteries and memory card).
  • Sony Alpha A9 dimensions: 126.9×95.6×63 mm (camera body only, excluding protrusion)
    Nikon D5 dimensions: 160×158.5×92 mm (camera body only, excluding protrusion)

Sony A9 vs Nikon D5 Specifications Comparison

Feature Sony A9 Nikon D5
Price $4,498 $6,497
Announced Apr 19, 2017 Jan 5, 2016
Body type SLR-style mirrorless Large SLR
Body material Magnesium alloy Magnesium alloy
Effective Pixels 24.2MP 20.8MP
Max resolution 6000 x 4000 5588 x 3712
Image ratio w:h 3:2, 16:9 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2
Sensor Size Full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm) Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Image Processor BIONZ X EXPEED 5
ISO Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800) Auto, 100-102400 (expandable to 50-3280000)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 50 50
Boosted ISO (maximum) 204800 3280000
White balance presets 10 12
Image Stabilization 5-Axis sensor shift No
Autofocus System Fast Hybrid AF: Wide (693 points (phase-detection AF), 25 points (contrast-detection AF) 153 points, including 99 cross-type and 15 supported to f/8
AF Points 693 153
Lens mount Sony E Nikon F
LCD Size 3.0″ Articulating LCD 3.2″ Rear LCD
LCD Resolution 1,440,000 dots 2,359,000 dots
LCD Touchscreen Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Electronic Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.72x
Min shutter speed 30 sec 30 sec
Max shutter speed 1/8000 sec 1/8000 sec
Max shutter speed (electronic) 1/32000 sec –
Built-in Flash No No
Flash X sync speed 1/250 sec 1/250 sec
Continuous Shooting Speed 20 fps with AF/AE 12 fps w/ AF tracking; 14 fps with w/ mirror up
Buffer Size (RAW) 241 images 200
Buffer Size (JPEG) 362 images 200
Video Output XAVC S / AVCHD 2.0 / MP4 MOV, MPEG-4 / H.264
Video Maximum Resolution 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30p; full HD up to 120 fps; full sensor readout. 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30p; full HD to 60p; 1.5x crop during 4K
Storage types Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) Dual CompactFlash or dual XQD
USB Version USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
Wireless Built-In Optional
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth Requires WT-5A or WT-6A
Remote control Yes (Wired or wireless) Yes (wired, wireless, smartphone)
Battery NP-FZ100 EN-EL18a
Battery Life 650 CIPA, 105 minutes video footage 3780 CIPA; 110 mins HD footage
Built-in GPS No Optional
Weight (inc. batteries) 673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz) 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz)
Dimensions 127 x 96 x 63 mm 160 x 159 x 92mm
Price $4,498 $6,497