• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon J5 advantages over Sony HX90V

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.37 vs 1.26 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
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Sony HX90V advantages over Nikon J5

  • Less expensive
    $430 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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 390 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel

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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J5

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony HX90V

Review Excerpt

  • 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 Nikon V3

Nikon J5
Nikon V3
  • $747
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony HX90V
Nikon V3
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung NX Mini

Nikon J5
Samsung NX Mini
  • $747
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner
Sony HX90V
Samsung NX Mini
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon J5
Nikon J4
  • $747
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony HX90V
Nikon J4
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony WX500

Nikon J5
Sony WX500
  • $747
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony HX90V
Sony WX500
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Sony HX80

Nikon J5
Sony HX80
  • $747
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony HX90V
Sony HX80
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in GPS
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
Compare Other Cameras?