Nikon
D5
Nikon FX flagship sports DSLR with 20.8MP sensor, 153-point AF, 12fps burst, 4K UHD video, and dual XQD/CF slots — predecessor to D6.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Jan 2016
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 8.9 years newer.
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Wins
D5
Wins
Alpha 1 II
6 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Resolution (50.1 MP vs 20.8 MP)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF refresh rate (240 Hz vs 120 Hz)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 5,760,000)
- AD5 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 32,000)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD5
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
D5 is 2mm wider, 1mm taller, and 5mm thicker than Alpha 1 II.
D5 is 23 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm D5 · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
D5
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D5
Nikon F
270+
native lenses available
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
D5
AF low-light limit
-8.5 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 32,000 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Vehicle
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Weight
720 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
Resolution
50.1 MP vs 20.8 MP — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Insect, Car/Train, Airplane
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A
EVF refresh rate
240 Hz vs 120 Hz — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 30 fps
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D5
Pros
- ✓153-point Multi-CAM 20K AF
- ✓12fps (14fps mirror-up)
- ✓4K UHD + 1080p60 video
- ✓Pro tank build + sealing
- ✓3,780-shot EN-EL18a battery
Cons
- –20.8MP only
- –Superseded by D6
- –Very heavy (1.4 kg)
- –Premium flagship pricing
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D5 and Alpha 1 II at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 1 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, D5 or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.5/10 versus 6.0/10 for D5 — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the D5 and Alpha 1 II?
D5 is 20.8 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D5 and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
D5 has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D5 or the Alpha 1 II?
D5 reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D5 and Alpha 1 II?
D5 weighs 720 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the D5 is 23 g lighter.
Do the D5 and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
D5: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the D5 and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
D5: Yes. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the D5 and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the Alpha 1 II the edge.
How much does each cost?
Both launched at $6,499.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D5 vs Alpha 1 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Sony press materials.