Nikon J1 vs Sony Nex 5N?

Hi, which one is better and why?

Ensor for sensor the NEX5N wins. So that means low light shot will be killer no matter what. It's the 16MP APS-C sensor the industry is using in the Pentax K5/ Nikon D5100/7000, Sony A55. As someone mentioned since you have more pixels you can print larger or have more room to crop.

Differing feature is the lens system (Sony is a little bigger) and APS lens adapter support. Sony loses optical stabilization with their APS adapter. Nikon lenses have built in optical stabilization when adapted.

Usability I prefer Sony NEX5N, touch screen for navigation and focus and flip-up LCD for low angle, and custom button assignments. Nikon J1 just doesn't have any many buttons.

Sony can shoot at 1080P 60FPS Nikon does not.

The metering, hybrid focus is definitely stand out features for the J1. I would like to test on the J1 more. The NEX5N is no slouch though, it does capture action, has a 7FPS burst capability, meters fairly consistently correct.

NEX5N has focus peaking and a number of manual focus adapters in the market. Implements native EyeFi card support in it's firmware. Sony second generation mirrorless so it's more polished product than Nikons. Both cameras give you the digicam menu experience.

It's a tough choice both I think are excellent cameras. Not easy to choose as I think you need to use them side by side for your type of photography to make a final choice. Spec comparison doesn't fully capture the experience.