Nikon D7100 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
      71
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      62
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D7100 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A330, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D7100 was introduced in April 2013 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 was introduced in May 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D7100 Highlights

      • 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 1,229k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 Highlights

      • 10.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D7100
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D7100 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330.

      PROS

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 83
      •   Weight - 765 g (1.69 lb / 26.98 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 64
      •   Weight - 529 g (1.17 lb / 18.66 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D7100

      Nikon D7100
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D7100 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A330.

      Nikon D7100 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 24.1 Megapixel vs 10.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 vs 3872 x 2592
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 51 vs 9
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 2.7"
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,229k dot vs 230k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 95%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.63x vs 0.49x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps vs 2.5 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/160 sec
      Average Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1256 vs 535
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.2 vs 22.4
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.7 vs 11.5
      Higher DxO Overall Score 83 vs 64
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 950 shots vs 230 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D7100.

      Nikon D7500
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Nikon D7000
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D7200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Leica SL2
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      47.3 MP

      Canon M50
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Nikon L28
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Nikon D1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Leica TL2
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      APS-C

      24.6 MP

      Nikon D300S
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 over Nikon D7100.

      Nikon D7100 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Screen Type Fixed vs Tilting
      Lighter 765 g (1.69 lb / 26.98 oz) vs 529 g (1.17 lb / 18.66 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A330.

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A550
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D7100 Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D7100 Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Optional
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D7100 has a 3.2" Fixed screen with 1,229k dot resolution and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 has a 2.7" Tilting screen with 230k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D7100 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderSony Alpha DSLR-A330 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. Nikon D7100 has 100% coverage with 0.94x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 has 95% coverage with 0.74x (0.49x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D7100 features a 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 features a 10.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D7100 can take pictures up to 6000 x 4000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 6000 x 3368, 4800 x 3200, 4800 x 2696, 4494 x 3000, 4496 x 2528, 3600 x 2400, 3600 x 2024, 2992 x 2000, 2992 x 1680, 2400 x 1600, 2400 x 1344 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3872 x 2176, 2896 x 1936, 2896 x 1632, 1920 x 1280, 1920 x 1088 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D7100 has Nikon F lens mount and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 has Sony A lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Nikon D7100

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Nikon D7100. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon D7100 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 has an HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D7100 comes with EN-EL15 battery pack with battery life of 950 shots and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 230 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D7100 has Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slots. Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D7100 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D7100, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A330. Nikon D7100 can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps. Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D7100 has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 has 9 focusing points. Nikon D7100 has detection range from -2 to +19 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D7100 ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D7100 and ±2 EV range on Sony Alpha DSLR-A330. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D7100 and and manual exposure adjustment on Sony Alpha DSLR-A330.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D7100 and 10.00 m on Sony Alpha DSLR-A330. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Nikon D7100. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D7100 and 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A330.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D7100 body has dimensions of 136 x 107 x 76 mm (5.35 x 4.21 x 2.99") and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 71 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 2.8"). Nikon D7100 weighs 765 g (1.69 lb / 26.98 oz) and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 weighs 529 g (1.17 lb / 18.66 oz).

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      136 mm

      107 mm

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      128 mm

      97 mm

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      107 mm

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      97 mm

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      76 mm

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      71 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D7100 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      Nikon D7100 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      82
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      71
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      79
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      79
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 765 g (1.69 lb / 26.98 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 529 g (1.17 lb / 18.66 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 765 g (1.69 lb / 26.98 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      GOOD
      82
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 529 g (1.17 lb / 18.66 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D7100 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 and give them scores of 71 and 62 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      OVERALL
      71
      OVERALL
      62

      Sensor

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      70
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 83
      GOOD
      70
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 64

      Photo

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      72
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      83
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      81
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      74
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      GOOD
      70
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      81
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D7100

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A330

      GOOD
      75
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 765 g (1.69 lb / 26.98 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      BAD
      38
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 529 g (1.17 lb / 18.66 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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