Both Sony NEX-7 and Sony a5100 have APS-C sized 24.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.
Below you can see the NEX-7 and a5100 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony NEX-7 and Sony a5100 Cameras
Sony NEX-7 and Sony a5100 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Sony NEX-7 and Sony a5100 sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, NEX-7 has scored 81, 1 points higher than a5100.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Sony NEX-7
81
24.1 bits
13.4 Evs
1016 ISO
Sony a5100
80
23.8 bits
12.7 Evs
1347 ISO
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Sony NEX-7
or the
Sony a5100 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
