Decision tools · Compare

A1 vs A5100

Quick take: The A1 has the highest resolution at 55MP; the A5100 is the most affordable.

Different kinds of camera — their specs aren't comparable, so read the rows as facts, not a contest.

32 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras

How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.

Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more

Verdictwhich should you buy?

A5100 — Casual & Travel: The A5100 is one of the smallest APS-C mirrorless cameras ever made. Its 24MP sensor, phase-detect AF, and selfie-friendly flip screen pack remarkable capability into a shirt-pocket-sized body. No EVF or hot shoe limits it for serious use, but as a compact travel camera or beginner's first mirrorless, it punches well above its price on the used market.

Who should buy what
A5100 (2014)
is the right camera for you if…
  • Beginners stepping up from a smartphone
  • Compact travel photographers
  • Casual vloggers who want APS-C quality
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
Specification A1Antigravity · 2025A5100Sony · 2014
Price £909£102 usedBest
Sensor —24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS
Resolution 55.0MPBest24.3MP
Video —1080p/60p
Autofocus —Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection
Stabilisation —No stabilisation
Burst Rate —6fps
Battery Life —~400 shots (CIPA)
Weight —224g (body only)
Dimensions —109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm
Weather Sealed Not weather sealedNot weather sealed
Viewfinder —No viewfinder
Screen —3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots
Mount Fixed lens (360°, f/2.2)Sony E-mount
Memory Cards —Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot
Connectivity —Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC
Take-off weight 249 g—
Fly without registering Yes — under 250 g—
Flight time 24 min—
Wind resistance 10.7 m/s—
Obstacle sensing Omnidirectional—
Video link OmniLink 360—
Range 6.0 km—
Top speed 16.0 m/s—
Cameras 1—
RAW stills Yes—
Vertical shooting Not supported—
Intelligent flight Subject tracking, waypoints, return-to-home—
Storage 20 GB built in + microSD slot—
Controller in the box Vision goggles + Grip Motion Controller—
FPV Yes, goggles in the box—
Folds Yes—

Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.

How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
A1
A5100
Portrait
—
5.4/10
Street
—
7.0/10
Travel
—
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
—
3.5/10
Vlogging & Video
—
4.7/10
Documentary
—
4.1/10
Sports & Action
—
4.7/10
Landscape
—
5.0/10
Wildlife
—
5.5/10
Casual
—
5.2/10
Food
—
5.9/10
Macro
—
5.2/10
Architecture
—
5.2/10
Astrophotography
—
4.7/10
Fun & simple
—
4.9/10

Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →

Next
More comparisons with A1
Camera family history