EOS M50vs A5100
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Casual & Vlogging — EOS M50 (2018): The EOS M50 is the most complete-feeling entry-level EF-M camera — built-in EVF, fully articulating screen, Dual Pixel AF, and a well-designed compact body. Its 4K video carries a significant crop and loses Dual Pixel AF, making 1080p the practical option — but for stills and casual video, it remains an excellent used-market buy.
Casual & Travel — A5100 (2014): 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
EOS M50 (2018)
- Beginner photographers who want an EVF in a compact mirrorless
- Vloggers who want face-tracking AF and a flip screen
- Students stepping up to their first mirrorless camera
- Used-market shoppers wanting a well-rounded EF-M package
A5100 (2014)
- Beginners stepping up from a smartphone
- Compact travel photographers
- Casual vloggers who want APS-C quality
Quick take: The a5100 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a5100 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | EOS M50 (2018) | A5100 (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £200 |
| Sensor | 24.1MP APS-C CMOS (Dual Pixel) | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.1MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/24p (crop, no Dual Pixel AF), 1080p/60p | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with face and subject detection | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | — | None |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~235 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 387g (body only) | 224g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 116.3 × 88.1 × 58.7mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.39" type | None |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Canon EF-M mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | EOS M50 | A5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | ||
| Travel | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Landscape | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history