Decision tools · Compare
EOS R100 vs A5100
Quick take: The A5100 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the A5100 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·16 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.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
EOS R100 — First Camera / Beginner Photography: The R100 does the basics well at the lowest possible price point. Its main value is as a gateway into the Canon RF ecosystem — the lenses you buy now will work on any Canon body you upgrade to later. Modest ambitions, reliably met.
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
EOS R100 (2023)
is the right camera for you if…
- First-time camera buyers stepping up from a smartphone
- Students and hobbyists wanting an affordable starting point
- Anyone who wants to start investing in Canon RF glass on a budget
- Casual photographers who don't need advanced video or speed
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 | EOS R100Canon · 2023 | A5100Sony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £559 | £102 usedBest |
| Sensor | 24.1MP APS-C CMOS | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.1MP | 24.3MPBest |
| Video | 4K/30p (slight crop), 1080p/60p | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF, face detection, subject tracking | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 6.5fps mechanicalBest | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~270 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 356g (with battery and card) | 224g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 116.3 × 85.5 × 68.8mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.59× magnification | No viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots (no touch) | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Canon RF-mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
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
EOS R100
A5100
Portrait
6.2/10
5.4/10
Street
6.3/10
7.0/10
Travel
5.6/10
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
4.5/10
3.5/10
Filmmaking
4.5/10
—
Documentary
4.9/10
4.1/10
Sports & Action
5.6/10
4.7/10
Landscape
4.5/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
6.2/10
5.5/10
Casual
6.4/10
5.2/10
Food
5.1/10
5.9/10
Macro
4.4/10
5.2/10
Architecture
4.9/10
5.2/10
Astrophotography
4.2/10
4.7/10
Fun & simple
4.9/10
4.9/10
Vlogging & Video
—
4.7/10
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 →
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