Decision tools · Compare
X-E2 vs A5100
Quick take: The A5100 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the X-E2 is the most affordable.
16 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?
X-E2 — Street & Casual: The X-E2 is where the X-mount system matured. The X-Trans II sensor delivers rich, film-like rendering that still looks beautiful, and the rangefinder-style body is slim and pocketable. Manual aperture ring support, a quality EVF, and Fujifilm's colour science make it a rewarding camera to use. A bargain on the used market for anyone who wants the Fujifilm experience without the modern price tag.
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
X-E2 (2013)
is the right camera for you if…
- Street photographers wanting Fujifilm on a budget
- Beginners stepping into the X-mount system
- Compact camera enthusiasts who want film simulations
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 | X-E2Fujifilm · 2013 | A5100Sony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £80 usedBest | £102 used |
| Sensor | 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.3MP | 24.3MPBest |
| Video | 1080p/60p | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 7fpsBest | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~350 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 350g (body only) | 224g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 129.0 × 74.9 × 38.3mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.62× magnification | No viewfinder |
| Screen | 2.8" fixed LCD, 460k dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi | 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
X-E2
A5100
Portrait
5.8/10
5.4/10
Street
7.3/10
7.0/10
Travel
6.2/10
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
4.3/10
3.5/10
Documentary
4.5/10
4.1/10
Sports & Action
5.6/10
4.7/10
Landscape
4.1/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
6.0/10
5.5/10
Casual
4.2/10
5.2/10
Food
4.3/10
5.9/10
Macro
4.0/10
5.2/10
Architecture
4.1/10
5.2/10
Astrophotography
4.8/10
4.7/10
Vlogging & Video
—
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 X-E2
Camera family history