X-E3vs A5100
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Street & Travel — X-E3 (2017): The X-E3 is the lightest Fujifilm interchangeable-lens camera with the 24.3MP X-Trans III sensor. Its slim, compact body appeals to street photographers who find the X-T line too bulky. The touchscreen joystick and Bluetooth connection are welcome additions. 4K is technically available but limited to 15fps — this is a stills-first camera. An excellent compact travel camera at used-market prices.
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
X-E3 (2017)
- Street photographers who want Fujifilm colours
- Travel photographers prioritising size
- Minimalist camera users
A5100 (2014)
- Beginners stepping up from a smartphone
- Compact travel photographers
- Casual vloggers who want APS-C quality
Quick take: The a5100 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-E3 (2017) | A5100 (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £300 | £200 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/15p, 1080p/60p | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF, face detection | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | None | None |
| Burst Rate | 8fps (electronic shutter up to 14fps) | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~350 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 337g (body only) | 224g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 121.3 × 73.9 × 42.7mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.62× magnification | None |
| Screen | 3.0" touchscreen (fixed), 1.04M dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | X-E3 | A5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Street | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Casual | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Sports & Action |
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