Decision tools · Compare
X-E3 vs A5100
Quick take: 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?
X-E3 — Street & Travel: 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.
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-E3 (2017)
is the right camera for you if…
- Street photographers who want Fujifilm colours
- Travel photographers prioritising size
- Minimalist camera users
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-E3Fujifilm · 2017 | A5100Sony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £150 used | £102 usedBest |
| Sensor | 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF, face detection | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 8fps (electronic shutter up to 14fps)Best | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~350 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 337g (body only) | 224g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 121.3 × 73.9 × 42.7mm | 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 | 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 |
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-E3
A5100
Portrait
6.1/10
5.4/10
Street
7.4/10
7.0/10
Travel
6.4/10
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
4.5/10
3.5/10
Filmmaking
4.5/10
—
Documentary
4.9/10
4.1/10
Sports & Action
6.3/10
4.7/10
Landscape
4.6/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
6.5/10
5.5/10
Casual
4.9/10
5.2/10
Food
4.9/10
5.9/10
Macro
5.2/10
5.2/10
Architecture
4.7/10
5.2/10
Astrophotography
4.6/10
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 →
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