Decision tools · Compare
M10 vs A5100
Quick take: The A5100 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the A5100 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?
M10 — Street & Documentary: The M10 returned Leica to its roots — thinner, cleaner, and video-free by design. The 24MP sensor is the perfect resolution for a manual-focus rangefinder. The simplified control layout respects the M tradition without digital clutter. A camera for photographers who want to slow down and engage with every frame. One of the most satisfying cameras to use — assuming you have M-mount glass to pair with it.
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
M10 (2017)
is the right camera for you if…
- Serious photographers who want to slow down
- Street and documentary photographers
- Leica M-mount lens owners
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 | M10Leica · 2017 | A5100Sony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £8,516 | £102 usedBest |
| Sensor | 24MP Full-Frame CMOS | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.0MP | 24.3MPBest |
| Video | — | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Manual focus (rangefinder coupled) | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 6fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~220 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 660g (with battery and card) | 224g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 139 × 80 × 38.5mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder, 0.73× magnification | No viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Leica M-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
M10
A5100
Portrait
4.2/10
5.4/10
Street
5.2/10
7.0/10
Travel
4.3/10
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
2.0/10
3.5/10
Documentary
1.5/10
4.1/10
Sports & Action
1.8/10
4.7/10
Landscape
4.7/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
1.8/10
5.5/10
Casual
1.7/10
5.2/10
Food
3.5/10
5.9/10
Macro
2.8/10
5.2/10
Architecture
4.8/10
5.2/10
Astrophotography
5.4/10
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 M10
Camera family history