M10vs A5100
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Street & Documentary — M10 (2017): 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.
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
M10 (2017)
- Serious photographers who want to slow down
- Street and documentary photographers
- Leica M-mount lens owners
A5100 (2014)
- Beginners stepping up from a smartphone
- Compact travel photographers
- Casual vloggers who want APS-C quality
Quick take: The a5100 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a5100 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | M10 (2017) | A5100 (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,000 | £200 |
| Sensor | 24MP Full-Frame CMOS | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.0MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | — | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Manual focus (rangefinder coupled) | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | None | None |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~220 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 660g (with battery) | 224g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 139 × 80 × 38.5mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder, 0.73× magnification | None |
| 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 |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | M10 | A5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Casual | — |
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