Leica SL2vs A5100
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Commercial, Landscape, Video — Leica SL2 (2019): Leica's most capable system camera — excellent for photographers who want L-mount glass access.
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
Leica SL2 (2019)
- Commercial photographers who want Leica quality with modern AF
- Filmmakers who want Leica glass with video capability
A5100 (2014)
- Beginners stepping up from a smartphone
- Compact travel photographers
- Casual vloggers who want APS-C quality
Quick take: The leica sl2 has the highest resolution at 47mp; the a5100 is the most affordable; only the leica sl2 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica SL2 (2019) | A5100 (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,200 | £200 |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS 35mm | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 47.3MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 5K 30fps, 4K 60fps, 1080p 180fps | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, AI-based scene recognition | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 20fps | 6fps |
| Battery Life | 370 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 835g (body only) | 224g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 146.0 × 107.0 × 80.5mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.78× 5.76M-dot | None |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen, 2.10M-dot | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Leica L-Mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Leica SL2 | A5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Architecture | — | |
| Street | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Casual | — | |
| 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