Decision tools · Compare
G85 vs A5100
Quick take: The A5100 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the A5100 is the most affordable; only the G85 is weather sealed.
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?
G85 — Travel & Video: The G85 is the definitive enthusiast MFT package — combining 4K/30p, Dual I.S. 2 stabilisation, and weather sealing in an affordable, well-built body. It lacks phase-detect AF (contrast-detect only) but covers travel, landscape, and casual video effectively. One of the best-value used-market MFT cameras available — a practical, capable companion for photographers who want reliability over cutting-edge specs.
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
G85 (2016)
is the right camera for you if…
- Travel photographers who want weather sealing on a budget
- Vloggers and hybrid shooters
- MFT system users stepping up from entry-level
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 | G85Lumix · 2016 | A5100Sony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £176 used | £102 usedBest |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 24.3MPBest |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 9fpsBest | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 426g (body only) | 224g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 128.4 × 89.2 × 74.3mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | YesBest | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | No viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, NFC | 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
G85
A5100
Portrait
4.9/10
5.4/10
Street
5.6/10
7.0/10
Travel
5.5/10
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
4.0/10
3.5/10
Vlogging & Video
4.2/10
4.7/10
Filmmaking
4.3/10
—
Documentary
4.8/10
4.1/10
Sports & Action
5.3/10
4.7/10
Landscape
4.7/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
6.0/10
5.5/10
Casual
4.2/10
5.2/10
Food
5.8/10
5.9/10
Macro
7.0/10
5.2/10
Architecture
4.5/10
5.2/10
Astrophotography
4.2/10
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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