G85vs A5100
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Travel & Video — G85 (2016): 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.
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
G85 (2016)
- Travel photographers who want weather sealing on a budget
- Vloggers and hybrid shooters
- MFT system users stepping up from entry-level
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; only the g85 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | G85 (2016) | A5100 (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £200 |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 24.3MP |
| 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) | None |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 426g (body only) | 224g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 128.4 × 89.2 × 74.3mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | None |
| 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 |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | G85 | A5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Casual | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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