GH5vs A5100
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Video, Filmmaking & Hybrid Shooting — GH5 (2017): The GH5 redefined what a consumer video camera could do — 4K/60p and 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording made it the independent filmmaker's tool of choice for years.
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
GH5 (2017)
- Independent filmmakers who need 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording without a dedicated cinema camera
- YouTube creators who want 4K/60p, a fully articulating screen, and unlimited recording
- Photographers who shoot primarily stills but need serious video capability as a second
- GH4 owners who want 4K/60p and 10-bit — a significant step up
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 gh5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GH5 (2017) | A5100 (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £200 |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.3MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | None |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 725g (with battery and card) | 224g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | None |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, headphone jack, HDMI | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH5 | A5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Casual | — | |
| Street | — |
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