Decision tools · Compare
Lumix S5D vs A5100
Quick take: The A5100 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the A5100 is the most affordable; only the Lumix S5D 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.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Verdictwhich should you buy?
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
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 | Lumix S5DLumix · 2024 | A5100Sony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £495 used | £102 usedBest |
| Sensor | 24.2MP full-frame CMOS (dual native ISO) | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.3MPBest |
| Video | C4K/4K 30p full-frame 10-bit 4:2:2, 4K 60p (APS-C), V-Log, HDMI RAW | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF with DFD; face/eye/body/animal detection, 225-area | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis sensor-shift IBIS, 5 stops (6.5 with Dual I.S. 2) | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 7fps (5fps with continuous AF)Best | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~430 shots (CIPA)Best | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 714g (with battery) | 224g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | YesBest | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Electronic OLED, 2.36M dots, 0.74x, 120 fps | No viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Leica L | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD slots | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C (10 Gbps), HDMI, 3.5 mm mic + headphone, 2.5 mm remote | 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
Lumix S5D
A5100
Portrait
7.1/10
5.4/10
Street
5.8/10
7.0/10
Travel
5.7/10
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
6.8/10
3.5/10
Vlogging & Video
5.4/10
4.7/10
Filmmaking
7.0/10
—
Documentary
6.9/10
4.1/10
Sports & Action
5.6/10
4.7/10
Landscape
7.0/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
5.9/10
5.5/10
Casual
4.6/10
5.2/10
Food
7.1/10
5.9/10
Macro
6.9/10
5.2/10
Architecture
7.2/10
5.2/10
Astrophotography
6.3/10
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 →
Next
More comparisons with Lumix S5D
Camera family history