Decision tools · Compare
D3S vs A5100
Quick take: The A5100 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the A5100 is the most affordable; only the D3S is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·15 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?
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 | D3SNikon · 2009 | A5100Sony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £268 | £200Best |
| Sensor | 12.1MP full-frame CMOS | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.1MP | 24.3MPBest |
| Video | 720p/24 | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode) | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 9fpsBest | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~4200 shots (CIPA)Best | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 1420g (with battery) | 224g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 159.5 × 157 × 87.5mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | YesBest | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | No viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual CompactFlash slots | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 3.5mm mic jack, 10-pin 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
D3S
A5100
Portrait
5.5/10
5.4/10
Street
3.7/10
7.0/10
Travel
3.8/10
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
6.5/10
3.5/10
Documentary
4.4/10
4.1/10
Sports & Action
6.2/10
4.7/10
Landscape
4.6/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
6.0/10
5.5/10
Casual
2.0/10
5.2/10
Food
3.5/10
5.9/10
Macro
3.1/10
5.2/10
Architecture
4.1/10
5.2/10
Astrophotography
6.6/10
4.7/10
Vlogging & Video
—
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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