Z6 IIIvs A5100
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Hybrid Video & Action — Z6 III (2024): Partial-stacked FF sensor for near-zero blackout, 6K RAW video, and 60fps burst — Nikon's most capable hybrid.
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
Z6 III (2024)
- Hybrid photographers who want partially-stacked sensor speed with full-frame quality
- Z6 II owners ready for a major AF and video upgrade
- Sports and action shooters who want 6K RAW video and fast burst
- Professionals who want a versatile full-frame Z body for any situation
A5100 (2014)
- Beginners stepping up from a smartphone
- Compact travel photographers
- Casual vloggers who want APS-C quality
Quick take: The z6 iii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a5100 is the most affordable; only the z6 iii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z6 III (2024) | A5100 (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,199 | £200 |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame Partial-stacked CMOS | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.5MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 6K/60p RAW, 4K/120p, 4K/60p oversampled, N-Log, 10-bit | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle/aircraft) | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 6.0 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic | 6fps |
| Battery Life | ~380 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 760g body only | 224g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 101.5 × 74.0mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.90× magnification | None |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z6 III | A5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Casual | — | |
| Travel | — | |
| 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