Decision tools · Compare
K-1 vs A5100
Quick take: The K-1 has the highest resolution at 36MP; the A5100 is the most affordable; only the K-1 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.
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 | K-1Pentax · 2016 | A5100Sony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £475 used | £102 usedBest |
| Sensor | 36.4MP full-frame CMOS | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 36.4MPBest | 24.3MP |
| Video | Full HD 1080/60i, 30p | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | SAFOX 12 phase-detect AF, 33 points (25 cross-type) | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis sensor-shift Shake Reduction II, 5 stops | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 4.4fps | 6fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~760 shots (CIPA)Best | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 1010g (with battery) | 224g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 136.5 × 110 × 85.5mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | YesBest | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.70x | No viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.2" Flexible-tilt LCD, 1.04M dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Pentax KAF2 (K-mount) | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD slots | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, micro HDMI, mic + headphone, cable switch, PC sync, Wi-Fi, GPS | 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
K-1
A5100
Portrait
6.8/10
5.4/10
Street
4.9/10
7.0/10
Travel
5.0/10
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
6.8/10
3.5/10
Documentary
5.5/10
4.1/10
Sports & Action
5.5/10
4.7/10
Landscape
7.0/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
5.8/10
5.5/10
Casual
3.1/10
5.2/10
Food
5.9/10
5.9/10
Macro
5.3/10
5.2/10
Architecture
6.8/10
5.2/10
Astrophotography
7.3/10
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 →
Next
More comparisons with K-1
Camera family history