Decision tools · Compare
K-S1 vs A5100
Quick take: The A5100 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the K-S1 is the most affordable.
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 | K-S1Pentax · 2014 | A5100Sony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £72 usedBest | £102 used |
| Sensor | 20.12MP APS-C CMOS | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.1MP | 24.3MPBest |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/30 | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | SAFOX IX i+ phase-detect AF, 11 points (9 cross-type) | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | Sensor-shift Shake Reduction | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 5.4fps | 6fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA)Best | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 558g (with battery) | 224g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 120 × 92.5 × 69.5mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.95x | No viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Pentax KAF2 (K-mount) | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, micro HDMI | 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-S1
A5100
Portrait
5.7/10
5.4/10
Street
5.5/10
7.0/10
Travel
4.9/10
6.4/10
Wedding & Events
4.2/10
3.5/10
Documentary
3.7/10
4.1/10
Sports & Action
4.8/10
4.7/10
Landscape
4.2/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
5.4/10
5.5/10
Casual
3.5/10
5.2/10
Food
4.6/10
5.9/10
Macro
4.4/10
5.2/10
Architecture
4.4/10
5.2/10
Astrophotography
4.2/10
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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