Decision tools · Compare
A5100 vs RX1
Quick take: The A5100 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 | A5100Sony · 2014 | RX1Sony · 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £102 usedBest | £336 used |
| Sensor | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS | 24.3MP full-frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p | Full HD 1080p/60 |
| Autofocus | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection | 25-point contrast-detect AF with face detection |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | Optical SteadyShot (in the lens), no IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 6fpsBest | 5fps (2.5fps with AF-S per frame) |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA)Best | ~220 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 224g (body only)Best | 482g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm | 113.3 × 65.4 × 69.6mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | No viewfinder | Optional EVF (FDA-EV1MK) or optical finder |
| Screen | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Sony E-mount | Fixed Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 |
| Memory Cards | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot | Single SD / Memory Stick slot |
| Connectivity | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | Micro USB, micro HDMI, 3.5mm mic, Multi Interface Shoe |
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
A5100
RX1
Portrait
5.4/10
4.0/10
Street
7.0/10
6.6/10
Travel
6.4/10
5.1/10
Wedding & Events
3.5/10
3.5/10
Vlogging & Video
4.7/10
—
Documentary
4.1/10
3.9/10
Sports & Action
4.7/10
—
Landscape
5.0/10
4.3/10
Wildlife
5.5/10
—
Casual
5.2/10
3.4/10
Food
5.9/10
4.2/10
Macro
5.2/10
3.1/10
Architecture
5.2/10
4.1/10
Astrophotography
4.7/10
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 →
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