A5100vs RX100 VI
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
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.
Travel & Vlogging — RX100 VI (2018): The RX100 VI trades fast apertures for a remarkable 24-200mm zoom range — giving it more versatility than any previous model. 4K/30p, 24fps burst, a pop-up EVF, and an articulating screen round out an exceptional compact package. Variable aperture limits low-light performance at the long end, but for travel and events where reach matters, there is no practical alternative at this size.
Who should buy what
A5100 (2014)
- Beginners stepping up from a smartphone
- Compact travel photographers
- Casual vloggers who want APS-C quality
RX100 VI (2018)
- Travel photographers who need versatile reach in a pocketable body
- Vloggers and content creators who need 4K and an articulating screen
- Event photographers who want discreet, capable wide-to-tele coverage
- Wildlife and sports enthusiasts who want a compact travel option
Quick take: The a5100 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a5100 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A5100 (2014) | RX100 VI (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £200 | £700 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS | 20.1MP 1-inch BSI Stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 20.1MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p, 960fps HFR |
| Autofocus | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection | Fast Hybrid AF, 315 phase-detect points, Eye AF |
| Stabilisation | None | Optical SteadyShot |
| Burst Rate | 6fps | 24fps |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~240 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 224g (body only) | 301g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm | 101.6 × 58.1 × 42.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | None | Pop-up EVF, 2.35M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Sony E-mount | Fixed Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 |
| Memory Cards | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot | Single SD / Memory Stick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A5100 | RX100 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wildlife | — |
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