A5100vs ZV-E1
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.
Video Creators, Vloggers & Filmmakers — ZV-E1 (2023): Full-frame video quality in a vlogging body — exceptional low-light performance and a genuinely compact form factor.
Who should buy what
A5100 (2014)
- Beginners stepping up from a smartphone
- Compact travel photographers
- Casual vloggers who want APS-C quality
ZV-E1 (2023)
- Video creators who want full-frame low-light quality in a compact body
- Vloggers stepping up from APS-C who prioritise image quality over resolution
- Filmmakers who want S-Log3 and cinematic colour in a run-and-gun package
- A7S III users who want the same sensor in a smaller, lighter body
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) | ZV-E1 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £200 | £1,999 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p | 4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection | Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | None | IBIS — Active Mode for video |
| Burst Rate | 6fps | 10fps |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video |
| Weight | 224g (body only) | 483g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm | 121.4 × 71.6 × 54.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | None | None — screen only |
| Screen | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Sony E-mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot | Single CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, Multi-Interface Shoe |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A5100 | ZV-E1 |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Low Light | — |
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