Upgrade Guide

Sony A5100→Sony NEX-6

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Sony

A5100

£102 used

2014

→

Upgrade to

Sony

NEX-6

£125 used (+£23)

2012

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the A5100. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the NEX-6

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	A5100	NEX-6
Price	£102 used	£125 used
Released	2014	2012	↓
Sensor	24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS	16.1MP APS-C sensor
Resolution	24MP	16MP	↓
Video	1080p/60p	Full HD 1080p/60
Autofocus	Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection	Fast Hybrid AF: 99-point phase-detect + 25-point contrast, face detection
Stabilisation	No stabilisation	No IBIS (lens OSS)
Burst Rate	6fps	10fps (3fps with AF)	↑
Battery Life	~400 shots (CIPA)	~360 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	224g (body only)	345g (with battery and card)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	No viewfinder	OLED EVF, 2.36M dots, 100%, 1.09x
Screen	3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots	3.0" LCD, 921k dots, tilts 90° up / 45° down
Mount	Sony E-mount	Sony E-mount
Memory Cards	Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot	Single SD / Memory Stick slot

Compare side-by-side

See A5100 and NEX-6 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the NEX-6 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the A5100

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Camera family history