Upgrade Guide

Sony A9 III→Sony A5100

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

You own

Sony

A9 III

£5,699

2023

→

Upgrade to

Sony

A5100

£102 used (-£5,597)

2014

❌

Skip it

The A5100 offers little measurable spec improvement over the A9 III. Spend the money on glass instead.

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	A9 III	A5100
Price	£5,699	£102 used
Released	2023	2014	↓
Sensor	24.6MP full-frame Exmor RS CMOS (global shutter)	24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS
Resolution	25MP	24MP	↓
Video	4K/120p, 4K/60p, 1080p/240p	1080p/60p
Autofocus	AI subject recognition AF, 759-point phase-detect	Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection
Stabilisation	8-stop IBIS	No stabilisation
Burst Rate	120fps blackout-free electronic	6fps	↓
Battery Life	530 shots (CIPA)	~400 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	703g (body only)	224g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	0.64" Quad-XGA OLED EVF, 9.44M dots	No viewfinder
Screen	3.2" fully articulating touchscreen	3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots
Mount	Sony FE (E-mount)	Sony E-mount
Memory Cards	Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II	Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot

Compare side-by-side

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