Upgrade Guide
Sony Cyber-shot HX50V→Sony A5100
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the Cyber-shot HX50V. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the A5100
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Resolution24MP vs 20MP (+4MP)
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Generation1 year newer (2014 vs 2013)
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.
| Genre | Cyber-shot HX50V | A5100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +1.7 | ||
| Street | +1.0 | ||
| Travel | +0.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +1.0 | ||
| Documentary | +1.0 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.3 | ||
| Landscape | +1.4 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.5 | ||
| Casual | +1.4 | ||
| Food | +2.6 | ||
| Macro | +2.4 | ||
| Architecture | +1.7 | ||
| Astrophotography | +3.1 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Fun & simple | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Cyber-shot HX50V | A5100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | — | £102 used | |
| Released | 2013 | 2014 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 20.4MP 1/2.3-inch Exmor R BSI CMOS | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 24MP | ↑ |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/60 | 1080p/60p | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, 9-point multi AF, face and tracking focus | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection | |
| Stabilisation | Optical SteadyShot (in the lens) | No stabilisation | |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 6fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) | |
| Weight | 272g (with battery) | 224g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | None (rear screen only; optional EVF on the shoe) | No viewfinder | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots | |
| Mount | Fixed 30x Zeiss 24-720mm equivalent f/3.5-6.3 | Sony E-mount | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See Cyber-shot HX50V and A5100 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the A5100 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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