Upgrade Guide

Sony NEX-7→Sony A5100

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

You own

Sony

NEX-7

£90 used

2011

→

Upgrade to

Sony

A5100

£102 used (+£12)

2014

⚖️

Situational

One clear hardware improvement over the NEX-7. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.

What's new in the A5100

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	NEX-7	A5100
Price	£90 used	£102 used
Released	2011	2014	↑
Sensor	24.3MP APS-C sensor	24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS
Resolution	24MP	24MP
Video	Full HD 1080p/60	1080p/60p
Autofocus	25-point contrast-detect AF, face detection	Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens OSS)	No stabilisation
Burst Rate	10fps (3fps with AF)	6fps	↓
Battery Life	~430 shots (CIPA)	~400 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	350g (with battery and card)	224g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	OLED EVF, 2.36M dots, 100%, 1.09x	No viewfinder
Screen	3.0" LCD, 921k dots, tilts 90° up / 45° down	3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots
Mount	Sony E-mount	Sony E-mount
Memory Cards	Single SD / Memory Stick slot	Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot

Compare side-by-side

See NEX-7 and A5100 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the A5100 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the NEX-7

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Camera family history