Upgrade Guide

Sony RX100→Sony A5100

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

You own

Sony

RX100

£74 used

2012

→

Upgrade to

Sony

A5100

£102 used (+£28)

2014

✅

Strong upgrade

The A5100 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most RX100 owners will notice the difference.

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	RX100	A5100
Price	£74 used	£102 used
Released	2012	2014	↑
Sensor	20.2MP 1-inch CMOS	24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS
Resolution	20MP	24MP	↑
Video	Full HD 1080p/60	1080p/60p
Autofocus	25-point contrast-detect AF with face detection	Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection
Stabilisation	Optical SteadyShot (in the lens), no IBIS	No stabilisation
Burst Rate	10fps (focus fixed at the first frame)	6fps	↓
Battery Life	~330 shots (CIPA)	~400 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	240g (with battery and card)	224g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	No viewfinder	No viewfinder
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots	3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots
Mount	Fixed Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9	Sony E-mount
Memory Cards	Single SD / Memory Stick slot	Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot

Compare side-by-side

See RX100 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 RX100

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