Canon SX280 HS vs Sony a5100

Below is a in depth review of the Canon SX280 HS vs Sony a5100, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Canon and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the SX280 HS (12MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the SX280 HS (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The SX280 HS was revealed 17 months prior to the a5100 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX280 HS being a Compact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the SX280 HS grades against the a5100 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX280 HS and Sony Alpha a5100. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX280 HS Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX280 HS enjoys outside dimensions of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Sony a5100 has proportions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX280 HS vs Sony a5100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the SX280 HS and the a5100.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SX280 HS and a5100 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by checking a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX280 HS and a5100.

As you can see, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SX280 HS having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony a5100 will give greater detail because of its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older SX280 HS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.