Canon XC10 vs Sony a5100

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Canon XC10 and Sony a5100, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Canon and Sony. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the XC10 (12MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the XC10 (1") and a5100 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The XC10 was introduced 8 months after the a5100 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon XC10 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the XC10 scores vs the a5100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon XC10 and Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon XC10 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon XC10 has exterior measurements of 125mm x 102mm x 122mm (4.9" x 4.0" x 4.8") accompanied by a weight of 1040 grams (2.29 lbs) whilst the Sony a5100 has measurements of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Contrast the Canon XC10 and Sony a5100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the XC10 and the a5100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the XC10 and a5100 is 54 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizes just by going over a spec sheet. The image here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the XC10 and a5100.

Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The XC10 having a tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Sony a5100 will offer more detail using its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer XC10 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.