Panasonic XS1 vs Sony a5100

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic XS1 versus Sony a5100, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the XS1 (16MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the XS1 (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

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The XS1 was released 19 months earlier than the a5100 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the XS1 matches up vs the a5100 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 & Sony Alpha a5100. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic XS1 Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic XS1 features external measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) while the Sony a5100 has dimensions 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 Panasonic XS1 versus Sony a5100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the XS1 against the a5100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XS1 and a5100 is 97 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the XS1 and a5100.

As you can see, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XS1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony a5100 will deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older XS1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.