Ricoh CX1 vs Sony a5100

Let's look closer at the Ricoh CX1 and Sony a5100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Ricoh and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the CX1 (9MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the CX1 (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The CX1 was unveiled 6 years prior to the a5100 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a short highlight of how the CX1 matches up vs the a5100 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh CX1 and Sony Alpha a5100. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX1 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Ricoh CX1 features outer measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) while the Sony a5100 has specifications of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Check the Ricoh CX1 and Sony a5100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the CX1 vs the a5100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the CX1 and a5100 is 93 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to see the difference in sensor dimensions simply by seeing technical specs. The pic below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the CX1 and a5100.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The CX1 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony a5100 will produce extra detail having an extra 15MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged CX1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.