Ricoh CX6 vs Sony a5100

The following is a thorough assessment of the Ricoh CX6 vs Sony a5100, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the CX6 (10MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the CX6 (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The CX6 was announced 3 years prior to the a5100 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Ricoh CX6 being a Compact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the CX6 scores against the a5100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh CX6 and Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX6 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera often, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Ricoh CX6 enjoys external measurements of 104mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) and 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).

Check the Ricoh CX6 vs Sony a5100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the CX6 versus the a5100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the CX6 and a5100 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions only by going over technical specs. The picture below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the CX6 and a5100.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The CX6 using its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Sony a5100 will deliver greater detail with its extra 14MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged CX6 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.