Samsung CL5 vs Sony a5100

Here is a in-depth review of the Samsung CL5 and Sony a5100, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Samsung and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the CL5 (9MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the CL5 (1/2.5") and a5100 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The CL5 was revealed 6 years prior to the a5100 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the CL5 matches up vs the a5100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung CL5 and Sony Alpha a5100. The full galleries are available at Samsung CL5 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Samsung CL5 features exterior measurements of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Sony a5100 has specifications of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Analyze the Samsung CL5 and Sony a5100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the CL5 compared to the a5100.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the CL5 and a5100 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through technical specs. The photograph underneath may offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the CL5 and a5100.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The CL5 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony a5100 will resolve greater detail because of its extra 15 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older CL5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.