Samsung ST6500 vs Sony a5100

On this page, we are analyzing the Samsung ST6500 vs Sony a5100, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Samsung and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the ST6500 (16MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the ST6500 (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ST6500 was launched 4 years before the a5100 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung ST6500 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the ST6500 scores against the a5100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung ST6500 & Sony Alpha a5100. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung ST6500 Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Samsung ST6500 provides outside measurements of 102mm x 57mm x 19mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) whilst the Sony a5100 has proportions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

See the Samsung ST6500 vs Sony a5100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view scale comparison of the ST6500 against the a5100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ST6500 and a5100 is 99 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor sizing merely by looking through technical specs. The photograph underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ST6500 and a5100.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ST6500 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony a5100 will render more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos more aggressively. The older ST6500 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.