Sony A300 vs YI M1

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Sony A300 vs YI M1, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Sony and YI. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the A300 (10MP) and M1 (20MP) and the A300 (APS-C) and M1 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The A300 was released 9 years prior to the M1 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera and the YI M1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the A300 matches up against the M1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 & YI M1. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony A300 Gallery & YI M1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Sony A300 enjoys outside dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs) and the YI M1 has sizing of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

See the Sony A300 vs YI M1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the A300 vs the M1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the A300 and M1 is 64 and 87 respectively.

Normally, its tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing merely by going over a spec sheet. The graphic here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the A300 and M1.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The A300 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the YI M1 will offer you greater detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older A300 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.