Sony A700 vs YI M1

Following is a extensive review of the Sony A700 versus YI M1, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Sony and YI. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the A700 (12MP) and M1 (20MP) and the A700 (APS-C) and M1 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The A700 was announced 9 years earlier than the M1 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the YI M1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the A700 grades vs the M1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 and YI M1. The whole galleries are provided at Sony A700 Gallery and YI M1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Sony A700 enjoys exterior measurements of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") with a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs) while the YI M1 has proportions of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

Look at the Sony A700 versus YI M1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the A700 against the M1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A700 and M1 is 58 and 87 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The picture below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the A700 and M1.

As you can see, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The A700 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the YI M1 will resolve extra detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged A700 is going to be behind in sensor tech.