Sony a5100 vs Sony A6700: A Comprehensive Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when comparing models from the same brand but with vastly different feature sets and price points. Sony’s Alpha series has long been a favorite among mirrorless camera enthusiasts and pros, and today I’m bringing an in-depth comparison between two of its models representing entry-level and advanced APS-C mirrorless cameras: the Sony a5100 and the Sony A6700.

Having spent years testing and evaluating hundreds of cameras under diverse shooting conditions, I’ll provide practical insights drawn from hands-on experience with these models, accompanied by technical analysis and real-world performance reviews. By the end of this article, you’ll understand how these cameras stack up across popular photography genres, technical specs, usability, and value for money - ensuring you can pick the right tool for your creative needs and budget.

Physical size and ergonomics comparison: a5100 (left) vs A6700 (right)

First Impressions: Build, Size, and Handling

On first look, the Sony a5100 and A6700 couldn’t be more different physically. The a5100 follows a compact, minimalist rangefinder-style design typical of entry-level mirrorless cameras. Its dimensions (110x63x36mm) and light 283g body make it highly portable and pocketable. This lightweight nature is great for travel and casual shooting but comes at a cost of smaller grip size and fewer physical controls.

In contrast, the A6700 features a more robust and ergonomic body measuring 122x69x75mm and weighing 493g. This advanced mirrorless camera offers a substantial grip, better weather-sealing for challenging conditions, and a layout peppered with more custom buttons and dials. It’s designed for users who demand more direct access and durability, even if it means a bigger footprint.

While the a5100’s minimalism appeals to beginners or those prioritizing portability, I found the A6700’s enhanced ergonomics indispensable for extended shooting sessions - especially during demanding events or wildlife shoots. The larger body also contributes to better balance with heavy lenses.

Top view design and control layout comparison: notable difference in dials and buttons

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras feature APS-C sensors (23.5x15.6mm) common in Sony’s Alpha lineup, but the A6700 brings some worthwhile improvements.

• Sony a5100: Sporting a 24MP CMOS sensor with a conventional Bayer pattern and an optical low pass (antialias) filter, this camera outputs sharp images at 6000x4000 resolution. Its sensor, paired with the Bionz X processor, delivers respectable color depth (23.8 bits) and dynamic range (~12.7 EV), as validated by DxO Mark scores. ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 25600, with native performance peaking around ISO 1347.

• Sony A6700: The newer 26MP back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor lacks an optical low-pass filter, promising crisper images with higher detail resolution (6192x4128). This sensor benefits from advancements in readout speed and noise handling, enabling a native ISO range of 100 to 32000, expandable to a boosted mode of 102400 ISO. While specific DxO scores aren’t available yet, Sony’s BSI technology consistently improves low-light performance and dynamic range compared to older designs.

In practical terms, the A6700 produces cleaner files at high ISO settings, better retaining fine detail and natural color under challenging lighting. The a5100 works well for standard daylight and controlled environments but struggles with noise and reduced dynamic range in dimmer settings.

Sensor specifications and image quality insights illustrating each camera’s technological edge

Autofocus System: Tracking and Accuracy

Autofocus performance often makes or breaks the shooting experience, particularly for fast-moving subjects in wildlife and sports photography.

• Sony a5100: The a5100 was innovative in 2014 for packing 179 focus points distributed via a hybrid system combining phase detection and contrast detection. Its AF includes face detection and tracking modes, even some touch-to-focus functionality on the rear screen. However, the system is primarily aimed at entry-level users, with slower acquisition and less reliable continuous tracking under complex scenarios.

• Sony A6700: Offering a massive leap forward, the A6700 features 759 phase-detection AF points spread across nearly the entire frame, augmented by advanced AI-based Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals. The camera excels in subject recognition and maintains precise focus on erratic movement at burst speeds up to 11 fps. This combination drastically raises confidence for wildlife, sports, and event photographers requiring pinpoint focus.

In my tests, the a5100’s AF was sufficient for portraits and casual snaps but showed hesitancy with unpredictable subjects. The A6700’s autofocus, however, felt near professional grade - fast, accurate, and reliable in both photo and video modes.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

Screen and viewfinder quality directly impacts composing and reviewing your shots, especially in bright outdoor settings.

• The a5100 offers a 3-inch tilting LCD with 922k-dot resolution and touchscreen input, supporting live view and touch AF. However, the lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) requires using the rear screen exclusively, which can be challenging under bright sunlight.

• On the other hand, the A6700 steps up with a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen boasting 1040k-dot resolution and enhanced responsiveness. Crucially, it integrates a high-resolution electronic viewfinder with 2359k dots, 100% coverage, and 0.71x magnification, enabling precise framing and stability in all lighting.

From personal experience, having a bright, high-resolution EVF coupled with an articulating screen significantly improves usability, especially for low-angle compositions, video work, or use with long lenses. The a5100’s reliance on just the rear display confines some shooting styles.

Rear LCD screen and user interface comparison: touchscreen plus EVF advantage on A6700

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines

Understanding how each camera performs across popular genres can guide your choice.

Portrait Photography

• Sony a5100: Face detection autofocus helps capture good portraits with decent skin tone rendering and natural bokeh from compatible Sony E-mount lenses. However, the limited AF tracking can struggle with eye-level precision or moving subjects.

• Sony A6700: Eye AF technology, including Animal Eye AF, offers superior focus on eyes, vastly improving sharpness in portraits, whether posed or candid. The higher-resolution sensor combined with advanced color science produces nuanced skin tones and a shallow depth of field richer in detail and subject isolation.

For those focused primarily on portraits, the A6700’s autofocus and image quality deliver a much more confident, professional experience.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras’ APS-C sensors offer excellent detail and dynamic range for landscape work, but the A6700’s edge in extended ISO range and better shadow recovery excels in higher contrast scenes like sunrises or backlit vistas.

• The A6700’s weather sealing provides added confidence for outdoor photographers dealing with dust or light rain, whereas the a5100 lacks any environmental resistance.

• Resolution differences (24MP vs 26MP) are subtle but noticeable when printing large formats or cropping extensively.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• With larger buffer and faster burst shooting (6fps vs 11fps) plus a superior AF system, the A6700 is the clear winner for capturing rapid action or elusive animals.

• The a5100’s more modest continuous shooting speed and AF tracking may frustrate dynamic photography needs.

Street Photography

• The a5100’s compact body and silent shutter (up to 1/4000s max shutter) make it discreet for street shooters prioritizing low profile and ease of use.

• The A6700, while bigger, balances that with better responsiveness, weather resistance, and higher ISO performance for after-dark or indoor scenes.

Macro Photography

• Neither camera is specialized for macro, but both support compatible E-mount macro lenses.

• The A6700’s sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization helps handheld close-up shots, which the a5100 lacks, making the A6700 a better choice for detail-demanding macro work.

Night and Astro Photography

• Higher native ISO and low-noise performance on the A6700 clearly benefit night and astrophotography. Its silent shutter mode (up to 1/8000s max) and longer exposures improve star trail and nightscape captures.

• The a5100 can manage basic night shots but struggles with the grain in low-light conditions.

Video Capabilities

• The a5100 supports Full HD (1080p) video up to 60p, offering entry-level video specs without microphone or headphone ports, limiting serious videography and audio monitoring.

• The A6700 is a powerhouse for video: shooting 4K (3840x2160) up to 120p for smooth slow motion, supporting advanced codecs (XAVC HS, H.265), and including headphone/microphone jacks for audio control. Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization further aids handheld video stability.

If video quality or hybrid photo/video work is important, the A6700 overwhelms the a5100.

Travel Photography

• Lightweight and pocketable, the a5100 shines for casual travel photographers prioritizing ease of carry and simplicity.

• The A6700, though bulkier, compensates with better battery life (570 vs 400 shots per charge), versatility, and durability for travelers who want a more capable camera without going full-frame.

Professional Workflow and Reliability

• The a5100 suits beginners and hobbyists who require straightforward JPEG and RAW outputs.

• The A6700 supports advanced file formats, integration with workflow software, weather sealing for professional use, and vastly improved customization for rapid adjustments - essentials for demanding pro environments.

Sony a5100 front Sony a5100 screen back Sony A6700 front Sony A6700 screen back

Ergonomics, Controls, and User Experience

The a5100’s minimal physical controls streamline operation but may frustrate users seeking quick access to exposure, ISO, or AF settings during fast shooting. Its tilting screen is great for casual shooting but less flexible than full articulation.

The A6700, designed with enthusiasts in mind, features multiple control dials, customizable buttons, and an improved menu system familiar to Sony’s higher-end series. The articulating screen supports vlogging, creative framing, and ease of use in uneven terrain, rounding out its professional credentials.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

• Storage: Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick, with a single card slot. The A6700 may benefit from faster card write speeds thanks to USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity.

• Connectivity: The a5100 supports wireless built-in with NFC but lacks Bluetooth. The A6700 upgrades to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling faster, more reliable remote control and image transfer.

• Battery: The A6700 uses the larger capacity NP-FZ1000 battery offering about 570 shots per charge, appreciably better than the a5100’s NP-FW50 battery rated for 400 shots, beneficial for longer shoots without breaks.

Value Assessment: Price vs Performance

For those on a tight budget or just starting in mirrorless photography, the a5100 offers great value. It gives many modern conveniences in a tiny package. However, if you can stretch your budget or need advanced features - be it for professional client work, hybrid photo/video, or challenging shooting scenarios - the A6700’s elevated specs and performance justify its cost.

Summing It Up: Which Sony APS-C Mirrorless is Right for You?

Why You Might Choose the Sony a5100

• Portability: Ultra-light and compact, fits easily into small bags or even large pockets.
• Simplicity: Intuitive touchscreen controls are welcoming to new users.
• Budget: A surprisingly capable camera for well under $500, especially if paired with affordable Sony E lenses.
• Casual Use: Great for everyday snapshots, family memories, and travel where size matters.
• Basic Video: Handles Full HD video at 60p, sufficient for social media content.

Why You Should Consider the Sony A6700

• Image Quality: Higher resolution sensor and improved sensor tech yield sharper, cleaner images.
• Autofocus: Industry-leading Real-time Eye AF and animal detection, ideal for portraits, wildlife, and sports.
• Build: Weather-sealed, durable body that thrives in harsh environments.
• Video: 4K 120p recording with professional audio options and image stabilization.
• Controls: More physical dials and buttons for faster, intuitive operation.
• Battery & Connectivity: Longer endurance and modern wireless features for effective workflows.

Final Thoughts

Sony’s a5100 and A6700 sit at different ends of the APS-C mirrorless spectrum, each with a distinct user focus. The a5100 remains a stellar choice for beginners or budget-conscious travelers who want a straightforward, high-quality camera with a small footprint. The A6700, however, embodies Sony’s latest technological advances, catering to professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand excellent image quality, lightning-fast autofocus, robust video features, and a camera as ready for challenging scenarios as they are.

As someone who has personally tested these cameras extensively, I encourage you to carefully match your shooting style and ambitions to the strengths of these models. A camera is a long-term creative partner, so be sure you’re buying the best match for your photography journey.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive comparison. Feel free to share your experiences or questions below!