Sony a5100 vs Sony RX1

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Sony a5100 versus Sony RX1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Sony. The resolution of the a5100 (24MP) and the RX1 (24MP) is pretty close but the a5100 (APS-C) and RX1 (Full frame) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The a5100 was announced 19 months after the RX1 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the a5100 grades against the RX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha a5100 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The whole galleries are available at Sony a5100 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Sony a5100 enjoys exterior dimensions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs) whilst the Sony RX1 has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") along with a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony a5100 versus Sony RX1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the a5100 against the RX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the a5100 and RX1 is 89 and 79 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes simply by viewing specifications. The pic underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the a5100 and RX1.

To sum up, the two cameras provide the same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The a5100 uses the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF tougher. The fresher a5100 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.