Sony a5100 vs Sony RX100

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Sony a5100 versus Sony RX100, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both built by Sony. The resolution of the a5100 (24MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is relatively comparable but the a5100 (APS-C) and RX100 (1") offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The a5100 was manufactured 24 months later than the RX100 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the a5100 scores vs the RX100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha a5100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The entire galleries are provided at Sony a5100 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony a5100 enjoys outer dimensions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs) while the Sony RX100 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Sony a5100 versus Sony RX100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the a5100 vs the RX100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the a5100 and RX100 is 89 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by seeing technical specs. The photograph here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the a5100 and RX100.

As you have seen, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The a5100 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Sony a5100 will provide extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher a5100 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.