Sony a5100 vs Sony RX1R II

In this article, we will be analyzing the Sony a5100 vs Sony RX1R II, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both are sold by Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the a5100 (24MP) and RX1R II (42MP) and the a5100 (APS-C) and RX1R II (Full frame) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The a5100 was brought out 14 months earlier than the RX1R II which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX1R II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the a5100 scores vs the RX1R II in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha a5100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II. The entire galleries are available at Sony a5100 Gallery and Sony RX1R II Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony a5100 has outer measurements of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs) while the Sony RX1R II has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 72mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 507 grams (1.12 lbs).

Check out the Sony a5100 vs Sony RX1R II in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the a5100 and the RX1R II.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the a5100 and RX1R II is 89 and 78 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing just by researching a spec sheet. The graphic below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the a5100 and RX1R II.

As you can see, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The a5100 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony RX1R II will render extra detail having its extra 18MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older a5100 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.