It’s never easy to choose a camera that will fit your needs perfectly, especially when there are so many great cameras in the world. So, if you’re wondering should you buy Sony A5100 or Sony A6000, you’re at the right place.
Here in this article, you will find all that you need to know about both Sony A5100 and Sony A6000. Comparing both of their features, functions, and specs you will, hopefully, be able to make a decision by the end of this article.
Let’s get started.
Sony A5100
This camera makes out to be one of the smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera weighing 9.98 oz and having a body of 4.33 x 2.48 x 1.42 inches
With the APS-C sensor, built-in flash and wi-fi connectivity, this camera really shows some great potential. It features a 24.3 megapixel APS HD CMOS sensor, 179 autofocus point, a sensitivity range of ISO 100/25600 and it’s a successor of Sony A5000
Check price of the Sony A5100 on Amazon.
Sony A6000
This camera goes into the range of mirrorless cameras between A5000 and NEX-7. What makes it different and much better than these other two is the fact that it has a number of features and functions that neither A5000 nor NEX-7 has.
On the outside, it reminds a lot of the NEX-6 model. On the front of the camera, there is a large hand-grip that allows the user to hold the camera properly. It also hides the shared battery and memory card section.
Check price of the Sony A6000 on Amazon.
Head to Head Comparison of the Sony A5100 and Sony A6000
Camera | Sony A5100 | Sony A6000 |
Sensor | 24 MP APS – C CMOS Sensor | 24 MP – APS – C CMOS Sensor |
ISO | 25600 | 51200 |
AF Points | 179 | 179 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 11 |
LCD Screen | 3.0 inch | 3.0 inch |
Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Shutter Speed | 1/4000 | 1/4000 |
Built-In Flash | yes | yes |
Available Lenses | 64 | 64 |
Microphone Port | No | no |
Battery Life | 400 shots | 360 shots |
Continuous Shooting | 6.0 fps | 11.0 fps |
4.33 x 2.48 x 1.42 inch | 4.72 x 2.64 x 1.77 inch | |
Weight | 9.98 oz | 12.13 oz |
Viewfinder | no/LCD | EVF/LCD |
Detailed Specifications
Sensor
This is one of the greatest features of both of Sony Alpha A5100 and A6000. With both of these cameras, you can shoot at a maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000. That being said, we have to conclude that in this category both of our cameras are great so it’s a tie.
ISO
In this category, Sony A6000 starts with the advantage over Sony A5100. With 100% maximum ISO range of 51200, it beats Sony A5100’s 25600 ISO range. This is a clear win for Sony A6000.
AF Points
This is a very important spec in every camera, and in this case, both of our cameras have exactly the same 179 focus points. With high AF number Sony A5100 and A6000, both win this category.
White Balance Presets
White balance presets are very important for controlling the ‘light temperature’. With just one preset more than its opponent, Sony A5100 gets a slight advantage over Sony A6000.
LCD Screen
This is, once again, a case where both of our cameras turn out to be pretty great. Both having large 3.0-inch screens with a resolution of 922 dots they are absolutely equal in this category. A tie once again.
Video Resolution
Both Sony Alpha A5100 and A6000 allow you to record your videos at the highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 60i, 24p frames per second. They also both save in MPEG-4, AVCHD, and XAVC S formats. That’s why in this category it has to be a tie.
Shutter Speed
Both having exactly the same shutter speed range of 30 seconds for long exposures to maximum 1/4000 seconds to freeze any movement Sony A5100 and 6000 are one again on the same level and tied.
Built-in Flash
Built in flash is something both of our cameras feature, and even though more serious photographers would avoid using flash because of the very harsh shadows that create, it’s always better to have more features on your camera. For that reason, this category is also a tie.
Available Lenses
Another category where both of our cameras have the exact same specs. With 64 available lenses for both Sony A5100 and Sony A6000, this category is not the one to make your decision on. It’s tied between these two once again.
Microphone port
Having a port for an external microphone is a big advantage since it reduces the AF motor sounds, but in this case, our cameras show a lack of that advantage. This is where they come to a tie once again.
Battery Life
Both of these cameras have a very short battery life where Sony A5100 can make 400 shots while Sony A6000 can make 360 shots. Even though A5100 can last longer without being charged as opposed to its opponent, this is definitely not its best quality. Still, the more the merrier, and a win for Sony Alpha A5100.
Continuous Shooting
A very important thing for shooting actions such as sport for example, or any other continuous movement. That’ why with its 11.0 frames per second Sony A6000 wins this category over Sony A5100’s 6.0 frames per second.
Dimensions
Even though neither of the cameras is too large, Sony A5100 has a slight advantage over Sony A6000 being just a little bit smaller. Although it’s not a big difference, it can be very noticeable when you carry it around for a long time. So, a narrow win for Sony A5100.
Weight
Weight is also very important in cameras since it can be a crucial specification when it comes to making a decision. You don’t want to carry around all day a camera that it’s too heavy. Being lighter at its 9.98 oz than 12.13 oz Sony A6000 weights, Sony A5100 wins a prize in this category.
Viewfinder
Lacking a viewfinder with no option for an external viewfinder, Sony A5100 is a great disadvantage since this can be a big problem when shooting under a strong light and the visibility of
Comparison for Different Types of Photography
Portrait Photography
As you can see looking through the table, Sony Alpha A6000 has an advantage over A5100 and that’s mostly based on the fact that it has an electronic built-in viewfinder.
This feature is very important during portrait photo shooting since it allows the photographer to stabilize the camera and reduce its shake being closer to the body. A clear win for Sony A6000.
Sony Alpha A5100 | Sony Alpha A6000 |
Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6) sensor | Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6) sensor |
24.0 MP Sensor | 24.0 MP Sensor |
Average Ergonomics and Handling | Average Ergonomics and Handling |
No Image Stabilization | No Image Stabilization |
No Built – In Viewfinder | Electronic Built – In Viewfinder |
Street Photography
Both of our cameras look pretty good for
Sony Alpha A5100 | Sony Alpha A6000 |
Live View | Live View |
Face Detection Focusing | Face Detection Focusing |
Tilting LCD Screen | Tilting LCD Screen |
Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6) sensor | Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6) sensor |
Medium Sized Body | Medium Sized Body |
No Built – In Viewfinder | Electronic Built – In Viewfinder |
No Image Stabilization | No Image Stabilization |
Sports Photography
Having a fast continuous shooting of 11.0 frames per second as opposed to 6.0 frames per second Sony Alpha A5100 makes, Sony Alpha A6000 wins the prize in this category aswell.
Sony Alpha A5100 | Sony Alpha A6000 |
Fast Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 | Fast Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 |
179 Focus Points | 179 Focus Points |
Good Low – Light ISO | Good Low – Light ISO |
Wireless Connection | Wireless Connection |
Average Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps | Fast Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps |
Average Ergonomics and Handling | Average Ergonomics and Handling |
Environmental Sealings | Environmental Sealings |
No Built – in Viewfinder | Electronic Built – in Viewfinder |
No Image Stabilization | No Image Stabilization |
Daily Photography
Both of our cameras have medium sized bodies and large APS-C sensors, but in this case, a slight advantage goes to Sony Alpha A5100 because it’s a little bit lighter than its opponent.
Sony Alpha A5100 | Sony Alpha A6000 |
Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6) sensor | Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6) sensor |
Medium size Body | Medium size Body |
9.98 oz | 12.13 oz |
Landscape Photography
Looking over the table we can see that both of our cameras make a good candidate for this type of photography. Large APS-C sensors, live view and 24 MP sensor resolution in both cameras tell you that you can’t go wrong choosing either one of them.
Sony Alpha A5100 | Sony Alpha A6000 |
Live View | Live View |
Large APS-C Sensor | Large APS-C Sensor |
24 MP Sensor | 24 MP Sensor |
Lacks Environmental sealing | Lacks Environmental Sealing |
What Customers Say
Sony A5100
- Mirror flip-up screen great for selfies
- WiFi capability makes it easy to transfer photos
Read reviews of the A5100 on Amazon.
Sony A6000
- High-quality photos, even for beginners
- The basic lens is adequate and works well for landscape and people photography
- Consider an additional lens or two for more capability
Read reviews of the A6000 on Amazon.
Alternatives to Consider
Pentax
Pentax K-S2Nikon
Nikon D5500Nikon D5600Read more about the Nikon D5600
Nikon D7100 24.1 MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR (Body Only)Conclusion
Now, if the price is your main concern then Sony A5100 is going to fit you perfectly being a great camera, but if you think about what better features and functions you can get for a little more, maybe you should consider buying Sony A6000.
Still, we have to admit that the differences aren’t that big, even though A6000 comes out as a winner, it’s always up to you and what you need from a camera.
Hopefully, this article was helpful. Enjoy whichever camera you choose, and happy clicking!
Learn more about the Sony A5100 on Amazon.
Learn more about the Sony A6000 on Amazon.
