• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Sony A5100 advantages over Canon EOS M50 II

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Less expensive
    $448 vs $599
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Thinner
    35 mm vs 58 mm
    Thinner
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    67 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Canon EOS M50 II advantages over Sony A5100

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    4 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A5100

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon EOS M50 II

Review Excerpt

  • Very small and comfortable form factor; Very good image quality for its class; New dual video record function; Quick autofocus and good dynamic range.

  • Lacks an EVF and external mode dial; No hot shoe; JPEG processing at higher ISOs not as good as some competing mid-level models.

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NX1000

Sony A5100
Samsung NX1000
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $413
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • Hot shoe
Canon EOS M50 II
Samsung NX1000
  • $646
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $413
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Sony A5100
Samsung NX1100
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • Hot shoe
Canon EOS M50 II
Samsung NX1100
  • $646
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A5000

Sony A5100
Sony A5000
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Canon EOS M50 II
Sony A5000
  • $646
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compared to Fujifilm X-T200

Sony A5100
Fujifilm X-T200
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon EOS M50 II
Fujifilm X-T200
  • $646
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon Z fc

Sony A5100
Nikon Z fc
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $907
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
Canon EOS M50 II
Nikon Z fc
  • $646
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $907
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Thinner
Compare Other Cameras?