• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 960.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A5100 advantages over Canon SX730 HS

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SX730 HS advantages over Sony A5100

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 230k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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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.

  • Read our Sony A5100 Review

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NX1000

Sony A5100
Samsung NX1000
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $414
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • Hot shoe

Compare Sony A5100 vs Samsung NX1000

Canon SX730 HS
Samsung NX1000
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $414
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SX730 HS vs Samsung NX1000

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Sony A5100
Samsung NX1100
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • Hot shoe

Compare Sony A5100 vs Samsung NX1100

Canon SX730 HS
Samsung NX1100
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SX730 HS vs Samsung NX1100

Compared to Sony A5000

Sony A5100
Sony A5000
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A5100 vs Sony A5000

Canon SX730 HS
Sony A5000
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Canon SX730 HS vs Sony A5000

Compared to Nikon A900

Sony A5100
Nikon A900
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A5100 vs Nikon A900

Canon SX730 HS
Nikon A900
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Higher-res screen
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon SX730 HS vs Nikon A900

Compared to Canon SX740 HS

Sony A5100
Canon SX740 HS
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A5100 vs Canon SX740 HS

Canon SX730 HS
Canon SX740 HS
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer video battery life

Compare Canon SX730 HS vs Canon SX740 HS

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