• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A5100 advantages over Nikon Z fc

  • Less expensive
    $448 vs $1097
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 20.9 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Nikon Z fc advantages over Sony A5100

  • 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
    3 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    346k vs 230k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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

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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
  • $413
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • Hot shoe

Compare Sony A5100 vs Samsung NX1000

Nikon Z fc
Samsung NX1000
  • $890
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $413
  • APS-C
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon Z fc 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

Nikon Z fc
Samsung NX1100
  • $890
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon Z fc 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

Nikon Z fc
Sony A5000
  • $890
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon Z fc vs Sony A5000

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

Compare Sony A5100 vs Fujifilm X-T200

Nikon Z fc
Fujifilm X-T200
  • $890
  • APS-C
  • Newer
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon Z fc vs Fujifilm X-T200

Compared to Nikon Z 30

Sony A5100
Nikon Z 30
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A5100 vs Nikon Z 30

Nikon Z fc
Nikon Z 30
  • $890
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Thinner
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon Z fc vs Nikon Z 30

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