• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Sony A6100 advantages over Olympus E-M5 III

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Less expensive
    $698 vs $1099
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer video battery life
    125 vs 60 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 420 vs 310 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.4 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    76 vs 26 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    33 vs 23 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-M5 III advantages over Sony A6100

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 11.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    30.0 fps vs 11.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • 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 A6100

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M5 III

Review Excerpt

  • Improved image quality; Very good dynamic range & high ISO performance for a modern MFT sensor; Very fast AF; Excellent image stabilization; 4K video recording; Weather-sealed build quality.

  • Below average battery life; Small size can be awkward with long, heavy lenses; One SD card slot.

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X-T100

Sony A6100
Fujifilm X-T100
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Slower slow-motion
  • NFC
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Olympus E-M5 III
Fujifilm X-T100
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compared to Sony A6400

Sony A6100
Sony A6400
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Higher extended ISO
Olympus E-M5 III
Sony A6400
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon EOS M6 Mark II

Sony A6100
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Olympus E-M5 III
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer video battery life

Compared to Panasonic G100

Sony A6100
Panasonic G100
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic G100
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Olympus E-M10 IV

Sony A6100
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $649
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $649
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life
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