Sony A5100 vs A6000: Which Camera Should You Buy?
Choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options available. If you’re considering a mirrorless camera from Sony, you’ve likely stumbled upon the a5100 and the a6000. Both are popular choices, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets.
This comparison delves into the key differences between the Sony a5100 and the a6000, helping you understand their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll explore features like image quality, autofocus performance, and overall user experience. This way you can decide which camera aligns best with your photography goals.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use camera or a seasoned enthusiast seeking advanced capabilities, understanding the nuances of the sony a5100 vs a6000 will be beneficial. Get ready to discover which Sony Alpha camera is the perfect fit for you!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | a5100 | a6000 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.3MP | 24.3MP |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 | 100-25600 |
| Continuous Shooting | 6 fps | 11 fps |
| Autofocus Points | 179 | 179 |
| Video Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Viewfinder | No | Yes (EVF) |
| LCD Screen | Tilting Touchscreen | Tilting |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only) | 283g | 344g |
| Body Material | Plastic | Plastic |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sensor Resolution
- Sony A5100: Features a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, delivering high-resolution images suitable for large prints and detailed cropping. It offers excellent image quality in good lighting conditions.
- A6000: Also boasts a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, providing identical resolution to the a5100. It produces sharp and detailed images.
- Winner: Tie
Autofocus System
- Sony A5100: Utilizes a Fast Hybrid AF system with 179 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points. Offers quick and accurate focusing, especially in good light.
- A6000: Equipped with a more advanced Fast Hybrid AF system featuring 179 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points, but with a faster processing speed. Provides exceptionally fast and reliable autofocus, ideal for capturing moving subjects.
- Winner: a6000
Continuous Shooting Speed
- Sony A5100: Can shoot at up to 6 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus. Suitable for capturing action, though might miss some fast-paced moments.
- A6000: Offers a faster continuous shooting speed of up to 11 fps with continuous autofocus. This makes it significantly better for capturing fast-moving subjects.
- Winner: a6000
Viewfinder
- Sony A5100: Lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). Relies solely on the rear LCD screen for composing shots.
- A6000: Includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). Provides a more immersive shooting experience and aids in composing shots, especially in bright sunlight.
- Winner: a6000
Video Recording Capabilities
- Sony A5100: Shoots Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates. Offers good video quality for casual shooting.
- A6000: Also shoots Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates. Offers comparable video quality but lacks some of the advanced features of more recent cameras.
- Winner: Tie
Body Design and Ergonomics
- Sony A5100: More compact and lightweight, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. Features a tilting touchscreen.
- A6000: Slightly larger and heavier, but offers a more substantial grip and better ergonomics. Includes more physical controls.
- Winner: a6000
Physical Controls
- Sony A5100: Features fewer physical controls, relying more on the touchscreen for settings adjustments. Simplifies operation but may be less efficient for advanced users.
- A6000: Provides more physical dials and buttons, allowing for quicker access to key settings and more intuitive control.
- Winner: a6000
Price and Availability
- Sony A5100: Generally available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. May be easier to find used.
- A6000: Typically priced higher due to its advanced features and performance.
- Winner: a5100
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Continuous Shooting Speed | a6000 |
| Viewfinder | a6000 |
| Ease of Use | a5100 |
| Portability | a5100 |
What They Have in Common
- Sensor Resolution: Both cameras feature a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, delivering high-resolution images with excellent detail and clarity. This allows for large prints and significant cropping capabilities.
- Aps-C Sensor: Both cameras utilize an APS-C sized sensor, providing a larger surface area than smaller sensor cameras, leading to improved low-light performance and shallower depth of field.
- Iso Range: They share the same ISO range, extending from 100 to 25600, enabling users to capture images in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dimly lit interiors.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both models offer built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for easy transfer of photos and videos to smartphones, tablets, or computers, and enabling remote camera control.
- Video Recording: Both cameras record Full HD 1080p video, suitable for capturing high-quality video footage.
Sony A5100 vs A6000 Buying Guide
Image Quality and Sensor Performance
Both the Sony a5100 and a6000 boast impressive image quality, thanks to their 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensors. They produce detailed images with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance. The a6000, however, has a slight edge due to its more advanced image processing engine, resulting in marginally better noise reduction at higher ISO settings. This difference is often subtle, and both cameras deliver outstanding results for their class. Consider your typical shooting conditions; if you often shoot in challenging lighting, the a6000’s slight advantage might be noticeable.
Autofocus Capabilities
The Sony a6000 is renowned for its exceptional autofocus system. It features 179 phase-detection points covering a wide area of the frame. This allows for incredibly fast and accurate subject tracking, making it ideal for capturing moving subjects. The a5100 also has a capable autofocus system, but it is not as advanced as the a6000. It offers 25 contrast-detection points, which is still good, but it can struggle slightly in challenging situations. For sports or wildlife photography, the a6000 is the clear winner.
Design and Ergonomics
The a5100 is compact and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for travel and everyday use. Its flip-up touchscreen is convenient for selfies and vlogging. The a6000 is slightly larger, with a more pronounced grip and a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF is beneficial for composing shots in bright sunlight and for more stable shooting. The a6000 also offers more physical controls. The choice depends on your preference for portability versus control and viewing options.
Video Recording Features
Both cameras record Full HD 1080p video, but the a6000 offers more advanced features. It includes a higher frame rate option (60p) for smoother slow-motion footage. The a6000 also has a microphone input jack, allowing for better audio quality with an external microphone. While the a5100 is sufficient for basic video recording, the a6000 provides more flexibility for serious videographers. Consider if you plan to create cinematic videos.
Lens Compatibility and Ecosystem
Both cameras use the Sony E-mount, providing access to a vast and growing selection of lenses. This versatility is a major advantage. You’ll find options for every type of photography. The E-mount ecosystem includes lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers, allowing you to build a system that suits your specific needs and budget. Consider the lenses you anticipate using to see which body best fits your preferred style.
Price and Value for Money
The a5100 is generally less expensive than the a6000, making it a good option if you are on a budget. It offers excellent value for its price, providing impressive image quality and features for its size and cost. The a6000, while more expensive, offers more advanced features that justify the price for some users. Consider your budget and the features you need. Determine whether the a6000’s additional features are worth the extra investment.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy sony a5100 If…
- You prioritize a compact and lightweight camera body for easy portability.
- You want a camera with a touchscreen interface for intuitive operation and easy focus selection.
- You are looking for a camera that is simpler to use with fewer physical controls.
- You prefer a camera without a built-in electronic viewfinder.
Buy a6000 If…
- You require faster continuous shooting speeds for capturing fast-moving subjects.
- You value having a built-in electronic viewfinder for composing shots in bright sunlight.
- You need a camera with more physical controls and customization options.
- You want a camera that has a more robust build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the Sony a5100 and a6000?
The most significant difference lies in their autofocus systems and ergonomics. The a6000 has a much more advanced autofocus system with more focus points and faster tracking. It also features a built-in electronic viewfinder and a more robust grip for improved handling. The a5100 is smaller, lighter, and has a touchscreen, prioritizing portability and ease of use.
Does the Sony a5100 have a viewfinder?
No, the Sony a5100 does not have a built-in viewfinder. You compose your shots using the rear LCD screen. This contributes to its compact size and simplifies the design. This is a key difference to the a6000, which offers an electronic viewfinder. If you prefer using a viewfinder, the a6000 is the better choice.
Is the Sony a6000 better for video recording?
Yes, the Sony a6000 offers several advantages for video recording. It can shoot at 60p for smoother slow-motion footage, and it has a microphone input jack for improved audio quality. While the a5100 records Full HD video, the a6000 provides a more versatile and professional video experience. These features help with better video quality.
Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Sony a6000 has a significantly better autofocus system. It features 179 phase-detection autofocus points, covering a much wider area of the frame and enabling faster and more accurate subject tracking. The a5100 has a contrast-detection system that is not as quick or reliable in challenging shooting situations. The a6000 is ideal for action photography.
What is the battery life like on both cameras?
The battery life of both cameras is relatively similar, but not the best. The a6000 typically offers a slightly better battery life due to its larger body. It’s advisable to carry a spare battery, especially if you plan on shooting for extended periods or recording a lot of video. Battery life can be affected by LCD/EVF usage.
Are both cameras good for beginners?
Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the a5100 is often considered slightly easier to use due to its touchscreen interface and more simplified controls. The a6000, with its more advanced features and physical controls, might require a bit more time to learn. Both cameras offer automatic modes to help beginners.
Can I use the same lenses on both cameras?
Yes, both the Sony a5100 and a6000 use the Sony E-mount, so you can use the same lenses on both cameras. This is a major advantage, as you can easily switch between them without needing to buy different lenses. The E-mount lens selection is extensive. This provides flexibility in choosing lenses.
Final Verdict
The Sony a6000 emerges as the superior choice due to its advanced autofocus, built-in viewfinder, and enhanced video features. While the a5100 is a compact and user-friendly option, the a6000 provides a more comprehensive shooting experience and is better suited for more demanding photographic situations. The a6000’s performance justifies the slightly higher price for serious photographers.
Winner: Sony a6000