• 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 Z50

  • Less expensive
    $448 vs $997
    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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 320 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    35 mm vs 60 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    399g vs 533g
    Lighter weight
  • 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 Z50 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
    4 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    11.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in 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
  • 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

  • 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A5100

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z50

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 NX1100

Sony A5100
Samsung NX1100
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • Hot shoe
Nikon Z50
Samsung NX1100
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Sony NEX-5T

Sony A5100
Sony NEX-5T
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher-res screen
Nikon Z50
Sony NEX-5T
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony A5000

Sony A5100
Sony A5000
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Nikon Z50
Sony A5000
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon EOS M50

Sony A5100
Canon EOS M50
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon Z50
Canon EOS M50
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Fujifilm X-S10

Sony A5100
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $949
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon Z50
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $949
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
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