• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Sony A6100 advantages over Panasonic S5 II

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    59 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Panasonic S5 II advantages over Sony A6100

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    15 months vs 5 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    613k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • 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)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    200 vs 76 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 51200 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
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A6100

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X-T100

Sony A6100
Fujifilm X-T100
  • $748
  • APS-C
  • Slower slow-motion
  • NFC
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic S5 II
Fujifilm X-T100
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Sony A6400

Sony A6100
Sony A6400
  • $748
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Higher extended ISO
Panasonic S5 II
Sony A6400
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Canon EOS M6 Mark II

Sony A6100
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
  • $748
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Panasonic S5 II
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon Z5

Sony A6100
Nikon Z5
  • $748
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z5
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 IIX

Sony A6100
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $748
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • $2200
  • 35mm
Compare Other Cameras?