Hi guys, in this video I will compare two Sony Mirrorless Cameras: Alpha 5100 and the Alpha 6000.

I guess many people wonder which one to get. At the time I’m making this video they cost almost the same. Since the Alpha 5100 is the brand new model, only a month old. And Alpha 6000 is on the market since the start of 2014. In The upcoming months the price of the Alpha 5100 will drop significantly so the difference will become more evident.

00:33 [Specs]

First of all, let’s talk about the image quality. Both cameras use identical image sensors: APS-C, size 24 megapixels and identical image processor, Bionz X.

I took same shots with both cameras and to me appear identical in all aspects. So here’s a simple answer at the very beginning, If your major concern is image quality there is no difference at all with these two cameras. So you have to decide on features and ergonomics.

This is where the main differences are:

01:04

LCD displays are almost identical. Both cameras have 3 inch diagonal and 920000 dots. But only Alpha 5100 have touch control. Keep in mind, touch control works only for focusing. You cannot control menus and options with this touch. Both displays are tilt-able but only the one on the Alpha 5100 will allow you to take a selfie.

LCD on Alpha 6000         can be tilted down at 45 degrees, which is great for over-shots when you’re in a crowd. I think this is more important than a selfie.

Alpha 6000 has a built-in electronic viewfinder. This is a major plus since it allows easier use of sunlight and the traditional camera to face shooting style. You may think this is not that important but once you get used to electronic viewfinder there is not coming back.

Personally, I would pay double the price only to get electronic viewfinder.

02:02 [Flashes]

Both cameras have built-in pop-up flash with 4 meters range on Alpha 5100 and 6 meters range on Alpha 6000. Flashes on both cameras can be tilted up for rudimentary bounce function but only Alpha 6000 has extra horseshoe for stronger external flash.

02:23 [Continuous shooting]

As far as continuous shooting goes, Alpha 6000 is a faster camera. It can shoot 11 frames per second and Alpha 5100 only 6.

02:26 [Live Demo of Continuous shooting]

02:40 [Battery]

Both cameras use the same battery, which will give you around 300 or 450 shots out of a single charge. And do you do not get an external charger with any of these cameras. They are charged inside the camera via micro USB.

02:55 [Zoom]

A vital that may attract some buyers to the more basic Alpha 5100 is the zoom rocker dial around the shutter button. Using this dial you can control zoom holding the camera with only one hand. This is very good if you do a lot of shooting in driving but please don’t get in an accident because of that.

03:15 [Built quality]

Overall built quality is on the Alpha 6000 side. It has magnesium chassis and grip cover with soft non-slippery rubber. Alpha 5100 is plastic all the way around.

Since Alpha 6000 is also bit bigger camera it feels more nature on one hand. Alpha 5100 is really small with tiny grip. Besides the Alpha 6000 has way more external controls: two control dials, one at the top, one at the back and also an external mode dial. 7 buttons on the Alpha 6000 can be customized to your liking and it also has a quick menu, which can also be customized. Alpha 5100 does not have quick menu and only 5 buttons on the back of the camera can be customized.

04:05 [Video Recording]

Video recording is similar on both cameras. Full HD at 60 frames per second, but only Alpha 5100 offers more advanced XAVC S video codec. This one will allow you to record at a maximum 60 frames per second at 50 Megabit. There is supposed to be or there will also be added to an Alpha 6000 through firmware upgrade but this is Sony so you never know for sure.

Both cameras offer full manual control in video mode over aperture shutter speed and ISO. Stereo microphones are built-in but Alpha 5100 cannot external one, only Alpha 6000 can but you will still need to use a special adapter since it doesn’t have 3.5 mm input but proprietary electrical contacts at the back of the horseshoe.

04:57 [Conclusion]

So to wrap things up, this is this is a prettiest decision. Only things that are better on the Alpha 5100 are flattery smaller size, there’s no control on the camera and slightly better video recording due to XAVC S video codec.

After some time, price will drop and that will be another plus for Alpha 5100. But everything else is better on the Alpha 6000. And by that I mean ergonomics, horseshoe, electronic viewfinder, downward tilt-able LCD, built quality, rubber grip and way more external controls.

Finally I think you should pick them both in your hand in the store. Once you do that, you only need to be able to see that Alpha 6000 is the better choice.

05:41 [Farewell]

Ok, I think cover the most of the similarities and differences between these cameras.