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Sony

Alpha 5000

Ultra-compact entry E-mount body that brought mirrorless to the mass market.

$399

Launch price

Released Apr 2014

vs

Sony

Alpha 6100

Compact APS-C body with real-time Eye AF, 11fps burst, and 4K video for beginners stepping up.

$749

Launch price

Released Aug 2019

Alpha 6100 is 5.4 years newer.

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Wins

1categories

Alpha 5000

WildlifeVlogging

Wins

1categories

Alpha 6100

TravelWildlife

16 categories tied

Which would you choose?

TL;DR — Key differences

Alpha 5000 wins 1 categories·Alpha 6100 wins 1 categories
  • AAlpha 5000 has lower Weight (269 g vs 396 g)
  • BAlpha 6100 has higher Resolution (24.2 MP vs 20.1 MP)

Key specs at a glance

Alpha 5000Alpha 6100
Resolution20.1 MP24.2 MP
SensorAPS-CAPS-C
ISO max25,60025,600
Burst11 fps11 fps
4K60 fps60 fps
IBISNoNo
Weight269 g396 g
Battery640 shots640 shots

Size and weight, to scale

Alpha 5000

110 × 63 × 33 mm

269 g (0.59 lb / 9.49 oz)

Credit card shown to scale as a size reference (ISO 7810, 85.6 × 54 mm)

Credit card

85.6 × 54 mm

for scale

Alpha 6100

120 × 67 × 60 mm

396 g (0.87 lb / 13.97 oz)

Alpha 5000 is 10mm narrower, 4mm shorter, and 27mm thinner than Alpha 6100.

Alpha 5000 is 127 g lighter than Alpha 6100.

Depth (front-to-back): 33mm Alpha 5000 · 60mm Alpha 6100

Sensor size, to scale

Alpha 5000

23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C

367 mm² area

Alpha 6100

23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C

367 mm² area

Lens ecosystem

Native lens selection

Alpha 5000

✓ more lenses

Sony E

350+

native lenses available

80 first-party270 third-party

Alpha 6100

✓ more lenses

Sony E

350+

native lenses available

80 first-party270 third-party

Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseAlpha 5000Alpha 6100
Portrait
4.5Fair
5.5Fair✓ wins
Sports & Action
4.5Fair
4.5Fair
Video & Hybrid
4.5Fair
4.5Fair
Landscape
0.0Limited
1.5Limited✓ wins
Travel
5.5Fair
6.5Good✓ wins
Wildlife
6.0Good
6.0Good
Vlogging
6.0Good
6.0Good

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose

Alpha 5000

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 109.6, 62.8, 32.7

  • Weight

    269 g vs 396 g — lower is better

Reasons to choose

Alpha 6100

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 120, 66.9, 59.7

  • Resolution

    24.2 MP vs 20.1 MP — higher is better

Both cameras share

  • AA filterBoth support aa filter
  • ISO min (native)Both 100
  • ISO max (native)Both 25,600
  • AF points / zonesBoth 759
  • AF frame coverageBoth 94 %
  • Eye AFBoth support eye af

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

Alpha 5000

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Compact
  • 20MP APS-C
  • Flip screen

Cons

  • No EVF
  • Very dated
  • Limited controls

Alpha 6100

Pros

  • Real-time Eye AF
  • 11fps burst
  • Compact body
  • Affordable E-mount

Cons

  • No IBIS
  • Small grip
  • Superseded by newer APS-C

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the Alpha 5000 and Alpha 6100 at major authorized retailers.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

Alpha 5000
Alpha 6100
Resolution
20.1 MP
24.2 MP+20%
Sensor type
APS-C CMOS
APS-C CMOS
Sensor size
23.5 × 15.6 mm
23.5 × 15.6 mm
AA filter
Yes
Yes
Alpha 5000
Alpha 6100
Processor
BIONZ XR
BIONZ XR
Alpha 5000
Alpha 6100
ISO min (native)
100
100
ISO max (native)
25,600
25,600
ISO max (expanded)
102,400
102,400
Alpha 5000
Alpha 6100
Shutter type
Mechanical + Electronic
Mechanical + Electronic
Max mechanical speed
1/8000 sec
1/8000 sec
Max electronic speed
1/16000 sec
1/16000 sec

Frequently asked

Quick answers generated from verified specs.

Which is better for portraits, Alpha 5000 or Alpha 6100?

Alpha 6100 scores 5.5/10 versus 4.5/10 for Alpha 5000 — 24.2MP — solid resolution.

What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 5000 and Alpha 6100?

Alpha 5000 is 20.1 MP and Alpha 6100 is 24.2 MP, so the Alpha 6100 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.

How does stabilization compare between the Alpha 5000 and Alpha 6100?

Alpha 5000 does not have IBIS, while Alpha 6100 does not have IBIS.

Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 5000 or the Alpha 6100?

Alpha 5000 reaches 11 fps electronic. Alpha 6100 reaches 11 fps electronic.

What's the weight difference between the Alpha 5000 and Alpha 6100?

Alpha 5000 weighs 269 g and Alpha 6100 weighs 396 g, so the Alpha 5000 is 127 g lighter.

Do the Alpha 5000 and Alpha 6100 record 4K video?

Alpha 5000: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 6100: 4K up to 60p.

Are the Alpha 5000 and Alpha 6100 weather sealed?

Alpha 5000: No. Alpha 6100: No.

Which has better battery life?

Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 5000 and 640 shots for the Alpha 6100, giving the Alpha 6100 the edge.

How much does each cost?

Alpha 5000 launched at $399 and Alpha 6100 at $749. The Alpha 5000 is $350 less.

Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.

Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 5000 vs Alpha 6100 vs X comparison.

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.