CameraReview

Canon EOS M100 vs Sony a5100 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

✓ WINNER
Canon EOS M100
Canon
Canon EOS M100
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
62
SCORE
$273.84
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Sony a5100
Sony
Sony a5100
Mirrorless · 24.3 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
60
SCORE
$389
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Best Price →
General
Brand CanonSony
Model EOS M100a5100
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20172014
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
29/08/201718/08/2014
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 108 x 67 x 35 mm110 x 63 x 36 mm
Camera weight 436 g283 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP05024.3 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40006000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
14.9 x 22.315.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CAPS-C
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
6.1 fps0456 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon EF-MSony E
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 7Bionz X
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
256003003280000256003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
1003020010030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
256003003280000256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000400080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
4903001790300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
NoneNone
Viewfinder dots N/AN/A
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HDFull HD
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 10801920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps60 fps
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MP4MP4, AVI
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
104000011500015000009216001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E12NP-FW50
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
295 shots1505000400 shots1505000
USB charging

The Canon EOS M100 edges out the Sony a5100 with a score of 62/100 compared to 60/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in the same price range, with the M100 at $600 and the a5100 at $550. They have similar dimensions, with the M100 measuring 108 x 67 x 35mm and the a5100 at 110 x 63 x 36mm.

The Canon M100 stands out due to its more recent release in 2017, potentially offering updated features and technology. However, the Sony a5100 has the advantage of being significantly lighter, weighing only 283g compared to the M100’s 436g.

While the Canon M100 takes a slight lead in our scoring, both cameras offer solid options for mirrorless camera enthusiasts. The choice ultimately depends on the user’s preferences for newer technology or a lighter camera body.

Canon EOS M100 vs Sony a5100 Video Performance

The Canon EOS M100 emerges as the winner in the video capabilities comparison with a score of 70/100, while the Sony a5100 scores 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps.

The Canon EOS M100 outperforms the Sony a5100 in terms of video capabilities due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to capture and create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. The time-lapse functionality provides added versatility and creative options for videographers, making the EOS M100 a more appealing choice for those who prioritize video features in their camera selection.

On the other hand, the Sony a5100 has no significant advantage in video capabilities over the Canon EOS M100. Both cameras offer the same video resolution, dimensions, and frame rate. The lack of built-in time-lapse functionality in the a5100 makes it less competitive in this specific comparison.

Taking into account the video capabilities, the Canon EOS M100 is the superior choice due to its additional time-lapse feature. This added functionality gives users more creative options when capturing video content, making it a more versatile and appealing option for those focused on video capabilities. While the Sony a5100 does not offer any unique advantages in this area, it still provides the same basic video features as the EOS M100, making it a viable option for those who may not prioritize time-lapse capabilities.

Canon EOS M100 vs Sony a5100 Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS M100 outperforms the Sony a5100 in features, scoring 70/100 compared to the Sony’s 54/100. Both cameras have a 3-inch screen, touchscreen capabilities, flip screens, GPS, and WIFI. However, there are some key differences that give the Canon EOS M100 an edge over the Sony a5100.

The Canon EOS M100 has a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, while the Sony a5100 has a screen resolution of 921,600 dots. This higher resolution allows for a clearer and sharper image preview on the Canon EOS M100, providing a better user experience. Additionally, the Canon EOS M100 has Bluetooth connectivity, which the Sony a5100 lacks. This feature enables the Canon camera to connect to other devices more seamlessly and transfer files wirelessly with ease.

Despite the lower feature score, the Sony a5100 still has some advantages over the Canon EOS M100. Its flip screen is a 180-degree tiltable LCD, which is more flexible than the Canon’s flip screen. This feature allows for easier self-portraits and shooting at different angles. However, this advantage may not be significant enough to outweigh the benefits of the Canon EOS M100’s higher screen resolution and Bluetooth connectivity.

In comparing these two cameras, the Canon EOS M100 emerges as the winner due to its higher screen resolution and Bluetooth capabilities. The Sony a5100 does have a more flexible flip screen, but this does not compensate for its lower feature score. As a result, the Canon EOS M100 is the better camera in terms of features.

Canon EOS M100 vs Sony a5100 Storage and Battery

The Sony a5100 wins the storage and battery comparison with a score of 24 points, while the Canon EOS M100 scores 16 points. Both cameras have a single memory card slot and do not support USB charging. They accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with the Sony a5100 also compatible with Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards.

The Sony a5100 outperforms the Canon EOS M100 in battery life, providing 400 shots per charge compared to the M100’s 295 shots. The a5100 uses the NP-FW50 battery, while the M100 uses the LP-E12 battery. This longer battery life makes the Sony a5100 a more reliable option for extended shooting sessions.

The Canon EOS M100 does not surpass the Sony a5100 in storage and battery aspects. As a result, the Sony a5100 proves to be the better choice in this comparison, offering greater compatibility in memory cards and a longer battery life.

Canon EOS M100 vs Sony a5100 – Our Verdict

Canon EOS M100 vs Sony a5100 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS M100 or the Sony a5100: