Sony a5100 vs Sony a290

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a5100 and Sony a290. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Release Date and Price

Release Year

Sony a5100 was released in 2014, making it a newer model compared to Sony a290, which was released in 2010.

Release Date

Sony a5100 was released on 2014-08-18, making it a newer option than Sony a290, which was released on 2010-06-09.

MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)

The MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) helps compare the original cost of the camera, offering insight into its market position.

Sony a5100 is priced higher at $549, compared to Sony a290 which has an MSRP of $499. This suggests Sony a5100 may offer additional features or higher-quality components.

Camera and Sensor Type

Camera Type

The camera type (DSLR, mirrorless, etc.) affects size, handling, and features, impacting its usability for different photography styles.

Sony a5100 is a mirrorless camera, while Sony a290 is a dslr camera. These differences could affect their performance and suitability for different types of photography.

Sensor Size

Sensor size influences image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance, with larger sensors generally producing better results.

Both Sony a5100 and Sony a290 have the same sensor size: APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm). This means similar image quality and performance in terms of sensor capabilities.

Sensor Type

The sensor type (e.g., CMOS, CCD) determines how light is captured, affecting image quality, speed, and power consumption.

Sony a5100 uses a CMOS sensor, while Sony a290 is equipped with a CCD sensor. The differences in sensor types can influence image quality, dynamic range, and overall performance.

Resolution and Megapixels

Higher megapixels allow for larger prints and more detailed images but may result in larger file sizes.

Sony a5100 offers a higher resolution with 24,000,000 pixels and 24 megapixels, compared to Sony a290, which has 14,033,152 pixels and 14 megapixels.

Processor

The image processor affects camera speed, image processing quality, and power efficiency.

Sony a5100 uses the Bionz X processor, while Sony a290 is powered by the Bionz processor. These differences could impact overall speed, performance, and image processing quality.

ISO Range

The ISO range measures the camera’s sensitivity to light, impacting performance in low-light environments and image noise levels.

Sony a5100 provides a broader ISO range (100 - 25600) compared to Sony a290's ISO range (100 - 3200). This allows Sony a5100 to perform better in low-light situations.

Image Properties

White Balance Presets

White balance ensures colors are accurately represented by adjusting the camera for the lighting conditions.

Sony a5100 provides more white balance presets (10) compared to Sony a290, which offers 6 presets. This gives Sony a5100 greater flexibility in achieving accurate color balance.

Custom White Balance

Custom white balance allows users to manually adjust color tones, ideal for achieving precise color in challenging lighting conditions.

Both Sony a5100 and Sony a290 offer custom white balance, allowing for precise color adjustments in challenging lighting conditions.

Uncompressed Format Support

Uncompressed formats retain more data for higher image quality, useful for professional editing.

Both Sony a5100 and Sony a290 support the same uncompressed format: RAW. This means they provide similar flexibility in post-processing and image quality.

Optics and Focus

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization reduces camera shake, allowing for sharper images, especially in low light or handheld shooting.

Sony a290 provides image stabilization, while Sony a5100 does not, making Sony a290 a better option for handheld or low-light photography.

Image Stabilization Details

Sony a290 is equipped with image stabilization: Sensor-Shift.

CIPA Image Stabilization Performance

Image Stabilization CIPA Rating

N/A

N/A

Autofocus Motor

An autofocus motor allows lenses to focus automatically, improving the speed and accuracy of focusing.

Both Sony a5100 and Sony a290 are equipped with an autofocus motor, allowing for fast and accurate focusing with a wide range of lenses.

Autofocus Modes

Autofocus modes determine how the camera focuses, with options like continuous, single, and tracking autofocus for different scenarios.

Autofocus Points

Focus points define how much of the scene can be focused automatically, impacting flexibility in composition.

Sony a5100 offers more autofocus points (179) compared to Sony a290 with 9 points. This may give Sony a5100 an advantage in tracking and focus accuracy.

Lens Mount Compatibility

The lens mount determines compatibility with different lenses, affecting the versatility of the camera.

Focal Length Multiplier (Crop Factor)

Focal length multipliers (crop factor) impact the effective field of view, especially for non-full-frame cameras.

Screen and Viewfinder

Screen Dots (LCD Resolution)

The number of dots on the camera screen affects display clarity, useful for reviewing images and navigating menus.

Sony a5100 has a higher screen resolution with 921600 dots compared to Sony a290 with 230400 dots, offering better viewing clarity.

Touchscreen

A touchscreen allows for easier navigation, focusing, and menu selection, providing a more intuitive user interface.

Sony a5100 has a touchscreen, giving it an edge in usability over Sony a290, which lacks this feature.

Live View

Live view allows users to see a real-time preview of their shot on the camera’s display, making it easier to compose and focus.

Sony a5100 supports live view, offering better real-time image preview compared to Sony a290, which lacks this feature.

Photography Features

Frames Per Second (FPS)

FPS, or Frames Per Second, measures how many photos a camera can take in one second during continuous shooting. A higher FPS is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as in sports, wildlife, or action photography, where timing is critical to get the perfect shot.

Sony a5100 offers a faster burst shooting rate at 6 fps, making it better for capturing fast-moving subjects compared to Sony a290, which shoots at 2,5 fps.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed determines how long your camera's sensor is exposed to light. A slower shutter speed is ideal for low-light photography and capturing motion blur, while a faster shutter speed is better for freezing fast-moving subjects like in sports or wildlife photography.

Minimum Shutter Speed

Both Sony a5100 and Sony a290 offer the same minimum shutter speed of 30 seconds, allowing for long-exposure shots like light trails or astrophotography.

Maximum Shutter Speed

Both Sony a5100 and Sony a290 offer the same maximum shutter speed of 1/4000, making them equally capable of freezing fast motion.

Built-in Flash

A built-in flash can be handy for quick shots in low-light environments, especially when an external flash isn't available. However, built-in flashes are typically less powerful than external ones and are best for shorter ranges.

Both Sony a5100 and Sony a290 come with a built-in flash, making them useful for low-light photography without the need for external lighting.

Built-in Flash Range

Sony a290 has a longer built-in flash range of 10 m, giving it better reach than Sony a5100's range of 4 m.

External Flash Compatibility

An external flash provides more power and flexibility compared to a built-in flash. External flashes can be mounted on the camera’s hot shoe and offer greater lighting control, making them ideal for professional and low-light photography.

Sony a290 is compatible with external flashes, offering more advanced lighting options, whereas Sony a5100 does not support external flashes.

Self-Timer Functionality

A self-timer allows you to delay the shutter release, giving you time to get into the frame for group shots, self-portraits, or to avoid camera shake when shooting on a tripod.

Both Sony a5100 and Sony a290 have a self-timer feature, making them convenient for group shots or self-portraits.

Time-Lapse Photography

The time-lapse feature allows you to capture a sequence of photos at intervals and combine them into a video, creating stunning visual effects like speeding up slow-moving subjects such as clouds, sunsets, or cityscapes.

Sony a5100 offers a time-lapse feature, allowing you to capture creative time-lapse videos, while Sony a290 lacks this functionality.

Metering Modes

Metering modes help your camera measure the light in a scene to determine the proper exposure. Different metering modes are useful in different situations, such as multi-pattern for general use, center-weighted for portraits, spot metering for precise areas, and more.

Videography Features

Video Recording Capability

Video recording is an essential feature for users who want to capture high-quality videos alongside still photography. Cameras with video recording capabilities allow for versatility, whether you're creating cinematic content, vlogging, or capturing everyday moments.

Video Recording

Sony a5100 supports video recording, giving it an advantage over Sony a290, which lacks this feature.

Built-in Microphone and Speakers Comparison

Having a built-in microphone and speakers can help you quickly capture and review audio when recording video. While they may not replace professional equipment, they are useful for casual video recording and on-the-go playback.

Sony a5100 includes a built-in microphone, making it easier to capture audio on the go compared to Sony a290, which lacks this feature.

Sony a5100 includes built-in speakers, making it convenient for on-camera audio playback compared to Sony a290, which lacks this feature.

Connectivity

HDMI Output, Microphone, and Headphone Ports Comparison

These ports are important for video professionals who need external monitoring and audio control. HDMI allows external display connections, while microphone and headphone ports offer superior audio recording and monitoring options.

Both Sony a5100 and Sony a290 have HDMI output, making them ideal for real-time monitoring and external recording.

Neither Sony a5100 nor Sony a290 have a microphone port, so you'll have to rely on built-in microphones.

Neither Sony a5100 nor Sony a290 have a headphone port, making audio monitoring during recording difficult.

Wireless Connectivity Comparison

Wireless connectivity allows for convenient sharing of photos and remote camera control. Some cameras offer advanced wireless options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for easy file transfer and remote shooting.

Sony a5100 supports wireless connectivity (Sony a290), providing a flexible way to share photos, while Built-in (802.11b/g/n with NFC) lacks this feature.

Remote Control Feature Comparison

Remote control functionality allows photographers to control the camera without physically touching it, which is useful for reducing camera shake during long exposures or self-portraits. Some cameras offer compatibility with dedicated remotes, while others support wireless or app-based control.

Both Sony a5100 and Sony a290 support remote control functionality. Sony a5100 offers Yes (wired or PC), while Sony a290 provides Yes (Optional), allowing for hands-free control during shooting.

Camera Body and Dimensions

Environmentally Sealed Comparison

An environmentally sealed camera is protected against dust, moisture, and sometimes freezing temperatures. This feature is important for photographers who often shoot in challenging environments like rain, snow, or desert landscapes.

Sony a5100 is environmentally sealed, providing extra durability in harsh weather, while Sony a290 lacks this feature.

Battery Life Comparison

Battery life is an important consideration, especially for photographers who shoot for long periods. The number of shots per charge is measured according to CIPA standards, giving a reliable estimate of real-world performance.

The battery life of Sony a5100 is rated at 400 shots, which is better than Sony a290's 290 shots. This makes Sony a5100 a better choice for long shooting sessions.

Camera Dimensions Comparison

Camera dimensions affect portability and comfort when using the camera. Here's how the two cameras compare in size.

The Sony a5100 has dimensions of 110 mm in width, 63 mm in height, and 36 mm in depth.

The Sony a290 measures 128 mm in width, 97 mm in height, and 86 mm in depth.

The Sony a5100 is more compact with a total volume of 249480 mm³ compared to the Sony a290, which has a larger volume of 1067776 mm³.

Camera Weight Comparison

The weight of a camera can affect portability and handling, especially for long shooting sessions. Here’s how the two cameras compare in terms of weight, including the battery.

The Sony a5100 weighs 283 grams including the battery.

The Sony a290 weighs 549 grams including the battery.

The Sony a5100 is lighter, weighing 283 grams, compared to the Sony a290 which weighs 549 grams.

View and Compare Specifications for Sony a5100 and Sony a290

Product
	Price	Price
Name This is the official name of the camera as listed by the manufacturer.	Sony a5100	Sony a290
Manufacturer The company that designs, manufactures, and markets this camera model.	Sony	Sony
SKU The Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) is a unique identifier used by retailers to track inventory. Some cameras might have multiple SKUs depending on the bundle or specific features.	ILCE-5100 / CX78300	DSLR-A290 / CX86100
Release Date and Price
Release Year The year when this camera model was officially released to the public.	2014	2010
Release Date The exact date when this camera model was launched.	2014-08-18	2010-06-09
MSRP The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the price at which the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sells the product. This can vary by region and retailer. Here the price is listed in US Dollars.	$ 549	$ 499
Camera Type
Camera Type The camera type defines the fundamental design of the camera, whether it uses a mirror for its viewfinder (DSLR), a translucent mirror (SLT), or no mirror at all (Mirrorless).	Mirrorless	DSLR
Sensor
Sensor Size The sensor size determines the amount of light that can be captured, impacting image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance. Different sensor sizes are used for various camera types and applications.	APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm)	APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm)
Sensor Type The type of sensor used in the camera, which could be CCD, CMOS, or others, affecting how the image data is captured and processed.	CMOS	CCD
Resolution Resolution is the number of pixels used to create an image. Higher resolution allows for larger prints and more detailed images.	6000 x 4000 pixels	4592 x 3056 pixels
Megapixels Megapixels refer to the number of millions of pixels the sensor can capture, impacting the detail and print size of the images.	24 MP (24,000,000 pixels)	14 MP (14,033,152 pixels)
Image Processor The image processor is responsible for converting the data captured by the sensor into a viewable image, impacting speed, quality, and performance.	Bionz X	Bionz
Image
ISO Range The ISO range indicates the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light. A lower ISO is ideal for bright conditions, while a higher ISO allows for shooting in low light but may introduce noise.	100 - 25600	100 - 3200
White Balance Presets White balance presets allow the camera to adjust colors to match different lighting conditions, ensuring that your photos have accurate and natural colors.	10	6
Custom White Balance Custom white balance allows you to manually set the white balance using a neutral reference, such as a gray card, ensuring accurate color reproduction in various lighting conditions.	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization Image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, allowing you to capture sharper images, especially in low-light situations or when using longer focal lengths.	No	Yes (Sensor-Shift)
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating The CIPA rating measures the effectiveness of image stabilization, indicating how many stops of exposure you can gain by using the stabilization feature.	N/A	N/A
Uncompressed Format An uncompressed format retains all the image data captured by the sensor, resulting in higher quality images with more detail, but also larger file sizes.	RAW	RAW
Optics and Focus
Autofocus Motor The autofocus motor allows the camera to automatically focus on subjects. If 'Yes', the camera has a built-in autofocus motor, enabling faster and quieter focusing with compatible lenses.	Yes	Yes
Autofocus Different autofocus modes allow the camera to focus in various ways, such as detecting contrast, tracking moving subjects, or focusing on specific points in the frame.	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous
Focus Points Focus points refer to the number of areas in the frame where the camera can lock focus. More focus points allow for more accurate focusing, especially in complex scenes.	179	9
Lens Mount The lens mount indicates the type of lenses that are compatible with the camera. Different mounts are used by different manufacturers and camera types.	Sony E Sony Lens Mount Adapter LA-EA5	Sony A
Focal Length Multiplier The focal length multiplier, also known as the crop factor, affects the effective focal length of a lens when used with cameras that have sensors smaller than full frame. This value multiplies the lens's focal length, which can be beneficial for telephoto photography but limits the field of view for wide-angle lenses.	APS-C Sensor 1.6x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 38 mm 50 mm becomes 80 mm 100 mm becomes 160 mm 200 mm becomes 320 mm	APS-C Sensor 1.6x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 38 mm 50 mm becomes 80 mm 100 mm becomes 160 mm 200 mm becomes 320 mm
Screen and Viewfinder
Articulated LCD An articulated LCD allows for flexible screen movement, making it easier to capture shots from difficult angles. It can be particularly useful for vlogging, low-angle, or high-angle photography.	Tilting	Fixed
Screen Size The screen size is measured diagonally in inches. A larger screen can be beneficial for reviewing images and navigating menus.	3”	2.7”
Screen Dots Screen dots refer to the resolution of the camera's LCD screen, with more dots generally indicating a sharper display.	921600	230400
Touchscreen A touchscreen allows you to interact with the camera's menu and focus points directly by touching the screen.	Yes	No
Screen Type The screen type indicates the technology used in the camera's display, such as LCD, OLED, etc.	TFT LCD	N/A
Live View Live View allows you to use the LCD screen as a viewfinder, showing a live preview of the image before you capture it.	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type specifies whether the camera uses an optical viewfinder (OVF), electronic viewfinder (EVF), or has no viewfinder.	No Viewfinder	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage Viewfinder coverage indicates the percentage of the scene that is visible in the viewfinder compared to what the sensor captures. 100% coverage means you see exactly what the sensor will capture.	N/A	95%
Viewfinder Magnification Viewfinder magnification describes the size of the image seen in the viewfinder relative to the size of the actual scene.	N/A	0.83× (0.55× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution Viewfinder resolution refers to the number of pixels in the electronic viewfinder. A higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed image.	N/A	N/A
Photography Features
Frames per second Frames per second (fps) measures how many frames the camera can capture in one second. Higher fps rates are useful for action photography.	6 fps	2,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed is the longest exposure time the camera can achieve, allowing for more light to enter, which is useful in low-light situations.	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed is the shortest exposure time the camera can achieve, helping to freeze motion in fast-moving subjects.	1/4000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash A built-in flash provides additional light when shooting in low-light environments, improving image quality.	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash Range The built-in flash range indicates how far the flash can effectively illuminate a subject. This is measured in meters.	4 m	10 m
External Flash An external flash option allows you to attach a separate flash unit, providing more powerful lighting options and flexibility.	No	Yes
Self-Timer The self-timer feature allows you to set a delay between pressing the shutter button and when the photo is actually taken. This is useful for including yourself in photos or reducing camera shake.	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse Time-lapse photography allows you to capture a series of frames at set intervals, which are then combined into a video that shows a process, like a sunset, happening much faster.	Yes	No
Metering Modes Metering modes determine how the camera measures the brightness of the scene to set the exposure. Different modes are suited to different lighting conditions.	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the exposure set by the camera, making the image brighter or darker as needed.	+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps)	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography Features
Video Recording Indicates whether the camera supports video recording functionality.	Yes	No
Video Format The camera supports various video formats, which determine the compression and quality of the recorded video.	MPEG4 XF-AVC AVCHD
Video Resolution The resolutions supported by the camera determine the clarity and detail of the recorded video.	1440 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone Indicates whether the camera has a built-in microphone for recording audio during video capture.	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers Indicates whether the camera has built-in speakers for audio playback.	Yes	No
Storage
Memory Card Indicates the types of memory cards that are compatible with the camera.	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC
Connectivity
HDMI Output Indicates whether the camera has an HDMI output port for connecting to external displays.	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port Indicates whether the camera has a dedicated microphone input port.	No	No
Headphone Port Indicates whether the camera has a headphone port for monitoring audio during recording.	No	No
Wireless Indicates whether the camera has wireless capabilities for transferring files or remote control.	Yes Built-in (802.11b/g/n with NFC)	No
Remote Control Indicates whether the camera supports remote control functionality.	Yes (wired or PC)	Yes (Optional)
GPS Indicates whether the camera has built-in GPS functionality for geotagging images.	No	No
Body and Dimensions
Environmentally Sealed Indicates whether the camera is sealed against dust and moisture.	Yes	No
Battery The type of battery used by the camera.	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details Additional information about the battery, such as capacity or specific model details.	NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery and USB charger	Lithium-Ion NP-FH50 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery SKU The specific SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) associated with the camera's battery.	NP-FW50	NP-FH50
Battery Life The estimated number of shots the camera can take on a full battery, based on CIPA standards. CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) sets the industry standard for measuring and comparing battery life across different camera models.	400 shots according to CIPA	290 shots according to CIPA
Width The width of the camera body, measured in millimeters.	110 mm	128 mm
Height The height of the camera body, measured in millimeters.	63 mm	97 mm
Depth The depth of the camera body, measured in millimeters.	36 mm	86 mm
Weight The weight of the camera body, including the battery, measured in grams.	283 grams including battery	549 grams including battery

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