Having to decide which one of two cameras is the better one for you can be quite a difficult thing to do; especially when you are an amateur photographer. We understand this, and that is why we have decided to compare two Entry-Level cameras today – Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10.
Both these cameras are quite very similar; they are both mirrorless, and they are Entry-Level cameras, too. Anyway, we will be taking you through a thorough comparison of the Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10, and at the end, you will be able to decide which one is better for you.
However, if you won’t be able to read through to the end, then the next three sections of this article – comparison overview, comparison table, “which is better under what circumstance?” – will help you make a really quick decision.
All that having been said, let us just jump straight into the business of the day – the Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 comparison.
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| Get the Sony a5100 here now! | Get the Fujifilm X-A10 here now! |
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Comparison Overview
It has been proven that the manufacturers of a product greatly influence buyers’ demand. People would be more hesitant to go for a product made by a brand that they are not very familiar with, compared to one which is a household name.
So, speaking of brands, these two cameras – Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – are made by two very experienced companies. These are big companies that have largely influenced the world of photography and technology in general, over the decades.
Although Fujifilm is the older brand, we believe that Sony is the slightly stronger brand. In our opinion, Sony has become a more familiar brand name across a number of fields compared to Fujifilm.
Anyway, it must be stated that both these companies sure do deliver great quality products, so, we are surely not looking at poorly made cameras in this article today.
The Fujifilm X-A10 is the more recent camera, as it was announced in December of 2016, two years after the Sony a5100 (August of 2014). In spite of this, the Sony a5100 proves to be the more convenient camera to use, as it is the only one of the two that comes with a touch screen.
In addition to that, the Sony a5100, despite being the older camera, will be giving you better maximum sensor resolution. With it, you get 50 per cent more pixels than you will be getting with the Sony a5100.
And although, these two cameras are Wi-Fi enabled, the Sony camera, unlike the Fujifilm X-A10, comes with near field communication (NFC) technology, and that makes the wireless connection process a lot easier and stress-free.
However, the Fujifilm X-A10 does better with battery capacity, and thus, will be lasting slightly longer than the Sony a5100. Also, it is the only one that allows you record time-lapse videos, so, that is something you might like to consider.
Now, the Sony a5100 costs a bit less than the Fujifilm X-A10, and it also offers you a bit more in the aspect of features and functionalities. Because of this, it is our opinion that the Sony a5100 has a better price-value ratio than its counterpart.
Anyway, if you want to know what people who have got these cameras think about each of them, then make sure not to miss the penultimate section of this Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 comparison article, it will be giving you the scoop on that.
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| Get the Sony a5100 here now! | Get the Fujifilm X-A10 here now! |
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Comparison Table
Sony a5100 |
Fujifilm X-A10 | |
| Camera weight | 0.62 pounds (283 grams) | 0.73 pounds (331 grams) |
| Camera dimensions | 4.3 by 1.4 by 2.5 inches | 4.6 by 1.6 by 2.6 inches |
| ISO range | 100 to 25600 | 200 to 6400 (expandable to 100 to 25600) |
| Maximum sensor resolution | 24 mega pixels | 16 mega pixels |
| Touch screen | Yes | No |
| Focus points | 179 | 49 |
| Battery capacity | 400 shots per full charge | 410 shots per full charge |
| Near field communication (NFC) | Yes | No |
| JPEG buffer | 67 shots | 20 shots |
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| Get the Sony a5100 here now! | Get the Fujifilm X-A10 here now! |
If you want a little more on this Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 comparison, check out this video below!
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Which Is Better Under What Circumstance?
Sony a5100 |
Fujifilm X-A10 |
| Of these two cameras – Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – the Sony a5100 is surely the more convenient camera to use. It is the only one that has a touch screen, and so, you won’t need to always look for buttons when operating this camera. | For a more creative shooting, the Fujifilm X-A10 is the camera we recommend. This camera enables you record time-lapse videos, and this is something you do not get with the Sony camera. |
| As you have seen, the Sony a5100 offers you more than 3 times the number of focus points you get with the Fujifilm X-A10, and so, for better focusing, this is the camera for you. | This camera has a battery that will be lasting slightly longer than that of its counterpart. Therefore, if you would be needing to take too many shots at a stretch, you might want to consider getting the Fujifilm X-A10. |
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| Get the Sony a5100 here now! | Get the Fujifilm X-A10 here now! |
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Common Features
Now, before we go looking into the features that these cameras come with, it is important that we first examine the most basic things about these cameras, and that is that they are both mirrorless, as well as Entry-Level cameras.
Mirrorless Cameras
A mirrorless camera, unlike a DSLR, does not have a mirror mechanism, and so, does not need an optical viewfinder. In a mirrorless camera, light is sent from the camera’s lens, through the sensors, then to the electronic viewfinder or LCD screen.
The electronic viewfinder – a feature that can only be found in mirrorless cameras – is a feature that helps you frame your photos while you shoot. It also helps with autofocus.
Compared to rival cameras – DSLRs – mirrorless cameras typically weigh less and have poorer batteries.
Generally, mirrorless cameras are best understood when compared with the digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. Therefore, we have attached a video below which pits DSLR (mirrored) cameras against mirrorless ones. Watch it here!
Entry-Level Cameras
Entry-Level cameras are basically cameras made for beginners. These cameras are generally easier to use than Pro cameras.
If you do not know so much about the workings of a camera, then we would advise that you go for an Entry-Level camera. You won’t be finding it so hard to get around using one.
Anyway, now that has been made clear, let us examine those features that can be found in the Sony a5100, as well as the Fujifilm x-A10.
Articulating Screen
The LCD screen is a very important feature in every camera, and seeing as neither of these cameras comes with an electronic viewfinder, this is pretty much all you’ve got to shoot with.
In simple terms, an articulating screen is a flexible type of screen. It can be tilted or flipped to certain angles in order to help the photographer get shots from naturally difficult angles.
If you were to take shots from too high above or from too low below, then the articulating screen would be very instrumental in getting those amazing shots.
Also, seeing as both these cameras in comparison – Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – come with screens that tilt 180 degrees upward, either of them will be helping you get great selfies. So, yes, both these cameras are great vlogging cameras.
Face Detection Focus
This is a feature that enables your camera’s lens identify and then focus on the human faces in its frame. This feature is the major prerequisite for an amazing portrait photo from your camera.
Therefore, since both these cameras have the face detection focus feature, they are sure to produce great portrait photos.
RAW Support
With this feature, your camera is able to store images in their highest quality, but at the expense of your storage space, though.
What is very common is that images are stored in a compressed format called JPEG. This format, amongst other things, compresses the size of the image, so that it does not take up so much storage space. However, it does this at the expense of the quality of those images.
Anyway, RAW support means that you are now presented with the option of either taking photos in their large, uncompressed, high quality format – RAW – or in the small, compressed, low quality format – JPEG.
Of course, it is always amazing to have the option of storing your images in their highest quality, therefore, this feature is a very welcome one.
Auto Exposure Bracketing
If you are shooting under lighting conditions that are tough, and thus, are finding it difficult to decide what exposure setting would give the best results, auto exposure bracketing feature is the feature that is sure to let you out of your misery.
This feature makes shooting really easy. With just a click of the shutter button, you are able to get 3 or more images, each with different exposure settings. That is, auto exposure bracketing, when set, could take 3 shots of a subject, and each of them could be in, say, under exposed, over exposed, and normally exposed. So, you can go ahead and decide which best works for you.
Now, in case you did not understand anything we just said, then you probably need to see it. The video below shows you how to use auto exposure bracketing on a Fujifilm camera ( Fujifilm X-T2 specifically). So, check it out!
In-Built Flash
This is, of course, another feature that helps you shoot better and get more amazing results in difficult lighting conditions.
Just by using your camera’s in-built flash, you are able to improve the lighting in that area, and get a lot brighter images than you would have gotten without a flash. And seeing as neither of these cameras – Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – allows you connect an external flash, the in-built flash is, thus, the only way by which your camera can better its lighting.
Wi-Fi
This is one feature that everyone reading this must be already conversant with. This is what makes your camera able to initiate a wireless connection with another compatible device.
So, for example, if your smartphone is Wi-Fi compatible (which it definitely is), you can connect either of these cameras – Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – to it, and then transfer files without needing cables or anything like that.
Over a wireless connection, you are able to connect a nearby device to your camera and transfer files seamlessly. This feature is really to use, and you will be seeing that in the video below.
This video shows you, in a few minutes, how you can connect your Fujifilm X series camera to a nearby device (iOS), and successfully transfer files through that means.
Well, all this is made even easier with the Sony a5100, as it is the only one of the two which enables you make a connection with only a touch of a button. This camera comes with near field communication (NFC) and that makes wireless connection even easier than it already is.
That is not even all. With the use of a device which has been connected to your camera via Wi-Fi, you are also able to perform a remote controlled shooting. That is, in simple terms, that device – say, a smartphone – that has been connected to your camera can function as a remote controlling device for your camera.
Therefore, you can stay meters away from your camera and still get great images, just by controlling it using the Wi-Fi connected device. Isn’t that just so cool?!
Panorama
This is yet another feature that can be found in either of these cameras – Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10. This feature lets you expand your creativity as a photographer, and is one you sure would enjoy using.
HDMI Output
You are able to connect your camera to a monitor or a television screen with the use of an HDMI cable. This gives you the option of viewing your camera’s photos and videos on much larger screens.
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| Get the Sony a5100 here now! | Get the Fujifilm X-A10 here now! |
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Unique Features
Touch Screen
A touch screen has been proven to make the accessibility of a device a lot easier; and that is just the same with cameras. And for an Entry-Level camera, which we have said is primarily for amateur photographers, we do think this is a very welcome feature; one that will make operating the camera even more convenient for beginners.
Anyway, of these two cameras in comparison in this article – Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – a touch screen can only be gotten with the Sony a5100.
Near Field Communication (NFC)
Earlier in this Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 comparison article, we touched briefly on what near field communication (NFC) is. Well, this feature, like we said, makes your regular wireless transfer of files even easier.
If you have a camera that comes with this feature, you can connect your NFC compatible device to it by just using that device to touch the NFC icon on the camera. And just like that, you are connected, so, you can go ahead and transfer your files over the wireless connection. How easy!
Now, below is a video that shows you just how you can connect your Sony camera to a Wi-Fi enabled and NFC compatible smartphone using near field communication. Check it out here!
Time-lapse
With time-lapse, you are able to play around with time in your video recordings. Basically, time-lapse can help you record a 5 hour long video and present it in just few minutes; and no piece of information would be lost in the process.
Typically, this feature is used by photographers who capture images of nature. So, you are most likely to see time-lapse videos or things like the blooming of a flower, the rising of the sun, the activities of an animal in its natural habitat, and other stuff like that.
Well, this feature can only be used in the Fujifilm X-A10, as it does not come with the Sony a5100.
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Unique Pros
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 Unique Pros Of The Sony a5100
More Convenience Of Use
Being the only one of the two cameras in comparison – Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – that comes with a touch screen, the Sony a5100 surely does offer you a lot more convenience in operation than the Fujifilm X-A10.
Generally, with a touch screen, you have better access to your camera’s functions than without.
More Detail & Higher Resolution
The Sony a5100 gives you 24 mega pixels in maximum sensor resolution, which is 50 per cent more than what you get with the Fujifilm X-A10.
Basically, what this means is that you will be able to get larger prints containing more detail with the Sony camera than with the Fujifilm one.
Better Focusing
The Sony a5100 has a total of 179 focus points, which is 130 more than that of the Fujifilm X-A10. Basically, this means that the a5100 is able to focus on a lot more than the X-A10, therefore, delivering perhaps better and sharper images.
Easier Wireless Connection
Both these cameras are able to connect wirelessly to nearby compatible devices, but the Sony a5100, being the only one that comes with the near field communication (NFC) feature, allows you connect even more easily.
Like we mentioned earlier in this article, all you need to do is to touch the NFC icon on your camera with your NFC compatible device, and you are in. Yes, just with one touch.
In case you missed it, you can go back to the “unique features” section and check out the video we attached showing how to use the NFC feature on a Sony camera.
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Unique Pros Of The Fujifilm X-A10
Better Creativity
You are able to record time-lapse videos with the Fujifilm X-A10, and this is one really good medium by which creativity can be expressed. This is one thing you are unable to get with the Sony a5100.
Get the Fujifilm X-A10 here now!
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| Get the Sony a5100 here now! | Get the Fujifilm X-A10 here now! |
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Unique Cons
Unique Cons Of The Sony a5100
No Time-Lapse
Like we have already said, you will not be able to record time-lapse videos with the Sony a5100.
Unique Cons Of The Fujifilm X-A10
No Touch Screen
The Fujifilm X-A10 is not a touch screen camera, which means that you won’t be able to access it functions by touching the screen.
Average Sensor Resolution
You get only 16 mega pixels in maximum sensor resolution with the Fujifilm X-A10, which is only average, at best.
Compared to its counterpart; the Sony a5100, you get 50 per cent less pixels, that is, less detail, and less resolution in your Fujifilm X-A10 images.
Few Focus Points
You get only 49 focus points with the Fujifilm camera, which is 130 less than what you get with the Sony one. This means that you will be able to get better focusing with the a5100. And as you might already know, better focusing gives you sharper images, therefore, you won’t be getting so much of that with the Fujifilm X-A10.
No Near Field Communication
In this Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 comparison article, we have already mentioned, a few times, the many conveniences near field communication (NFC) offers in wireless connection. And seeing as the Fujifilm does not have this feature, you will not be getting any of that.
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Common Pros
Sony a5100 |
Fujifilm X-A10 | |
| Great selfies | The Sony a5100 comes with an articulating screen that flips 180 degrees upward, and this is the major indicator that a camera is selfie friendly. Also, if you are a vlogger, this is a camera you would love, because it is also great for recording videos of oneself by oneself. | The articulating screen of the Fujifilm X-A10 can also flip 180 degrees upward, which also makes this camera great for selfies and great for vlogging, too. |
| Flexible shooting | Apart from being really amazing for taking selfies, the articulating screen of the Sony a5100 is great for taking photos from angles that would have been considered really difficult. Just by tilting the LCD screen of this camera, you are able to get the best shots from such angles. | The Fujifilm X-A10 also allows you take shots from really difficult angles, and generally be more flexible with your shooting. |
| Great portraits | The Sony a5100 comes with face detection focus, and that makes it really great to take portrait photographs with. It will be giving you high quality portrait photos containing all the detail desired. | The Fujifilm X-A10 also comes with face detection focus, which means that it will also be delivering great results in portrait photography. |
| High image quality | With this camera, you are presented with the option of leaving your images in their untouched version, i.e., the RAW format. This, therefore, means that you can have your images in quality as high as they come. | This camera also has RAW support, which means that you will also be able to get really high quality images with it. |
| Great results in tough lighting conditions | With auto exposure bracketing, the Sony a5100 ensures that you are able to shoot more easily, and get better results even in areas where lighting conditions are difficult. | The Fujifilm X-A10 also comes with auto exposure bracketing, so, with this camera, you are also able to get bright images in tough lighting conditions. |
| Bright images | If you are shooting in low light areas, the in-built flash of the Sony a5100 ensures that you can get pretty bright images without any hassle at all. | You are also able to get bright images with the in-built flash of the Fujifilm X-A10. |
| Wireless connection | The Sony a5100 allows you wirelessly connect to nearby Wi-Fi compatible devices, and transfer files very easily. This camera has near field communication (NFC), and so, you can connect with just a touch of a button. | The Fujifilm X-A10 is also a Wi-Fi compatible camera, and so, you can connect with, and transfer files wirelessly to nearby devices. However, this one does not come with NFC, so, you won’t be able to do a one touch connection. |
| Remote controlled shooting | So, after having connected your Sony a5100 to a nearby Wi-Fi compatible device, you can go on to conduct a remote controlled shoot. Therefore, without even holding your camera in your hands, you can still go on to do a pretty good shoot. | The Fujifilm X-A10 also allows you do a remote controlled shooting. |
| Panorama | You are able to shoot panorama photos with the Sony a5100. | You can also shoot panorama photos the Fujifilm X-A10. |
| Larger display | You can connect your camera to a larger screen, using an HDMI wire. | Same as the Sony a5100. |
| Lightweight | Mirrorless cameras are generally known to be lightweight, and the Sony a5100 is no different. Weighing 0.62 pounds (283 grams), the Sony a5100 is a pretty lightweight camera, and so, you will love carrying this one around with you. | Weighing only 0.73 pounds (331 grams), the Fujifilm X-A10 is yet another lightweight camera. Therefore, it is just great for vacations, walks, hikes, and all such activities. |
| Affordable | The Sony a5100 is one very budget friendly camera, and for all the features it comes with, this is such a great bargain. | The Fujifilm X-A10 costs a little more than the Sony a5100, but it is still one affordable camera. |
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| Get the Sony a5100 here now! | Get the Fujifilm X-A10 here now! |
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Common Cons
Sony a5100 |
Fujifilm X-A10 | |
| No electronic viewfinder | Earlier in this Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 comparison article, we mentioned that an electronic viewfinder is a feature – exclusive to mirrorless cameras – that allows you frame your images. It helps you with autofocus, and gives you relevant information that helps your shooting; like your camera’s battery level, histogram, ISO level, and all that. Well, the Sony a5100 does not come with an electronic viewfinder, so, you won’t be able to get all those conveniences. It gets even worse when you have to shoot outdoors in very bright sunlight. Such bright light hitting your screen makes it very difficult to shoot with. At such times, you would indeed wish that your camera had an electronic viewfinder. | The Fujifilm X-A10 also does not come with an electronic viewfinder, and so, you are left with no other option that to shoot using the LCD screen. |
| No image stabilization | Image stabilization is a feature that helps you minimize or erase the effects of shakes and little movements of your camera while shooting. This is pretty much what stabilizes and tidies up your images, so, they come out looking really nice, regardless of the many shakes the camera must have undergone. However, the Sony a5100 does not come with the image stabilization feature, thus, if the camera shakes while you shoot, the effects will be seen in the images. | The Fujifilm X-A10 also does not come with image stabilization, so, you also will not be getting stabilized images, just like with the Sony a5100. |
| No weather sealing | A weather sealed camera body is what ensures that the camera is safe to use in whatever weather condition – good or bad. Therefore, seeing as the Sony a5100 camera is not weather sealed, it would be a very big gamble to use this camera outdoors when the weather is not very favorable. If you do, you could be causing serious damage to the camera. | The Fujifilm X-A10 also does not have a weather sealed body, so, it is also not advisable to use this in harsh weather conditions. |
| No Bluetooth | The Sony a5100 is not Bluetooth enabled, and this means that you won’t be able to get that additional wireless connectivity. Bluetooth gives you a wider reach, and compared to Wi-Fi, it is something you can use even when the camera’s battery is really low. | The Fujifilm X-A10 camera also does not come with Bluetooth, so, you also miss out on that extra connectivity with this camera. |
| No top display | This camera does not have a screen on which you can conveniently view the settings being made on the camera. | The Fujifilm X-A10 also does not have a top screen display. |
| No GPS | The Sony a5100 does not have an in-built GPS. This, therefore, means that you won’t be able to geo tag photos and videos with this camera. | You also won’t be able to geo tag photos and videos with this camera, as it does not come with an in-built GPS either. |
| No external flash hot shoe | The Sony a5100 does not come with an external flash hot shoe. What this means is that you would be unable to boost your camera’s lighting with an external flash. In many cases, the results you get from the internal flash won’t suffice. But unfortunately, you won’t be able to advance that lighting to get brighter images. In addition to that, because of the lack of this feature, you won’t be able to do effective flash photography. | The Fujifilm X-A10 also does not come with an external flash hot shoe, so, you won’t be able to advance your lighting with this camera. |
| No external microphone jack | You won’t be able to advance the audio quality of the recordings made with this camera because it does not come with an external microphone jack. A camera’s internal microphone might get you good audio in very quiet areas. But what about when you have to make recordings in very noisy places? An external microphone would have been your best bet, but this camera does not support that. Therefore, you would have to make do with whatever you get with the internal microphone. | You also won’t be able to improve on this camera’s sound quality further than the internal microphone, because it also does not come with an external microphone jack. |
| No headphone jack | The Sony a5100 does not allow you connect headphones. This means that you won’t be able to regulate the audio coming from your recordings while you record. | Same as the Sony a5100. |
| No slow motion | You will not be able to record slow motion videos with the Sony a5100. | You also will not be able to record slow motion videos with the Fujifilm X-A10. |
| Slow burst mode | When it comes to shooting on burst mode (continuous shooting), the faster the better. But with only 6 frames per second, the burst mode of the Sony a5100 is anything but fast. This is bad news if you would be needing to take photos of moving objects. | You also get 6 frames per second on burst mode with the Fujifilm X-A10. |
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – What Do People Think About Both Cameras?
Sony a5100 |
Fujifilm X-A10 |
| A lot of people are particularly pleased with the weight of this camera. Apparently, this camera is very lightweight, and very compact, and a lot of people did not mind holding it in their hands for long hours. | This is, according to many customers, a very compact camera. People love to hold this one because it does not weigh so much. A number of people have recommended the Fujifilm X-A10 for vacationing, particularly. |
| YouTubers and vloggers seem to be the biggest fans of the Sony a5100. This camera comes with an articulating screen that flips 180 degrees upward, and apparently, that helps vloggers take the best vlogging videos. | This is yet another camera that vloggers are very happy with. You can also flip the screen of the Fujifilm X-A10 upward, so, you probably can see why. |
| Photographers who have used this camera have attested to the fact that this is one easy camera to use. However, a lot of people have complained about its lack of an electronic viewfinder. According to them, shooting with the camera’s screen in direct sunlight is really difficult, and so, they wished the camera had an electronic viewfinder. | The Fujifilm X-A10 has received a lot of accolades for its silent shooting. However, the lack of an electronic viewfinder did not make many people very happy. |
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| Get the Sony a5100 here now! | Get the Fujifilm X-A10 here now! |
Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 – Our Take
Sony a5100 |
Fujifilm X-A10 |
| We love that this camera comes with really amazing features, is really lightweight, and does not cost so much. This is just the ideal camera for you if you are an amateur photographer who is on a budget. | The Fujifilm X-A10 is also lightweight and does not cost so much, so, it is yet another great beginner camera. |
| The Sony a5100 is a touch screen camera, and so, it is so easy to use. This makes it an even better camera for amateurs. However, the lack of an electronic viewfinder is something we are not very impressed with. | The Fujifilm X-A10 offers fast shutter, silent shooting, panorama, and we really love all that about it. Anyway, we think this camera needed an electronic viewfinder; sad that it does not come with one. |
| With the Sony a5100, there’s no improving audio quality or lighting beyond what the camera comes with, and this can be detrimental in some situations. | The Fujifilm X-A10, just like the Sony a5100, does not support any external microphone or external flash, and so, there is also no enhancing audio quality and lighting with this. |
| Summarily, like we have earlier mentioned in this Sony a5100 vs Fujifilm X-A10 comparison article, this is the camera that will be giving you slightly more value for your money. It is more convenient, slightly easier to use, more compact, and on top of all that, more affordable than the Fujifilm X-A10. | The Fujifilm X-A10 is a pretty great camera, especially for vloggers and YouTubers. Now, this is probably not as great as the Sony a5100, but it is surely an amazing camera. And if you want to be more creative with your photography, we think that this will be the better option for you. |
| Get the Sony a5100 here now! | Get the Fujifilm X-A10 here now! |
