Sony a5000
Announced January 7, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sony a5000 is an affordable, compact mirrorless camera that provides an accessible entry point for beginners looking to improve upon smartphone photography. While its APS-C sensor delivers sharp, high-quality images, the lack of advanced controls and a viewfinder may limit more experienced users.
Weighted from 16 reviewer scores
Pros
- Tilting LCD screen for self-portraits
- Compact and lightweight body
- Excellent image quality from the APS-C sensor
- Integrated Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Responsive autofocus performance
Cons
- Absence of a viewfinder or hotshoe
- Lack of a touchscreen and limited screen resolution
- Frustrating control layout and menu navigation
- Slow startup and burst shooting speeds
- Inability to connect an external microphone
- Launch price $499.99 (USD)
- Sensor 20.1MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
Expert Reviews
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The Sony A5000 is a very tempting prospect for anyone buying their first interchangeable lens camera.
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All in all, let’s stay realistic with expectations as this camera is not targeted at advanced users.
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People upgrading from a standard compact camera, or photography newcomers, will do well to consider the Alpha 5000 with a view to one day upgrading again within Sony’s E-mount system.
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The Sony Alpha A5000 is one of the more compact mirrorless cameras available with built in flash, particularly considering it has an APS-C CMOS sensor.
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The new Sony A5000 is a rather modest refresh of last year's NEX-3N cameras, ditching the NEX branding, upgrading the image sensor and processor, and adding wi-fi and NFC connectivity, a better handgrip and the more intuitive Alpha menu system.
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The Sony Alpha 5000 is an affordable mirrorless camera that delivers excellent images, but advanced shooters are going to feel limited by its control system.
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An excellent buy for those looking for their first compact system camera. Image quality is good, handling is great and there's a good solid system for E Mount cameras.
- Digital Trends 8/10
[T]he Sony Alpha A5000 is a good option for those looking for a budget mirrorless camera.
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The A5000 provides one of the easiest and most accessible routes to achieving more professional-looking shots for anyone upgrading from a smartphone.
- Photo Review 8.5/10
For an entry-level interchangeable-lens camera, the α5000 has a lot of advantages; it’s small and light, takes nice-looking photos and movies and comes with a reasonably competent lens.
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[T]here might not be particularly revolutionary about the 20.1 effective megapixel A5000 to set it apart from its NEX branded forebears, apart from it being the smallest and lightest of its kind on launch, and offering bang up to date wireless connectivity options.
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With image quality this high and a price so aggressively low, anything less than five stars seems positively stingy.
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[A] pretty good deal.
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Ultimately, I think that the best thing I can say about the Sony Alpha a5000 is this: it can do whatever you need it to do, do it generally well, and do so in a light and small body that's nice to carry around.
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The Sony Alpha a5000 is really good value for money and is packed full of features that can cater towards the entry level and the advanced amateur crowd.
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Definitely one of the best entry-level mirrorless cameras on the market.
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