Sony a5100
Announced August 18, 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 a5100 is a compact, lightweight mirrorless camera that delivers excellent image quality and fast autofocus performance comparable to more expensive models. Although its small form factor and lack of physical controls or an electronic viewfinder may frustrate advanced photographers, it remains a capable and affordable choice for beginners and vloggers.
Weighted from 27 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast and accurate hybrid autofocus system
- High-quality 24-megapixel APS-C sensor
- Compact, portable, and lightweight design
- Versatile tilting touchscreen for selfies and focus control
- Advanced video capabilities including XAVC S support
Cons
- No external microphone input or hot shoe
- Restricted touchscreen functionality
- Lack of an electronic viewfinder
- Limited external physical controls and no mode dial
- Difficult screen visibility in direct sunlight
- Launch price $550 (USD)
- Sensor 24.3MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 27 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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Factoring in the Sony A5100’s price, size and weight with the other positives we found in our testing and shooting, the Sony A5100 makes for an easy recommendation as a Dave’s Pick, and is very much a camera that we give our wholehearted Imaging Resource seal of approval.
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The Sony A5100 is a fantastic entry-level camera for anyone who wants a step-up in quality, control and flexibility over a point-and-shoot or phone.
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The Sony A5100 clearly comes in behind the Sony A7s in terms of image quality, with a softer, less clean image. However for $550 (what do you expect) it is still a good performer among DSLR cameras that currently shoot video on an APS-C sized sensor.
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Given that this camera shares many of its core components with the Alpha 6000, I expected it to deliver the same superb image quality and it did not disappoint, ticking that box emphatically but at a more affordable price point.
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The Sony Alpha A5100 is one of the more compact mirrorless cameras available with built in flash, particularly considering it has a 24megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, and fast hybrid AF focus.
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The Sony A5100 is proof that appearances can be deceptive. Although it looks almost identical to the previous A500 model, the new A5100 is a much more capable camera, especially when it comes to focusing and recording video.
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The Sony Alpha 5100 is quick to focus and features a tilting touch screen, but it can't shoot as fast as our favorite Sony mirrorless camera.
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A well-performing camera that has just a few small let-downs. A good range of features for the beginner photographer.
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If the a51000 were a larger camera, I might ding it for the lack of features such as an accessory shoe or extra physical controls.
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Buying the Sony A5100, I genuinely anticipated having a fight on my hands. It was essentially a few basic features, a compatibility with a few lenses I already own, small size, and the low cost that swung it for me.
- Photo Review 88/100
As a step-up from the α5000, the α5100 is targeted at photographers who want higher resolution for shooting stills and movie clips.
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The A5100 is aimed at an audience wanting point-and-shoot simplicity - and perhaps the odd selfie - but better image quality than a high-end compact can offer.
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Mid-price cameras are often simply a blend of features from other models, possessing no technical innovation of their own.
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[A]s well as class-leading autofocus, all crammed into a camera almost preternaturally tiny.
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The Sony Alpha a5100 is a great camera with an impressive autofocus system and a high-quality APS-C sensor. It does a nice job competing with the APS-C equipped DSLRs for both features and performance, and it's small enough to fit in your jacket pocket.
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Altogether, Sony a5100 has excellent image quality, among the best in APS-C market, and that is what counts most.
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Lightweight, feature-packed and great value for money - an ideal first camera for a beginner or hobbyist photographer.
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This is a super solid camera at an amazing price.
- MakeUseOf 8/10
Unless the a5100 could compete with an entry level DSLR it was dead on arrival. That isn't the case.
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[T]hose capabilities are there with the Sony A5100.
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[...] I was quite happy to carry it around.
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If you’re the type who loves to point and shoot, whether it be photos or videos, but want a capable entry-level camera that will give you more options when you do need it, the Sony A5100 may be for you.
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[T]his is the perfect camera for travelling.
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I think this is really an impressive little camera for the money.
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This is not by all means perfect, a lot of challenges, but for those who own and experience it, it's a solid and very reliable camera.
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They announced the Sony a5100 and my first reaction was, "Wow, that was kind of soon," but after I looked at the specs, I realized that the awesome thing about this camera is the fact that it's 90% of what you get in an a6000 but in a smaller and lighter and less expensive body.
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So far it's been fantastic; all of our latest videos have been used with this camera.
