Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
Announced June 5, 2006
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
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 is an impressive debut that pairs a 10.2-megapixel sensor with built-in anti-shake technology for a competitive price. While it offers responsive handling and decent build quality, the camera struggles with high ISO noise and occasional metering inconsistencies.
Weighted from 15 reviewer scores
Pros
- Integrated in-body image stabilization
- Strong image resolution and color reproduction
- Efficient battery life and quick responsiveness
- Good value with extensive lens compatibility
- Solid handling and ergonomic design
Cons
- High noise levels and poor performance at elevated ISO settings
- Build and interface limitations including proprietary hot-shoe and smearing LCD
- Inconsistent metering and autofocus reliability
- Noisy shutter and mechanical operation
- Mediocre kit lens quality
- Launch price $999 (USD)
- Sensor 10.2MP APS-C CCD
- Burst 3 fps electronic
Expert Reviews
Share a link to a review we should add, or tell us what to correct on this page.
-
For me it’s a fairly comfortable Highly Recommended, the A100 is a very capable camera with a wide feature set, a good range of manual controls and some unique developments.
-
The Sony Alpha A100's 18-70mm kit lens produced slightly soft corners in a few shots, with the strongest effect at full telephoto.
- Cameralabs 85%
There’s no denying Sony’s Alpha DSLR-A100 is an impressive camera for the money. Simply having 10.2 Megapixel resolution and built-in anti-camera-shake is enough to elevate it beyond most budget digital SLRs.
-
The merger of KM into Sony appears to have produced a better DSLR than either company could have made on its own, with features and a price that should attract anyone ready to move up from a compact or EVF digital camera to their first DSLR.
-
The quality of images produced, coupled with the range of features packed into a compact SLR body certainly make Sony's début worth serious consideration.
-
[A] very good camera when I believe future generations will hopefully make it great.
-
An extremely impressive debut from a new player in the digital SLR market, the Sony Alpha α100 is pitched at the consumer end of the market, but is actually a better camera than most of its mid-range rivals too.
-
There's lots of plastic, but the A100 feels weighty and solid and all the controls are smooth and positive.
- CNET 7.3/10
Sony’s Alpha DSLR-A100 deserves consideration whether you’re looking for an alternative to Canon and Nikon, you already own a selection of Maxxum AF lenses, or you’re looking for your first digital SLR.
- Photo Review 9/10
As Sony’s first interchangeable-lens DSLR, the Alpha DSLR-A100 has plenty to offer to photo enthusiasts and represented excellent value for money when this review was posted.
-
It’s simple to use, offers high-resolution images and has plenty of handy kit built in. And while it feels, well, a tad clunky it’s an excellent bit of kit well worth a look.
-
I think the Sony A100 is competitive in general performance with similar cost Canon and Nikon bodies, though the noise level is slightly higher at high ISO settings. However for most users I think the built-in stabilization system may often more than makes up for that.
-
[F]or the price you can get a Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 nowadays, I think it can still be a good buy, especially for someone eyeing some vintage Minolta glass on a budget.
-
I don't think it was a bad first effort from Sony, though it didn't bring that much to the table other than a new sensor and a larger buffer.
-
One thing I like about this camera that people really should pay attention to is that it has inbody image stabilization for $99.
User Reviews
No member reviews yet. Kept separate from the expert score.
Be the first to review
Have real-world experience with the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100? Share your feedback to help others.
Write a Review
Already a member? Sign in to review
At least 20 words. No links or promotion — some reviews are held for an editor.
0 / 3,000