Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Sony Alpha a5100. This mirrorless camera has gained popularity among photography enthusiasts for its impressive features and compact design. The a5100 combines the power of a DSLR with the portability of a point-and-shoot, making it an ideal choice for both amateurs and professionals alike.

With its 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and the BIONZ X image processor, the a5100 delivers stunning image quality and exceptional low-light performance. Its fast autofocus system and burst shooting capability ensure that you never miss a moment, whether you’re capturing stills or recording videos.

The design of the a5100 is sleek and ergonomic, with a comfortable grip and lightweight construction. This makes it easy to hold and carry for extended periods, perfect for travel photography or street shooting. The tiltable LCD screen allows for versatile shooting angles, and the customizable buttons provide quick access to your preferred settings.

Equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, the a5100 offers seamless sharing and remote control functionality. You can transfer your images to your smartphone or tablet with just a few taps, and even control the camera remotely using the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app.

Whether you’re a beginner stepping into the world of photography or an experienced shooter looking for a compact and capable camera, the Sony Alpha a5100 deserves your attention. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its design and build quality, image quality, autofocus performance, video capability, display and interface, battery life, connectivity options, and additional features. We’ll also outline the pros and cons of this camera to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s get started and see what the Sony Alpha a5100 has to offer!

 

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Alpha a5100 boasts a sleek and compact design that is both ergonomic and stylish. It is constructed with a rugged magnesium alloy body, providing durability and a premium feel. Despite its small size, the camera feels solid in the hand and is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods of shooting.

One of the standout features of the a5100 is its tiltable LCD screen. The 3-inch screen can be tilted up 180 degrees, making it perfect for capturing selfies or shooting from different angles. It is also touch-enabled, allowing for intuitive navigation and quick access to settings. The high-resolution display ensures clear and vibrant image previews, even in bright outdoor conditions.

The button layout of the a5100 is well-designed, with the essential controls conveniently positioned for easy access. The mode dial and function buttons are located on the top of the camera, allowing for quick adjustments to shooting settings. The customizable buttons can be assigned to frequently used features, providing added convenience and personalization.

On the back of the camera, you’ll find a well-placed thumb rest, ensuring a secure grip and minimizing the risk of accidental drops. The control wheel is also conveniently located near the thumb rest, allowing for effortless navigation through menus and settings. Additionally, the camera features a pop-up flash that can be manually released when needed.

In terms of portability, the a5100 excels. It weighs just under 300 grams (body only), making it one of the lightest mirrorless cameras on the market. This makes it ideal for travel photography, as it can be easily carried in a small bag or even a jacket pocket.

Overall, the design and build quality of the Sony Alpha a5100 are impressive. It strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics, providing a camera that is not only capable but also a joy to use. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful design and attention to detail that Sony has put into the a5100.

 

Image Quality

The Sony Alpha a5100 delivers exceptional image quality thanks to its 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and the powerful BIONZ X image processor. With this combination, you can expect sharp and detailed images with accurate colors, even in challenging shooting conditions.

The APS-C sensor offers a wide dynamic range, allowing for excellent shadow and highlight detail in your photos. This means you can capture scenes with high contrast and still retain the intricate details in both bright and dark areas. The sensor also performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions, producing clean and noise-free images at high ISO settings.

One of the standout features of the a5100 is its impressive autofocus system. With 179 phase-detection autofocus points and 25 contrast-detection autofocus points, the camera can quickly and accurately lock focus on your subject. This is especially beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in challenging lighting conditions. The Eye AF feature is particularly useful for portrait photography, ensuring that your subject’s eyes are in sharp focus.

The a5100 also offers a range of creative shooting modes and Picture Effects to enhance your images. You can choose from various preset modes, such as Landscape or Portrait, to automatically optimize the camera settings for different shooting scenarios. The Picture Effects enable you to add artistic filters to your photos, giving them a unique and creative look.

In terms of JPEG image quality, the a5100 produces vibrant and well-balanced colors. The auto white balance system does a reliable job of accurately reproducing natural colors in different lighting conditions. Alternatively, if you prefer to shoot in RAW format, you’ll have complete control over post-processing and can make adjustments to white balance, exposure, and other settings to achieve your desired results.

Overall, the Sony Alpha a5100 delivers impressive image quality that rivals many larger and more expensive cameras. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or fast action shots, you can trust the a5100 to deliver sharp, detailed, and vibrant images that will truly impress.

 

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus performance of the Sony Alpha a5100 is outstanding, thanks to its advanced hybrid autofocus system. With 179 phase-detection autofocus points and 25 contrast-detection autofocus points, the camera can quickly and accurately track and focus on your subject with precision.

When shooting in Single-shot AF mode, the a5100 locks focus on your subject with impressive speed and accuracy. The wide coverage of autofocus points ensures that no matter where your subject is in the frame, the camera can easily acquire focus. This is particularly useful for portraits or still-life photography, where precise focus is crucial.

In Continuous AF mode, the a5100 excels in tracking moving subjects. The camera’s autofocus system can continuously adjust focus as your subject moves, ensuring that it stays sharp and in focus throughout the entire sequence. This makes it ideal for capturing action shots or sports photography, where subjects are constantly in motion.

The Eye AF feature of the a5100 is also worth mentioning. When enabled, the camera can detect and focus on your subject’s eyes, ensuring that they are always in sharp focus. This is especially beneficial for portrait photography, as it adds an extra level of precision and detail to your images. The Eye AF feature works reliably and accurately, even in challenging lighting conditions.

When it comes to low-light autofocus performance, the a5100 does an impressive job. The camera’s autofocus system can still acquire focus in dimly lit environments, thanks to its high ISO sensitivity and advanced autofocus algorithms. This allows you to capture sharp images even in situations where other cameras may struggle.

In addition to its impressive autofocus capabilities, the a5100 also offers a range of autofocus modes, including Tracking AF, Lock-on AF, and Flexible Spot AF. These modes provide flexibility and customization options to suit different shooting scenarios and subject tracking preferences.

Overall, the autofocus performance of the Sony Alpha a5100 is top-notch. Whether you’re shooting still subjects or fast-moving action, the a5100’s autofocus system ensures that you can capture sharp, well-focused images every time. It’s a reliable and versatile camera for capturing a wide range of photography genres.

 

Video Capability

The Sony Alpha a5100 is not only a powerful stills camera, but it also excels in video recording capabilities. With the ability to capture Full HD 1080p videos at up to 60 frames per second, the a5100 is a great choice for both casual videographers and aspiring filmmakers.

The camera features the XAVC S codec, which allows for high-quality video recording with excellent detail and low compression. This means that your videos will have a professional look and feel, suitable for a variety of purposes including online sharing, personal projects, or even small-scale productions.

One of the standout features of the a5100 is its fast autofocus system, which is equally impressive during video recording. The camera uses the same hybrid autofocus system as in stills shooting, with 179 phase-detection autofocus points and 25 contrast-detection autofocus points. This enables quick and accurate autofocus tracking, ensuring that your subject stays sharp and in focus as it moves across the frame.

The a5100 also offers various video recording modes and settings to cater to different shooting styles and preferences. You can choose between manual exposure control or fully automatic modes, depending on your level of expertise and the desired outcome. Additionally, the camera provides options for adjusting white balance, picture profiles, and creative styles during video recording.

Another notable feature of the a5100 is its ability to record videos in the AVCHD format. This format allows for longer recording times and is suitable for projects that require extended video capture, such as weddings or events. The camera is also equipped with a built-in stereo microphone, capturing clear and high-quality audio to complement your videos.

Additionally, the a5100 offers a 3.5mm microphone input, allowing you to connect an external microphone for enhanced audio recording. This is especially useful if you’re looking to capture professional-grade sound quality or want to minimize background noise in your videos.

Overall, the Sony Alpha a5100’s video capability is impressive, offering high-quality full HD video recording, fast and accurate autofocus, and a range of customization options. Whether you’re capturing family moments, vlogging, or creating cinematic videos, the a5100 is a versatile and capable companion that delivers excellent results.

 

Display and Interface

The Sony Alpha a5100 features a 3-inch tiltable LCD screen that not only serves as a viewfinder but also provides a user-friendly interface for accessing camera settings and reviewing images. The LCD screen has a resolution of 921,600 dots, ensuring sharp and vibrant image previews.

One of the key highlights of the a5100’s display is its tilting mechanism. The screen can be tilted up 180 degrees, making it ideal for capturing selfies or shooting from various angles, including low or high vantage points. This flexibility allows for creative composition opportunities and makes it easier to capture images from unique perspectives.

The touch functionality of the LCD screen is another important feature of the a5100’s interface. You can easily navigate through menus and settings, or even tap to focus on a specific area of the frame. The touchscreen response is smooth and accurate, ensuring intuitive operation of the camera’s functions.

The menu system of the a5100 is well-organized and easy to navigate. The menu layout is intuitive, with different settings grouped into logical categories. This makes it quick and straightforward to find and adjust the desired camera settings, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user.

In addition to the LCD screen, the a5100 also has a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF provides an alternative method for composing images, especially in bright outdoor conditions where the LCD screen can be difficult to see. The EVF offers a clear and detailed view of the scene, allowing for precise framing and composition.

The physical controls of the a5100 are well-positioned and easy to reach. The top of the camera features a mode dial for quick access to different shooting modes, and there are dedicated buttons for essential functions such as ISO, exposure compensation, and playback. The customizable buttons can be assigned to frequently used settings, providing additional flexibility and convenience.

Overall, the display and interface of the Sony Alpha a5100 are user-friendly and intuitive. The tiltable LCD screen, touch functionality, well-organized menu system, and conveniently placed physical controls make it a pleasure to use and navigate through different settings. Whether you prefer using the LCD screen or the electronic viewfinder, the a5100 provides a seamless and enjoyable shooting experience.

 

Battery Life

The Sony Alpha a5100 is equipped with a rechargeable NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery, which provides a decent amount of power for extended shooting sessions. The battery life of the a5100 is generally good, allowing you to capture a significant number of still photos or record videos before needing to recharge.

The exact battery life of the a5100 will depend on various factors such as the shooting mode, the use of flash, continuous autofocus, and video recording. On average, you can expect to get around 400-480 shots per charge when using the viewfinder and approximately 400-420 shots per charge when using the LCD screen.

If you are primarily shooting videos, the battery life will naturally be shorter. You can expect to get around 60-75 minutes of continuous video recording per charge, depending on the shooting conditions and settings used.

To extend the battery life of the a5100, you can take a few steps to conserve power. Firstly, you can adjust the display brightness and duration to a lower setting so that the screen consumes less power. Additionally, disabling certain features that you may not need, such as Wi-Fi connectivity or automatic image review, can help conserve battery life.

If you plan on shooting for an extended period without access to a power source, it’s recommended to carry spare batteries or a portable charger. This will ensure that you have enough power to keep shooting without interruptions.

Overall, while the battery life of the Sony Alpha a5100 is not the longest among cameras in its class, it is still sufficient for most shooting situations. With proper battery management and the option of carrying spare batteries, you can confidently rely on the a5100 to capture your photographic moments without worrying about running out of power.

 

Connectivity Options

The Sony Alpha a5100 offers a range of connectivity options to facilitate seamless image transfer, remote control, and sharing capabilities. These features make it easier to share your photos and videos on social media, transfer files to your mobile devices, or even control the camera remotely for more creative shooting possibilities.

One of the key connectivity features of the a5100 is its built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities. With Wi-Fi, you can easily connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet, allowing for quick and convenient file transfer. You can transfer images and videos wirelessly to your mobile device, where you can further edit or share them on the go.

The NFC (Near Field Communication) feature simplifies the pairing process between the camera and compatible mobile devices. Simply touch the two devices together, and they will establish a connection automatically. This makes image transfer even more intuitive and hassle-free.

Additionally, the a5100 is compatible with the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. Through this app, you can control the camera remotely, adjust settings, and even preview and transfer images directly to your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for situations where you want to be in the shot or need to shoot in challenging angles.

For those who prefer a wired connection, the a5100 features a micro USB port that allows you to connect the camera directly to a computer or other devices. This enables fast file transfer and also provides an alternative method for charging the camera’s battery.

In addition to wireless and wired connectivity options, the a5100 also supports HDMI output. You can connect the camera to a compatible HDTV or monitor using an HDMI cable, allowing for easy viewing of your photos and videos on a larger screen.

Overall, the connectivity options of the Sony Alpha a5100 provide flexibility and convenience for transferring files, sharing content, and remotely controlling the camera. Whether you prefer wireless transfer, NFC pairing, or using a wired connection, the a5100 has you covered, ensuring that your images can be easily shared and enjoyed with others.

 

Additional Features

Aside from its excellent image quality and versatile shooting capabilities, the Sony Alpha a5100 offers a range of additional features that enhance the overall shooting experience and creative possibilities for photographers.

One notable feature of the a5100 is its built-in pop-up flash. This flash provides additional lighting when shooting in low-light conditions or when you need to fill in shadows. With a guide number of approximately 6 (in meters at ISO 100), the flash is powerful enough to illuminate your subjects effectively.

The a5100 also supports a wide range of shooting modes and creative filters to expand your creative possibilities. From the traditional Program, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority to the more advanced Manual mode, you have full control over your exposure settings. In addition, the camera offers various scene modes and creative styles, such as Toy Camera, Miniature, and HDR, allowing you to add unique effects to your images.

Another useful feature of the a5100 is its built-in image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images. This stabilization system works in conjunction with compatible lenses and compensates for both vertical and horizontal motion, ensuring that your photos come out clear and crisp even when shooting handheld or in low-light situations.

In terms of storage options, the a5100 supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, providing ample space for storing your photos and videos. It is worth noting that the camera does not have a dedicated card slot, so you’ll need to insert and remove the memory card through the battery compartment.

Lastly, the a5100 features an electronic level gauge, which helps ensure that your horizons are level and your compositions are properly aligned. This is particularly useful for landscape photography, architectural shots, and any other situation where precise leveling is crucial.

Overall, the Sony Alpha a5100 offers a range of additional features that enhance the functionality and creative possibilities of the camera. From built-in flash to image stabilization, a variety of shooting modes, and an electronic level gauge, the a5100 gives you the tools you need to capture your vision and explore your creativity.

 

Pros and Cons

Like any camera, the Sony Alpha a5100 has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at some of its pros and cons.

Pros:

• Excellent image quality with a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and BIONZ X image processor.
• Fast and accurate autofocus system with 179 phase-detection and 25 contrast-detection autofocus points.
• Compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for travel and on-the-go shooting.
• Tiltable LCD screen for versatile shooting angles, including selfie capture.
• Intuitive touch interface for easy navigation and quick access to settings.
• Good battery life for extended shooting sessions, with the option to use spare batteries.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless file transfer and remote control capabilities.
• Full HD 1080p video recording with excellent image quality and fast autofocus performance.
• Diverse range of shooting modes and creative filters to enhance your creativity.
• In-camera image stabilization to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images.

Cons:

• No built-in viewfinder, relying solely on the LCD screen or optional electronic viewfinder attachment.
• Limited buffer depth for burst shooting, which may limit continuous shooting performance.
• Not weather-sealed, so caution is needed when shooting in adverse weather conditions.
• The absence of 4K video recording, which may be a limitation for those seeking ultra-high-resolution video capabilities.
• The absence of a dedicated memory card slot, requiring the use of the battery compartment for card insertion.
• No in-body image stabilization, relying on lens-based stabilization if available.
• Limited availability of dedicated lenses compared to other camera systems.

It’s important to consider these pros and cons in relation to your specific needs and shooting preferences. While the a5100 offers a wide range of features and capabilities, it’s essential to assess whether it aligns with the type of photography or videography you want to pursue.

 

Conclusion

The Sony Alpha a5100 is an impressive mirrorless camera that offers a winning combination of compact design, excellent image quality, and advanced features. Whether you’re a beginner photographer looking to upgrade from a smartphone or a seasoned professional seeking a lightweight and capable alternative to a bulky DSLR, the a5100 delivers on various fronts.

With its 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the a5100 consistently produces sharp, detailed, and vibrant images. The autofocus performance is outstanding, allowing for fast and accurate subject tracking, while the tiltable LCD screen and intuitive touch interface provide a user-friendly shooting experience.

Additionally, the a5100’s video capabilities are impressive, offering Full HD 1080p recording with high-quality results and fast autofocus tracking. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity options make it easy to transfer files wirelessly and control the camera remotely using your smartphone or tablet.

While the a5100 has its limitations, such as the absence of a built-in viewfinder and 4K video recording, these drawbacks do not overshadow its overall performance. The camera’s compact size, excellent image quality, and diverse range of features make it a reliable and versatile choice for a wide range of photography genres, including travel, street, and portrait photography.

In conclusion, the Sony Alpha a5100 is a highly capable mirrorless camera that offers impressive image quality, advanced autofocus performance, and a wealth of features in a compact and portable package. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a camera to grow with or a professional looking for a small yet powerful backup option, the a5100 is worth considering.