Joseph
The NEX-5T has been succeeded by the A5100, which is part of Sony’s ongoing effort to gradually phase out a number of the cameras that were once sold under the NEX brand name. Even though the camera has the same form factor as its predecessor, Sony has equipped it with a sensor with 24.3 million pixels and a CPU identical to the one found in the A6000.
The number of focusing points has also been increased, going up to 179 for phase detection and 25 for contrast detection. This is another significant development. The NEX-5T also included a hybrid autofocus system; however, in addition to its 25 contrast detection areas, it only had 99 phase-detection points. Twenty-five regions handled contrast detection.
Sony a5100 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 3-Inch Flip Up LCD - Body...
- Ultra-fast auto focus with 179 AF points and 6Fps
- Capture life in high resolution with 24MP APS-C sensor
- Instant sharing via smartphone with Wi-Fi and NFC1
- Record Full HD 1080/24/60P video3 up to 50MB/s
- Ultra-fast auto focus with 179 AF points and 6Fps
- Capture life in high resolution with 24MP APS-C sensor
- Instant sharing via smartphone with Wi-Fi and NFC1
- Record Full HD 1080/24/60P video3 up to 50MB/s
Because of this, the new camera has much increased coverage, and the only parts of the image frame that are not covered are the very margins. As a result, the camera is said to have a focusing speed of 0.07 seconds, which places it just slightly behind the Sony A6000 and the Fujifilm X-T1, both of which boast focusing rates of 0.06 seconds and claim to be the APS-C camera with the quickest autofocus on the market.
Sony a5100 Build Quality.
Because the Alpha 5100 is smaller than the A6000 (120×66.9×45.1mm) and the NEX-5T (110.8×58.8×38.9mm), the control dial was formerly located on the top of the camera and has been removed. As a result, the camera dimensions are as follows: 109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7 mm.
As a direct consequence, the Alpha 5100 makes far more use of the navigation controls, and it is unfortunate that the menu, which is identical to the one found on the A6000, cannot be accessed using the touch screen.
You may change the shooting mode via the camera’s main menu. So, for example, you could go from automatic to semi-automatic shooting mode. However, using one of the custom buttons to do this job to provide you with easier access was something that I found to be extremely helpful.
Sony a5100 Performance
Because the A5100 has the same sensor and processing engine as the A6000, we were sure it would likewise give fantastic results. However, it is fair to argue that arguably the most significant difference between both cameras is not performance but how they are handled.
The colors captured by the camera have a high saturation level and are brilliant and vivid when seen directly from the device. By manipulating the Creative Style setting, you can change how colors come from the camera itself. In this section, you’ll find options like Vivid, Portrait, Black and White, and Landscape.
Each of these may be customized to your liking—for example; the contrast can be cranked up—and have the bonus of being captured in raw format, which provides you with an unaltered version of the image in case you find that you need it.
Sony a5100 Image Quality
During this evaluation, the Sony A5100 produced photographs of exceptionally high Quality. The ISO range of the Sony A5100 is rather extensive and highly useable, reaching up to 25600. The range from 100 to 800 ISO is noise-free, while the range from 1600 to 6400 ISO delivers results that are more than acceptable, and even ISO 12800 and the fastest setting of 25600 are appropriate for usage in an emergency.
However, the RAW examples show how much processing the camera undertakes by default since they are significantly noisier than their JPEG counterparts across the board, regardless of the ISO value.
The 24-megapixel images come out of the camera a little soft when using the Standard creative style as the default. For the best results, you should sharpen them more by utilizing an application like Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you can adjust the level of sharpening that the camera applies automatically.
The built-in flash performed admirably indoors, preventing redeye and producing photographs with adequate exposure overall. The night shot turned out well thanks to the camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and its Bulb mode, which allow lots of room for creative experimentation during nighttime shooting.
A practical Dynamic Range Optimizer function will extract additional data from an image’s shadow and highlight sections without adding any noise or other artifacts that aren’t intended.
The High Dynamic Range mode combines the results of two separate images taken at various exposures into a single image. The result is an image that has a higher dynamic range than what would be produced by a single photograph. However, it does yield some excellent effects even though it can only function with JPEGs and stationary subjects.
Even after all these years, they are using Sony’s Sweep Panorama, which is still a delightful experience. In addition, the 13 creative Picture Effects allow you to produce unique looks quickly, which would otherwise require you to spend a significant amount of time in the digital darkroom. On the other hand, the 7 Creative Styles provide a quick and simple method for adjusting the JPEG images captured by the camera.
Sony a5100 Specs
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Other resolutions | 6000 x 3376, 4240 x 2832, 4240 x 2400, 3008 x 2000, 3008 x 1688 |
| Image ratio w h | 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Bionz X |
| ISO | Auto, 100-25600 |
| White balance presets | 10 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Extra fine, fine, normal |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View. |
| DigView zoom | Yes (2X (Clear Image Zoom), 4X (digital zoom)) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 179 |
| Lens mount | Sony E |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 921,600 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject/scene modes | Yes |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash Range | 4.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | No |
| Flash modes | Flash off, auto, fill-flaw, slow sync, redeye reduction |
| Continuous drive | 6.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, continuous (3-5 shot)) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes (3 frames, high/low settings) |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (120p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p) |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
| Videography notes | Supports XAVC S, AVCHD, MP4 |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n with NFC |
| Remote control | Yes (wired or PC) |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery and USB charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 400 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 283 g (0.62 lb / 9.98 oz) |
| Dimensions | 110 x 63 x 36 mm (4.33 x 2.48 x 1.42″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes (via optional app) |
| GPS | None |
Sony a5100 Verdict
Sony a5100 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 3-Inch Flip Up LCD - Body...
- Ultra-fast auto focus with 179 AF points and 6Fps
- Capture life in high resolution with 24MP APS-C sensor
- Instant sharing via smartphone with Wi-Fi and NFC1
- Record Full HD 1080/24/60P video3 up to 50MB/s
- Ultra-fast auto focus with 179 AF points and 6Fps
- Capture life in high resolution with 24MP APS-C sensor
- Instant sharing via smartphone with Wi-Fi and NFC1
- Record Full HD 1080/24/60P video3 up to 50MB/s
It is usually possible to rely on Sony cameras to generate outstanding photographs; luckily, the A5100 is not an exception to this rule. The level of information that the camera’s sensor can resolve is particularly astounding, as is the camera’s ability to produce bright and punchy images straight out of the camera.
It is an excellent camera to get you started, with the kit lens being a superb all-around performance if you prefer to stick with one lens for now. The camera is aimed at first-time purchasers of interchangeable lens systems and is an excellent way to get started.
Sony a5100 FAQs
Is Sony a5100 a good camera?
With its small size, sophisticated autofocus system, and high-quality picture output, the Sony a5100 is an excellent camera for beginning photographers and those who occasionally pick up a camera.
Is the Sony a5100 discontinued?
The Sony a5100 was not officially phased out as of March 2023, when this sentence was written.
Is Sony a5100 a DSLR?
No, the Sony a5100 is not a DSLR; instead, it is a mirrorless camera.
Is Sony a5100 full frame?
However, the Sony a5100 does not have a full-frame camera but rather an APS-C compact sensor.
How old is the Sony a5100?
The Sony a5100 was first made available in 2014, rendering it approximately nine years old as of 2023.
Does the Sony a5100 have a mic?
The Sony a5100 indeed comes equipped with a binaural microphone of its own and supports external microphones via a 3.5mm microphone input.
Is Sony a 5100 touchscreen?
The Sony a5100 does come equipped with an interactive LCD monitor.
Does the a5100 have WIFI?
The Sony a5100 does come equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing for remote management and the sharing of images.
Does the Sony a5100 use an SD card?
The Sony a5100 does rely on an SD card for storage.
Does the Sony a5100 overheat?
The Sony a5100 has a built-in cooling system that protects it if it overheats, which can happen during extended use or when the temperature is high.
How long does the Sony a5100 take to charge?
The battery of the Sony a5100 can be ultimately charged in approximately two hours.
Can the Sony a5100 be used as a webcam?
It is possible to use the Sony a5100 as a webcam if you have functional software and the proper connection configuration.
Does the Sony a5100 have HDMI?
The Sony a5100 does come equipped with an HDMI port for television transmission.
Does the Sony a5100 have autofocus?
The Sony a5100 does come equipped with more sophisticated autofocus capabilities, such as eye autofocus and subject tracking autofocus.
Does the Sony a5100 have a manual focus?
A manual focus setting is available on the Sony a5100, allowing for more accurate focus corrections.
How do I focus my Sony a5100?
To focus the Sony a5100, choose the focus setting and location you want to use, then either press the autofocus button or the shutter button halfway to focus, and finally, change the focus as necessary.
Does the Sony a5100 have a viewfinder?
The Sony a5100 does not have a viewfinder built in, but instead, it has a high-resolution LCD screen that can be used for framing photos and examining them after they have been taken.
