Sony Alpha a5100 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens (White)
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Superb with one fatal flaw - sensor overheats and shuts down
To be clear up front, we looked at this camera primarily for use shooting video. We produce documentary programming for several networks including National Geographic and Discovery, and our prime A-cameras are high-end Sony FS7's and A7S models. We're continually looking for relatively inexpensive b-cameras to intercut with these cameras, and the a5100, with its large APS-C sensor and XAVC codec shooting 1080P at 50 mbps looked so perfect, frankl... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Mirrorless definitely rivals DSLR in compact design
well I am on my 3rd camera, after two weeks, the first one had a defective flash button, would not eject the flash, and then I had an issue with the lens becoming very noisy when the motor was zooming, I had the camera on a small gorilla pod as a tripod and it did tip over onto carpet maybe less then a foot distance and the lens was extended, but I had not noticed the noise immediately after that to say that did it. but even so that would be conc... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Eye Opening
This little camera blows my 70D out of the water. I could not believe the video quality I was getting compared to my full size dSLR. I had to test and check over and over. At ISO3200 the image is 3 times brighter than on the 70D. The XAVCS codec is wonderful and sharp. The ISO noise on this camera is more of a film grain and not the purple mud you get on the Canons. This camera doesn't skip any lines reading the sensor and it is as sharp at f11 a... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good, but...
This review pertains only to video: PROS - Full HD (1080p) - Large sensor - APS-C/Super 35mm sensor combined w/ right aperture lens creates shallow depth of field, nice bokeh - XAVC S - 50 mbps broadcast quality codec - Uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 output via HDMI to external recorder/monitor capability - 60 fps at 1080p - slow down footage 2-2.5 times for smooth, crisp slowish motion effect (not really slow motion, though) - Touchscreen for Spot/Rac... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Awesome (Little) Camera
Got this little camera a couple of weeks ago, because I wanted something lighter than my other two (2) DSLR cameras, that would allow me to capture images in RAW mode versus (simple JPEG like other small compact cameras would allow) After using this pretty much every day since I got it, all I can say is WOW Sony!!! If this little camera can do this at the low end of the Sony units, I can only image what the higher end bodies (ie Full frame A7/ A... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Amazing little camera
I use this with old manual Minolta lenses. Me and my wife were in photo classes back in the 1990s and this brings us back to those days but with modern touches. Very easy to do work with manual lenses as all manual settings are accessible without going through menus. Touching the screen zooms in on that portion for fine focus adjustments in manual focus assist mode. Markers on the screen shows where the sensor thinks there is sharp contrast as an... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Quirky, but meets my needs and lots of fun to play with.
I love my Nikon D700, but found that I was taking more pictures with my iPhone simply because I didnt want to lug the bag everywhere. The iPhone leaves a lot to be desired, so I was looking for something with a smaller form factor than the D700, but with better quality and features than my iPhone that I could keep in my satchel -- the Sony a5100 with the 16-50mm kit lens has been the perfect companion system. The a5100 competently produces dec... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good picture quality but frustrating to use.
My point and shoot camera stopped working and I was looking for another one to replace it with. I found this camera and since it was so small, I thought I'd give it a try. I figured it would be an opportunity to test out this whole Sony mirrorless I've been hearing so much about. I have to say that I was underwhelmed when I received it and felt like Sony doesn't really put much into user experience. It didn't even come with a cap for the body, ha... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
great camera!
I use this camera for traveling, vacations, street photography, nature, etc. I have a SEL2870 lens and a B+W XS-Pro Clear Nano Filter. I think that is the best lens for this camera (for my budget and for what I shoot). I'm very happy with the camera and lens. I like the touchscreen focus. The touch screen also works with apps (a keyboard pops up for logging in, etc) but not for the regular menu which depends on the use of the button/dial. My old ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
No too happy
There is lot of hype for the Sony cameras. For a start I'm not sure how really sharp this one is. I had kind of the same issue with the Nex6, which I returned at the time. I was comparing the pictures with a Canon S95 and the Canon seemed always sharper with a better color renditon as well....just right out of the camera! Same with the A5100! I know the APS sensor will give a more shallow depth of field and probably the stock zoom lens may not no... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Bought for B Camera to a6000 - Sent it back
It's not a bad camera at all, however the reduced price and some new features are not enough to make this a good second camera for my purposes. I'm not giving it 3 stars because it doesn't suit my needs, I'm giving it 3 stars because it is just an average camera that lacks some functionality. The lack of a viewfinder makes it useless for framing and pulling focus outside due to glare. There are only a handful of Creative Styles and for some crazy... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good IQ but Flawed Interface
Be warned, if you are considering buying this camera as an upgrade from any other previous NEX line camera you will be disapointed. Sony decided to remove the extremely useful quick function menu that could be assigned to the customizable button. Removing this feature is very crippling on this camera because it has very little customizable button. As a previous NEX-3N user, I relied a lot on that very handy function menu and I never thought that ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great camera with one glaring flaw.
This is a fantastic camera, it has the same APS-C sensor, processor, and auto focus system as the a6000 in a smaller package. You can accomplish some quite amazing photos and and is compact enough to have with you all day. I really enjoy having it with me daily as my walk around, take everywhere camera. I'm rating it 4 stars but it should really be 3.5 due to one major glaring flaw (would be 5 if this issue is fixed). For what ever reason Sony ha... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good Step-Up Camera from Point & Shoot
This was the perfect camera for my wife and me--offering the perfect compromise between the ease of use of a point & shoot and more advanced control for the enthusiast. I consider myself an enthusiast and appreciate the ability to control many aspects of shooting, and also having the option to switch lenses for various situations. My wife is a casual photographer who wanted a camera she could set on auto and take great pictures. I do miss having ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Nice little, light, useful camera
I love the size and weight, and in the right circumstances it is an ideal camera. As far as the LCD goes, it is very frustrating to use in the outdoor sunlight; indoors or in the right situation, it is very useful, but I think a viewfinder would be better all-around, even though that would increase the weight and size (I guess that would be the reason to choose the a6000). I keep saying that I am going to get a dark cloth to put over my head and ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Terrific camera
We primarily use this camera for underwater photography but also for routine vacation and casual shots.We simply cannot believe how quick the autofocus is in low light (underwater) situations. Better, it's the first time we've effortlessly gotten distinct depth of field photos as well as excellent macro photos. Best - and this is the really unbelievable part - we had the camera set to PROGRAM mode (flash set to infill, focus to auto and the selec... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The Camera I'll Use Most Often
because it will be the one I'll most likely have with me. It's compact, light in weight, and with two lens fits in a smallish messenger style bag that doesn't broadcast what's inside. I use the a5100 for family, landscape, and wildlife photography, and thought I would miss having an EVF, but I don't. The screen is exceptional, and I haven't found any shooting environs in which I couldn't see, and frame my subject, and that includes butterflies in... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Cute Run around most-in-one
This little guy is a great little travel camera, far more robust than an everyday point and shoot, but not too many odds and ends as to confuse an interested novice. Lack of an evf was a bit of a bummer as the lcd doesn't perform wonderfully in daylight, but it will do just fine if you're not a perfectionist and have put some trust into the auto features. Video was surprisingly crisp, still nothing I would trust on a professional shoot as a B rol... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great little Sony for travel!
I used this little guy along with my two full-frame Sony cameras on an extended trip through central Europe a couple of months back. I had it in the heat of Italy, Alps of Switzerland and Austria, and the cold rain of Munich. It performed without a hitch. Were my images as sharp as my full frame cameras, No, but I knew that when packing this away. I will say that this little camera can go anywhere without drawing the slightest bit of attention an... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
So small lovely camera
Camera has a very good balance between programmable and fully automatic modes, which allows everyone to use it without learning anything. Auto modes are perfect, you can use them in any conditions if you don't mind some extra noise at night. I wish I can limit ISO in every mode, but it does it's job great. I have some minor cons though. One is startup and shutdown time, which could be better in this century. And another is a bit uncomfortable gri... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good camera
IQ is the same as the A6000. I currently have an A6300 but bought this as a supplemental camera so that i could travel lighter. The only negative thing I have found is the lack of an EVF and having to use the menu system for everything. But, I knew about these drawbacks going in. IMO Sony should add a hot shoe and produce an EVF for this camera. In fact, they could use the same one they have for the RX100 m2. But, for the price, you cannot beat t... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Extremely Disappointed
I rated this with two stars because the one-star rating says 'I hate it', and the word 'hate' is silly referencing a camera. I was enthusiastic when I ordered because I was looking for a camera that would produce better results than my iPhone, and I thought the APS-C sensor alone would accomplish that goal. The comparison with my iPhone XR is woefully inadequate. A friend has a Sony RX 100 VI, and I've been very impressed with the images she has produced with that camera, so I will wait until the VII is introduced shortly before attempting to upgrade again.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Awesome camera!
My 3rd Sony mirrorless camera. Had NEX-F3 then NEX-3N and now the a5100. It's a great upgrade from the 3N. - Autofocus is really fast which is perfect for taking pictures of my toddler - 6 fps for about 20 secs is great - Movies quality is excellent - Has a built-in flash which you can move up so it hits the ceiling instead of your subject If you don't need advanced features (viewfinder, hot show, mic input) you just can't go wrong with it. I highly suggest you buy the Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS Alpha E-mount Prime Lens to go with it. This is a really great lense.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
My first Mirror less !!
The first thing I like the most about it is the size. The only reason I was reluctant to buy a DSLR was the size.Now you have a better than DSLR like camera in a compact size.I am very happy with my purchase, I am still learning the settings and different features and I like the 180 degree tilt-able screen which converts it to a selfie camera.Some times I really wish to have a Viewfinder and I would like to have a dedicated control for selecting the different shooting method instead going to the menu all time. But, altogether it is a brilliant package.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
