Sony announces a5100 interchangeable lens camera

Sony has announced the new α5100, a smaller version of the α6000 that retains most of its features in a smaller, cheaper device.

The α5100 has the same 24.3 megapixel CMOS APS-C EXMOR sensor with BIONZ X processor from the α6000, along with the super fast hybrid autofocus system with 179 focus points, which lets it focus in as little as 0.07 seconds and track the subject through the frame while shooting images or videos.

Other than the sensor, the α5100 also has the high quality video recording options present on the α6000, including the XAVC S codec that is much higher quality than the standard AVCHD codec and can record at 50Mbps in Full HD.

The α5100 also has the 3-inch, 192k dot LCD that tilts 180 degree upwards for taking self portraits. It is also a touchscreen and supports touch to focus to pinpoint the focus on the desired subject quickly. The α5100 also has Wi-Fi and NFC to transfer images or control the camera wirelessly using Sony’s iOS and Android apps.

The only differences with the α6000 is that the α5100 is smaller and as such sacrifices a few features, such as the electronic viewfinder, hotshoe, microphone jack, mode control dial, adjustment dial and Function button. It’s a less serious camera but for casual photographers it retains all the important bits, including the excellent image quality.

Priced at $700 with the 16-50mm motorized lens and $550 body-only, the α5100 is better value for casual photographers.