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Sony’s Alpha a5100 Mirrorless Digital Camera, which combines a high-resolution sensor, hybrid autofocus system, and excellent video recording capabilities in a small and practical form factor, is designed to meet the needs of multimedia photographers who want speed and variety in their work.
The combination of a 24.3MP APS-C-sized Exmor HD CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor allows this camera to capture up to 6 frames per second continuous shooting at a high sensitivity of up to ISO 25600 while maintaining high picture quality.
It is possible to record full HD video in the high-quality XAVC S codec at frame rates of 60, 30, or 24 frames per second, with the ability to shoot at 1080p at 60, 30, or 24 frames per second. This camera’s Fast Hybrid Autofocus (AF) technology, which employs 179 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points, complements the camera’s multimedia imaging capabilities by delivering fast, accurate, and consistent focusing capabilities.
In terms of overall performance, the a5100 is prepared to produce the kind of results that current photographers demand while yet providing the ease of use that is required for regular photography.
When it comes to handling, the a5100 has a sleek design that is distinguished by a big 3.0-inch touchscreen “LCD monitor with a resolution of 921.6k dots and a 180-degree upward tilting design for better reading from both front-facing and above-angle perspectives Furthermore, the LCD is also a touchscreen, which allows for easy control over image playback and menu navigation, as well as the ability to release the shutter and use touch-to-focus for pinpoint precision while photographing moving subjects.
Along with the seven customizable function buttons, there are also top and rear dials to let you navigate through a multitude of settings and modes quickly and efficiently. The a5100 also has built-in Wi-Fi networking, which includes compatibility for NFC-enabled devices, which allows for remote camera operation and image sharing to linked mobile devices.
Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3MP resolution and BIONZ X image processor
When used in conjunction, the 24.3MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and the powerful BIONZ X image processor deliver high-quality, well-detailed images with little noise, excellent low-light performance, and sensitivity up to ISO 25600.
An on-chip lens design with no gaps between nearby pixels is used in the sensor, which fills the spaces between neighboring pixels with tailored lenses that match the angle of incidence to boost light-collecting capabilities while maintaining edge-to-edge clarity and quality.
As a result of its high performance, the CPU is responsible for a wealth of speed throughout the camera system. This includes Fast Hybrid AF, a maximum continuous shooting rate of 6 frames per second, and full HD video recording in several frame rates and codecs.
A system with Hybrid AF with Quick Response Time
With the Fast Hybrid AF system, you may obtain exact focus in as little as 0.07 seconds, thanks to the combination of a 179-point phase-detection system and a 25-point contrast-detection system. A Spatial Object Detection algorithm is used to bring the subject into focus quickly.
The contrast-detection AF points, which have wide AF coverage, are used to fine-tune the sharpness of the image for guaranteed accuracy. The phase-detection AF points are used to quickly bring the subject into focus.
This mechanism, in addition to enabling single-shot modes, also allows AF tracking when shooting at speeds of up to 6 frames per second in continuous high mode and performs flawlessly when recording full HD movies.
Adding to the appeal of this hybrid focusing mode is the introduction of a touchscreen LCD, which allows for touch-to-focus control for pinpoint precision in both still and video recording.
In order to fine-tune the image, even more, a variety of different autofocus settings may be selected based on the topic. In order to capture cleanly rendered portraits, the Eye AF feature prioritizes the pupil of the subject and devotes all of the camera’s focusing performance to it.
This focusing approach is specifically designed for usage with moving subjects, and it modifies the target frame size in response to how far a subject travels within the picture frame. It is possible to prioritize various regions inside the frame for better accuracy by using the AF area settings;
moreover, the AF-A (Automatic AF), AF-S (Single-shot AF), AF-C (Continuous AF), DMF (Direct manual focus), and Manual Focus modes may all be selected from the menu.
Full-HD video recording is available.
Full HD 1080p video recording at 60, 30, and 24 frames per second is enabled using the high-quality 50 Mbps XAVC S codec. Other recording choices include the ability to record in the AVCHD and MP4 codecs, with support for up to 1080p60 video at 28 Mbps, and the ability to record in the H.264 codec.
It is also possible to record videos in two different formats at the same time, with the option to use either the XAVC S or the AVCHD codecs, as well as a duplicate MP4 file that may be used for increased efficiency when sharing films online.
It is also possible to record uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 video from both 1080i60 and 1080p60 video using the inbuilt HDMI type D output to an optional external recorder utilizing the integrated HDMI type D output.
A built-in stereo microphone is integrated into the design of the a5100, which records audio in the Linear PCM 2-channel format for XAVC S movies, the AC-3 Dolby Digital format for AVCHD movies, and the MPEG-4 AAC-LC format for web-quality MP4 videos. This feature complements the video capabilities of the a5100.
Manual focus peaking and a zebra feature are also provided, which are intended to aid in working in manual focus and to ensure that highlight detail is preserved, respectively, when shooting in manual focus. A marker setting may also be displayed on the back LCD screen, allowing for the display of a center marker, guide frame, aspect marker, safety zone, and other relevant elements for video recording, among other things.
Design of the Body
- Because of its compact size and use of the flexible Sony E lens mount, this mirrorless camera is intended to be as simple and easy to use as possible for the user. 3.0 is a significant number “When used in conjunction with a suitable power zoom lens, the 921.6k-dot LCD panel has a 180° upward tilting design to make it easier to take self-portraits, and a zoom lever around the shutter release button makes it easier to fine-tune compositions.
- Additionally, this LCD is also a touchscreen, which allows for more effective control over camera settings as well as navigation across the playback and menu systems on the device. The physical controls located on the body include two top dials and one rear-mounted control that provide immediate access to various shooting modes and camera settings. A dedicated Fn (Function) button, as well as seven additional customizable buttons, may be assigned to control any of 47 distinct settings on the computer.
- In addition, the body contains a pop-up flash with a guide number of 13.1′ at ISO 100, which may be used to provide additional illumination in low-light situations.
Wi-Fi connectivity is pre-installed.
Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, the a5100 can instantaneously transfer imagery to mobile devices, which may then be shared online via social networking sites, via email, and to cloud-based storage services.
Near Field Communication (NFC) is also enabled, allowing for a one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices without the need for any complicated set-up. If a mobile device is connected to the camera, it may also display a live view image on its screen and control the camera’s shutter remotely.
Additionally, PlayMemories Camera Apps are enabled through the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi connection, allowing you to customize the camera’s capabilities based on your preferred shooting style and preferences.
A wide range of apps is available to assist with the creation of portraits, detailed close-ups, sports, time-lapse photography, motion photography, and other sorts of photos.
Additional Camera Functions
- The Sony E-mount is compatible with a large variety of lenses and lens adapters, making it a versatile mount.
- When used in multi-segment, center-weighted, or spot metering modes, an innovative 1200-zone evaluative exposure metering sensor produces consistent and precise results.
- Auto Object Framing is an intelligent photography option that can automatically evaluate a scene and the subjects included within it in order to establish an artistically attractive arrangement to be captured. In the next images, the subject matter will be cropped in accordance with the composition, resulting in a well-balanced composition that makes use of Face Detection and Tracking Focus to ensure great picture quality and clarity throughout.
- Clear Image Zoom may be used to magnify the center of scenes by two times, allowing any focal length lens to be utilized to effectively increase the reach of the lens. This digital zoom technique makes use of a sophisticated interpolation procedure to reduce the degree of picture deterioration, resulting in realistic and high-quality images that are easy to read.
- Picture Effect options allow you to apply creative settings to individual photographs and accentuate certain features of those images for more rich and aesthetically pleasing picture quality. The following modes are available: Posterization (color/black and white), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal/Cool/Warm/Green/Magenta), Soft High-Key, Soft Focus (High/Mid/Low), HDR Painting (High/Mid/Low), Rich-Tone Monochrome, Miniature (Auto/Top/Middle(H
- Superior Auto mode is an intelligent automatic option that can swiftly analyze the current shooting situation and alter critical camera settings to produce optimal results. It is available in both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Aside from that, this mode makes use of the Auto HDR and Hand-held Twilight modes, which make use of picture compositing techniques to better manage tough lighting circumstances.
- While shooting in low light circumstances, Anti-Motion Blur automatically corrects for subject movement, resulting in a clean, clear picture. In order to do this, six successive frames are recorded and elements of each frame are composited to assure overall sharpness.
- When operating in low-light circumstances, the Hand-held Twilight Mode automatically combines information from six sequentially-recorded photographs in order to achieve greater overall image clarity than would otherwise be possible.
- In photographs with backlit figures or situations with strong contrast, the Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) works to improve the quality of the image by bringing out details that might otherwise be lost in shadows or highlights. This mode may be regulated automatically or fine-tuned with the help of five different configuration options.
- Six other predefined styles are available in the Creative Style options, which allow you to fine-tune how the camera processes photographs. These styles include Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Black & White, and Sepia, to name a few. Individual preferences may be accommodated through the use of contrast, saturation, and sharpness adjustments within these parameters.
- A Soft Skin Effect can assist to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or imperfections in portraiture by softening the skin tone.
- It is possible to create 4K slide presentations in-camera for playback on ultra high definition screens, which will result in a richer viewing experience. In addition, an HDMI connector has been added into the camera’s architecture to allow for direct connection to high-definition televisions.
- Because the a5100 has TRILUMINOS Color support, images seen on a TRILUMINOS Display will have rich, natural colors, as opposed to flat, artificial hues.
- It is possible to charge the inbuilt lithium-ion battery in the camera via a convenient USB connection, which can be connected to either an AC outlet or a PC source.
Sony a5100 Specs
| MSRP | $549 (body only), $699 (with 16-50 PZ lens) |
|---|---|
| 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 photodetectors | 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 |
| Digital 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-weightedSpot |
| 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 |
