How does Sony’s smallest-ever lens swapper hold up against the big guns?
Smaller doesn't always mean less powerful, as Sony proves with the a5100 - the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera for its class at the time of writing. But while its size is diminutive, the camera is certainly big on features. The a5100's 24.3MP APS-C sensor is on a par with those found in most DSLRs. as well as being the same one used in the a6000. This is great news for image quality, enhancing low-light pictures with its ability to capture more light, as well as achieving fast shutter speeds for sharp action shots.
The a5100 can rattle off six frames per second continuous shooting, and combined with Sony's hybrid autofocus system that has 179 phase-detection points and 25-point contrast detection, it's a camera with power. Inherited from the a6000. the efficiency with which it locks on target is undeniable. Image quality also benefits from the BIONZ X processor. Even shots taken at ISO 3200 exhibited a pleasing amount of detail. There is also a built-in pop-up flash and a range of creative effects, from HDR to picture styles, to help make the most of every shooting scenario.
The a5100 really is a go-anywhere. capture-anything kind of camera, not only thanks to the portability factor, but because it comes with features such as built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. Aside from enabling you to share images with social networks like Facebook. it also lets you control the camera remotely from your smart device. It may not have a mode dial, but the creative quartet of Program. Shutter and Aperture Priority, and manual exposure are all present, along with auto and scene modes to suit a wide range of needs. Switching between them requires delving into the menu, however, and while this is intuitively laid out. it can be frustrating when you want to adjust settings quickly or risk missing the opportunity.
All these manual modes are also available while recording Full HD video footage, giving you greater control over the final results. Sound is captured in stereo, which is superior to mono, and the pictures are sharp thanks to the top-quality lenses. Incidentally, the 16-50mm kit lens was superb in delivering stills, with true-to-life colours and beautifully soft bokeh. Brightly lit images were free from chromatic aberration and landscapes boasted good dynamic range in both land and sky. There is also the option to shoot both RAW and JPEG file formats. Sony is constantly expanding its E-mount lens selection, so this is a system that enthusiasts can invest in. The only trouble that may arise is when shooting with a heftier piece of glass, as the tiny camera body could feel unbalanced and difficult to hold. There is a slightly protruding, textured grip to aid purchase though
Another downside to the small chassis is the lack of an electronic viewfinder or hotshoe. The only option is to use the three-inch LCD for composing shots. Reflections in bright conditions are an inevitable occurrence, but for the most part, the screen remains crisp and full of contrast. Adding to this, it also has the ability to tilt the LCD 180 degrees, which proves useful when shooting over the heads of crowds or when taking candid photos from the hip. On top of this it's touch sensitive - while limited to setting focus points and releasing the shutter, this does help to speed up the photo taking process.
In terms of design, the a5100 shares a close resemblance to its sibling, the a5000. with a largely plastic exterior and leather-like textured handgrip. The material unfortunately does cheapen the look slightly, but it still feels solid and comfortable in-hand Going up against interchangeable lens cameras such as Panasonic's GF6 and the Olympus PEN Mini, the Sony a5100 offers compact-style shooting with DSLR-standard results. An ideal second shooter or first foray into the lens-swapping market, it will even give its older sibling a run for its money.