The Sony a5100 offers SLR quality in a small space and light weight. From the large number of similar system cameras it stands out due to the following combination of features, the most important first:
- Large, low-noise 25-megapixel image sensor in the APS format
- Faster and more reliable Hybrid autofocus
- Optically stabilized lenses
- Short series of sequential shots
- Integrated mini flash
That does not exist for this price anywhere else. However, the viewfinder and the hot shoe on offer at the larger sister model A6000 and there along with the larger housing give rise SLR Feeling missing. The image quality of a5100 otherwise corresponds to the A6000. Competitors such as Panasonic, Samsung and Olympus bidding on this beautiful housing price and ease of use, but not the features mentioned at this level. The Canon EOS M3 is much more expensive and difficult. Most similar is still Samsung Clone NX300M, but is larger and heavier even without a flash, her autofocus is accurate and objective selection smaller.
The low-noise 25-megapixel APS-sensor is critical to the success of this camera series. Even with ISO 3200 ordinary shooting are still possible, rather then to 10 megapixel level, but not blurred. Compared to compact cameras and older SLR is the advantage of around three stops, which is crucial in practice Where a five year old Nikon D3000 exposure with 1 / 30s, takes the Sony a5100 to 1 / 150s. That's the difference between an unusable and a usable image. Especially in indoor settings which is important, such as family events, in schools, museums, churches or events where a tripod or a large flash are not desired.
In combination with the stabilization and hands-free 300mm telephoto shots succeed (KB equivalent) in buildings or weak sunlight. For moving subjects such as children, animals or sports fast autofocus performance is necessary. Etc. Through unplanned movements, Blinking in group shots may miscarry individual images, so the rapid series result. The tiny flash is sufficient due to the high intensity of the overall system and can come natural backlight advantage. In addition, the fill-in flash helps in bright sunlight in order to avoid shadows.
So all that wonderful? No. It starts with the unpacking: the new battery is empty, the camera must first be freed from advertising stickers and the supplied instructions I do not know whether to laugh or cry. Luckily, there are the Sony Alpha 5100 Manual by Michael Gradias. The flood of configurable functions with side effects at first confused. Who has experience with Sony cameras, the menu items may be understood, but I have been photographed with Canon and Nikon. I think as the volume setting of the entry on and off the beeps, but the volume change has no effect. How can I search, the volume only affects the playback of videos. Many names sound cryptic as dual video Rec., High ISO NR, descendant-AF-B. Num., AF-Micro sett., USB-Lun-Einstg. Multi. After all, many of these terms are explained by pressing the? Key. Incidentally, the camera at Sony nor the name ILCE-5100, which stands for "Interchangeable Lens Camera with E-mount".
Practically, the charging capability via standard micro USB cable. Anyone who wants to avoid interruptions, but shall maintain a second battery, because when loading it into the camera you must stay out. In addition, you can install apps if you cumbersome logs on to Sony. Ingenious: on the smartphone or iPad, you can view and control the camera with zoom entirely with the free Fernauslöser App enlarges the viewfinder image via WiFi.. This works with current software reliably. There are a wide range of accessories such as spare batteries, lenses and extension tubes for macro shots. Tip: The Automatic Lens Cap for Sony NEX Lens E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS (SEL-P1650) opens automatically when you turn the camera so that the camera is ready to go.
On the menu one can get used to, or it can be configured. Just a pity that the setting memory of alpha 6000 at the 5100 missing; so one has to rely on the scenes programs or cease all myself. The actual camera, so the image sensor, lens, housing and display is excellent and fun. Compared to more than twice as heavy SLR (960g Nikon D3000 with Telezoom against 380g of this Sony with lens), this camera is easy to take along anywhere. The picture quality is far superior to the compact cameras especially in critical situations (Twilight, sport, children).
Addendum: After two months of use and thousands of photos I am delighted with the image quality. False exposed or blurry set photos almost never before. I raise my rating from four to five stars.