REPLACING Sony's Nex series with the new A or Alpha brand of mirrorless cameras is more than just a name change.
It's a direction statement.
More specifically — better image quality, slight tweak in design and a superior autofocus speed, one that few cameras can rival.
Upping the Nex-5T's game, the A5100 is the more affordable and user friendly version of the A6000.
Though the A5100 may be an overall lighter package, it is by no means inferior.
LIGHT AND EASY
If the A6000 is considered one of the best mirrorless camera this year, then the A5100 isn't far behind.
In fact, the two cameras are hard to tell apart.
Both have 24.3 megapixels shots, CMOS image sensor and BIONZ X, built-in WiFi connectivity and NFC features, and amazingly fast autofocus.
The defining win for the A5100 is in its physical attributes — it is more compact than the A6000, weighs less, has a simpler user interface and its touch LCD monitor can swivel up to 180 degrees unlike its older sibling's pseudo 90 degrees.
These qualities make the A5100 a perfect pick-and-go camera.
With its fine ergonomics, I considered replacing my dSLR solely for ease of mobility.
Since its image quality and photo snapping speed are commendable, it is hard not to be tempted to settle for the more compact go-everywhere structure.
LOWER END OF THE SCALE
If you're wondering why these praises don't make the A5100 the immediate go to, it is because the two have distinctive features.
The most obvious is that the A6000 has a viewfinder and a flash dock for better flash performance.
The A5100 comes with built-in flash.
Image quality also seems to be slightly more detailed on the A6000.
Whether or not this has anything to do with its APS HD CMOS processor as opposed to the A5100's 1 Exmor APS-C CMOS, is entirely subjective.
The A6000 boasts the world's fastest autofocus speed at 0.06 seconds.
The experience is noticeable and really makes a difference over the A5100 fast hybrid autofocus of 0.07 seconds (speed timing as claimed by the company).
On the subject matter of autofocus, the A5100's focus speed only seems to work in auto mode.
Switch between the other available modes and the autofocus delivers varying results and speed.
The camera also has a slow start-up time so unless it is left in stand-by mode, you'll find yourself missing out on the first few seconds of a good picture moment regardless of how quick your autofocus reacts.
CONCLUSION
The two new stars of Sony's mirrorless lineup are so identical that it is difficult to determine which is the better camera.
Their price difference is RM300.
At RM2,399, the A5100 comes with a kit lens while the A6000 is body only (R M 2,699 for the added lens).
On paper, the distinction makes little sense and the price positioning is in no way beneficial to the A5100; add RM300 more and you'll get possibly the best mirrorless camera of the year, complete with lens.
Comparatively, the A5100 is a more straightforward-camera with fewer camera modes, doesn't pack the same amount of punch as the A6000 and its touch screen function is basic.
Conversely, it is because of these elements that make it extremely easy to use.
Treat it as an advanced pointand- shoot camera with better image quality and interchangeable lens.
You won't be doing much toggling to make the camera work for you, thanks to its already sufficient near-A6000 specifications and programming.
Sony A5100
Price: RM2,399
Enquiries: sony.com.my
PROS
• Solid specs
• LCD touch screen flips 180 degress
• Lightweight and simple clean design
• Incredibly quick autofocus
• Built-in Wifi and NFC
CONS
• Limited shooting modes
• Pricing close to the more
advance A6000 model
• Limited touch screen function
• Losses autofocus speed charm when not in Auto or fast shutter modes
• Slow start up
Our verdict: HHHH
Physical design: HHHHH
Documentation: HHH
User-friendliness: HHHHH
Features: HHHH
Performance: HHHH
Value for money: HHHH
