a5100 16-50mm Interchangeable Lens Camera
#98
Sony

Sony a5100 16-50mm Interchangeable Lens Camera

Rating

Model: ILCE5100L/B
$478(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-08-27
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Product Overview

The Sony a5100 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera featuring a 24.3MP APS-C sensor and fast autofocus with 179 AF points. It offers 6 fps continuous shooting, Full HD 1080/24/60P video recording, and convenient sharing via Wi-Fi and NFC. The camera includes a 3-inch flip-up LCD screen for easy selfies and a BIONZ X engine for superb detail and noise reduction. Its E-mount lens compatibility provides versatility, making it suitable for both stills and video. The a5100 is designed for users seeking a balance of performance and portability.

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Product Specifications

Image Sensor Size
APS-Cmm
Effective Pixels
24.3MP
ISO Range
100-25600
Shutter Speed
-sec
Image Stabilization
No
Continuous Shooting Speed
6fps
Video Resolution
Full HD 1080/60p
Mount Type
Sony E
LCD Screen Size
3.0inch
Weight
283g

Size & Weight

Weight
9.9 ounces
Hight
4.33 inches
Width
1.42 inches
Depth
2.48 inches

Features

In-Body Image Stabilization Function

The camera lacks in-body image stabilization, relying on lens-based stabilization, which can limit performance in low-light conditions or with unstabilized lenses. This may result in blurry images or shaky videos when shooting handheld without a stabilized lens.

Eye Detection Autofocus Function

The product information does not mention eye detection autofocus. Therefore, the camera may not automatically detect and focus on the subject's eyes, which can be a useful feature for portrait photography to ensure sharp focus on the eyes.

Tilting LCD Screen Function

The 3-inch flip-up LCD screen allows for easy self-portraits and shooting from various angles, enhancing the user experience and providing greater flexibility in composing shots. This feature is particularly useful for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts.

External Microphone Input Function

The product information does not mention an external microphone input. Therefore, the camera may not support connecting an external microphone for improved audio quality, which can be a limitation for video recording and vlogging.

USB Power Supply Function

The product information does not mention USB power supply function. Therefore, the camera may not support being powered via USB, limiting extended shooting sessions without worrying about battery life.

Focus Peaking Function

The product information does not mention focus peaking function. Therefore, the camera may not highlight areas in focus on the LCD screen or viewfinder, which can assist with manual focusing and ensuring sharp images when using manual focus lenses.

SHOPSTAFF Rating Score

#98
Ranked #98 out of 99 products in Category
3.6
Overall Rating

The Sony a5100 is a capable entry-level mirrorless camera with good image quality and fast autofocus. Its compact size and flip-up screen make it ideal for selfies and travel. However, it lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models. Predicted usage period is 3-5 years.

Image Sensor Size and Type
4.0
The 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor provides high-resolution images with good detail and dynamic range, suitable for various shooting conditions. It offers a good balance between image quality and camera size, making it ideal for everyday photography and travel.
Megapixel Count
4.0
The 24.3MP resolution allows for detailed images and sufficient cropping flexibility. It's well-suited for creating large prints and capturing intricate details in various subjects, making it a versatile option for different photography needs.
Autofocus System
4.2
The ultra-fast autofocus with 179 AF points ensures sharp and accurate focusing, even on moving subjects. The wide coverage and quick response make it reliable for capturing spontaneous moments and tracking subjects effectively.
Image Stabilization
1.0
The absence of in-body image stabilization means that image stabilization relies solely on lens-based stabilization, which may limit performance in low-light conditions or when using lenses without built-in stabilization. This can result in blurry images or shaky videos when shooting handheld.
Video Capabilities
3.5
The Full HD 1080/60p video recording offers decent video quality for everyday use, but it lacks 4K capabilities and advanced video features found in higher-end models. The 50MB/s bitrate provides sufficient detail and clarity for most video recording needs.
Ergonomics and Handling
4.0
The compact and lightweight design makes the camera comfortable to hold and carry, ideal for travel and everyday use. The intuitive controls and flip-up screen enhance the user experience, making it easy to capture selfies and shoot from various angles.
Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.5
Sony has a strong reputation for producing reliable cameras, and the included warranty provides peace of mind in case of any issues. The brand's established presence and customer support network ensure a dependable user experience.
Cost Performance
4.0
The Sony a5100 offers a good balance of features and performance for its price, making it a cost-effective option for beginner photographers and casual users. Its compact size, fast autofocus, and decent image quality provide excellent value for the money.

Brand & Manufacturer Details

Sony
Sony: Capture the crucial moment with ultra-fast autofocusing, 179 AF points and 6 fps. This lightweight camera delivers high detail.

Key Highlights

  • Fast autofocus system
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Flip-up screen for selfies

Considerations

  • No in-body image stabilization
  • Limited 4K video capabilities
  • No viewfinder

Recommended For

  • Beginner photographers
  • Travelers
  • Selfie enthusiasts

Not Recommended For

  • Professional photographers
  • Users needing advanced video features
  • Those requiring weather-sealed bodies

Suitable For

  • Everyday photography
  • Travel photography
  • Selfies and vlogging

Not Suitable For

  • Fast-paced sports photography
  • Professional video production
  • Underwater photography without housing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q.I'm looking for a camera that's easy to carry around. Is the Sony a5100 suitable for travel?
A.Yes, the Sony a5100 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera, making it great for travel. Staff confirmation indicates it's smaller than a DSLR and can even fit in a small purse, while still delivering high-quality images.
Q.I want to be able to quickly share photos from my camera to my smartphone. How does the Sony a5100 handle this?
A.The Sony a5100 has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing you to easily transfer photos to your smartphone for quick sharing. Staff confirmation notes you can even control the camera with your smartphone and upload images directly to social media.
Q.I'm new to photography. Is the Sony a5100 a good choice for a beginner?
A.Yes, the Sony a5100 is considered a great camera for beginners. Staff confirmation highlights its intuitive design, great auto mode, and the availability of online guides and video tutorials to help you learn.
Q.How is the video quality on the Sony a5100?
A.The Sony a5100 offers Full HD video recording at various frame rates. Staff confirmation suggests the video quality is excellent, with very little morie and great performance in low light.
Q.Does this camera have good features for taking selfies?
A.Yes, the Sony a5100 has a screen that flips up 180°, making it easy to take perfectly framed selfies. Staff confirmation mentions this as a great feature for self-portraits and including others in the shot.

SHOPSTAFF Rating Ranking

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Image Sensor Size- mmEffective Pixels45 MP
ISO Range100-51200Shutter Speed- sec
Image StabilizationSensor-shiftContinuous Shooting Speed12 fps
Video Resolution8KMount TypeRF
LCD Screen Size- inchWeight- g
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Video Resolution8k 30pMount TypeSony E
LCD Screen Size- inchWeight- g
In-Body Image Stabilization FunctionEye Detection Autofocus FunctionTilting LCD Screen FunctionExternal Microphone Input FunctionUSB Power Supply FunctionFocus Peaking Function
4.8Overall Rating
5.0Image Sensor Size and Type
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Image Sensor Size- mmEffective Pixels45 MP
ISO Range-Shutter Speed- sec
Image StabilizationSensor-shiftContinuous Shooting Speed30 fps
Video Resolution8KMount TypeCanon RF
LCD Screen Size- inchWeight- g
In-Body Image Stabilization FunctionEye Detection Autofocus FunctionTilting LCD Screen FunctionExternal Microphone Input FunctionUSB Power Supply FunctionFocus Peaking Function
4.8Overall Rating
5.0Image Sensor Size and Type
5.0Megapixel Count
5.0Autofocus System
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5.0Video Capabilities
4.8Ergonomics and Handling
4.8Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.5Cost Performance
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ISO Range50-51200Shutter Speed- sec
Image StabilizationSensor-shiftContinuous Shooting Speed40 fps
Video Resolution6K/60pMount TypeCanon RF
LCD Screen Size- inchWeight1134 g
In-Body Image Stabilization FunctionEye Detection Autofocus FunctionTilting LCD Screen FunctionExternal Microphone Input FunctionUSB Power Supply FunctionFocus Peaking Function
4.8Overall Rating
5.0Image Sensor Size and Type
4.8Megapixel Count
5.0Autofocus System
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5.0Video Capabilities
4.7Ergonomics and Handling
4.8Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.5Cost Performance
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Image Sensor Size36 x 24 mmEffective Pixels45 MP
ISO Range50- -Shutter Speed- sec
Image StabilizationSensor-shiftContinuous Shooting Speed30 fps
Video Resolution8KMount TypeCanon RF
LCD Screen Size- inchWeight680 g
In-Body Image Stabilization FunctionEye Detection Autofocus FunctionTilting LCD Screen FunctionExternal Microphone Input FunctionUSB Power Supply FunctionFocus Peaking Function
4.8Overall Rating
5.0Image Sensor Size and Type
5.0Megapixel Count
5.0Autofocus System
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5.0Video Capabilities
4.5Ergonomics and Handling
4.8Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.5Cost Performance