Sony A5000 Review
Introduction
The A5000 is the new entry-level model in Sony's range of compact system cameras. It's also currently the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable lens camera with built-in wi-fi connectivity. Successor to last year's NEX-3N model, the Sony A5000 features a 20.1 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, BIONZ X processor, full HD AVCHD (60i/50i/25p/24p) video recording, 3-inch 180° tiltable LCD panel with 460k-dot resolution, built-in pop-up flash, a zoom lever, 4fps burst shooting, 25-point contrast-detect autofocus system, 1,200-segment exposure meter, Auto Object Framing mode, a range of Picture Effects, NFC connectivity and 480 shot battery life. The Sony A5000 is available now in white, silver or black priced at around £420 / $499.99 with the 16-50mm power zoom lens and £630 with the 16-50mm power zoom and 55-210mm lenses.
Ease of Use
The new Sony A5000 is virtually identical to its predecessor, the NEX-3N, the main design changes being a bigger handgrip and the relocation of the Playback button to the rear of the camera, while internally the main menu system has been completely revamped. Given the recent release of the Panasonic Lumix GM1, Sony are now marketing the A5000 as the smallest interchangeable lens camera with wi-fi in the world, weighing a mere 210g and measuring 109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7mm - and they've still retained the NEX-3N's built-in pop-up flash and 180-dgree tilting LCD screen.
Despite weighing so little (admittedly without the lens and battery fitted), the A5000 still feels solid gripped in the palm, though with a lens attached it's too large for most jacket pockets. It now has a taller, bigger grip than the NEX-3N with a subtle indentation near the top, which slightly improves your grip on the camera. With the supplied 16-50mm power zoom kit lens attached the Sony A5000 doesn't look or feel too top heavy, as the lens retracts back into itself when not in use, making for a very compact overall package.
The 3 inch LCD screen can be tilted back and forward through a full 180° - if not, unfortunately swung outwards at 90° - to allow for low and high angle compositions we might not have attempted without. You can even fully turn it to the front, proving very useful for those ubiquitous selfies, although you can't close it inwards against the camera body to help protect it.
The A5000 offers the High Definition video shooting of the rest of the NEX series, full HD AVCHD (60i/50i/25p/24p) with stereo sound to be precise, which will be more than adequate for the A5000's target audience. It also features a useful dedicated red camcorder-style video record button for instant thumb-operated video access on the rear.
Low light sensitivity without flash also theoretically looks set to show rivals a thing or two by ranging from ISO 100 to a maximum ISO 16000 equivalent setting. Impressive stuff, and matching the sort of spec we're used to seeing on mid-range DSLRs. There's no in-body image stabilisation offered by the A5000 unfortunately, so this is via the lens only. It appears to work well, at least as effectively as the in-camera or lens based anti-shake methodology deployed by rival brands.
Front | Rear |
The A5000's design is pleasingly pared-back, particularly when viewed from the front. Sony branding and black plastic DSLR-style lens release button aside, all we find on the faceplate is a small porthole-shaped window for the AF assist/self timer lamp, and the revised handgrip with a dimpled surface for a firmer hold. Oh, and the "APS-C" moniker just in case you want to brag about the size of your sensor to your Micro Four Thirds friends.
The top plate looks similarly functional rather than fashionable. The A5000 is turned on or off via a flick of a chunky, nicely rigid switch to the far right, rather than via the recessed button that we usually find on cameras with a small form factor. Do this and it's a wait of 1-2 seconds before an image materializes on the LCD allowing the first shot to be framed - slightly slower than we expected in this regard, and no match for a DSLR proper.
One feature on the A5000 that's designed to make it more accessible to upgraders is a power zoom switch, very similar to that found on many compact cameras. This allows the 16-50mm kit lens to be zoomed in three different ways; using the zoom lever on top of the camera, which is good for one-handed operation, via the zoom ring on the lens, and finally using the zoom control on the side of the lens. If you don't have a power zoom lens attached, the the zoom lever less adjusts the digital zoom instead (it that's enabled), and it can also be used to zoom during image playback regardless of the lens that's fitted.
Underneath the On/Off switch is the thumb-operated dedicated movie record button. Press this and the user is instantly recording video, whatever alternative shooting mode might previously have been in use. Like the same control found on the Panasonic G-series and Olympus PEN cameras, this proves essential with regard to spur of the moment filming.
Front | Tilting LCD Screen |
Also positioned atop the camera is the integrated pop-up flash, positioned inline with the centre of the lens, which borrows a lot of design cues from the flagship NEX-7 model. Note that the A5000 doesn't offer an accessory port for attaching optional accessories like the FDA-EV1S electronic viewfinder or the ECM-SST1 microphone, unlike the more expensive NEX/Alpha models. Two small holes either side of the flash for the stereo sound complete the camera's top-plate.
Press the shutter release button down halfway and, after a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment of focus/exposure adjustment, the AF point/s highlight in green accompanied by a beep of affirmation to indicate that the user is good to continue on and take the shot. Do so, and in single shot mode to the sound of a satisfying shutter click, a full resolution JPEG is written to memory in about 2 seconds. There is the option to also shoot Raw files, or even more usefully for those who wish to hedge their bets Raw and JPEG images in tandem. You also get Fine or Normal compression levels offered for JPEGs.
Press the Menu button on the rear six icons appear on screen - Camera Settings, Custom Settings, Wireless, Applications, Playback and Setup. Choosing one of these opens a text-based menu system with with white text on a black background aiding visibility. The six Camera Settings folders allow users to select image size, ratio and quality and - if JPEG (RAW and RAW+JPEG also available) - compression rates too, plus features like long exposure and high ISO noise reduction - all in fact activated as a default, and also contains the video quality and audio options, while the four Custom Settings folders allow you to tweak the A5000 to your way of working.
Just like Olympus and Panasonic, the Sony A5000 offers a range of creative Picture Effects, including posterisation, partial colour, retro, high-key, mono and toy camera. These effects can also be applied when using the Intelligent Auto shooting mode. The Soft Skin mode automatically retouches portraits, removing any minor blemishes and wrinkles for a more conventionally good-looking appearance.
Pop-up Flash | Top |
The Auto Object Framing mode uses face detection, By Pixel Super Resolution technology and the rule of thirds to automatically take better pictures of still lifes, moving subjects and macro close-ups. Sony's catchily named Pixel Super Resolution Technology ensures that the resulting image is still a full 20 megapixels in size, and the original uncropped image is also saved for easy comparison.
The various shooting modes are rather inconveniently buried away as the first option in the Camera Settings menu, including standard P,A,S,M, 9-strong scene mode, intelligent auto and Sweep Panorama modes. Even in Intelligent Auto mode users still have the ability to get hands on to a degree thanks to the Photo Creativity mode. This provides easy-to-understand control over a number of key parameters via a series of interactive on-screen sliders, with the real-time preview on the LCD providing instant feedback to the beginner target audience.
In addition to controlling the background defocus, with a half moon shaped indicator appealing on-screen to the side of the scroll wheel, defocus at the bottom of the arc, 'crisp' at the top, you can also change the vividness, brightness and colour of the image, plus add a Picture Effect or the Soft Skin Effect, and set the self-timer and burst shooting options. You can even apply more than one option at a time and go back and individually change them if you wish.
The A5000's external backplate is once again a sparse affair, the majority of it taken up by the 3-inch widescreen ratio angle-adjustable LCD that stretches from base to top plate. To the right of this are the main controls, with the aforementioned Menu button at the top. Underneath is a scroll wheel, used to move through the various menu options and make selections, which has its own central, unmarked set button. Th scroll wheel is quite responsive to the touch, which, on a positive note, means that tabbing through options is a swift process, but on the other hand it's easy to slip past the setting you actually wanted when hurrying through them as a photo opportunity suddenly presents itself.
Set at the four points around this scroll wheel/pad are a means of adjusting the Display (top), ISO Speed (right) the Exposure Compensation / Picture Effects (bottom) and the Self-timer/Drive mode options. Note that all of the buttons around the navigation wheel and the center button too can optionally be assigned to a custom function of your choice.
Memory Card Slot | Battery Compartment |
Sitting alongside the self-explanatory dedicated playback/review button, the last button on the camera back provides a means of activating the Help function, which Sony no doubt hopes to provide a crutch for new users trading up from a bog-standard point and shoot compact. Examples of textual advice, complete with small pictorial thumbnail alongside, include 'increase the ISO sensitivity to make the shutter speed faster', and then, the thoughtful addition: 'higher ISO sensitivity may make noise stand out.' Hand holding for those who want it then, while more experienced users can reconfigure the button to something more useful.
As denoted by symbols on the side of the camera, the Sony A5000 is wi-fi and NFC capable and the functions can be adjusted in the Wireless main menu. You can choose to transmit the images to either a smartphone computer, or a compatible TV set. One cool feature of the wi-fi is being able to link the camera to your smart phone using the PlayMemories Mobile app. You can then use the phone as a remote so those outstretched arm 'selfies' will be a thing of the past. The A5000 also features NFC (Near Field Communication) technology (the same technology that's used for mobile payments), which allows you to connect it to a compatible internet enabled device or another NFC-enabled camera by simply tapping them together. You can also use the WPS Push option to locate a hot spot, access settings, edit the device name, display the MAC address or format all settings if you wish.
In addition to the built-in wi-fi/nfc connectivity, the A5000 supports PlayMemories Camera Apps. As the name suggests, this is a downloadable service that lets you add new functionality to the camera, either via wi-fi or USB connection. Smart Remote Control, which allows you to control the exposure and shutter release via your smartphone, is preinstalled on the A5000. Other optional apps available include Picture Effect+, Bracket Pro, Multi Frame NR, Photo Retouchand Direct Upload, and Sony plans to provide more new apps in the near future. Note that only some of the apps are free.
Peaking is a feature that provides a level of hand-holding for manual focus users. When turned on to one of the three levels (low, mid, high), this essentially draws a coloured line (red, white or yellow) around the areas of highest contrast in the image when you're manually focusing the camera. Used in conjunction with the magnified focus assist, this makes it a cinch to focus accurately on a specific part of the subject, something that the majority of digital cameras have struggled with. It can even be used in the movie mode, again providing a real boon to your creativity.
At the base of the A5000 we find a metal screw thread for a tripod directly beneath the lens mount, and a compartment storing the rechargeable battery. The memory card slot is located on the left-hand side of the camera when viewed from the rear, here Sony reaching out to a wider audience by offering SD/SDHC/SDXC compatibility alongside its own Memory Stick. The left hand flank is also where users will find a covered port for HDMI connectivity and Sony's Multi port. Only the USB cable was provided with our review sample; there's no standard definition AV output. There's also a small built-in speaker for reviewing audio in the field on the bottom and protruding metal strap eyelets on either side of the camera.
Image Quality
All of the sample images in this review were taken using the 20 megapixel Fine JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around 6Mb.
The Sony A5000 produced images of excellent quality during the review period. The Sony A5000 has an extensive and very usable ISO range of 100-16000. ISO 100-800 is noise-free, whilst ISO 1600-6400 produces more than acceptable results, and even ISO 12800 and the fastest setting of 16000 are OK for emergency use. The RAW samples illustrate just how much processing the camera does by default, though, as they're much noisier at all ISO values than their JPEG counterparts.
The 20 megapixel images are a little soft straight out of the camera using the default Standard creative style and ideally require some further sharpening in an application like Adobe Photoshop, or you can change the in-camera sharpening level. The built-in flash worked well indoors with no red-eye and good overall exposure. The night photograph was excellent, with the maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and the Bulb mode offering lots of scope for creative night photography.
The effective Dynamic Range Optimizer function extracts more detail from the shadow and highlight areas in an image, without introducing any unwanted noise or other artifacts. The High Dynamic Range mode combines two shots taken at different exposures to produce one image with greater dynamic range than a single image would produce. It only works for JPEGs and for still subjects, but does produce some very effective results. Sony's now tried-and-trusted Sweep Panorama is still a joy to use. The 13 creative Picture Effects quickly produce special looks that would otherwise require you to spend a lot of time in the digital darkroom, while the 6 Creative Styles provide a quick and easy way to tweak the camera's JPEG images.
Noise
There are 8 ISO settings available on the Sony A5000. Here are some 100% crops which show the noise levels for each ISO setting:
JPEG | RAW | |
ISO 100 (100% Crop) |
ISO 100 (100% Crop) |
|
ISO 200 (100% Crop) |
ISO 200 (100% Crop) |
|
ISO 400 (100% Crop) |
ISO 400 (100% Crop) |
|
ISO 800 (100% Crop) |
ISO 800 (100% Crop) |
|
ISO 1600 (100% Crop) |
ISO 1600 (100% Crop) |
|
ISO 3200 (100% Crop) |
ISO 3200 (100% Crop) |
|
ISO 6400 (100% Crop) |
ISO 6400 (100% Crop) |
|
ISO 12800 (100% Crop) |
ISO 12800 (100% Crop) |
|
ISO 16000 (100% Crop) |
ISO 16000 (100% Crop) |
|
Sharpening
Here are two 100% crops which have been Saved as Web - Quality 50 in Photoshop. The right-hand image has had some sharpening applied in Photoshop. The out-of-the camera images are soft at the default sharpening setting. You can change the in-camera sharpening level if you don't like the default look.
Original (100% Crop) |
Sharpened (100% Crop) |
File Quality
The Sony A5000 has 2 different image quality settings available, with Fine being the highest quality option. Here are some 100% crops which show the quality of the various options, with the file size shown in brackets.
20M Fine (4.93Mb) (100% Crop) | 20M Standard (3.37Mb) (100% Crop) |
20M RAW (19.8Mb) (100% Crop) | |
Flash
The flash settings on the Sony A5000 are Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow sync and Rear flash sync, with Red-eye reduction available in the Main Menu. These shots of a white coloured wall were taken at a distance of 1.5m.
Flash Off - Wide Angle (18mm) |
Flash On - Wide Angle (18mm) |
Flash Off - Telephoto (55mm) |
Flash On - Telephoto (55mm) |
And here are a couple of portrait shots. Neither the Auto setting or the Red-eye reduction mode caused any amount of red-eye.
Flash On |
Flash On (100% Crop) |
Red-eye reduction |
Red-eye reduction (100% Crop) |
Night
The Sony A5000's maximum shutter speed is 30 seconds and there's also a Bulb mode for even longer exposures, which is excellent news if you're seriously interested in night photography. The shot below was taken using a shutter speed of 30 seconds at ISO 100.
Night |
Night (100% Crop) |
Dynamic Range Optimizer
D-Range Optimiser (DRO) is Sony's solution to improve shadow detail in photos taken in contrasty light.
Off |
LV1 |
LV2 | LV3 |
LV4 |
LV5 |
High Dynamic Range
High Dynamic Range Optimiser (HDR) is Sony's solution for capturing more contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining two exposures into one image.
Off |
1.0EV |
2.0EV |
3.0EV |
4.0EV |
5.0EV |
6.0EV |
|
Sweep Panorama Mode
The Sony A5000 allows you to take panoramic images very easily, by 'sweeping' with the camera while keeping the shutter release depressed. The camera does all the processing and stitching and even successfully compensates for moving subjects.
Standard |
Wide |
Creative Styles
There are 6 Creative Style preset effects that you can use to change the look of your images.
Standard |
Vivid |
Portrait |
Landscape |
Sunset |
B/W |
Picture Effects
Just like Olympus and Panasonic, the Sony A5000 offers an extensive range of eleven creative Picture Effects.
Off |
Toy Camera |
Pop Color |
Posterization |
Retro |
Soft High-key |
Partial Color (Green) |
High Contrast Mono |
Soft Focus |
HDR Painting |
Rich-tone Mono |
Miniature |
Watercolor |
Illustration |
Sample Images
This is a selection of sample images from the Sony A5000 camera, which were all taken using the 20.1 megapixel Fine JPEG setting. The thumbnails below link to the full-sized versions, which have not been altered in any way.
1/10s · f/3.5 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/20s · f/3.5 · ISO 200
24mm
Download Original
1/40s · f/3.5 · ISO 400
24mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/3.5 · ISO 800
24mm
Download Original
1/160s · f/3.5 · ISO 1600
24mm
Download Original
1/320s · f/3.5 · ISO 3200
24mm
Download Original
1/500s · f/3.5 · ISO 6400
24mm
Download Original
1/1250s · f/3.5 · ISO 12800
24mm
Download Original
1/1600s · f/3.5 · ISO 16000
24mm
Download Original
30/1s · f/5.6 · ISO 100
25mm
Download Original
1/400s · f/8 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/320s · f/8 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/200s · f/8 · ISO 100
75mm
Download Original
1/800s · f/6.3 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/60s · f/3.5 · ISO 500
24mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 1250
75mm
Download Original
1/125s · f/5.6 · ISO 100
75mm
Download Original
1/500s · f/5.6 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/125s · f/8 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/100s · f/8 · ISO 100
75mm
Download Original
1/60s · f/4 · ISO 160
24mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 500
75mm
Download Original
1/60s · f/11 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/60s · f/11 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/11 · ISO 160
75mm
Download Original
1/200s · f/8 · ISO 100
75mm
Download Original
1/125s · f/8 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 1250
75mm
Download Original
1/100s · f/4 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/125s · f/8 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/200s · f/11 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/250s · f/11 · ISO 100
49mm
Download Original
1/200s · f/11 · ISO 100
75mm
Download Original
1/160s · f/11 · ISO 100
75mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 125
75mm
Download Original
1/400s · f/8 · ISO 100
33mm
Download Original
1/125s · f/11 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/160s · f/11 · ISO 100
75mm
Download Original
1/250s · f/3.5 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/160s · f/5.6 · ISO 100
64mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/16 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/60s · f/16 · ISO 160
37mm
Download Original
1/60s · f/11 · ISO 125
24mm
Download Original
1/60s · f/11 · ISO 250
51mm
Download Original
1/60s · f/11 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/60s · f/11 · ISO 125
25mm
Download Original
1/100s · f/11 · ISO 100
24mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/11 · ISO 100
75mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 320
75mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 400
75mm
Download Original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 250
75mm
Download Original
Sample RAW Images
The Sony A5000 enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We've provided some Sony RAW (ARW) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).
1/10s · f/3.5 · ISO 100
24mm
Download original
1/20s · f/3.5 · ISO 200
24mm
Download original
1/40s · f/3.5 · ISO 400
24mm
Download original
1/80s · f/3.5 · ISO 800
24mm
Download original
1/160s · f/3.5 · ISO 1600
24mm
Download original
1/320s · f/3.5 · ISO 3200
24mm
Download original
1/500s · f/3.5 · ISO 6400
24mm
Download original
1/1250s · f/3.5 · ISO 12800
24mm
Download original
1/1600s · f/3.5 · ISO 16000
24mm
Download original
30/1s · f/5.6 · ISO 100
25mm
Download original
1/400s · f/8 · ISO 100
24mm
Download original
1/320s · f/8 · ISO 100
24mm
Download original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 1250
75mm
Download original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 500
75mm
Download original
1/60s · f/11 · ISO 100
24mm
Download original
1/80s · f/11 · ISO 160
75mm
Download original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 1250
75mm
Download original
1/100s · f/4 · ISO 100
24mm
Download original
1/250s · f/11 · ISO 100
49mm
Download original
1/60s · f/16 · ISO 160
37mm
Download original
1/60s · f/11 · ISO 125
24mm
Download original
1/60s · f/11 · ISO 250
51mm
Download original
1/60s · f/11 · ISO 125
25mm
Download original
1/100s · f/11 · ISO 100
24mm
Download original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 320
75mm
Download original
1/80s · f/5.6 · ISO 400
75mm
Download original
Sample Movie & Video
This is a sample movie at the highest quality setting of 1920x1080 pixels at 25 frames per second. Please note that this 21 second movie is 56.2Mb in size.
Product Images
Front of the Sony A5000 |
Front of the Sony A5000 |
Front of the Sony A5000 / Pop-Up Flash |
Side of the Sony A5000 |
Side of the Sony A5000 |
Side of the Sony A5000 |
Side of the Sony A5000 |
Rear of the Sony A5000 |
Rear of the Sony A5000 / Image Displayed |
|
Rear of the Sony A5000 / Turned On |
Rear of the Sony A5000 / Main Menu |
Rear of the Sony A5000 / Main Menu |
Rear of the Sony A5000 / Help Menu |
Rear of the Sony A5000 / Tilting LCD Screen |
Rear of the Sony A5000 / Tilting LCD Screen |
Top of the Sony A5000 |
Bottom of the Sony A5000 |
Side of the Sony A5000 |
Side of the Sony A5000 |
Front of the Sony A5000 |
Front of the Sony A5000 |
Memory Card Slot |
Battery Compartment |
Conclusion
The new Sony A5000 is a rather modest refresh of last year's NEX-3N cameras, ditching the NEX branding, upgrading the image sensor and processor, and adding wi-fi and NFC connectivity, a better handgrip and the more intuitive Alpha menu system. Despite a slight price increase, the A5000 remains an excellent first "serious" camera for smartphone/compact camera upgraders.
Looking and feeling very much like a compact camera, thanks to the combination of the finger-tip zoom lever and the 16-50mm power-zoom kit lens, the small and lightweight Sony A5000 is a great introduction to interchangeable lens cameras. Despite its diminutive size, the new A5000 still manages to retain its predecessor's built-in flash and 180-degree tilting LCD screen, although we're disappointed that the spec of the LCD hasn't been improved from 460K-dots. The new handgrip is a little easy to hold than on the NEX-3N, but not so much that you'd really notice. The built-in wi-fi and NFC connectivity, borrowed from the more expensive NEX-5T camera, make it straight-forward to share your photos and remotely control the A5000 itself, although there still aren't too many NFC-enabled devices around at the moment.
Image quality is excellent, with results from the 20 megapixel APS-C sensor proving the equal of last year's 16-megapixel imager. Noise doesn't really rear its ugly head until ISO 3200 for JPEGs, although the A5000 does apply pretty aggressive noise reduction to keep the files clean, resulting in some loss of finer detail. The myriad of creative effect on offer such as HDR, Dynamic Range Optimisation, creative styles, the innovative sweep panorama mode and the range of in-camera Picture Effects help to get the most out of the A5000, especially if you like to experiment away from a computer.
With an official price-tag of £420 / $500 with the 16-50mm kit lens, the Sony A5000 is a little more expensive than the previous NEX-3N model, but it still significantly undercuts the company's own high-end compact, the RX100 MK II, and is more than competitive with rival models. Highly Recommended!
Ratings (out of 5) | |
---|---|
Design | 4.5 |
Features | 4.5 |
Ease-of-use | 4.5 |
Image quality | 4.5 |
Value for money | 4.5 |
Main Rivals
Listed below are some of the rivals of the Sony A5000.
Canon EOS M
The Canon EOS M is a new compact system camera that boasts 18 megapixels, full 1080p high-definition videos with continuous auto-focusing, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the EOS M include a 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, and a flash hotshoe. Is Canon's new mirrorless model a real contender? Read our Canon EOS M review to find out...
Fujifilm X-A1
The Fujifilm X-A1 is a new entry-level compact system camera. The retro-styled X-A1 offers a 16 megapixel APS-C sensor, built-in flash and hotshoe, wi-fi connectivity, 5.6fps burst shooting, tilting LCD screen and Full HD video recording. Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-A1 review now...
Nikon 1 J3
The Nikon 1 J3 is the new mid-range model in Nikon's compact system camera line-up. The J3 offers more megapixels, a smaller and lighter body, and a more simplified control layout than its predecessor, the 4-month-old J2. Read our in-depth Nikon 1 J3 review now...
Olympus E-PM2
The brand new Olympus E-PM2 is one of the smallest compact system cameras on the market. Also known as the PEN Mini, the svelte EPM2 has exactly the same image sensor and processing engine as the flagship OM-D E-M5. It also boasts the World's fastest autofocus system, a 3 inch LCD touchscreen display, full 1080p HD movies, and an extensive range of creative filters. Read our Olympus E-PM2 review to find out if it's the perfect upgrade from a compact camera.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1
At first glance the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 looks like an up-market compact camera, but it's actually a tiny interchangeable lens model. Small enough to fit into a coat pocket yet still offering a large Micro Four Thirds image sensor, the diminutive Panasonic Lumix GM1 is taking aim at not just the obvious CSC competition, but also the growing premium compact market too. Read our full Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 review, complete with full-size JPEG and RAW sample images...
Pentax Q7
The new Pentax Q7 is the smallest compact system camera on the market. Offering a new 1/1.7"-type back-illuminated CMOS sensor, improved low-light auto focus and an upgraded Shake Reduction mechanism, can the Q7 compete with its bigger rivals? Read our Pentax Q7 review to find out...
Samsung NX2000
The Samsung NX2000 is a new entry-level compact system camera with a lot of bells and whistles. Featuring a 20 megapixel APS-C sensor, full 1080p video, ISO 100-25,600, a 3.7-inch touchscreen, 8.6fps continuous shooting and Wi-fi / NFC connectivity, is this the best budget mirrorless camera? Read our Samsung NX2000 review to find out...
Review Roundup
Reviews of the Sony A5000 from around the web.
trustedreviews.com »
Sony continues to consolidate its cameras under the Alpha branding with the launch of the new lightweight Sony A5000. Given an entry-level price, it is ostensibly a replacement for the NEX-3N, but it is effectively a rebrand and refresh, adding Wi-Fi functionality and an improved image processor. As it size and shape suggests, the A5000 is among Sony's most compact and portable system cameras, making it a potential option if you're looking to upgrade from a compact or even a smartphone.
Read the full review »
whatdigitalcamera.com »
The Sony A5000 replaces the NEX-3N in Sony's growing Alpha range of CSCs. The 20MP APS-C CSC features all of Sony's characteristic bells and whistles, and looks to compete with the entry-level DSLR market.
Read the full review »
ephotozine.com »
The Sony Alpha A5000 is this years update to the Sony NEX-3N, and is one of the smallest APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras with a built in flash. The updated A5000 adds built in Wi-Fi and NFC, as well as a new 20.1 megapixel sensor, instead of the 16.1 megapixel sensor on the 3N.
Read the full review »
Specifications
-
Software
- Operating System Compatibility : Operating System Compatibility: Windows® XP SP3 (64-bit and Starter Editions are not supported, Windows Image Mastering API(IMAPI) Ver.2.0 or later is required to use the function for creating discs.) Windows Vista® SP2 (Starter Edition is not supported) Windows® 7 SP1; Windows® 8; Mac OS X (10.6-10.8)
- Supplied Software : Supplied Software: PlayMemories Home, Image Data Converter Version 4
-
Camera
- Lens Mount : Sony E-mount
- Camera Type : Interchangeable Lens camera
- Lens Compatibility : Sony E-mount, operation with Minolta/Konica Minolta Maxxum A-mount lenses confirmed via optional LA-EA adaptor9
-
- Color : Black
-
Drive System
- Continuous Shooting Speed : Continuous mode: 2.5 fps, Speed Priority Continuous mode: 3.5 fps
- Shutter Speeds : 1/4000 to 30 seconds, bulb
- Self-timer : 2-sec. or 10-sec. delay
- Shutter Type : Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter
- Drive Mode : Single-shot, Continuous, Speed Priority Continuous, Self-timer (10/2 sec. delay), Self-timer (Cont.) (with 10 sec. delay; 3/5 exposures), Bracketing
-
Exposure System
- D-Range Optimizer : Yes: (Auto, Level, Off)
- Auto Exposure Lock : Yes: with shutter button (can be disabled from menu), custom button set available
- Exposure Compensation : Still images: +/-3.0 EV(1/3EV steps selectable) Movies: +/-2.0 EV(1/3EV steps selectable)
- Picture Effect(s) : 13 modes: Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R, G, B, Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolor, Illustration
- Exposure Settings : iAUTO, Superior Auto, Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M), Sweep Panorama, Scene Selection, Movie
- Scene Mode(s) : Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur
- Metering Modes : Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
- Metering Sensitivity : EV 0 to 20 EV (at ISO100 equivalent, with F2.8 lens attached)
- Metering : Advanced 1200-zone evaluative metering
- ISO : Stills: ISO 100-16000 selectable in 1 EV steps, Auto (100-3200) Movies: ISO 100-3200 selectable in 1 EV steps, Auto (200-3200)
- Creative Style : Standard, Vivid, Portrait , Landscape, Sunset, Black & White (Contrast (-3 to +3steps), Saturation(-3 to +3steps), Sharpness(-3 to +3steps)
- Color Temperature : 2500 to 9900K & Color Filter (G7 to M7: 15-steps, A7 to B7: 15-steps), Custom, Underwater
- White Balance Mode : Auto WB / Daylight / Shade / Cloudy / Incandescent / Fluorescent (Warm White / Cool White / Day White / Daylight) / Flash / Color Temperature (2500 to 9900K) & Color Filter (G7 to M7: 15-steps, A7 to B7: 15-steps) / Custom / Underwater
- Exposure Bracketing : 3 continuous or single shots in 1/3 or 2/3 EV steps
-
Flash
- Flash Bracketing : ±2.0 EV
- Flash Metering System : Pre-flash TTL
- Flash Compensation : ±2.0 EV (switchable between 1/3 EV steps)
- Flash Modes : Flash off, Auto flash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync, Red-eye reduction (On/Off)
- Guide Number : 4 (in meters at ISO 100)
- Flash Coverage : 16 mm (focal length printed on lens body)
- Flash Type : Built-in, Pop-up Auto
-
Focus Control
- Focus Features : Predictive control (AF-A, AF-C), Focus Lock,
- AF Illuminator : Built-in LED, Range: approx. 3' 4” - 9' 9” (0.3m-3.0m)
- Focus Sensitivity : EV 0 to 20 EV (at ISO100 equivalent, with F2.8 lens attached)
- Focus Area : Wide (Multi Point/ 25 points), Zone, Center-weighted, Flexible Spot (Small, Medium, Large)
- Focus Points : 25 points
- AF Modes : Single-shot AF (AF-S), Continuous AF (AF-C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus
- Focus System : Contrast-detect AF
-
Imaging Sensor
- Pixel Gross : 20.4M pixels (approx.)
- Focal Length Conversion Factor : 1.5x
- Color Filter System : RGB primary color filters
- Effective Picture Resolution : 20.1M pixels (approx.)
- Anti Dust : Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and electromagnetic vibration mechanism
- Imaging Sensor : Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)
- Processor : BIONZ X image processor
-
Interface
- NFC : Yes (NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compatible, One-touch remote, One-touch sharing)
- DC IN : Yes via optional AC-PW20AM (sold separately)
- Memory Card Slot : Dual compatibility slot: Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™/PRO-HG HX Duo™ media - SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card
- HD Output : HDMI® micro connector (Type-D), BRAVIA Sync (link menu), PhotoTV HD, 4K still image playback
- Wi-Fi : Yes(Wi-Fi Compatible, IEEE 802.11b/g/n(2.4GHz band) )
- A/V Remote Terminal : Yes, via optional RM-VPR1 wired Multi-terminal remote
- PictBridge Compatible : Yes
- Tripod Mount : Yes (1/4" diameter, 20 threads per inch)
- Remote Commander : Yes, via optional RM-VPR1
- PhotoTV HD : Yes, with BRAVIA® Sync enabled HDTV and HDMI® cable
- USB Port(s) : USB 2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, MTP)
- BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes, via HDMI®
-
Interface
-
- Wired : Yes, via optional RM-VPR1
-
-
LCD Display
- Peaking : Yes (Level setting: High/Mid/Low/Off, Color: White/Red/Yellow)
- Real-time image adjustment display : Yes (On/Off)
- LCD Type : 3.0” TFT LCD (460,800 dots)
- Coverage : 100%
- Angle Adjustment : Tilt angle: Up: 180 degrees
- Histogram : Yes (On/off)
- Live View : Continuous Live View
- Brightness Control : Auto, Manual (5 steps between -2 to +2)
- Grid Display : Yes (Rule of Thirds, Square 4x6, Diagonal & Square 4x4, Off)
- Customization : Grid, Histogram display, Digital Level Gauge, Grid Line, Magnified display for playback
- Zebra : Yes (levels 70, ,75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 10, 100+, off)
-
Power
- Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® NP-FW50 (7.2V)
- Number of Still Images : Approx. 420 images with LCD monitor (CIPA standard)
- Battery Capacity : 1080 mAh
- Supplied Battery Charger : AC-UB10 AC charger (in-camera charging via USB)
-
Recording
- Panorama Still Image Size : Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M) Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M)
- Video Format : AVCHD / MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264))
- Video Mode : AVCHD: FX - 1920 x 1080/60i@24Mbps FH - 1920 x 1080/60i@17Mbps FX - 1920 x 1080/24p@24Mbps FH - 1920 x 1080/24p@17Mbps MP4: HD - 1440 x 1080/ 30p@12Mbps VGA - 640 x 480/ 30p@3Mbps
- Color Space : Still: sRG, AdobeRGB Movie: xvYCC standard (x.v.Color™ when connected via HDMI cable) compatible with TRILUMINOS™ color
- Still Image Size 16:9 : L (17 MP) 5456 x 3064, M (8.4 MP) 3872 x 2176, S (4.2 MP) 2736 x 1536
- Still Image Size 3:2 : L (20 MP) 5456 x 3632, M (10 MP) 3872 x 2576, S (5 MP) 2736 x 1824
- Still Image Mode : JPEG (Standard, Fine, RAW, RAW+JPEG)
- Media Type : Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™ media; SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card
- Still Image Max Effective Resolution : 20.1M pixels (approx.)
- Microphone/Speaker : Built-in Stereo Microphone
- Still Image File Format : JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver. 2.3, MPF baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format)
-
Service and Warranty Information
- Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts & Labor
-
Weights and Measurements
- Weight(Approx) (Main unit only) : Approx. 7.4 oz. (210 g)
- Dimensions (Approx.) : Approx. 4 3/8 x 2 1/2 x 1 7/16 in (109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7mm)
- Weight (Approx.) : With battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo Approx. 9.5 oz (269g)
Loading comments…