I'll be comparing the a5100 to the NEX-3N, which I still have and love (see my review from last year). I skipped the a5000 because it was too close to the 3N in feature set, so I was really hoping for vast improvements with the a5100. If you read the highlights and tech specs, sure, it sounds like it would blow the 3N away in about every category. Upon closer inspection and use, it really is more of an iterative evolution of the 3N and 5 series core. Great points: - you can now set min/max ISO, unlike the 3N - zebra pattern for making exposure decisions - wifi remote control, but feature set and ability to set focus very limited in the PlayMemories app - fit, finish, and design are more modern (chamfered edges, matte textured plastics) - PDAF of 179 points Terrible ... MoreI'll be comparing the a5100 to the NEX-3N, which I still have and love (see my review from last year). I skipped the a5000 because it was too close to the 3N in feature set, so I was really hoping for vast improvements with the a5100. If you read the highlights and tech specs, sure, it sounds like it would blow the 3N away in about every category. Upon closer inspection and use, it really is more of an iterative evolution of the 3N and 5 series core. Great points: - you can now set min/max ISO, unlike the 3N - zebra pattern for making exposure decisions - wifi remote control, but feature set and ability to set focus very limited in the PlayMemories app - fit, finish, and design are more modern (chamfered edges, matte textured plastics) - PDAF of 179 points Terrible miscues: - touch screen lcd seems to be limited to only 'touch focus' or 'touch shutter'; you can't navigate menus or options with touch!?! - shutter sound still goes 'ker-chunk'; I've learned to live with this on the 3N, but I was truly hoping for a completely silent mode Other things to note: - the menus are improved and more organized, but again, I wanted to touch and select menu options, not dial it in with the controller! - battery life is 400 CIPA which is decent, not as good as the 480 CIPA of the 3N, but still decent - the 921K resolution of the screen is better, of course, but to me, it seemed just marginally better than the 460K res of the 3N - the IQ is great as usual, but between the 24MP of the a5100 and the 16MP of the 3N, it really didn't matter to me.. more ability to crop, sure, but they're both APS-C sized sensors and the quality of both is essentially equally good - the 179 point PDAF was indeed very fast and you can see these tiny little green square boxes dance on the LCD like fireflies when PDAF is at work, but you only take advantage of this in the AF-A and AF-C modes (AF-A seems to start with CDAF, then switches to PDAF upon movement, while AF-C uses PDAF exclusively and continuously)... now, since I've become accustomed to DMF mode on the 3N and hardly use AF-C, I realized that these 179 points were not as important to me as I initially thought.. in fact, AF-S/DMF/M modes all focus with about the same speed as the 3N because these modes use CDAF - one aside is that I also own a Canon SL1, and the touch screen on that camera is very responsive and works like you would expect.. navigate menus, change options, select focus, etc. ... I guess I have a high standard for how a touch screen on a camera should function In sum, if the 3N ever disappears from the channels and my personal copy breaks down, I would definitely go for the a5100, because it embodies the heart and soul of the 3N: extreme portability with APS-C IQ, 180 degree tilt LCD for selfies, awesome travel companion. For now though, I'm still happy with the NEX-3N.

This camera is awful to say the least. And the customer service at Sony is the absolute worst I’ve ever experienced. I had my camera for about five and a half months and it was very, very well taken care of if it wasn’t being used it was in its protective case. It had never been in, near or anywhere remotely close to water or any type of moisture. And one day i was sitting in the living room and i pulled out my camera attached the lens turn the flash on and went to take a photo of my daughter. And it made the loudest scariest pop sound and then it started smoking and the flash had caught on fire. After being on the phone with Sony customer service they sgeeed that there was a problem and emailed me a label and had me send in my camera. The guy said it would be fixed ... MoreThis camera is awful to say the least. And the customer service at Sony is the absolute worst I’ve ever experienced. I had my camera for about five and a half months and it was very, very well taken care of if it wasn’t being used it was in its protective case. It had never been in, near or anywhere remotely close to water or any type of moisture. And one day i was sitting in the living room and i pulled out my camera attached the lens turn the flash on and went to take a photo of my daughter. And it made the loudest scariest pop sound and then it started smoking and the flash had caught on fire. After being on the phone with Sony customer service they sgeeed that there was a problem and emailed me a label and had me send in my camera. The guy said it would be fixed for free since it was still under warranty. Well two and a half months later i get an email and they want me to pay $347 to have the camera fixed. I was baffled and ended up going back and forth with the camera repair Dept for FOUR MONTHS and then they finally agreed to fix it for free since it was still under warranty. I emailed them regularly because i wanted my camera back seeing as how they already had it for over SIX MONTHs and finally after NINE FREAKING MONTHS i got my camera back and it worked for about a month-ish before i finally just gave up on it. The photos were never clear or crisp. The flash only worked half the time. It was just a huge nightmare. I will NEVER EVER buy or own another Sony product. Their customer service sucks. Their products aren’t as great as they claim

As a beginner, I’ve never had a difficulty understanding the features and they are pretty easy to use. It’s pretty lightweight as compared to the other DSLR so I can easily carry it in the camera bag. I have one issue though with the battery life it runs out pretty quickly. Very good image quality for its class; New dual video record function; Quick autofocus and good dynamic range. Another big plus is the compactness and lightness of the camera, making it an ideal choice for travel or everyday use.

Sony has always been the trend setter for mirrorless cameras. I have owned several cameras ranges from basic to professional. I like that this one is in a good affordable price for starters. It can be good for amateurs who are starting to have interest in photography. The lens comes with the camera is pretty versatile for scenic photos. The battery lasts pretty good. The camera is very compact so it is very convenient to have this with you while you are traveling. I enjoy using this camera with other Sony cameras that I own.

After all the YouTube reviews and horror reports about overheating, I was already prepared for a bitter imagination and subsequent flashback. But what should I say? The camera remains. You just need to be clear about what to buy. I wanted to have a more video-centric camera in addition to my A7IV (4k 60 without cropping, 4K 120 option and better stabilized). ZV-E1 noble replacement is coming. If you don't shoot the long cream in 4k/60/120 file, you have nothing to complain about. I shoot in short stages of up to 5 minutes. ZV-E1 has a safety net and is very easy to use. The picture is top notch, low light is excellent and there is extremely little shuttering. Ergonomics are okay. It helps if you set it up appropriately, but it could be better. Of course, the FX3 is ... MoreAfter all the YouTube reviews and horror reports about overheating, I was already prepared for a bitter imagination and subsequent flashback. But what should I say? The camera remains. You just need to be clear about what to buy. I wanted to have a more video-centric camera in addition to my A7IV (4k 60 without cropping, 4K 120 option and better stabilized). ZV-E1 noble replacement is coming. If you don't shoot the long cream in 4k/60/120 file, you have nothing to complain about. I shoot in short stages of up to 5 minutes. ZV-E1 has a safety net and is very easy to use. The picture is top notch, low light is excellent and there is extremely little shuttering. Ergonomics are okay. It helps if you set it up appropriately, but it could be better. Of course, the FX3 is easier to use than the A7SIII, but it is also much more durable in cost. The target audience is not Hollywood cameramen. I also ordered the Smallrig Cage with enlarged handle. This means it is much more powerful than that achieved with heavy lenses (e.g. 24-70 Gm II). How can future video projects be realized? Note: Photos worked great too. Of course only with 12 mp and electric shutter.

The Sony Alpha a5100 with a 16-50mm lens is a great mirrorless camera for those looking for quality in a compact body. The camera delivers high-quality images thanks to a 24.3-megapixel sensor, and the ability to shoot Full HD video will please video enthusiasts. Autofocus is fast and accurate, allowing you to get clear shots even when the subject is moving. The 16-50mm lens is versatile and great for shooting both landscapes and portraits. Another big plus is the compactness and lightness of the camera, making it an ideal choice for travel or everyday use. The battery works great

The Sony Alpha a5100 with the 16-50mm lens has truly impressed me! Its compact size makes it super portable, yet it doesn’t compromise on image quality. The photos are sharp and vibrant, even in low-light settings. The autofocus is fast and accurate, which is great for capturing moments on the go. I also love the flip-up touchscreen for easy selfies and vlogging. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quality camera without the bulk. Highly recommend for both photography and video needs!

The Sony a5100 Mirrorless Camera with the 16-50mm lens is a fantastic find! The image quality is superb, capturing vibrant colors and details. It’s lightweight and super portable, perfect for taking on trips. The battery life is solid, but it’s always a good idea to have a spare if you’re out all day. It feels durable, handling everyday bumps well. Plus, with features like fast autofocus and a flip-up screen, it’s great for selfies and quick shots. Overall, it’s a solid choice for both newbies and photo buffs!

If you're a streamer on Twitch or Youtube or want to make Youtube videos, this is a great mirrorless camera at it's price point. It does 1080p 60fps extremely well. Lots of in camera functions and features to get the shot correctly. A very familiar and easy to use GUI even for me as I have been a Canon exclusive woman. Has nearly all the same benefits of a dSLR (Interchangeable lenses, etc) With a dummy battery, this thing works great as webcam/stream cam and has a 100% clean HDMI output, so you don't have to worry about onscreen info ruining the shot. You just need to go into settings and set the HDMI output correctly. Doesn't over heat. I have not tested it outside in direct sunlight, nor have I tested in doors in direct sunlight. I HAVE used it for 12+ hours ... MoreIf you're a streamer on Twitch or Youtube or want to make Youtube videos, this is a great mirrorless camera at it's price point. It does 1080p 60fps extremely well. Lots of in camera functions and features to get the shot correctly. A very familiar and easy to use GUI even for me as I have been a Canon exclusive woman. Has nearly all the same benefits of a dSLR (Interchangeable lenses, etc) With a dummy battery, this thing works great as webcam/stream cam and has a 100% clean HDMI output, so you don't have to worry about onscreen info ruining the shot. You just need to go into settings and set the HDMI output correctly. Doesn't over heat. I have not tested it outside in direct sunlight, nor have I tested in doors in direct sunlight. I HAVE used it for 12+ hours straight in my home office and haven't had an issue. Typical HVAC settings and in a room with only blinds on the windows (no blackout curtains) and it doesn't overheat. I use an external microphone (AT2035) so I can't comment on the on-board mic. But, picture quality is great. Update: This camera is great. I love photography and I didn't totally know what to expect from a non DSLR but it takes great photos and is so versatile!!! I have a canon and I find myself grabbing this little guy a lot of the time instead. The sensor is better and if you're not wanting a ton of control or in a sitatuion where you don't want to be constantly adjusting in a manual mode, this camera is perfect. It has a great auto mode and it automatically edits pictures to make them look better - I've yet to seen it edit in such a way that I don't like either, it just makes every picture look more real. Great camera for selfies because of the screen that flips up and you can produce great images and zoom fairly far, all in a compact bundle. The camera is front heavy from the lens but I'm still able to fit it in my small purse so it's great for Traveling, not to mention that you can transfer the photos straight from the camera to any device you have which only compounds in the 'good for traveling and selfies' status this camera has. Definitely not as small as other point and shoots that don't have a detachable lens but the trade off is well worth it and it's still way smaller than a DSLR. Great purchase, highly recommend!!

I bought a camera to replace my Samsung NX. There were models 1000, 2000 and 3000, which coped with all my tasks, but did not suit me only by the fact that one camera did not have both a rotating screen and a connector for remote control. This was in the other models, the NX1 and NX500, but they were already too expensive for me. There was also the NX20, but it wasn't as compact. In the end, for the price and the features I needed, the choice fell on the Sony A5100. The first thing that was the hardest was learning the menus and settings, which after NX were a bit awkward. But when with time I got used to everything and got used to it, everything fell into place and the camera began to please with its capabilities. There was only one small inconvenient detail. It ... MoreI bought a camera to replace my Samsung NX. There were models 1000, 2000 and 3000, which coped with all my tasks, but did not suit me only by the fact that one camera did not have both a rotating screen and a connector for remote control. This was in the other models, the NX1 and NX500, but they were already too expensive for me. There was also the NX20, but it wasn't as compact. In the end, for the price and the features I needed, the choice fell on the Sony A5100. The first thing that was the hardest was learning the menus and settings, which after NX were a bit awkward. But when with time I got used to everything and got used to it, everything fell into place and the camera began to please with its capabilities. There was only one small inconvenient detail. It was very inconvenient to use the choice of focus area, constantly for this purpose climbing into the menu. Later I solved this problem by connecting the touch screen. Usually I don't use it, I'm more comfortable with buttons. Video practically did not shoot, so I can not give an assessment. If only someday I will add a comment after a more serious approach to video creation. The quality of photos with the kit lens was generally satisfactory, as I shoot only in RAW. After a little processing in Lightroom I got decent (in my amateur opinion) photos. The camera coped with macro, sun and flying birds. Photos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Periodically used the lens Jupiter 37A. Photo 7, 8. And when I bought a new Sony 28-70 lens, I discovered a whole new level. True, so far only with cats. With this lens I stopped editing photos. White balance and color reproduction (in my opinion) became perfect. Photos 9, 10, 11, 12. Now I can't get enough of the camera, and I confidently recommend it to all amateurs.