Sony debuts ultra-compact α5100 interchangeable-lens camera

By Joel Shore • August 18, 2014

Sony Electronics today introduced the new α5100 camera, putting pro-quality autofocus performance and image quality into a portable, lightweight package. For $700, you get the camera and a 16-50mm motorized zoom lens.

The model ILCE-5100 features the same Fast Hybrid AF system as the α6000 model, which allows it to acquire focus in as little as 0.07 seconds.  It also shares the α6000's 24.3-MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor. This combination of hardware ensures that the camera can capture still images and full HD videos in sharp focus. Unique to the α5100 is its compact design, placing it among the smallest and lightest interchangeable lens cameras available today.

Fast Hybrid AF system

Borrowing from the α6000, the Fast Hybrid AF system on the α5100 camera features focal plane phase-detection AF points with a wide autofocus coverage area (179 focal points) teamed with high-precision contrast-detection AF. This combination allows the camera to track and respond to a subject moving through nearly the entire frame, whether shooting still images or full HD videos.

Additionally, the α5100 camera features a touch screen that works with the AF system to enable Touch Focus, allowing shooters to focus by simply touching the intended subject on any area of the LCD screen – even if it's at the far edges. The α5100 also comes equipped with Eye AF and Lock-on AF functions that debuted in the α7/ α7R, a Flexible Spot AF area function, and AF-A mode (automatic switching between AF-C and AF-S) that is also offered in the α6000.

HD Video Performance

The α5100 supports full HD video shooting  in AVCHD as well as the  XAVC S2 codec, which records video at a high data rate of 50 Mbps with advanced compression. XAVC S paired with the advanced focusing system of the α5100 makes for a compelling HD video shooting solution that only a select number of cameras in market today – mirrorless or DSLR – can offer. With the power of the BIONZ X processor, the camera can read, process, and output data from all of the sensor's pixels during video recording, ensuring that it produces high-quality video by eliminating aliasing, moire and false color artifacts. 

The camera also features dual video recording, allowing it to simultaneously record two files – one in Full HD (AVCHD or XAVC S) and the other in lower resolution MP4 format – to a single installed SD card2. This gives videographers a high-quality file for viewing on large screens or working on in post-processing, as well as a smaller, lower data-rate version that is ideal for uploading and sharing.

Design, Controls, Wi-Fi and New Accessories

The camera features a high resolution 921k dot WhiteMagic LCD screen that can tilt a full 180 degrees upright, ideal for self-portraits. On top of the camera body is a zoom lever for convenient one-handed camera operation and a handy pop-up flash for tough lighting conditions. The α5100 has built-in Wi-Fi, giving consumers one-touch connection with Xperia or NFC-compatible Android smartphones or tablets for instant image transfer and sharing. A single touch also activates Smart Remote Control, giving users a live image preview through their compatible smartphone or tablet, and allowing them to use the smart device to release the camera's shutter. For devices without NFC one-touch capabilities, users can wirelessly transfer images and videos and activate Smart Remote Control through Sony's free PlayMemories Mobile application, available for the iOS and Android platforms.


The camera is also compatible with downloadable Sony PlayMemories Camera Apps, adding a range of exciting and creative capabilities.  Currently there are a total of 10 different applications available with several others to be released this spring.  Learn more at www.sony.net/pmca. New accessories compatible with the α5100 camera include the style-matching LCS-EBD body case – available in three color variations – as well as the compact, easy-to-carry RM-SPR1 remote.

Pricing and Availability
The Sony α5100 compact interchangeable lens camera will be available in September 2014 in black and white in a kit with a compact, versatile 16-50mm motorized zoom lens (model SELP1650) for about $700, or as body-only for about $550. It, along with compatible lenses and accessories will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony α Lenses Assortment

The α5100 camera is compatible with Sony's ever-growing assortment of E-mount interchangeable lenses, and uses the same Sony E-mount as the acclaimed α6000, α7, α7R and α7S models, as well as all the previous α 'NEX' cameras.  All Sony 'FE' and 'E' lenses are compatible with all E-mount cameras. Outlined below, the E-mount family now includes 20 different models with several premium models from ZEISS and Sony's G Series Lenses:

E 16mm F2.8
E 20mm F2.8
E 35mm F1.8 OSS
E 50mm F1.8 OSS
E 30mm F3.5 Macro
E 24mm F1.8 ZEISS
E 10-18mm F4 OSS
E PZ 16-50mm F3.5 – F5.6 OSS
E 18-55mm F3.5 – F5.6 OSS
E 18-200mm F3.5 – F6.3 OSS
E 18-200mm F3.5 – F6.3 OSS LE
E PZ 18-200mm F3.5 – F5.6 OSS
E 55-210mm F4.5 – F6.3 OSS
E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS
E 16-70mm F4 ZEISS OSS
FE 28-70mm F3.5 – 5.6 OSS
FE 35mm F2.8 ZEISS
FE 55mm F1.8 ZEISS
FE 24-70mm F4 ZEISS OSS
FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS