Sony a5100 Mirrorless Camera
The Sony a5100 is a 24.3MP APS-C mirrorless camera — with 1080p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Sony a5100 Mirrorless Camera
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Camera Overview — Sony a5100
Key Features — Sony a5100
24.3MP APS-C Sensor: Delivers high-resolution stills at up to 6000x4000 pixels, suitable for large prints and significant cropping flexibility.
BIONZ X Image Processor: Sony's BIONZ X engine handles fast processing and noise reduction across the full ISO 100–25600 sensitivity range.
179-Point Hybrid AF: Combines phase-detection and contrast-detection across 179 focus points for fast, accurate subject acquisition.
Eye Detection AF: Automatically locks focus on a subject's eye, making it easier to capture sharp portraits without manual intervention.
Touchscreen Tilt LCD: The 3.0-inch 921,600-dot touchscreen tilts upward for selfie shooting and downward for low-angle framing.
1080p Video: Records Full HD video with frame rate options at lower resolutions; refer to listing for confirmed per-resolution frame rate details.
Camera Specifications — Sony a5100
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Travel, Beginner-Friendly, Street |
| Type | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | APS-C |
| Resolution | 24.3MP |
| Processor | BIONZ X |
| ISO Range | 100 – 25600 |
| AF System | Hybrid (Phase + Contrast), Eye Detection AF, Face Detection AF |
| AF Points | 179 |
| Max Photo Resolution | 6000x4000 |
| Burst Rate | 6 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 1080p |
| Max Frame Rate | 60fps |
Description — Sony a5100
The Sony a5100 mirrorless camera pairs a 24.3MP APS-C sensor with a BIONZ X image processor, delivering stills at up to 6000x4000 pixels across an ISO range of 100 to 25600. Its hybrid autofocus system draws on 179 focus points using both phase-detection and contrast-detection, supplemented by Eye Detection AF, Face Detection AF, and subject tracking. Burst shooting reaches 6 frames per second.
For video, the a5100 captures 1080p footage at frame rates of 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps in 8-bit color. The 3.0-inch LCD with 921,600-dot resolution serves as the sole framing tool — there is no viewfinder. The body is built from plastic, weighs just 283g, and measures 109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7 mm, making it a genuinely pocketable option.
Connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi, Micro HDMI output, and USB. Storage options span SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick PRO Duo. The camera features a built-in flash and is powered by the NP-FW50 battery, rated at approximately 400 shots.
No weather sealing is present.
Pros — Sony a5100
- ✓24.3MP APS-C sensor with BIONZ X processing delivers high-resolution stills up to 6000x4000
- ✓Hybrid phase and contrast-detect AF system with 179 focus points, Eye Detection AF, and subject tracking
- ✓Compact and lightweight at 283g and 109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7 mm
Cons — Sony a5100
- ✗No weather sealing — bodyDesign.weatherSealing is listed as 'None'
- ✗No viewfinder — viewfinder field is null
- ✗Video is capped at 1080p with 8-bit color depth; no higher resolution recording
Reviews — Sony a5100
Videos — Sony a5100
Sony A5100 extensive and detailed hands on review (ILCE 5100) — Maarten Heilbron
Frequently Asked Questions — Sony a5100
What lens mount does the Sony a5100 use?+
The Sony a5100 uses the Sony E lens mount. This is the only mount listed in the specifications.
Does the Sony a5100 have a viewfinder?+
No. The viewfinder field in the specifications is null, meaning there is no built-in electronic or optical viewfinder. Composition is done entirely via the 3.0-inch, 921,600-dot LCD display.
What video resolutions and frame rates does the a5100 support?+
The a5100 records video at a maximum resolution of 1080p with frame rates of 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps. All video is captured in 8-bit color depth.
Is the Sony a5100 weather sealed?+
No. The bodyDesign.weatherSealing field explicitly lists 'None', so the camera offers no protection against dust or moisture ingress.
What memory card types does the Sony a5100 accept?+
The a5100 is compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.
Does the Sony a5100 have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?+
The a5100 has built-in Wi-Fi (connectivity.wifi is true) but does not include Bluetooth (connectivity.bluetooth is false).