Sony Alpha 5000 at a glance:
- 20.1-million-pixel, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor
- Bionz X processor
- ISO 100-16,000
- 25-point AF system
- NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Easy self-portraits via 180° tilting LCD screen
- Full HD 1080/60i/24p video recording
- Sony E-mount lens compatible
- Street price around £419 with 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens
- See product shots of the Sony Alpha 5000
- See sample images taken with the Sony Alpha 5000
Sony Alpha 5000 review – Introduction
As Sony looks to consolidate its cameras under the Alpha branding, the Sony Alpha 5000 arrives to replace the NEX-3N, adding Wi-Fi functionality, an improved image processor, and benefiting from its lightweight construction and portable size. With the inclusion of the new Bionz X processor, also featured in the high-end Sony Alpha 7/7R and Cyber-shot DSC-RX10, the Sony Alpha 5000 is vying for the attention of enthusiasts looking to upgrade from a digital compact to an entry-level DSLR or compact system camera.
Sony Alpha 5000 review – Features
The Sony Alpha 5000 has the same 20.1-million-pixel, APS-C-sized (23.2×15.4mm) sensor we saw in last year’s DSLR-styled Alpha 3000, although the Alpha 5000 also has Near Field Communication (NFC) and Wi-Fi connectivity so users can connect and control the camera using the Sony PlayMemories app via a smartphone or tablet.
The Sony Alpha 5000’s compatibility with Sony’s E-mount lenses will appeal to enthusiasts with existing optics they would like to use on a highly portable camera, as well as to entry-level photographers or those new to Sony who want to invest in a system. The Alpha 5000 has the same 3in, 460,800-dot LCD screen as featured on the NEX-3N, and as such it can be flipped 180° to face forwards. Weighing only 269g, including battery and memory card, the Alpha 5000 is a good everyday camera, that fits into a jacket pocket even with the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens mounted.
As expected, raw+JPEG image capture is included, while full HD video recording can be activated using the dedicated record button that is situated on the rear of the camera below the shutter. The Bionz X processor brings with it detail-reproduction software, diffraction-reduction technology, area-specific noise reduction and 3x faster image processing than the previous Bionz processor in the NEX-5.
Sony has also included a number of modes, tips and apps, such as free download Photo Retouch and the paid-for time-lapse application, to help inexperienced photographers and enthusiasts alike get the most out of the camera.
