Sony a5100 Mirrorless Camera Body, Black {24.3MP}

Sony a5100: 24MP APS-C sensor, class-leading AF in a pocketable body.

The a5100 packs a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor into a body measuring 110 x 63 x 36mm and weighing 283g. That's the same core imaging hardware found in the a6000, which means the phase-detection AF system with 179 on-sensor points is no watered-down compromise. Reviewers at the time called it class-leading for speed and accuracy, and it holds up across both stills and 1080p video.

At 6fps continuous shooting and ISO sensitivity up to 25600, the a5100 handles more than casual snapshots. The 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 921,600 dots flips to face forward for self-recording, and touch-to-focus works in video mode too. Full HD at 1080/60p is available in XAVC S alongside AVCHD and MP4, with a built-in stereo mic. Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC rounds out a spec sheet that punches well above the camera's physical footprint.

The interface is deliberately simplified, which is a design choice than a limitation. Photographers who want to shoot aperture priority, shutter priority, or full manual can do so. Those who want to point, touch, and get a sharp frame also get what they need. The Sony E mount gives access to a well-established lens ecosystem. For anyone who wants APS-C image quality in a body that genuinely fits in a jacket pocket, the a5100 remains a grounded, proven option.

Who It's For

Travel photographers who count every gram will appreciate 283g of APS-C capability with Wi-Fi transfer built in. Parents photographing kids at birthday parties or on the sidelines get 179-point phase-detection AF that tracks faces and maintains subject lock through a 6fps burst. Vloggers and content creators working without a crew benefit from the forward-tilting touchscreen and 1080/60p XAVC S recording with a stereo mic. Photographers stepping up from a smartphone who want to learn manual controls without buying a physically demanding camera get full PASM exposure modes and RAW output in a body that doesn't require a dedicated bag.

Key Features

• 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Bionz X processor
• 179-point phase-detection AF system across on-sensor points
• 6fps continuous shooting with subject tracking
• 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, 921,600 dots
• 1080p/60fps video in XAVC S, AVCHD, or MP4
• Sony E mount with access to full native and third-party lens ecosystem
• Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for smartphone control and image transfer
• RAW and JPEG capture with customizable JPEG quality and aspect ratios

FAQ

How does the a5100's autofocus compare to the a6000?

They use the same 179-point phase-detection AF system, so focusing speed and accuracy are identical. The difference is that the a5100 strips away manual controls and emphasizes touch-to-focus, while the a6000 caters to shooters who want aperture priority, shutter priority, or full manual mode.

Can I use the a5100 for video with continuous autofocus?

Yes. The phase-detection AF works in 1080p video at up to 60fps, and touch-to-focus is available during recording. You can shoot in XAVC S, AVCHD, or MP4 at various frame rates and resolutions.

Is there a viewfinder on the a5100?

No. The a5100 relies entirely on the 3-inch tilting LCD with 921,600 dots. There's no optional electronic viewfinder mount either, unlike the NEX-5T it replaced.

What lenses work with the a5100?

Any lens with a Sony E mount. That includes Sony's native E-mount lineup and third-party options from Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and others. The 1.5x crop factor applies to any full-frame equivalent focal lengths you calculate.

How much battery life should I expect?

Sony rates the NP-FW50 battery at 400 shots per charge (CIPA standard). Real-world mileage depends on how much you use the LCD, continuous AF, and Wi-Fi.

Can I shoot RAW on the a5100?

Yes. The camera captures RAW files alongside JPEG, and you can also shoot JPEG-only if you prefer. RAW support includes three JPEG quality levels: Extra Fine, Fine, and Normal.

Does the a5100 have image stabilization?

No in-body stabilization. You'll need optically stabilized lenses if camera shake is a concern, particularly in video or low light.