Sections
- Page 1 Sony Alpha A5000 Review
- Page 2 Design & Performance Review
- Page 3 Image Quality and Verdict Review
Verdict
Pros
- Great value for money
- Improved Bionz-X processor
- Wi-Fi/ NFC
- Good metering and white balance
Cons
- Poor continuous AF
- Disappointing LCD
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £400.00
- 20-million-pixel APS-C sensor; 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD screen; Wi-Fi functionality; Bionz-X processor image processor; 1,200-zone Evaluative Multi-segment metering
What is the Sony Alpha A5000?
Sony continues to consolidate its cameras under the Alpha branding with the launch of the new lightweight Sony A5000. Given an entry-level price, it is ostensibly a replacement for the NEX-3N, but it is effectively a rebrand and refresh, adding Wi-Fi functionality and an improved image processor. As it size and shape suggests, the A5000 is among Sony’s most compact and portable system cameras, making it a potential option if you’re looking to upgrade from a compact or even a smartphone.
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Sony Alpha A5000: Features
The Sony A5000’s ‘improved processor’ mentioned above is the Bionz-X, which also appears in the high-end Sony Alpha A7 and RX10.
It adds detail reproduction software, diffraction reduction technology, area-specific noise reduction and has an image-processing speed three times as fast as that in the NEX-5.
The intelligent 1,200-zone Evaluative Multi-segment metering system has found its way into the A5000 from Sony’s most advanced SLT camera, the Alpha 77. Centre-weighted and spot metering modes are also included.
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Autofocus modes available on the A5000 include multi-area, centre, selective single-point, tracking AF, face detection and continuous. As you would expect, raw and JPEG image capture is possible, while full-HD video recording is possible.
The A5000 has the same 3in, 460k-dot LCD screen – that can be flipped 180 degrees to face forward – which featured on the NEX-3N.
The camera features the new addition of NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity, which brings it into line with much of the competition. This functionality allows for the camera to be controlled via a smartphone or tablet through Sony’s PlayMemories App.
A range of modes, tips and apps – such as free-to-download Photo Retouch and the paid-for Time-lapse application – are on hand to help enthusiasts, and less-experienced photographers, get the most out of the camera.
Compatibility with Sony’s E-Mount lenses will please enthusiasts who have existing lenses that they’d like to use, as well as entry-level or photographers new to Sony who want to invest in a system with an existing range of lenses.
Finally, the sensor in the A5000 is the same 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor found in last year’s DSLR-styled A3000. It is only equipped with contrast AF, which limits its speed somewhat – but the 25 available AF-points are well placed enough to achieve accurate focus in most cases.
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Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
