Sony a5100

[BernardLanguillier]

For the first time I feel really interested in the e mount.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9290297376/sony-announces-alpha-a5100-compact-mirrorless-camera

It seems like a great compromise between size, specs and price.

I guess that my Nikon 1 series bodies and lenses might soon be off to an auction site.

Cheers,
Bernard

[David Anderson]

I'm interested as well.
The idea of one of these pocket rockets with a couple or three good lenses is really starting to sink in.

Photokina gets more interesting by the day...

[Manoli]

Isn't this just a downgraded a6000 ?
From what I see you lose both the SVGA EVF and 11fps burst rate and only gain XAVC-S v AVCHD video - all for a $100 discount.

[BernardLanguillier]

Isn't this just a downgraded a6000 ?
From what I see you lose both the SVGA EVF and 11fps burst rate and only gain XAVC-S v AVCHD video - all for a $100 discount.

You get a touch screen, a more compact body and better video specs.

Cheers,
Bernard

[Paul2660]

Bernard. If the Otis goes on sale please let me know

Paul

[BernardLanguillier]

Bernard. If the Otis goes on sale please let me know

Paul,

I will. But the a5100 will not be replace the big camera, more the Nikon V3 used mostly by my wife at the moment.

The V3 has the best AF of any mirror less and some unique feature such as 20/60 fps modes, but the gap in image quality with the D810 is just too big in low(er) light conditions. Even with DxO Prime, opening the files in PS sort of depresses me. 

Cheers,
Bernard

[viewfinder]

I have used a NEX 3 from the beginning and generally like it.   However it's seriously limited by the lack of viewfinder,...and this camera continues with this madness.   Why they think a v/f is not vital I will never know.   These cameras produce superb files/images and I quickly had two 20x16 inch prints hung in exhibition,..the trouble is that any action shots are limited not by teh AF which works well, but because one can't track viusally.  Also, although just about ANY lens can be used via inexpensive adaptors from ebay, tele shots are difficult in practice because of need to use rear screen......

.........And then there's the bright sunshine on screen problem!

Other problems are the lack of accessory shoe and real flash synch (tiny flash gun with special connection is supplied)

All of these sortcomings are solved by the a6000 so that extra hundred dollars is well spent in my view!

[uaiomex]

Unless you want it mainly for video (or selfies  ), the A6000 is a better camera all way.
I owned and loved a Nex6 which I sold on buying the A6K. It is so much better. I converted it to IR and planned to buy a second one for visible light but an irrisistible RX100M3 came in a brown truck instead.
Eduardo

 

You get a touch screen, a more compact body and better video specs.

Cheers,
Bernard

[Manoli]

But the a5100 will not be replace the big camera, more the Nikon V3 used mostly by my wife at the moment.

Of course it will, Bernard. Of course it's only for 'the wife'. We already knew that.
But IF, perchance, you find yourself inadvertently reaching out for the 'little one', don't worry; it's just a subconscious reaction to the 'new kid on the block'.

When it starts repeating itself - still don't worry.
When you buy the adapter to put the Otus on the 'little one' - still don't worry.
When you give 'the wife' the D810 and keep the 'little one', that's when you need to start to worry ...

M

[/obviously written with purely humorous intent]

[BernardLanguillier]

Of course it will, Bernard. Of course it's only for 'the wife'. We already knew that.
But IF, perchance, you find yourself inadvertently reaching out for the 'little one', don't worry; it's just a subconscious reaction to the 'new kid on the block'.

When it starts repeating itself - still don't worry.
When you buy the adapter to put the Otus on the 'little one' - still don't worry.
When you give 'the wife' the D810 and keep the 'little one', that's when you need to start to worry ...

So you think I may also end up giving the Betterlight back to my daughter?

Cheers,
Bernard

[BernardLanguillier]

As far as missing a viewfinder, that wouldn't be a major problem for me.

Having used a D7100 with a similar sensor, I know how good it is (very close to the best Canon FF sensor for instance) and know fully well that it can deal with serious applications, but I will use the bigger camera when I really need the best possible quality.

Having that quality accessible in a very small package weighting 220 gr. with good AF is the killer feature set for me. I have played with an a6000 2 days ago, and it is too large.

Cheers,
Bernard

[sdwilsonsct]

I've been very pleased with the portability and image quality of my tiny NEX-3.

[BernardLanguillier]

Battery is charging.

Cheers,
Bernard

[tomrock]

Let us know how focusing is compared to the V3. This new Sony has mixed PDAF/CDAF just like the little Nikon.

[BernardLanguillier]

First usage indicates that AF doesn't quite seem to be at Nikon 1 series level, but appears overall to be very usable.

Image quality seems, as expected to be in a different category.

Overall my first impression is extremely positive, I believe that the a5100 is the camera to own for those looking for a very compact, high image quality and versatile camera.

Cheers,
Bernard