Capturing Life's Moments in Detail: A Comprehensive Review of Sony Alpha a5000 Camera

In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of Sony Alpha a5000 Camera. This is the perfect device for photographers looking to upgrade to a compact camera that delivers high-quality images. We'll give you an in-depth look into its features, performance, and usability – all while using keywords that rank well on Google.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony Alpha a5000 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 07 2014

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS
Weight269g
MSRP$450USD

Other similar cameras

Sony Alpha a5100 thumbnail

Sony Alpha a5100

Released Aug 17 2014 | 24MP resolution

Sony Alpha a6000 thumbnail

Sony Alpha a6000

Released Apr 23 2014 | 24MP resolution

Sony Alpha a6300 thumbnail

Sony Alpha a6300

Released Feb 03 2016 | 24MP resolution

Overview of the Alpha a5000

As technology advances, cameras too have evolved, and Sony Alpha a5000 is one such device that has caught the attention of users. Its compact design, ease of use, and high-quality images make it an ideal device for photography enthusiasts. In this article, we'll explore the various features and capabilities of the Sony Alpha a5000 Camera while incorporating popular keywords that are sure to rank high on Google. So, let's dive right in!

The Sony Alpha Series Lineup

Sony Alpha a5000 thumbnail

Sony Alpha a5000

Released Jan 07 2014 | 20MP resolution

Sony Alpha a5100 thumbnail

Sony Alpha a5100

Released Aug 17 2014 | 24MP resolution

Sony Alpha a5000 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Alpha a5000 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

20.1 megapixels
Wi-Fi connectivity
Compact and lightweight
Quick autofocus
Affordable price
NFC pairing
HD video recording
Easy-to-use interface
Good low-light performance

Cons

No viewfinder
Limited battery life
Not weather-sealed
No touchscreen
No image stabilization
Limited lens options
No built-in flash
Poor audio quality during video recording
Slow startup time

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony Alpha a5000

Weather sealed
Dimensions110 x 63 x 36mm
Weight269g
Thickness36mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Sony Alpha a5000 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution461k dots
Body typeRangefinder-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 461k dots. This makes the Sony Alpha a5000 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Sony Alpha a5000 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Alpha a5000 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony Alpha a5000 has a 20MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Sony Alpha a5000 has a native ISO range of 100 - 16000 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jan 07 2014

Announced

100 - 16000

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution5456 x 3632 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

79 / 102

Color Depth

23.8 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

13 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

1089 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Alpha a5000 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Alpha a5000 is average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1.5x

Full frame equivalent

36mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo
Battery Life420 shots
Battery ModelNP-FW50
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony Alpha a5000 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Sony Alpha a5000 uses the NP-FW50 model of battery pack. This is rated for 420 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sony Alpha a5000 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Sony Alpha a5000 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sony Alpha a5000 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 25 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

View on Amazon

FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony Alpha a5000?

The Sony Alpha a5000 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Sony Alpha a5000 weather sealed?

No the Alpha a5000 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Sony Alpha a5000 announced?

The Sony Alpha a5000 was announced on Jan 07 2014

Does the Sony Alpha a5000 have in-body image stabilization?

No the Alpha a5000 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sony Alpha a5000?

The Alpha a5000 has a native ISO range of 100-16000, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

View on Amazon

Similar Camera Reviews

Sony Alpha a5100 article cover photo

Blog Sony Alpha a5100: A Beginner's Guide

Discover the ultimate beginner's guide to using the Sony Alpha a5100 camera. This guide covers everything from the camera's features and settings to tips and tricks for capturing stunning photos and videos. Whether you're new to photography or an experienced shooter, this guide will help you get the most out of your Sony Alpha a5100.

Sony Alpha a6000 article cover photo

Sony Alpha a6000 – Your Perfect Camera for Capturing Life's Moments.

In this blog, we will be discussing the Sony Alpha a6000 camera that offers an unmatched combination of impressive image quality, speedy performance, and an affordable price. We’ll dive into its features, including fast and accurate autofocus, a lightweight body, and high-resolution image sensor, all of which make the Sony Alpha a6000 an excellent option for beginners and experienced photographers alike.

Sony Alpha a6300 article cover photo

Sony Alpha a6300: The Ultimate Camera for High-Quality Photography

If you are searching for a high-quality camera that can deliver exceptional performance, then the Sony Alpha a6300 is an excellent option to consider. This camera is one of the best in its class, thanks to its advanced features and capabilities that make it ideal for professional photographers.