How the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Camera Can Transform Your Photography Game

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 camera is a powerful and versatile tool that can elevate your photography skills to new heights. With its advanced features and high-quality performance, this camera is a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers alike.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 article cover photo

Key Features

Jul 31 2006

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCCD
Weight638g
MSRP$899USD

Other similar cameras

Overview of the Alpha DSLR-A100

As a photography enthusiast, you understand the importance of having a reliable and powerful camera that can capture stunning images. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 camera is a top-of-the-line device that can take your photography game to the next level. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, this camera is an excellent choice thanks to its cutting-edge features and impressive performance. One of the key capabilities of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 camera is its high-resolution image sensor, which can capture incredible detail and clarity in your photos. Additionally, its fast autofocus system enables you to capture the perfect shot every time, even in low light conditions. Whether you're looking to take stunning portraits, capture beautiful landscapes, or shoot action-packed sports scenes, this camera has the tools you need to create professional-level images. Furthermore, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 camera is user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners and professionals alike. Its intuitive controls and easy-to-use menus mean that anyone can pick it up and start taking breathtaking photos right away. So why wait? Invest in the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 camera today and start taking your photography to the next level.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 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

High resolution (10.2 megapixel)
Fast autofocus
Good low-light performance
Large LCD screen (2.5 inches)
Durable build quality
Compatible with a wide range of lenses

Cons

Somewhat heavy
Limited video capabilities
Limited dynamic range
Some users report issues with battery life
Can be difficult to use for beginners
No image stabilization built into the camera.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony Alpha DSLR-A100

Weather sealed
Dimensions133 x 95 x 71mm
Weight638g
Thickness71mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 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 FinderOptical (pentamirror)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.50" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 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

Alpha DSLR-A100 includes a optical (pentamirror) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 95% and a magnification of 0.55x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 has a 10MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 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

Jul 31 2006

Announced

100 - 1600

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3872 x 2592 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

61 / 102

Color Depth

22 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

11.2 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

476 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also 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 DSLR-A100 is below 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

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageCompact Flash (Type I or II)
Battery Life
Battery ModelNP-FM55H
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 supports Compact Flash (Type I or II) 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 DSLR-A100 uses the NP-FM55H model of undefined. This is rated for undefined 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 DSLR-A100 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 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 DSLR-A100 includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with 9 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.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100?

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 features a CCD sensor

Is the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 weather sealed?

No the Alpha DSLR-A100 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 announced?

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 was announced on Jul 31 2006

Does the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Alpha DSLR-A100 does 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 DSLR-A100?

The Alpha DSLR-A100 has a native ISO range of 100-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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