Sony Alpha 5000 (ILCE-5000) Digital Camera Review

If you noticed recently, most of my Instagram photo shares were hashtagged 'SonyAlpha5000'. It was done for a reason, as the photographs were taken using the all-new Sony Alpha 5000 digital camera and transferred via wireless connection to my iPhone to share. I would think this is the best feature to date that I love about this camera. Read on below for my review of this latest product from Sony. 

Sony Alpha 5000 Digital Camera Review

Straight out of the box, the Sony Alpha 5000 is ready to use, as there was already some battery juice inside. It is advisable though to give it a good full charge before using it. With its 20-Megapixel APS-C sensor, Bionz X processor, 180° tilt screen, Wi-Fi and NFC, the Sony Alpha 5000 has to be one of the latest and greatest in Sony's lineup of upper entry-level mirrorless camera. It can even be seen as a replacement for the NEX-3N and similar prowess with the NEX-5T. 

Small and light form factor

1. Outlook, Handling and Form Factor

The Sony Alpha 5000 is touted to be the lightest there is currently in the market weighing in at only 210g without a lens. Perfectly sized to be pocketable, I did appreciate it's small form factor, compared to my usual really bulky DSLR. The new Sony A5000 camera (model ILCE-5000) sports interchangeable lens, which will fit the usage of those opting for a mid upper range of digital cameras. 

My all-black Sony Alpha 5000 with its intuitive control buttons

My Sony A5000 came in black, with other choices in the market being the pink, and white version. The versatile colour scheme and small size makes it the perfect choice for the fashion conscious crowd to bring it along everywhere. A serious step up from ordinary point-and-shoot cameras, the new A5000 puts pro-style picture quality in a beautifully designed body that fits easily in my pocket

At first glance, the new Sony A5000 model has a comfortable new grip, ensuring it doesn't easily slip from the hand. There is this intuitive tiltable LCD screen that can flip upwards up to 180 degrees for easy self-portraits, for those "selfie" moments. 

Check out the 180 degrees tiltable LCD screen on the Sony Alpha 5000!

2. Sony Alpha 5000 Features 

Jam packed with features, one of the notable ones which I love would be the Sony Alpha 5000 Near Field Communication (NFC) and Wi-Fi connectivity. Users can now connect and control the camera using the Sony PlayMemories app via a smartphone or tablet. It is so easy to connect and use that all my recent events and food reviews instagram pictures were taken using this camera and transferred directly.

The Sony Alpha 5000's compatibility with Sony's E-mount lenses should appeal to those looking for a better lens, as well as to entry-level photographers or those new to Sony who want to invest in a system. Sony themselves have in their line-up a vast array of lenses, so the interchangeable capability is a real plus point here. 

Sony Alpha 5000 has interchangeable lenses to cater for those who needs more out of their digital cameras

The Bionz X processor inside the Sony Alpha 5000 uses detail reproduction, area-specific noise reduction technologies to ensure fine color textures and low noise in images. Low light has always been a problem when taking photos during those romantic food review settings. With an ISO range up to 16000 for improved shooting in low light conditions, low lighting has become less of a problem now. 

The 1020mAh NP-FW50 rechargeable battery used in the Sony Alpha 5000

The ON/OFF switch takes the form of a ring around the shutter-release

The menu settings is very intuitive and easy to use. Even though I'm a first timer with Sony latest digital cameras, the settings inside were fairly easy to set up, using an interface familiar to most DSLR owners. The Sony Alpha 5000 can capture raw+JPEG images, while full HD video recording can be activated using the dedicated record button situated on the rear of the camera below the shutter.

The SD Card slot, with connectivity options at the side

3. Picture Quality 

Holding unto my Sony Alpha 5000 for nearly all occasion shooting, I must say it does produce really beautiful images. For day-to-day use in standard situations, the A5000 can shoot up to 3200 ISO with no real trouble, in fact in the Auto Intelligent mode which I tried, most of the time it auto reverted to 3200 ISO. Check out some of the photos I managed to capture and shared to my Instagram account as below. 

Image #1: Close up macro shot of a watch using the Song Alpha 5000 Digital Camera

Image #2: Outdoor shot of family using the Sony Alpha 5000

Image #3: Indoor restaurant low light shot of a freshly grilled wagyu steak

Image #4: Indoor restaurant low-light shot of a prawn dish with background defocus effect

Overall, I do think the Sony Alpha 5000 Digital Camera is the perfect tool for those that want a compact yet powerful camera with wifi and NFC capabilities, and the option to change lenses. With everything that I have shared, I do look forward to more offerings from Sony. With a single-lens pricing of RM1,999 and twin-lens pricing of RM2,799, it is well worth the price. The Sony Alpha 5000 Digital Camera is available in 3 colours, black, white and pink. For more information about Sony Alpha 5000 do check out the product description at their website linked here: Sony Malaysia Sony Alpha 5000