Sony a5100: Is It a Camera Worth Buying in 2018?

Although the compact Sony a5100 recently celebrated its fourth birthday, many photographers believe it still packs a punch. Nature Photographer and camera connoisseur Pankaj Saharia discusses whether or not this mirrorless camera can keep up with more recent releases in 2018.

Calling all amateur photographer hopefuls: Sony is offering a deal of a lifetime. There’s no better time to start assembling your gear! You won’t want to miss out on the incredible value of the Sony a5100. Weighing in at a $550 price point, this compact system is still slaying the competition four years after its introduction to the mirrorless camera market. Although I’m just barely skimming the surface in this review, here are some solid reasons why the a5100 holds up to its (far more expensive) competition in 2018:

Low Light Legend

Compared to other entry level mirrorless cameras currently on the market (i.e. Canon’s M50), the Sony a5100 performs incredibly in low light. Of course, this has come to be expected with mirrorless camera systems. But the a5100 is an absolute champion in this regard. For example, Canon’s most recent prosumer mirrorless system, the M50, checks in at roughly $700. However, its performance in low light situations leaves much to be desired. Although four years old, stellar low light shots taken with the $550 a5100 demolish recently released competitors.

Size & Portability

Although DSLRs are often thought of as the undisputed champions of professional photography, the gear systems tend to be incredibly bulky. For a first time amateur photographer, this can be super impractical. The Sony a5100’s slim shape and compact design relates more to that of a point-and-shoot body than that of a DSLR. And yet, this mirrorless maverick allows you to shoot stunning video and impeccable photos at a quality level that rivals similarly priced DSLRs. If you’re a newbie whose photography journey has only just begun, the compact design of the a5100 is incredibly attractive. Unlike a bulky DSLR, the a5100 and its 16-50mm kit lens can nearly fit in your coat pocket. For that reason, this camera has all the portability of a low budget consumer’s point-and-shoot and all the integrity of a prosumer’s DSLR system.

Price Point

Did I mention that this powerful little device is only $550?! In case I haven’t said it enough, I’ll say it again: the Sony a5100 is only $550! Considering the quality output of this device, as well as the performance pros listed above, this is an absolute steal! Having just recently celebrated its fourth birthday, it’s safe to say that this price will steadily decline over time. The quality, however, will not. At the moment, I wholeheartedly believe that this camera, although not recently released, is a greater value than its competition. Far more expensive alternatives (such as the Canon M50, as I mentioned earlier), pale in comparison to this little powerhouse. If you’re looking to break into photography as a complete beginner, the Sony a5100 is a fantastic starter -- even just based on price point alone.

I think it goes without saying that I stand by this four year old camera! I strongly recommend this camera to all beginners and novice photographers searching for a high quality budget option. Especially if you’re interested in getting into mirrorless systems, the Sony a5100 is incredible for its price.

For more photography tips and tricks, follow Pankaj Saharia on Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Pankaj-Saharia-9