Sony A5100: Best Camera Under $300?

The Sony A5100 was released back in 2014, but this camera still packs a HUGE punch in 2023 and beyond. This camera utilizes the same sensor as the Sony A6000, which is also a great camera.
I tend to think of the A5100 as a NEX style camera with an updated sensor, user interface, better codecs for video, and a few more bells and whistles.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - The Sony A5100
0:59 - Compared to the A6000
1:12 - Photo samples
1:58 - Video Samples (XAVC-S)
2:49 - AVCHD
3:45 - Touch Focus Tracking
4:18 - Body Design
5:20 - Menu System
6:00 - Paired with the NEX-3N
7:37 - Overheating?
8:13 - Everyday use
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Пікірлер: 95

  • @bondgabebond4907
    @bondgabebond49076 ай бұрын

    Perfect camera for the younger set. Not too expensive, good enough for stills and video. With everyone used to using a cellphone, there is little need for a viewfinder until they get serious. I got my daughter the ZV-E10, a great little camera. I also have one, it's so small that it is the choice to outings with the family. Not too big, but big on performance. Also with a PZ lens, it has that easy zoom function.

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing!!

  • @AdrianGozali
    @AdrianGozali7 ай бұрын

    I love all of your Nex videos! keep going man!

  • @milagross1465
    @milagross14656 ай бұрын

    Thank you it's so helpful

  • @SHUTENSEPC
    @SHUTENSEPC2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the review

  • @HistoricMetals
    @HistoricMetals6 ай бұрын

    Absolutely my second camera to my ZV-E10, and it lives on my gimbal when I am A-rolling the E10 as well. I actually plan to buy one or two more 5100s as well, because, as you mentioned its the same sensor as the 6's but it's also the same sensor as the ZV-E10 I am pretty sure. They are at least both 24mp and they color match real easily if I use the same lens on them and take the same shot and compare them in editors.

  • @TexpatOTG
    @TexpatOTG6 ай бұрын

    Use mostly a5100's for my KZread channel. So many good features. 3 bodies in my kit now.

  • @user-ei7qj1fz9t
    @user-ei7qj1fz9tАй бұрын

    Got myself a like new condition a5100 and paired it with a sigma 16mm f1.4 lens. LOVE IT. part of why i chose this over the a6000 and others is because of the size. it isnt lacking any features i need and ill be using it as a webcam mainly. subbed!

  • @omerdync361
    @omerdync3617 ай бұрын

    My first camera was a Canon Eos M100 with a 22mm EFM prime lens, for macro, street photography, portraits, all very practical and fun... But as with most Canon cameras, it couldn't capture mid tones and mid shadows. And I decided to try Sony mirrorless cameras. Since I like flip up screen, I decided that the best choice would be Sony a5100 because it was released at the same time as the most popular model a6000 and the features were almost the same. I can see the difference in the quality of the colors , exposure and depth in a5100. Except menu usage it will be my favourite camera for a long time.

  • @naomievalcenat5684
    @naomievalcenat56842 ай бұрын

    I just bought this camera because of you and I'm super happy about it! do you think that you'll ever do like a guide for the best way to use it or setting up the config? I'm lost in the sea of the unknown aha it's my first digital ever and i don't know what to do with it aha

  • @NaufalMikhdzamArRozi
    @NaufalMikhdzamArRozi7 ай бұрын

    Hi, I love your video. I'm considering to buy this camera, because I think it has very good value. I'm wondering if I have manual lens and I shoot for video, does this camera have MF assist or focus peaking during video recording?

  • @Killerbx1
    @Killerbx1Ай бұрын

    Great camera,great video 👍🏻but The best part of the video is your lovely family, God bless you all

  • @doplinger1
    @doplinger16 ай бұрын

    I bought an a5000 for my daughter just before the a5100 came out and she loves it. She uses her iPhone more often than anything, but when the photos count she opts for the a5000. I’m not sure how different it is from the a5100 outside of the sensor size.

  • @brendondangerfield1668
    @brendondangerfield16684 ай бұрын

    Ok so im glad i found this video... I got the sony g lens 200-600mm but i struggle getting a good picture with it.... Was gonna take it back and trade in my 5100 and upgade... Would you say keep it and keep practicing or get a newer model,? Woukd moving to another brand be an option?

  • @AlextheLue
    @AlextheLue7 ай бұрын

    This man is HUSTLING! Love the content and perspectives!

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks man! Trying to put out a TON of content. Making a big end of the year push. Got some great stuff coming for my personal brand with 1:1 coaching, courses, digital products, etc. Lots coming!!

  • @riyantox.6529
    @riyantox.65297 ай бұрын

    Nice video, so detail. Thats my dream camera. 😔

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    7 ай бұрын

    It’s definitely within reach!!

  • @BenPatrik
    @BenPatrik2 ай бұрын

    Great video and breakdown! Never even knew this little camera existed. I shoot on FX30 but my little brother is going through film school online and won’t give up his dinky little Canon Powershot whatever-it-is. Sent him this video. Maybe he’ll switch to Sony.

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    2 ай бұрын

    I’ll pray for him to see the light 😂😂

  • @super_guide
    @super_guideАй бұрын

    Thanks for nice review, I am thinking about buying v-log cam, actually, I have full frame camera... I need replacement for it, for run and gun camera, for traveling. If I buy this camera.and buy zhiyun m3 gimbal, will it help stabilize well?

  • @TexpatOTG
    @TexpatOTG2 ай бұрын

    I have several a5100s. I get a lens I like a lot (like Viltrox 23mm), I just buy an a5100 for the lens. Works fine for my purposes. Cheers

  • @jaysonattorney9253
    @jaysonattorney92537 ай бұрын

    hello sir i have sony a5100 and i dont have lens yet . what lens do you recommend for travel photography

  • @danielmaksymyuk5232
    @danielmaksymyuk52327 ай бұрын

    where do you find these prices?

  • @patrickmcfadden1689
    @patrickmcfadden16897 ай бұрын

    Nice review. I have an A5100, A6000 and an NEX3N. They are all great, love to adapt vintage lenses to them. When ever I feel the need for IBIS tho, I reach for my GX85, also adaptable to vintage lenses.

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    7 ай бұрын

    Yeah the lack of IBIS is tough. But for the most part I can work around it! Love all three of those sony cams!

  • @damianwojcikiewicz3951

    @damianwojcikiewicz3951

    7 ай бұрын

    How to adapt vintage? You mean Lr editing? I love Kodak vibes too.! I always bring up the left curve to make photo creamy foggy

  • @patrickmcfadden1689

    @patrickmcfadden1689

    7 ай бұрын

    @@damianwojcikiewicz3951 i have a ton of older manual lenses from different OEMs and have adapters to Emount. I also use them on M43 with adapters as well.

  • @MarkOakleyComics

    @MarkOakleyComics

    13 күн бұрын

    The GX85 is a such a great camera for video! I fear the age of true physical motion damping is a thing of the past. I treat mine with kid gloves. (I also love the Sony HDR-AS300 action cam.) A high point in IBIS tech.

  • @patrickmcfadden1689

    @patrickmcfadden1689

    12 күн бұрын

    I buy lens mount adapters to fit vintage glass on my mirrorless cameras. Itsfun. ​@@damianwojcikiewicz3951

  • @sardanapalos
    @sardanapalos6 ай бұрын

    nice channel mate, hope you dont become like all others youtubers that have 20 ads in their videos, hehe. does the a5000 also have the xavc codec? they pretty look the same (a5000 vsa5100) but the a5000 is far cheaper

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    5 ай бұрын

    It does not. Still on AVCHD. That’s the main reason why it’s hard for me to recommend it. Might as well go for an NEX camera instead for cheaper

  • @Deltahairlines82
    @Deltahairlines823 ай бұрын

    Hey man I need advice on how to build a cage with a mic around this camera

  • @olafkliemt1145
    @olafkliemt11455 ай бұрын

    i got mine last week for 11,000 THB, it came with a 16-50 kit lens, a rubber body shield (happy overheating!), a screen protector, and a 1-year warranty. that's 313 USD. i bought it to use lenses like the Fijian 35mm 1.7 (CCTV) and some TTArtisan lenses. all manual. all full glass/metal built. awesome results.

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    5 ай бұрын

    Love to hear it.

  • @TheWingrider92
    @TheWingrider927 ай бұрын

    I shot from the a5100 and the a6400, tbh....anything I could edit/shoot on the a6400 I could do the same with the a5100 it is such a capable camera for such a small body and pair that with the ttartisan 27mm f2.8 its basically a great street photography setup

  • @TheWingrider92

    @TheWingrider92

    7 ай бұрын

    careful if you use tripods/ cage tho, the body is plastic and mine has a hole from cranking that thing too hard

  • @eyekaymusic
    @eyekaymusic6 ай бұрын

    Hey Kraig loved this videos , can you please tell me what lens did u used with the a5100 for those video footages , and can a5100 take good videos at night too ?

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    6 ай бұрын

    All of the content here was shot with the Sony 20mm f/1.8 lens or the 24-105 f/4. And the A5100 is okay at night time video if you can keep the iso under 4000. Definitely not a low light beast.

  • @minaris8723
    @minaris87232 ай бұрын

    I have bought the camera a few years ago and still love it. One downside I found, is the location of the flash. Even with the kit lens 16-50/3.5-5.6 my photos have the shadow of the lens. With bigger lenses it's worst. Another thing I struggled is that it has no hot shoe and working with external flash is not easy (I am still learning photography). Any suggestions and tips are welcome ❤ But overall if you don't plan on using external flash, this camera is very nice and has everything to begin.

  • @Thirsty_Fox

    @Thirsty_Fox

    Ай бұрын

    When indoors, try bouncing the flash off the ceiling by holding the flash back so it's pointed upwards instead of forwards. I did this all the time with my NEX-6 and it worked wonders as long as the ceiling isn't too high. You could even bounce it off a reflector placed above you if you're in a pinch.

  • @agus.lorenzo
    @agus.lorenzo4 ай бұрын

    Add a speedbooster and BOOM, instant fullframe camera for great video.

  • @bobamarmstrong
    @bobamarmstrong4 ай бұрын

    I just got an A5100 for 35€, yes seriously 35€. It is amazing. It is my first mirrorless camera and I'm using it with Nikon lenses. Focus peaking is a joy tu use. The WYSIWYG approach is mindblowing : I can preview how exactly my picture will be. Now, I'm asking to myself why I kept buying old Nikon DSLR. With DSLR, you shoot and review if your exposure is correct or not

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for sharing!

  • @GerrodCarper
    @GerrodCarper4 ай бұрын

    Quick question. I'll be using this camera for self takes holding up my fish. With the flip up screen. Will I still be able to use an intervalometer? So i can control how many photos are being shot. Or does this selfie mode with the flip up screen not allow this? Hopefully that question makes sense. 🙏

  • @kuramafox1290
    @kuramafox12907 ай бұрын

    Thanks for making this video. Just got this used with the kit lens. Can you recommend a good focal length for videography? Especially vertical social media. I currently have a 35 1.4 but it's so tight and zoomed

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    7 ай бұрын

    I would look at the Sony 20mm f/1.8 lens. I love that lens with this camera. If that is out of your price range then I would look at the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens (Sony E).

  • @kuramafox1290

    @kuramafox1290

    7 ай бұрын

    @@kraigpruett thanks alot

  • @kuramafox1290

    @kuramafox1290

    7 ай бұрын

    @@kraigpruett one last question. I have a choice between the 17mm and 23mm lens. Should I go with the 23? This would give me a 35mm equivalent. Would this be too tight for vertical video? Or should I just buy the 17mm which gives a nice 26mm focal length considering the crop factor. This is more of an iPhone focal length. I'm confused between the two.

  • @atauvik
    @atauvik2 ай бұрын

    Great review. Can you use this as webcam?

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    2 ай бұрын

    Yes you can!

  • @JesseTate
    @JesseTate3 ай бұрын

    i'm completely new to this. i'm a youtuber but my old camera just broke and i don't know anything about getting a new one. I found a cheap one of these on facebook and am hoping it would be good enough for youtube? I do philosophy/film review and such, so it's just me sitting behind a desk reacting to stuff, arguing stuff, in a studio. what do you think?

  • @all-gv6ht
    @all-gv6ht7 ай бұрын

    What lense did you use for the videos taken by the camera?

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    7 ай бұрын

    I used the 24-105 f/4 lens from Sony

  • @Sochmo18
    @Sochmo186 ай бұрын

    Im so torn. I need something with at least 16mp that i can use to scan 35mm negatives (Photos on tripod at 100iso of still backlit film negatives) and it would also be a plus if i could do some basic hd video. Would you recommend this? Anything else you would recommend? Thanks man!

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    6 ай бұрын

    This is a great option honestly! Amazing image quality, underrated in a lot of ways. And the video rocks in 1080p.

  • @ezequielf77
    @ezequielf774 ай бұрын

    What camera and lenses do you recommend for gym content? Please and thank you

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    4 ай бұрын

    Sony ZV-E10 is a a great option. Then you should watch my lens guide that I recently released to see my top 10 options.

  • @stampydragon2739
    @stampydragon27397 ай бұрын

    I don't mind the nex menu I'm personally gonna get a nex 6 as I can't afford the a 5100

  • @Tuhueleamierda1991

    @Tuhueleamierda1991

    7 ай бұрын

    nice choice, I wish I got that instead of the NEX 7 because of the hybrid focus and modern hot shoe

  • @berberger4814
    @berberger48143 ай бұрын

    I bought one for 150 with waterdamage, fixed it But I kinda dont use it, rather use my a7r3, mainly because it got no fn menue (Or maybe I just dont find it?)

  • @primussucks4995
    @primussucks49954 ай бұрын

    External Mic possible? Need a good budget cam. Any advice?

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    4 ай бұрын

    No mic input on the A5100, but it is still a great camera. You could look into getting a wireless mic system that has memory built into it (like the Rode Wireless Go/Pro or the FULAIM X5). Or if you need a mic jack, I would look at the Sony ZV-E10

  • @VlogEpicness
    @VlogEpicness4 ай бұрын

    4:00 seems really shaky

  • @freshandsaltyjohnny
    @freshandsaltyjohnny16 күн бұрын

    alright so i was super dead set on picking up a near mint condition a5000 then i found out there is a 5100. No view finder is kind of a turn off though. I will probably purchase the a5000 instead. I mean as far as i know i didn't see any pro's to going 5100 vs 5000 only 1 big con.

  • @anthonyptak8650
    @anthonyptak86505 ай бұрын

    How does it compare to the NEX 5N?

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    5 ай бұрын

    Very similar photo results, but the A5100 has a much better video result because of the XAVC-S codec. Also better auto focus. I would go for this if you are a video shooter, if you just do photo either would be okay!

  • @anthonyptak8650

    @anthonyptak8650

    5 ай бұрын

    Is it the same sensor?

  • @user-dq4bz9dw3y
    @user-dq4bz9dw3y5 ай бұрын

    what is the best budget lens for Sony a5100?

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    5 ай бұрын

    TTArtisan F/2.8 27mm lens with autofocus. I’m about to put out a review this week but it’s linked in my NEX-F3 review!

  • @user-dq4bz9dw3y

    @user-dq4bz9dw3y

    5 ай бұрын

    ​@@kraigpruettwow thank you!

  • @user-lt6nu9wv6m
    @user-lt6nu9wv6m4 ай бұрын

    hi im a 13 year old phhotographer.I currently have canon 1300d while i now have two options,sony nex-3n or canon 60D.Can you help me out?or even sony a5100

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    4 ай бұрын

    I would go with the A5100!

  • @american.psycho
    @american.psycho7 ай бұрын

    Hello sir love your video I am from india and there are not much options to buy second hand cameras . So i have to ask a friend to buy for me . Can you suggest me a camera i have a budget from 100 to 350 $ i want to do photography mostly.

  • @american.psycho

    @american.psycho

    7 ай бұрын

    Also in 350 $ budget i have to buy a lens too

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    7 ай бұрын

    I would look at the Sony NEX-6 online. This camera is incredible, and I have a review about it on my channel. I bought mine off of eBay for $177 and it came with a kit lens. That setup will easily get you started taking photos!

  • @francisenaje
    @francisenaje3 ай бұрын

    What about the a5000?

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    3 ай бұрын

    Review coming soon! Just picked one up!

  • @JimIBobIJones
    @JimIBobIJones5 ай бұрын

    The A6000 and A5100 share the same image processor as well as sensor - which is as important as the sensor. However, I would argue that the A5100 is a much less viable option compared to the A6000. It lacks the practical ergonomics that the A6000 has. It lacks a viewfinder, hotshoe, granular control wheel, custom buttons, wheel for mode options, etc. etc. etc. It is lacking the fundamentals you need for a proper camera. With the A6000, you get the full range of advanced functions, it is a bit dated compared to modern equivalents but it is a no compromise option if you want to learn how to use a camera properly or just want to save money. The A5100 is essentially a point and shoot with interchangeable lenses - it is not a pleasant experience if you want to shoot manual, in priority modes or do anything other than just rely on auto.

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi Jim. A lot of this I agree with for photography, but not for video. I would take the A5100 over the A6000 for a lot of what I film for KZread because of the flip up screen. I agree the A6000 is better for photographers though.

  • @JimIBobIJones

    @JimIBobIJones

    5 ай бұрын

    @@kraigpruett I don't do a lot of video but I would have thought the lack of a hot shoe would be a deal-breaker for video more than stills? The built in mics for the Sony A series cameras are generally medicore and the early ones are downright terrible.

  • @dandelionestudios
    @dandelionestudios7 ай бұрын

    How is the quality compared to a7iv video?

  • @kraigpruett

    @kraigpruett

    7 ай бұрын

    Great question. The A7IV is certainly better. It has the new color science, XAVC-SI codec, S-Log and S-Cinetone capabilities, etc. Much better video camera... however, it is 10X the price. So for ten times less, the A5100 does an amazing job. I really like the images this camera produces for video. I am currently rebuilding my website and am using some video clips taken on the A5100 for the homepage because it just looked so good when I was doing my testing. It is a very different camera than the A7IV... at a way different price point, but does get really solid results.

  • @xWood4000

    @xWood4000

    7 ай бұрын

    The a5100 would be difficult to use professionally for video in 2023. The A7IV is on the other hand used a lot for professional video work. $200 vs $2300 is a big gap

  • @xWood4000

    @xWood4000

    7 ай бұрын

    But honestly if you don't care about 4K and the green tint the footage from the a5100 looks pretty good

  • @xWood4000

    @xWood4000

    7 ай бұрын

    You learn as you go what features you need in a camera, I started with the Nikon d5600 which was truly a terrible video camera (because it was a photo dlsr) and learnt slowly what I need. I'm going to buy the a6700 for myself this year (coming from the a6500) and have used quite a few different (mostly Canon) cameras for school and work

  • @VisualDanny

    @VisualDanny

    7 ай бұрын

    it's like comparing prius to a hellcat

  • @slagdemon
    @slagdemonАй бұрын

    Sadly, refurbed units that are barebones are going for $400+ now.

  • @HoloRC
    @HoloRC4 ай бұрын

    Dont take video with it. It will overheat and shut off 15 - 20 min into your video. Get another camera for video.

  • @fryque
    @fryqueАй бұрын

    This camera is NOT under $300.

  • @ericd1084

    @ericd1084

    Ай бұрын

    It's under $300 here in Vietnam. There's several on Facebook marketplace with the kit lens for 5,900,000vnd. That about $238 usd.

  • @Dc5goose

    @Dc5goose

    26 күн бұрын

    Found one for 250 near me