introduction
With the introduction of the full-frame A7 mirrorless model, Sony has quietly abandoned the NEX naming of APS-C format cameras, uniting everyone under the ALS brand.
Externally, the A5000 looks similar to the earlier 16-mPix NEX-5T. Inside the compact body, claimed by Sony to be the smallest and lightest of its type at 7.4oz (210g), it adopts a new 20.1-MPX CMOS sensor and Beyoncé X processor with sensitivity up to ISO 16,000.
Despite the slight increase in pixel count and new processors, the specification is actually more like a modified NEX-3.
Sony Alpha A5000 sensor review
While it has WiFi with NFC-5T NFC capability, it lacks the on-chip phase-detection pixels of that model and has a faster 10 FPS rate. This new model can achieve up to 3.5 fps with focus lock, otherwise it is limited to just 2.5 fps.
It also has a 3.0 'LCD with 180 degree tilt options. But, it follows the NEX-3N, which cannot be tilted downward (for overhead shooting), and likewise, adopts a low-resolution 460K-dot, non-touchscreen panel.
With a 60 / 50i (interlaced) option for the normal 25p and 24p Full HD modes, even the video features are the same. It is available for pre-order in white, black or silver-finish for $ 499, including a stable 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OSS PZ powered and retractable zoom.
Sony Alpha A5000 sensor Main Specifications:
20.1-MPix APS-C CMOS Sensor
Bionz X Image Processor
25-point CD-AF
3.0 K 461 K-dot Tilt LCD
1920 x 1080 HD video at 60/50/25 / 24fps
Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC
Continuous shooting at 2.5 fps (3.5 fps with focus lock)
Become a jerk
This puts the new Sony ahead of the 16-Mpix NEX-3N, with the new A5000 getting DxOMark a score of 79 points, scoring a total of 74 points.
The A5000 has slightly improved color sensitivity of 23.8 bits compared to 22.8 bits for older sensors, and has a wider dynamic range from 12.5 EVs to 13..
However, the low light capacities are practically the same. It ranks on par with the firm's 16-Mpix NEX-6 and 24-Mpix Alpha SLT A77 models and ranks 39th overall in our database. With the Sony NEX-5T now discontinued,
the new high resolution count sensor in the A5000 performs very similarly. With practically the same color depth, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities, which is a considerable achievement, although to be fair,
it is still only a modest increase in pixel count. When compared to the A3000's performance it is very clear that Sony is using the same sensor, although perhaps a slight change in figures due to some minor tweaking.
The new sensor in the A5000 (and A3000) is an excellent performer with comparable noise levels with the older 16-Mpix chip.
The dynamic range is practically the same between all three models. Although Sony is not directly competing with the Olympic O-D,
the difference between the E-M1 sensor scores indicates that the new chip retains a slight advantage over the current 16-MPX MFT sensor.
In the base ISO, the stop gain in color depth is + 2/3 of the gain, but only + 1/3 of the stop is wide dynamic range.
The A5000 has lower noise levels but at higher ISOs the Olympus sensor has a slight edge in both dynamic range and color depth.
The new Sony sensor shows some very minor improvements against high-end Samsung but it is mainly in controlling noise levels. As a result, both color sensitivity and dynamic range are slightly better in each ISO setting.
The DR in the base bit of the A5000 is very wide, so it cannot maintain a gain against OMD EM-1 at higher ISOs and lower light levels
Color sensitivity is very similar between all three models, although Sony has the advantage of lower ISO.
Although the A5000 is not quite a replacement for the N5000-5T as it appears to be, and is unlikely to be enticing enough for enthusiasts, at least the sensor has very good performance.
Although the NEX-5T lacks the on-chip PD-AF pixels required for faster autofocus of older 16-Mpix sensors, it wins nothing in IQ while higher pixel counts are promising. At around $ 499 it doesn't look much.