The versatile new Sony α5000 camera (model ILCE-5000) is the world’s lightest interchangeable lens camera to feature the convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity. Weighing in at less than 8oz., the new camera boasts a formidable amount of imaging power for its size.
“Packing DSLR imaging power into an incredibly small and light package, our new α5000 is the ultimate ‘everyday shooter’ that will appeal to a wide range of customers,” said Neal Manowitz, director of the alpha interchangeable lens camera division at Sony. “Its sleek, user-friendly design will attract point-and-shoot users looking to upgrade, while its impressive imaging credentials will appeal to photo enthusiasts looking for a compact camera that can deliver the performance, flexibility and results they crave.”
The new camera features a large 20.1 MP APS-C sized sensor that is paired with a new-generation BIONZ X processor – the same processor in the award winning Sony α7 and α7R full-frame cameras. These key devices work together to deliver crisp, high-quality still images and full HD videos in all types of shooting conditions.
The BIONZ X processor uses detail reproduction, area-specific noise reduction and diffraction reducing technologies to ensure extremely fine color textures and low noise in images. Additionally, it allows for shooting at extremely high sensitivity – up to ISO 16000 – for impressive pictures in fading light.
On-board Wi-Fi capabilities give consumers one-touch connection with Xperia or NFC-compatible Android smartphones or tablets for instant image transfer and sharing. A single touch also activates Smart Remote Control, linking the camera with a smartphone or tablet to view shots, and fire the shutter from a distance.
For devices without NFC one-touch capabilities, users can wirelessly transfer images and videos and activate Smart Remote Control with the α5000 camera through Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile application, available for the iOS and Android platforms.
The new α5000 model has a comfortable new grip and intuitive tiltable LCD screen that can flip upwards up to 180 degrees for easy self-portraits. There’s also a conveniently placed lever on the camera body for fingertip adjustment of the camera’s optical zoom3, which is especially useful for shooting HD video with the supplied 16-50mm power zoom kit lens (model SELP1650).
The camera’s “Photo Creativity” mode will help less experienced photographers learn and experiment with creative settings. Unique to Sony, this mode replaces complex photographic settings with more easily understood phrases like “Background Defocus” and “Brightness,” giving users direct access to many common manual settings. It also offers quick and easy access to Picture Effects, which includes popular modes like Pop Color, Selective Color, Toy Camera and Miniature Mode.
