​Sony Alpha A5100



​The Sony a5100 camera is a reliable mid-range digital camera with many of the features you want for a vlogging camera. You get WIFI connectivity, 1080p video, and ultra-fast autofocus. If you are searching for a vlogging camera, you should take a closer look at the Sony a5100.



Features and Specs of the Sony a5100 Camera



With the Sony a5100 camera, you can start recording 1080p video and then instantly share the video with your smartphone with the WIFI or NFC connectivity. The main features of the camera include:



1080p video recording

24 MP sensor

179 autofocus points

Weighs about 10 ounces

Measures 4.33 x 1.42 x 2.48 inches



It is another lightweight digital camera that provides the perfect option for vlogging. You get a flip-up LCD screen that rotates 180-degrees, which will allow you to see yourself as you record.

The camera should fit in the palm of your hand, your shirt pocket, pants pocket, or purse. It is compact and features an interchangeable lens.



The Sony a5100 uses the Sony E-mount lens system. While you can buy the base camera body without a lens, there are several different combinations of lenses available. You can also purchase e-mount compatible lenses based on your recording preferences



Pros and Cons of the Sony a5100 Camera



Why should you consider using this camera for vlogging? Besides the rotating LCD screen and WIFI connectivity, you may enjoy the video recording options.



You can record 1080p video at 24p or 60p with up to 50 Mbps bitrate. You also get to choose between XAVC S, AVCHD, and MP4 formats. The XAVC S format offers the highest bitrate while AVCHD is comparable to Blu-ray quality. The MP4 format is primarily intended for uploading to the web.



Along with these formats, the Sony a5100 includes uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 clean-screen video recording. However, you need to connect the camera to an external recording device via the HDMI connection to record the uncompressed video.



The Sony a5100 also supports a variety of camera apps. With the PlayMemories Apps, you can control the camera with your smartphone or tablet. You can also change settings or use your smartphone as a viewfinder.



The controls are also convenient. They are designed for simple one-handed operation. The lightweight camera sits comfortably in the palm of your hand, while you effortlessly switch settings, zoom the camera, or switch the focal point.



The camera also provides ultra-fast focusing. The camera focuses on the subject in less than 0.07 seconds, which is faster compared to most vlogging cameras on the market. The autofocus system includes 179 AF points and can track moving subjects.



One disadvantage of the Sony a5100 is the battery. It quickly drains when recording video, which requires you to either recharge the battery or swap it for a charged battery every hour or two.



Some users have mentioned that the camera tends to overheat when you record a video for more than 10 or 12 minutes. However, not everyone experiences this same problem.



If you are worried about the camera overheating and shutting down, allow the camera to cool down for a few minutes between shots.



Conclusion - Is the Sony a5100 Good for Vlogging?



The Sony a5100 is good for vlogging, thanks to the clear 1080p video and several useful features. You get a rotating LCD screen, WIFI connectivity, and multiple recording formats. You can also install PlayMemories Apps to gain control of the camera from your smartphone or tablet.



The battery life and overheating are the two issues that customers occasionally complain about. Other than these complaints, the Sony a5100 comes highly recommended as one of the top vlogging cameras for 1080p recording.

