Sony a6100 review: Should this be your next family camera?
The Sony a6100 is a 24MP APS-C mirrorless camera, aimed squarely at beginners and people who want attractive photos but don't necessarily think of themselves as photographers. A new, powerful autofocus system makes it one of the easiest cameras to use, if you just trust it to do its thing and concentrate instead on what you're shooting.
The a6100's specifications aren't cutting edge, and it's priced accordingly. But that simple, effective autofocus system means it makes it easy to get the photos you want, and hence, arguably, it's better value than those less expensive rivals. On paper it looks a lot like the bargain-basement a6000 but in use this is a vastly better camera.
Our main doubts about the camera come if you want to get more involved in the photographic process.
Key features:
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Advanced AF system with highlight dependable subject tracking
- 1.44M dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- 0.9M dot LCD tilting rear touchscreen
- Wi-Fi for image transfer to smart devices (with NFC for quick connection)
- 4K video capture
- USB charging
The Sony a6100 has a list price of $750, a $50 premium over the launch price of the original a6000, which suggests it may take a similar low-cost position in the lineup, long term. It has a list price of $850 with the small but uninspiring 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 power zoom. A two-lens kit adds a 55-210mm zoom for an additional $250.
What's new and how it compares
Image quality
Autofocus and Video
Conclusion
 |
The a6100 has probably the most powerful, easy-to-use autofocus systems on the market. But there are a few too many inconveniences, we feel.
Click here to read what we found
|
Sample gallery
Gear in this story
Gear in this story
DPReview Silver Award
82%
|
|
|
|
May 3, 2021
|
Apr 1, 2020
|
Jun 29, 2022
|
May 24, 2022
|
Sony Japan has posted a notice on its website confirming that November 19, 2021 was the last day it accepted orders for its a7 II series, a6400 series and a6100 (black) camera systems, due to supply chain constraints.
A lot has changed since we last compared entry-level APS-C mirrorless cameras. In this 2020 update, Chris and Jordan compare the Fujifilm X-T200, Sony a6100, and Canon EOS M50. Which one is right for you?
Sony's a6100 is the perfect entry-level camera for folks looking to step up their photography game to something more powerful than their phone. We've updated our sample gallery to give you a better sense of its capabilities.
2019 saw plenty of new cameras released, some of which were very important - and seriously impressive.
This year, plenty of amazing cameras, lenses, accessories and other products came through our doors. As 2019 winds down, we're highlighting some of our standout products of the year. Check out the winners of the 2019 DPReview Awards!
A production copy of the Canon EOS R10, the company's newest entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera, has arrived in Canada. Chris tells you what you need to know, including how the R10 stacks up to the competition.
The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art has solid build quality, some useful functions and weighs less than you'd expect. Does it take pretty pictures though? We have the answers.
Sigma's been on a roll with their mirrorless Art series lenses. Does the new 24mm F1.4 DG DN continue the streak?
The Panasonic GH6 is the latest in the company's line of video-focused Micro Four Thirds cameras. It brings a new, 25MP sensor and 10-bit 4K capture at up to 120p. We've put it to the test, both in the studio and out in the field.
Is the MSI Creator Z17 the MacBook Pro competitor Windows users were hoping for? In our tests it delivers big performance and offers a few good reasons why you might choose a 12th-Gen Intel laptop over a Mac.
What’s the best camera for around $2000? These capable cameras should be solid and well-built, have both speed and focus for capturing fast action and offer professional-level image quality. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing around $2000 and recommended the best.
What's the best camera for shooting landscapes? High resolution, weather-sealed bodies and wide dynamic range are all important. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting landscapes, and recommended the best.
If you're looking for the perfect drone for yourself, or to gift someone special, we've gone through all of the options and selected our favorites.
Most modern cameras will shoot video to one degree or another, but these are the ones we’d look at if you plan to shoot some video alongside your photos. We’ve chosen cameras that can take great photos and make it easy to get great looking video, rather than being the ones you’d choose as a committed videographer.
Although a lot of people only upload images to Instagram from their smartphones, the app is much more than just a mobile photography platform. In this guide we've chosen a selection of cameras that make it easy to shoot compelling lifestyle images, ideal for sharing on social media.
Comments