Sony has crammed a 20.1 Megapixel APS-C image sensor and Wi-Fi capability into a package weighing only 8 oz (220 g) in its latest mirrorless camera offering – the Sony α5000. Announced at CES 2014, the camera features the same BIONZ X processor found in the company's α7 and α7R full-frame cameras, giving it ISO sensitivity of up to 16000 for low light shooting.
Billed as the "world’s lightest interchangeable lens camera to feature the convenience of Wi-Fi," the α5000 uses a Smart Remote Control feature to link to Xperia or NFC-capable Android smartphones and tablets. As well as enabling wireless image transfer, this feature also lets the user shoot remotely using their device as a trigger for the shutter.
Selfie-obsessed snappers can make use of the rear LCD screen which is rotatable to 180 degrees, taking the guesswork out of self-portraits and odd-angles, but also coming in handy when shooting HD video from a tripod. Another practical feature for those wanting to shoot video is the optical zoom lever positioned on the camera body.
The Sony α5000 can be fitted with any of the E-mount interchangeable lenses (of which there are now 22 on the market) and comes with a 16-50mm motorized zoom lens as standard.
The asking price will be around the US$600 mark with a when the α5000 becomes available in March 2014. It will come in three colors: white, black or silver.
Source: Sony
