Sony’s superlative new camera
The Sony A6100 represents a big step up from smartphone snaps and is an excellent entry-level choice for photography enthusiasts, says Matthew Partridge.


Lockdown and social distancing have caused camera sales to plummet as there isn’t much point in buying a camera if there’s nothing much to take pictures of. However, with restrictions on outdoor activities being gradually lifted, photography enthusiasts may now be thinking about buying a new camera. One option that they should consider is Sony’s A6100 camera, which I had the privilege of testing in late February and early March. Released last year, it is designed to replace the A6000 as Sony’s entry-level interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera.
Although the cheapest model, the A6100 features all the latest advances in camera technology. The autofocus system is fast and reliable, allowing you to not only track a moving subject, but also lock focus on their eyes. Those interested in video will also enjoy the ability to record an unlimited amount of high-quality footage without interruption. There is also an electronic shutter mode that allows you to take pictures silently, which is extremely useful if you are taking snaps in an environment (such as a concert) where you aren’t allowed to make a noise.
Sony has had to make a few compromises to keep the price down. The video capabilities lack the professional modes that enable people to fine-tune the footage. The silent mode also suffers from a bit of rolling shutter, which means that images of extremely fast-moving objects may be distorted, and fluorescent lights may cause banding unless you set the shutter at the correct speed.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The “rangefinder” style, where the viewfinder is to the side of the lens rather than directly above it, may not be to everyone’s taste. And like all mid-range cameras, the sensor is cropped compared with the most expensive “full-frame” cameras (though still much larger than smartphone sensors).
Still, as I found out when I used it at a comedy night and a museum, when it comes to taking top-quality photos, even in the most challenging conditions, the A6100 is an excellent choice. Overall, it’s on a par with comparable cameras such as the Nikon Z50 and Fuji’s X-T30, surpassing them in certain areas (such as the ability to take long videos).
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.

Matthew graduated from the University of Durham in 2004; he then gained an MSc, followed by a PhD at the London School of Economics.
He has previously written for a wide range of publications, including the Guardian and the Economist, and also helped to run a newsletter on terrorism. He has spent time at Lehman Brothers, Citigroup and the consultancy Lombard Street Research.
Matthew is the author of Superinvestors: Lessons from the greatest investors in history, published by Harriman House, which has been translated into several languages. His second book, Investing Explained: The Accessible Guide to Building an Investment Portfolio, is published by Kogan Page.
As senior writer, he writes the shares and politics & economics pages, as well as weekly Blowing It and Great Frauds in History columns He also writes a fortnightly reviews page and trading tips, as well as regular cover stories and multi-page investment focus features.
Follow Matthew on Twitter: @DrMatthewPartri
-
Millions of state pension records ‘set to be deleted’ – putting thousands at risk of never getting their money
Thousands of families could miss out on money owed to them if the government deletes historic state pension records.
-
What makes you wealthy in the UK? Could it make you a target in Rachel Reeves’ Budget?
Wealthy Brits could be at risk from a Budget tax raid – but how much money do you need to be considered wealthy in the UK?
-
Pinewood Technologies: a drive for growth
Pinewood Technologies’ platform is one of the best in the business. Investors should buy in
-
'EV maker Faraday Future will crash'
Faraday Future Intelligent Electric is failing dismally to live up to its name, says Matthew Partridge
-
8 of the best houses for sale with follies
The best houses for sale with follies in the grounds – from a five-storey Victorian Gothic tower in Tonbridge, Kent, to a former mill in Oxfordshire with gardens that include a folly on an island in a lake
-
Sotheby’s fishes for art collectors – will it succeed?
Sotheby’s is seeking to restore confidence in the market after landing Leonard Lauder's art collection, including Gustav Klimt's Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer
-
Review: The Lakes by Yoo – luxury living in the Cotswolds
Travel The Lakes by Yoo combines a luxury hotel stay with the convenience of a holiday rental in a gorgeous lakeside setting
-
8 of the best houses for sale with separate accommodation
The best houses for sale with separate accommodation – from a converted 17th-century threshing barn in Monmouthshire, to a Grade II-listed Queen Anne house in North Yorkshire with four apartments in the stable block
-
Review: Bequia Beach Hotel – nostalgic fun in the Caribbean
Travel Bequia Beach Hotel on the island of Bequia in St Vincent and the Grenadines is a resort with personality that is as luxurious as it is playful
-
8 of the best properties for sale with orangeries
From a converted Victorian Catholic school with a chapel in Kingston Upon Thames to a 12-acre country estate with mature gardens and a lake in Nantwich, Cheshire, we look at some of the best properties for sale with orangeries