Sony Alpha 5000 Bloggers Preview at Carcosa

This blog is a combination of things I love to do the most - Eat, Photograph and Write.

I carry my camera to almost everywhere I go. Especially if I'm visiting some place new, pleated with hidden hopes of devouring delicious food along the way. Thus, I'm always on the lookout for gadgets that fits my needs and lifestyle - to capture fantastic image quality pictures, well-equipped in a small and sturdy package of interest.

When I was extended an invitation to the successful preview of the Sony α5000 - I was ecstatic. Ecstatic because I've heard heaps about the World's lightest interchangeable-lens digital camera. Did it live up to its hype though?

The Bloggers Preview was held at Carcosa Seri Negara on the 15 February 2014, slightly before the official launch of the camera, creating a bit of a buzz in social media along the way. Being the very first batch of audience to toy around with the camera, I can't deny that I was feeling fairly flattered that day.

The event kick started with the Sony experts giving us an essential run-through of the Sony α5000.

A group of cyclists photographers called the PhotoRiderz gave us a presentation of their photos taken during their trip to Taiwan. In a nutshell, showcasing a lease of fascinating images taken with the light-weight and travel friendly Sony Alpha 5000. The camera weights in at only 269g with battery and lens. As PhotoRiderz mentioned, it was so much more portable compared to a DSLR, which they aptly named BBB - Big Black Brick.

Heads nodded and wide grins were noticeable from across the room - we were all undeniably in awe.

Key features of the Sony α5000

• 20.1 mega pixel Exmos APS-C HD CMOS sensor and their BIONZ X processor.

• 180° tilt LCD screen with pop-up tiltable flash and an option of soft skin effect.

• Compatible E-mount lenses.

• Sensitivity of up to ISO16000. 

• NFC, WiFi capabilities.  

• PlayMemories camera apps and photocreativity options. 

A little more on the features in my review soon. 

A photography competition ensued thereafter. We were given an hour to take pictures, using the Sony α5000. Obviously psyched up to test-run the camera - and to win of course!

The winning picture was judged based on creativity, as well as aspects that showcase the imperative features of the camera. Careen walked away with the Grand prize of none other than the Sony Alpha 5000 itself.

This was the picture I submitted - didn't win obviously. Why did I choose this picture? I wanted to highlight the de-focus and low light capabilities of the camera.

While everyone was still in photography mode, I sneaked quietly back to the table and started indulging in the high tea offerings that was then served. Dainty looking nibbles stacked high on a tiered stand. It was a tea party after all.

The color reproduction was pretty good and the lens managed to capture this shot in a rather dimly lit room without the help of any additional lighting. 

The Sony Alpha 5000 also has this feature called background defocus, which can be set in Intelligent Auto mode. This is a very useful feature especially for amateur photographers, to create the artistic flair and professional feel to a photograph.

 

Last but not least, pictures of me looking utterly serious while toying around and taking snapshots using the Sony Alpha 5000. 

 

The Sony Alpha 5000 will be available in Malaysia from 21 February 2014 onwards, retailing at:

Single Lens Package (Body + 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens) at Rm1,999
Twin Lens Package (Body + 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 + 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3) at Rm2,799
Both packages come with an exclusive carrying case and three colors of choice - white, black and pink.

To find out more about Sony Alpha 5000, head over here - http://bit.ly/1nJhA4k

More info at Sony Malaysia official website and Facebook Page.