When it comes to photography, I still have a lot to learn. Nowadays, blogging is not just about the writing anymore. To gain readership, it’s important to know how to take a decent photograph. And I’ll admit that while I have never had the time to really practice my skills, a lesson or two is definitely appreciated. That’s why it’s such a great opportunity for me to review the brand new Sony Alpha 5000 Camera, which has just been launched a couple of months ago.

Replacing the Sony NEX-3n, the versatile Sony A5000 camera is the world’s lightest interchangeable lens camera to feature Wi-Fi connectivity. Weighing in at only 210g without lens, the Sony A5000 boasts a formidable amount of imaging power for its size. Its design is sleek, small enough to fit in most handbags.  It’s a great option for ones who are looking to upgrade from point-and-shoot cameras, but also packs enough imaging credentials to appeal the pros who might want to add a compact camera to their collection.

To facilitate the preview of this camera, Sony Malaysia threw a little tea party for us at the beautiful Carcosa Seri Negara. Before the start of the event, we each get assigned our very own Sony A5000 to play with for the afternoon (and a few extra days just to test out the functions).

Of course, I went for the food first. This photo was shot by Andy Kho using the Sony Alpha 7R.

This was the photo I took. Using auto mode to start with. Already liking the details and the background defocusing ability.

After the Brief product presentation by Ishida Masahiko, Head of Digital Imaging Sony Malaysia; and a few words from Mr Kikuo Okura San, Managing Director of Sony Malaysia. We were treated to a slideshow by Photoriders who recently travelled to Penang on their bikes to test out the Sony Alpha 5000. The photos they took were quite amazing, ranging from a breathtaking Panorama scene using the Sweep Panorama mode, the fine details of flora and fauna, the low light shots in a sace, the action shoot of people working in the market etc. The Sony Alpha 5000 is light and compact, as compared to their usual DSLRs, yet the image qualities are just as professional. The presentation had us all itching to shoot some photos straightaway!

The fun began when we were given an hour to shoot as many photos are we liked and submit the best one for competition. I took the opportunities to ask the pros for some tips. And these are some of the photos I took after. Now bear with me as I’m not very well versed with photography jargons, so I will explain it in my understanding.

The High Tea set was served to us, I couldn’t help but took some pictures of the food.

At this point I was only using the Program Auto Mode, but can you see how the background is nicely blurred to feature the Croissant?

Dramatic bokeh, don’t you think? This was shot using Manual Exposure. I like how when selecting shooting modes, it comes with a little explanation on the screen to give me a clue what it’s suitable for.

Another one with the same Manual Setting, managed to capture the details of the strawberry while defocusing the background.

This is probably my favourite of the day, also shot with Manual Exposure.

Despite its small size, the picture quality is not compromised, with a DSLR-sized 20.1 effective-megapixel Exmor APS-C HD CMOS image sensor that captures the finest details. The new-generation BIONZ X processor (shared with the alpha 7 and alpha 7R) further enhances the image. The ISO goes up to 16000, ensuring excellent images even in low light. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a pop-up flash that is tiltable to manually adjust the flash if needed.

This was taken with Scene Mode – Landscape

It is apparent that the most attractive feature to girls would be the ease of self-portrait with the 180 degree tiltable LCD screen. Its comfortable handgrip enables single handed “selfies” and better yet, the special Soft Skin Effect automatically smoothen wrinkles (if any) for lovely complexion. Check out the queens of self-portrait below:

Of course I couldn’t resist a selfie too.

I was most intrigued by the Wi-Fi Connectivity, which allows users to send the images directly to our smartphones, and more impressively, the Smart Remote Control option links the camera with a smartphone or tablet to view shots, or fire the shutter from a distance. By using the PlayMemories Camera Apps, uploading photos to social media sites has become much easier and convenient. You can also edit your photos through the app.

Back to the competition, there were many nice entries but it was Careen Tan from MHB who won the contest and became the first person in Malaysia to own the Sony Alpha 5000. Congratulations babe!

She said that she was very surprised to win, but her photo definitely stood up against the rest.

Of course, we have to do a group shot before leaving the beautiful Carcosa Seri Negara. Here are the MHB girls with our shiny new cameras.

The Sony Alpha 5000 will be available in Malaysia from 21 February 2014 onwards with the suggested retail price:-

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

Head over here to find out more on the Sony Alpha 5000 – http://www.sony.com.my/product/ilce-5000l/sku/ilce-5000l_wap2?cid=a5000:blog:mhb:my:writeup:KellySiew

More info at http://www.sony.com.my or at https://www.facebook.com/SonyMalaysia