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Sony's α (Alpha) NEX-5 takes mirror-less/finder-less, interchangeable-lens camera technology to the next level by integrating the resolving power of an APS-format imaging sensor in a camera body that's 48% smaller and 49% lighter than traditional compact DSLRs.
While the camera is physically smaller than a compact DSLR, it retains the imaging qualities of an APS imaging sensor, which contains 58% more surface area than a Four Thirds imaging sensor, and about 13 times the surface area of point-and-shoot imaging sensors. The end result is true pro-quality resolving power in a far smaller package. For still imaging, the NEX-5 captures JPEGs (Fine or Standard), RAW, or JPEG+RAW in a choice of sRGB or Adobe RGB color spaces. In addition to stills, the NEX-5 also captures HS 1080/60i video as well as Full-AVCHD video with Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 audio. For more precise audio there is an optional shoe-mounted shotgun mic that features 90°/120° tilt movement.
The NEX-5 is designed to use Sony E-series lenses, a compact line of optics designed to work with the reduced flange distance that resulted from the removal of the reflex viewing system. The new E-series optics are smaller than Sony's traditional DSLR optics while retaining the imaging qualities Sony is recognized for. In addition to Sony E-series optics, you can also use any of Sony's traditional DSLR lenses (as well as all Minolta AF-mount optics) on the NEX-5 by using the optional LA-EA1 lens adapter. (Note - Manual focus and full-open aperture metering only when using LA-EA1 lens adapter)
The Live View viewing system of the Sony NEX-5 consists of a hi-fidelity 3", 921,600-dot TFT TruBlack LCD that can be tilted downward 45° and upwards of 80° for composing still or video images from extreme angles and/or in tighter shooting quarters.
As for performance levels, the NEX-5's Contrast Auto Focus system has quick response times and can capture full-res stills at burst-rates up to 7 frames-per-second. Low-light shooters will appreciate the ability to increase ISO sensitivity up to 12800, not to mention the NEX-5's Anti-Motion Blur and Hand-held Twilight modes, which capture 6 rapid-sequence images of a subject, analyze the exposure and focusing details of each image, and layer the optimum portions of these exposures into a single optimized image.
Another cool feature found on the Sony NEX-5 is Sony's renowned Sweep Panorama mode, which captures up to 60 individual images and stitches them together in-camera to produce panoramic images up to 226° across by simply pressing the shutter and 'sweeping' the camera vertically or horizontally across the area you want to capture.
Other features found on the Sony NEX-5 include manual overrides for focus and exposure controls, Auto HDR capture and a Dynamic Range Optimizer for expanding shadow and highlight details, Advanced Anti-Dust technologies, 8 Scene modes and 6 Creative settings, Background Defocus, for in-camera selective-focus control, a 25-point AF system, HDMI connectivity, and up to 330 exposures per battery charge.
Because Sony NEX-series are designed with hand-held, low-light/high ISO imaging in mind, there is no built-in flash. But for times you want or need to use flash, a low-profile Sony HVL-F7S P-TTL flash (guide # 7m @ ISO 100) is included with each camera.
Included with this kit is a compact Sony E-series 16mm/2.8 'pancake' lens (24mm equivalent), which contains 5 elements in 5 groups, 1 aspheric surface, and a minimum focus of 0.8' (0.24 m).
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Sony E Mount |
| Camera Format | APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor) |
| Resolution |
Effective Pixels: 16.1 Megapixels Max Resolution: 16 MP: 4912 x 3264 |
| Sensor Type / Size | CMOS, 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Audio: AAC |
| Dust Reduction System | Y |
| Noise Reduction | Yes |
| Memory Card Type |
Memory Stick PRO HG-Duo SD SDHC SDXC |
| AV Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Audio Recording | With Video, Stereo |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Auto & Manual |
| Focus Mode | Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M) |
| Autofocus Points | 25 |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Screen | 3" Rear Screen Tilting LCD (921600) |
| Screen Coverage | 100% |
| Live View | Yes |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 100-25600 |
| Shutter |
Type: Electronic Speed: 30 - 1/4000 sec |
| Metering Method | Spot metering, Center-weighted average metering, Multi-zone metering |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Shutter Priority Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 0.33 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Kelvin, Shade, Preset Manual |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 10 fps |
| External Flash Connection | Proprietary |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Self Timer | 2 sec, 10 sec |
| Connectivity | AV Output, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Software Requirements |
Windows: XP (SP3), Vista (SP2), 7 Mac: OS X 10.3 or later |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1x NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.36 x 2.31 x 1.50" / 11.08 x 5.88 x 3.82 cm |
| Weight | 7.4 oz / 210 g Camera body only |
| Kit Lens | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
16 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 24 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Angle of View | 83° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.4" (23.88 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.073x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:13.6 |
| Groups/Elements | 5/5 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Thread | Front: 49 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 0.89 x 2.44" (2.26 x 6.20 cm) |
| Weight | 2.47 oz (70 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 12 customers
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
This camera might not be a SLR but the pictures and capabilities sure make it feel like one. Plus its compact nature is another appealing point!
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
Sweet , ease of use
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
I was looking for a new slr but really wanted something I could take anywhere. A friend highly recommended the Nex 5 and after a lot of research I pulled the trigger. It's a great camera that is a big step up from a high end point and shoot. It does have its limitations (no onboard flash, no hot shoe, no viewfinder, etc) but this camera packs a lot of great features for the price. I got the two lens kit and also picked up the fisheye adapter for the 16mm lens. Great ultra wide angle shots.
The image quality is incredible especially when considering the size and feature set. I shoot in RAW and JPEG and the photos are even better with some PP work.
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
This is the perfect camera for me. I've always wanted to upgrade to a DSLR, but big bulky cameras are a no-go for climbing and mountaineering. This should really enable me to get great shots of the outdoors from some really awkward places. The pancake lens combo was perfect to hold onto with one hand while holding onto the rock with the other, and having DSLR-style control over DOF and such really helped me get some great pics.
The menu system took a bit of getting used to but with the new firmware, the customizable softkeys helped a lot.
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
I am expert profissional photographer in panoramic landscapes and use my Nex5 to do story board and after to use my Fuji GX 617 with Velvia.
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
great low light performance with the 2.8 lens
i use it mainly to get pictures of the little ones in all settings, often inside with less than ideal lighting
during video, the autofocus seems to prefer the background sometimes
i find myself almost never considering the flash
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
I bought this camera after doing a lot of research on the internet. Wasn't sure whether the image quality would be good since a few people seem to be not satisfied with the kit lenses. Also the user interfaces always comes up as a problem. So far I am happy with my purchase. It takes high quality images and the lenses are good for the price. The user interface really isn't that bad and now with the firmware update you can program buttons for quick use as well. The only thing I can "complain" about right now is, that the shutter is pretty loud. Especially when taking a series of pictures.
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
Just got it for Christmas and I have not explored all the features but I am happy sofar with the quality of the still images and definetly the video.
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
As a novice, I have been very pleased with my purchase of the sony nex 5 . It is fairly simple to use and has all the capabilities that I was looking for. I am very pleased with the quality of photos. I love that it is so compact. We are traveling next week and it will be easier to carry this through the park than a full size slr. I am sure that as I learn more about this camera, I will enjoy it even more.
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
Small enough to take everywhere. Clever and clean design, unbelievable pictures!
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Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
The NEX 5 is as light-weight and beautiful in real life as in advertisement. It is not meant to replace my Canon 50D and the rest of the lens and accessories I invested over the years, but it is definitely a nice addition and a viable alternative when it comes to light travel with the kids. Focusing is slower than my DSLR, so it is not as great to take pictures of kids, but still beat any of the point-and-shoot on the market. Low light pictures are amazing especially considering the price paid for the lens and body. The only complaint is the shoulder strap which really makes you uncomfortable with wearing it bare skin. The HD recording of video is a big plus. Battery life is average, which is very much acceptable. Overall a great product.
Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver):
Great little camera, takes some getting used to as it is SO small. I use it for climbing and back packing where weight is the big issue. The digital stills are super but it is the video that is really impressive (1080i). Very easy to use both for full auto and manual, lots of options. I input the HDMI video to my editing system via a Kona card. The video tends to be a bit bluish but this can be compensated for. Still not real options for lenses and adapters for existing lenses but I am patient.
Hand holding the video is almost impossible, the camera is so small it moves a great deal, needs a good tripod (I have a hiking pole tripod that does a pretty good job. Forget hand holding video for really good video. Was well worth the wait for this 1080i little camera!!
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