Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

I used the NEX-5N without a viewfinder for a few months and was usually satisfied with the way the monitor worked by itself. Even in sunlight I can see the image's composition well enough to know where to aim the camera. The histogram gives a good idea of the exposure, so I don't really need the monitor to evaluate exposure. However, I use manual focus with Nikon and Leica lenses and found that I couldn't focus quickly enough for some situations. The magnifier works well when you can see it clearly and when you have a little time to spend. I was missing focus in more fluid situations, such as snapshots of people receptions. The viewfinder speeds up focusing to be comparable to that of any manual focus camera. The focus is more precise than the peaking shows, as well, so I also use the viewfinder if I want something specific to be the focal point, even at a distance of fifty feet or more. Tilting is a nice feature of the viewfinder, as is the automatic transition from the LCD monitor to the viewfinder. The latter isn't quite instantaneous, so if I am in a real hurry, I'll push the button to make the switch. As long as I have the viewfinder, I use it for composition in difficult lighting. It is easy to make adjustments while looking through the viewfinder and to assess the image while doing so. Most of the time I still use the monitor on the back of the camera, because I prefer it to a viewfinder whenever possible. That's why I got the camera. Good optical viewfinders offer easier viewing, but don't simulate the exposure and the cameras that have them don't allow you do use any lens you want.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

GREAT VIEW
BEST IN SUN

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

The OLED Electronic Viewfinder was a last minute purchase before a recent trip to Walt Disney World. It's relatively expensive considering the cost of the camera, but I came home with shots that would have been difficult if not impossible using only the rear LCD on the 5N. In the bright Florida sunlight, I may have been able to get away with using the LCD for framing, but the viewfinder was almost necessary at times for checking focus.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

The main reason for my dislike is the (removable) eyecup. The material is too hard and unflexible and the shape is disfunctional. It does not fit in my eyehole and leaves way too much room for incident light from the side. It hurts. Shooting is fine indoors and after dawn - but in broad daylight it just does not work. I have the 5 N with the external finder and the 7 with the built in. Criticism is valid for both.
The minimum Sony has to do is offer rubber eyepieces of different shapes and dimensions ASAP

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

I use this most when shooting outdoors in the sun; the LCD screen doesn't show enough to be sure that focus and exposures are correct.
The amount of detail shown is staggering; viewing pictures already on the chip provides almost a better opportunity to choose the best ones without using the LCD.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

I have not used an EVF before and wasn't sure that I would like it - after a couple of outings, though, I have to say that I am very impressed with the Sony. Good texture, great brightness (without too much blockiness or grain in low light), easy to see lots of information.

My only (minor) complaints are (1) it doesn't tilt when the camera is in portrait orientation, but that may just be me (it isn't really supposed to be an angle finder, after all) and (2) it would be great if it was black crackle finish like the camera instead of smooth gray.

I still don't know that it beats the view through a real SLR prism finder, but it is certainly as good if not better than most rangefinders I've used.

Highly recommended!

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

Pros: Much needed especially when shooting outdoors when it's sunny. It helps you frame your shots well.

Cons: a little hard on the eyes after a while.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

View through viewfinder is hazy and not clear. Looks like a picture with a lot of noise. Bad image quality. Hunts for focus.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

For those that like looking through a traditional viewfinder, this is the perfect add-on to the NEX-5N. The auto-on function works seamlessly.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

Sony needs to price this more affordably as it costs more than many high-end point-and-shoot cameras. It works well but it is tiny and is made of plastic. We'll see how long it lasts before something cracks or falls off. Also, forget about using the flash outdoors because this plugs into the same slot. Why did I buy it? It's one of those "must-haves" on bright sunny days, but since it's so critical, you are being price-gouged.

That being said, there _may be_ another alternative, and much much cheaper: the LCD hood. Sooner or later, someone's going to make one that fits the 5N perfectly, and I'll be the first in line.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

Got this for my Nex 5n and am very happy with it. The viewfinder display is very clear a crisp even in bright light situations. I prefer a viewfinder to the rear display and this one exceeded my expectations. It works extremely well together with focus peaking, can't do without anymore.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

The EVF is better than any EVF i've used before but is far from perfect. In good light it is clear and the size is great but if it is bright out the viewfinder can become difficult to use and if the light is poor it gets noisy. There also is a lag sometimes when switching between the viewfinder and the EVF and that can get annoying. Overall I enjoy having it and think it makes the 5N a better camera but the technology has a long way to go before i'd call it on par with the OVF in a decent SLR.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

The view finder for the NEX 5n is a great addition to the camera. This is actually a detachable eye piece that seems to be very helpful for me to better see what I'm trying to visualize for my picture.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

So, like most of the current Sony NEX 5N owners I bought the camera and thought that the back LCD on it would be enough for me for my focusing needs and pic reviewing etc.Yes,it is enough....until you step outside into direct sunlight.As soon as I encountered the "sun" problem I went and bought the OLED EVF and never looked back. This thing is simply amazing and does its intended job very well.Whatever you see on your LCD is also seen in the EVF when you put it to your eye.Even the histogram ;-) You can even go through your camera menus without ever moving your cam away from your face,as well as change settings and see the effect this takes on your picture composition in real time in a Live View.
The con of this EVF, to some, might be the extra bulk it introduces to an otherwise tiny camera design.I personally dont think so.I like the fact that its detachable,since I can go shooting without it on a cloudy day or if I know I will be shooting something indoors or at night.
It looks like the EVF has a very durable,sturdy design.I usally carry my nex 5n with EVF attached inside my jacket or a hoodie pocket.It fits there nicely! If you wear glasses you can adjust to your specific dioptry.Some DSLR experience for you there.I would relly recommend it to anyone who owns a 5n.Its kinda pricey but worth every penny!

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

Lets face it. If you are shooting in bright sun, it is next to impossible to get an accurate focus using just the screen. There is too much light reflecting off of it to manual focus properly.

Put this finder on, and in bright light you will have no problem with manual focus. If you are only using auto focus, I wouldn't spend the money on this.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

The only time I'd really use it is at the beach in really bright sun and that isn't often enough to justify keeping it, mainly because unless you look dead-center down the middle of it, it gets kaflooey/off-register or something - hard to explain. It's kind of hard on the eyes and it doesn't render the colors very accurate as opposed to the LCD. Not very useful or pleasurable to use.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

I love the compactness of the Nex-5n compared to my DSLR,but I missed having a viewfinder. This viewfinder does an excellent job, and I highly recommend it for use, especially on sunny days. It screws on nice and tight, so I'm able to leave it on the camera in my bag. I would have rated it a 5, but I believe the viewfinder should be included as a part of the camera--as in the Nex-7.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

Having spent most of my time behind cameras with optical or EVF viewfinders, I've never quite gotten used to taking pictures with an LCD display at arms length. I'm never quite satisfied with the framing. With the OLED, I can hold the camera at eye level and be reasonably sure of the shot. The peaking function works very well through the viewfinder and the settings are easily changed.

All is not roses, however. Dark shadows and blacks do render deeper than they really are, but in the vast majority of situations, this isn't much of a problem. Also, I'd REALLY like to be able to use the viewfinder and the HVL-F20S flash at the same time. This isn't possible since both attach to the same outlet (the NEX-7 will resolve this since the OLED is built-in, assuming it's ever released in my lifetime). The OLED chews up the battery charge a little faster than without, but for a take-along in place of my 5D MKII + lenses, flash, ect, this is no deal breaker. Carry a spare battery if you're going to be out for a while.

Finally, it's a little pricey for what it is. This is an individual thing. Personally, I like the view and from a totally unphotographic perspective, it sort of personalizes the camera to me. Go figure.

I had toyed with the idea of trading in the NEX-5N when the NEX-7 finally hit the shelves, but now I can't seem to part with it.

All in all, if you prefer framing with a viewfinder you could do a lot worse than the OLED. Settings tranfer exactly as they do on the LCD and I find it superior to ANY EVF that I have ever used.

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

The view finder allows perfect composing in high ambient light where the standard screen is hard to see. The view finder turns on when it senses your eye is near it and turns off the lcd screen. The view finder is well suited to long focal length lenses.
I am totally spoiled by this unit. My SLR is seen little use after the NEX-5N and oled viewfinder have been in my bag

Comments about Sony OLED Electronic Viewfinder for NEX-5N Camera:

I absolutely love this viewfinder!! I have had several surgeries on my dominant eye, and yet with this viewfinder, everything is beautifully clear. The only con is the price. A bit high; however .... it is better than any other I have used. Would rather it be built-in (like on the NEX 7) but the NEX 7 was not yet available. I would buy this again, inspite of the price. I would definitely recommend this