Sony NEX-5 review
Presenting the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable lens
camera, the Sony ? NEX-5. The quality of a DSLR with just about half the
size and weight. Experience Full HD 1080/60i movies, astounding low-light
pictures, continuous shooting up to 7 fps, incredible panorama shots and
Live View on a tilting 3.0-inch LCD. Additionally, this ? NEX-5 camera
comes with an E-mount 16mm lens.
APS-C size HD image sensor The same sensor format that Sony builds into the
full-sized ? DSLRs. With 13 times the area of the typical 3 image sensor,
APS-C makes the difference between "snapshots" and
"photographs," delivering an exceptional combination of high
resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds.
Up to 7 frames per second Capture the decisive moment in sports and get the
ideal baby photo. Up to 7 fps continuous shooting at full 14.2 MP
resolution with exposure and focus fixed at the first frame. Standard
continuous shooting at up to 2.3 fps.
3D Panorama Captures scenic vistas in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across
the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images
that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television. 14
Auto HDR built into camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures
more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining the best
highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail from another for
one incredible shot. Until recently, you needed a computer and editing
software. Sony builds HDR in. Handles severe backlighting and other
high-contrast scenes. Captures in a split second. (Recommended for still
subjects.)
920K pixel TruBlack™ LCD screen Sony’s Xtra Fine LCD™ monitor has
best-in-class resolution (as of April 2010). The TruBlack™ screen
includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increase
contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts
visibility even further in bright sunlight.
iAUTO (Intelligent Auto) mode Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent
technologies. Takes advantage of Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face
Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization without
leaving auto mode so you always get the best shot.
Control Wheel + Soft Keys Unlike cameras that bristle with knobs, buttons
and dials, the NEX-5 features a simple turn-and-click Control Wheel and
context-sensitive Soft Keys. It’s elegant, uncluttered and intuitive.
Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with
backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include
Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.
Multi-segment measuring Optimizes exposure based on 49 segments. Choice of
Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting
situations.
"Background Defocus" control Cameras with APS-C sensors take
beautiful pictures because they can blur the background. That helps make
your subject stand out as the center of attention in portrait photography.
But you’ve had to know about aperture f-stops and shutter speeds. Now
Sony makes it easy. Simply turn the Control Wheel one way for backgrounds
in focus, the other for background defocus.
Face Detection technology The camera can automatically detect up to eight
individual faces and adjust focus, exposure, white balance and flash to
help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends. Can
prioritize children or adults.
Eight Scene Selection Modes These help you get the shot by optimizing the
camera for specific shooting situations. Select from Portrait, Sports,
Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night View, Night Portrait and Hand-held Night
Shot modes.
Anti-Dust Technology Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS sensor clean,
resulting in consistently clear pictures. First a static-free coating on
the sensor’s low-pass filter helps repel dust. Then vibration
automatically dislodges dust from the sensor.
Dual Media Slots For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your
images, the camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG
Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (Class 4 or higher recommended). (Memory card is
required. All are sold separately.)
Ultra-light Magnesium alloy fascia The camera combines high strength with
low weight, thanks to the Magnesium alloy front fascia.
Smallest in class This is the world’s smallest interchangeable lens
digital still camera (as of April 2010). We removed the conventional mirror
box, AF sensor and viewfinder, reducing the "flange back"
distance from 44.5 mm to 18 mm. The result has all the quality of an ?
DSLR, but is 48% smaller and 49% lighter than our ?230.
First in class with 1080/60i movies This is the world’s first
interchangeable lens still camera with 1080/60i AVCHD Full HD, exactly the
same resolution and frame rate as most broadcast and cable HDTV channels.
Records in 1080/60i AVCHD™ format, 1080/30p high definition in
PC-friendly MP4 format and standard definition 480/30p in MP4 format. 2
ISO 12800 sensitivity Incredibly clear low-light pictures without
sacrificing detail. As of April 2010, this is best-in-class performance,
made possible by low-noise Exmor™ APS HD CMOS image sensor and refined
BIONZ® image processor.
Anti Motion Blur mode Corrects for subject movement to capture amazingly
clean and sharp images in low light. The camera leverages the large, APS-C
image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining
the data from all six creates a single image that minimizes subject blur.
Live View LCD The LCD monitor is active full-time for composing shots.
Provides a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus,
depth of field, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus informative
on-screen displays.
Fast Auto Focus Some cameras in this class are slow to focus. That can make
you miss the shot on fast-moving subjects like sports and unpredictable
subjects like pets and babies. Sony’s fast Contrast Auto Focus system
typically takes just 0.3 seconds. Also offers continuous Auto Focus when
shooting movies. 12
On-screen Help Guide Provides ready reference, explains the camera’s
modes and settings. Walks you through camera operation so you get the best
shot. Helps you advance from basic operation to greater sophistication.
Sony Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor Conventional image sensors use only a
handful of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, which can slow you down. The
NEX-5 Exmor™ sensor provides 4,592 column-parallel A/D converters. You
get fast response, superb image clarity.
Accepts ? DSLR A-mount lenses 7 Using the LA-EA1 adaptor (sold separately),
you can attach the full selection of ? A-mount system lenses, which
includes 28 current models and an installed base of millions of lenses
worldwide. Operational restrictions apply. 7
Manual Focus Assist Greatly magnifies the viewfinder image when you touch
the focus ring, making it easy to get razor-sharp images. Works with
E-mount lenses only.
Accepts image stabilized lenses Selected E-mount lenses incorporate Optical
SteadyShot® image stabilization to combat the effects of camera shake.
Building stabilization into the lenses enables the camera body to be
remarkably thin and light.
Smile Shutter™ technology Captures a smile the moment it happens. Simply
select the Smile Shutter™ mode and the camera takes the picture
automatically. You can prioritize children or adults and adjust the smile
sensitivity.
Six Creative Style settings Control how the camera processes your images
with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and
B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your
personal taste.
Up to 300 Shots 10 of battery life Take up to 300 shots on a single charge
10 with Sony® lithium ion Stamina™ battery power. Sony’s
InfoLITHIUM® battery system enables you to see the percent of power
remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.
PhotoTV HD compatibility 11 Optimizes compatible BRAVIA® televisions for
gorgeous display of digital pictures.
Remote capability Works with the optional RMT-DSLR1 Remote Commander®
wireless remote control.
Interchangeable lenses Compatible with Sony’s E-mount series of
smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for ? compact interchangeable
lens cameras. Opens up a world of creative options.
14.2 megapixel resolution You get incredible detail and gorgeous
enlargements. Thanks to the APS-C sensor size and Sony Exmor™ APS HD CMOS
technology, the camera achieves high resolution with no penalty in
low-light sensitivity or sensor noise.
Sweep Panorama Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the
shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest,
continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23 MP image
size. Up to 202 degrees maximum sweep angle (16mm focal length).
Hand-held Twilight Mode Corrects for subject movement to capture amazingly
clean and sharp images in low light. The camera leverages the large, APS-C
image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining
the data from all six creates a single image that minimizes subject blur.
Tiltable 3” LCD screen 6 Empowers your photography with a different point
or view. Tilts down 45° and up 80° to frame high- and low-angle shots
that would otherwise be hit-or-miss.
Intelligent Auto Focus Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further
reducing focusing time to a bare minimum. 12
On-screen Shooting Tips Offers expert advice so you can shoot like a pro.
BIONZ® image processor The brains of the camera is a refined version of
Sony’s BIONZ image processor. Its chroma noise reduction delivers
high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity. Also
enables fast processing for up to 7 fps continuous shooting of
data-intensive 14.2 megapixel images. Sweep Panorama and 6 image layering.
25-point Auto Focus 25 sensors cover a very wide area of the scene, for
accurate focusing even when the subject is far from the center of the
frame. 12
RAW image capture The NEX-5 saves your pictures as compact JPEG files or
ultra-high quality RAW files. RAW files save images prior to de-mosaicing,
white balance, sharpness and color enhancement. This retains maximum
latitude for enhancing the image on your PC.
Powerful supplied software 13 To help you refine and manage your images,
the camera is equipped with computer software including Image Data
Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture Motion Browser (PMB). 13
HDMI™ output for HD viewing Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on
a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an HDMI™ output.8 In addition, the
BRAVIA® Sync system works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs enabling you
to control camera playback using the television’s remote 9 .
P/A/S/M operating modes The NEX-5 offers a full range of controls from the
beginner’s iAUTO mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter
Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build
your confidence and exercise greater creative control.
Supplied detachable flash To help you shoot more effectively in formal
portraits, the supplied flash has a Guide Number of 7 .
Index and Slide Show Display Quickly review your photos using 6- or
12-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out
effect.