Sony Alpha NEX-5
Sony Alpha NEX-5
1
Hey! You should know that Sony has released a newer version of this product: the Sony NEX-5N.
Sony Alpha NEX-5
Editor's Review
Sony's NEX-5 is just about the hottest mirrorless camera at the moment (late 2010). The slick, small magnesium polycarbonate body belies the huge image sensor inside, capable of capturing excellent shots in JPEG and RAW format, even at high ISO sensitivities (it maxes out at an impressive 12,800), as well as 1080i HD video. Not only is it the best-looking mirrorless camera, it takes some of the best shots as well. The point of the mirrorless genre when it debuted was to create cameras that could compete with the quality of dSLRs but looked, handled and weighed more like compact cameras. The NEX-5 (along with the NEX-3) is the sleekest incarnation of this idea yet, and is arguably the most likely to attract compact camera to buy.
Specifications
- 14 megapixels
- Mirrorless body
- Interchangeable lens
- 3-inch articulated LCD
- ISO 200-12,800
- 1080i HD video
- JPEG+RAW image format
- Sony E-series lens mount
- Mini HDMI output
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Release Date: May 14, 2010
Shop for NEX-5 Accessories
Sony Alpha NEX-5 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Interior Photography with Sony NEX-5? (Darcy M — 11/24/2011)
Would this camera top the list for interior architectural shooting? I'm NOT a highly skilled photographer, rather an interior designer that presently shoots using a Panasonic FZ-18 on a tripod in manual mode with some added lighting (not flash), but want higher quality images. Has anyone had experience with this type of shot on this camera?
reply to this comment
Chery (10/01/2011)
Between the NEX-5 and the NEX-3 is there a significant difference in picture quality? I do nature shots, some event and some portrait, through not a professional. If the quailty is similar than I might be able to save a few dollars on my purchase.
reply to this comment
Sony or Panasonic (Natalie — 07/06/2011)
I would like to buy a mirorless camera but I am hesitating between the Sony Alpha NEX-5 and the panasonic GF2. Which one is the best?
reply to this comment
Liam McCabe (07/07/2011)
They're both great. The Sony has a larger sensor, so the low-light picture quality is better -- in the daytime, you probably won't notice much of a difference. Other than that, it's hard to say which is "better."
The Panny is a Micro Four Thirds format camera, which has its advantages -- bigger lens selection, smaller overall lenses, support from multiple third party companies, so on and so forth. Sony still has a fair selection of lenses, and that selection will grow in the future.
If you can, get to a camera shop and test both of them out to see which one feels more comfortable in your hands.
reply to this comment
The Panny is a Micro Four Thirds format camera, which has its advantages -- bigger lens selection, smaller overall lenses, support from multiple third party companies, so on and so forth. Sony still has a fair selection of lenses, and that selection will grow in the future.
If you can, get to a camera shop and test both of them out to see which one feels more comfortable in your hands.
David (05/12/2011)
Can I use my lens from a minolta maxxum 3000i with this camera?
reply to this comment
serge zamor (05/04/2011)
is it possible to use a Leica R4 lense on a sony next 3 camera body.
alpha.
reply to this comment
alpha.
by James DeRuvo (05/07/2011)
if it shares the same mount. you could get an adapter but that slows the lens and causes sharpness issues.
reply to this comment
rugged environment (cpainter — 02/08/2011)
how does it do in weather? cold? snow? vibration? I take my camera skiing, skating, rowing, backpacking. Looking for light-weight, high, high resolution for scenics and outdoor action. thanx
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (02/08/2011)
Cameras that aren't designed for bad weather don't usually do good in bad weather. One, taking it from cold weather to warm can create condensation in the lens, as well as a short lived battery charge. And then there's the shock value. I'd gow with an all weather option like the Canon D10.
reply to this comment
Suitable Camera ( — 01/10/2011)
Hi, I am looking for a camera to do 2 things. One take excellent, high quality, zoomed shots of my jewellery I sell. The other is to have the ability to take photos/ HD videos of my equestrian competions - needs to have a very fast shutter response speed to capture the horses movement and have a function where 10 or so photos can be taken very quickly in a row while holding down the shutter button. Does this camera exist!!!!?? Thanks
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (01/11/2011)
It's called a Digital SLR camera. For your sports needs of continuous shooting, you really need a fast shutter. Point and shoots not only deal with shutter lag, but the continuous shooting is fairly slow. What's your budget? Because for %539, I think you're better off spending a bit more and getting something like the Canon T1i or T2i.
reply to this comment
HELP!!!!!!!!!!! (sunrise skateboard — 12/28/2010)
is the Sony alpha NEX - 5 camera from fumfie waterproof? or at least can it handle a little bit of water?????? HELP!
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (12/29/2010)
No. You'll need a case for it.
reply to this comment
Manual controls (Robert — 12/07/2010)
Are there manual aperture and shutter speed controls?
reply to this comment
Liam McCabe (12/07/2010)
Yes.
reply to this comment
nex5 (Rick Perez — 12/02/2010)
Amazing clarity!! Video unbelivable if you have the TV that does it justice
reply to this comment
micro feature? (Diane — 11/25/2010)
does this have a micro feature
reply to this comment
Liam McCabe (11/29/2010)
I think you mean macro, for up-close shots. Yes, it does have a macro mode.
reply to this comment
Enoch (10/21/2010)
Actually, both the NEX5 and the NEX3 come standard with the flash accessory.
A brand new camera from the store will come with the flash as well as a case for the flash, in case you don't want to leave it on. If you have a case for the NEX5, you can probably keep the flash on the camera and throw it in the bag as it does not add much bulk.
The flash flips up and down, so in the down position the flash is off, and flip it up to make the flash fire for your picture.
reply to this comment
A brand new camera from the store will come with the flash as well as a case for the flash, in case you don't want to leave it on. If you have a case for the NEX5, you can probably keep the flash on the camera and throw it in the bag as it does not add much bulk.
The flash flips up and down, so in the down position the flash is off, and flip it up to make the flash fire for your picture.
Liam McCabe (10/21/2010)
Ok, thanks for clarifying.
reply to this comment
Earle Spencer (10/19/2010)
I note that there's no mention of an in-built flash. Please advise. Does the mirrorless not need a flash?
From the image, I was guessing re the identification of the flash
reply to this comment
From the image, I was guessing re the identification of the flash
Liam McCabe (10/19/2010)
There is no built-in flash. No camera ever "needs" a flash per se, it's just there to help aid in situations where there's not enough light. Since the NEX-5 has a big sensor (similar size to a dSLR), it will take clearer pictures in dim settings than a compact would. But, you still might decide that you want a flash from time to time -- that's what the accessory port is for. You can buy a flash (I think some NEX-5 kits come with one) and attach it to the camera.
reply to this comment
Earle Spencer (10/19/2010)
Thanks for the info. I looked up the product, and based on the several prices, it does seem that I could look out for the flash as an accessory. the technology is really spreading to a wider clientele.
reply to this comment
Earle Spencer (10/19/2010)
Thanks for the very prompt response. As an oldster in the field, tho' not a pro, I do think I'd be more comfortable if I purchased a unit that supplied the flash, even as an accessory.
reply to this comment
Flash, comes with it (Michelle — 12/16/2010)
Does come with a attachable flash. However, seems that I'm getting much better results without it. I''ve only had it a few days, loving it so far. Hard to give up my canon!
reply to this comment
what is the make and model number (BOB Peters — 09/03/2010)
wHAT IS THE BEST MEMORY STICK FOR THIS CAMERA AND id PLEASE
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (09/07/2010)
I like SanDisk.
reply to this comment
asking (chimuka chikumbi — 06/20/2010)
well am asking how it could cost me usig zambian currency
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (06/22/2010)
That's difficult for us to say as currency exchange rates vary daily, even hourly. Your best bet would be to take the amount in US dollars and then google currency exchange for your currency. It'll get you in the ballpark, but won't be entirely accurate. Enough to make a decision though.
reply to this comment
Sony Alpha NEX-5 Reviews
Sony Alpha NEX-5 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 3.0 out of 5
waterdamaged
(zane handly — 02/21/2011)
Was getting to love this camera.Using both Professionally and on vacation.
However I must of somehow got water ( a drop unknowingly somehow) and wham
paperweight.
Still under warranty any advice?
