My new Sony Nex-5 camera arrived yesterday and like a kid on Christmas day I could not wait to try it out. The Nex-5 is said to be the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera. The Nex-5, constructed from magnesium alloy, offers a newly developed 14.2 megapixel Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor. About 60 percent larger than the sensor in micro four-thirds cameras, this sensor is key to the exceptional image quality, extremely low image noise and creative defocus background effects that are familiar to DSLR users.
Besides great pictures, the Nex-5 has breakthrough video performance, as the word’s first interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C sensor to continuously adjust focus and exposure while recording video. The NEX-5 camera offers Full HD movie capture (1080i AVCHD and 720p MP4) with Full HD 60i recording. Still and video image quality is further refined by Sony’s powerful BIONZ® processor that ensures quick DSLR-style shooting response with fast, precise auto focus and minimal shutter lag. Both cameras can also capture fast-moving action with a high-speed burst of full-resolution images at up to 7fps.
The model I got is the Sony Nex-5D (J/E) model which is a double lens kit with both the low-profile E 16mm F2.8 wide angle prime “pancake” lens and the 18mm-55mm F3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens with image stabilization. The (J/E) stands for Japan model with English menu (and other languages) as typically Sony Japan models feature a Japanese only menu. I had considered getting the Japanese menu model at first but figured I’d be able to best use the camera in my first language so I got the J/E from the Sony Japan International models division.
Another cool feature is the sweep panorama feature where the camera can take a picture while rotating horizontally at 226* as you can see in the picture above I took at my local driving range. Also took some test pictures yesterday at the in laws’ house and around our garden in the back after wards… should be great for my golf club pictures and video reviews!
For those who are curious on finding out more on the Nex series of camera’s check out the Nex-5 and Nex-3 17 page review over at dpreview.com . In the meantime here are some sample photos I took yesterday!
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Nice new toy!!! :)
Good for you…… sorry to tell you that it’s not a very good camera. It’s a good first attempt by Sony and they released it to get public’s feel out of it, but it is a very hashed and incomplete camera that is bound to be improved a hundred times in the next version. This Nex-5 already feels sort of in-between, it’s weird. Awful ergonomics and no manual control. NG for me. If you put a big-ish lens on it, you are FORCED to hold it with 2 hands. Whereas with most DSLRs, even if you put a decent sized lens like a 75-300, you can still hold it in one hand.
Actually after a few days of use, I like it. You say its not a very good camera but it depends on who uses it. I’m not a pro and I get lost with a DSLR which I do find too large and bulky/heavy to handle. For my level of photography I’m more than happy with the quality of pictures and ease of use. The Nex-5 is not meant to give huge manual control which you say is NG but just goes to prove, this camera is not meant for a seasoned pro as most reviews point out a well. I did research the camera and found it to fit MY needs. Also I’m a sucker for new things… (^_^)
I also have no problems using it with one hand so far with the bigger zoom lens (haven’t tried other lens yet with the a mount). That is a must as I always have to hold a club in the other hand. The ergonomics fit very well in my small hands. The Nex-3 was much harder to hold. And I never liked the way any of the other micro four thirds have felt.
Most likely it will be improved as you say but that’s the case with any new release… cameras or cars or golf clubs.. but so far the pictures are beautiful, the panorama feature is cool and the video is very nice and I’m happy with what I got. (^_^)
” Also I’m a sucker for new things… (^_^)”
That pretty much sums it up, probably, huh, you’re a Ho for stuff. So am I, but when it comes to cameras it’s a bit different. But I understand – you HAD to be cool, new, and different, while it lasts, huh? LOL
It’s OK. I totally understand. It’s never-ending. Well, at the very least, you’re happy – for about a month. LOL
But if you don’t really care about the quality of the actual photos – why not just buy the new TX9? It’ll pretty much do the same thing, except you can put that one in your pocket. And if you say it’s all about who uses it – well, that little camera will take just as good a photo as the NEX-5, with less hassle. It also has the sweep panorama, and records HD movies. And it has no manual. If you’re not into DSLR, it’s usually because the big lenses become a hassle after a while. I know – because I’m like that. I own 3 DSLRs and they’re collecting dust. I just use the small ones now, it’s more fun, quicker, and I don’t have the weight or the hassle of giant lenses.
Yeah living in Japan definitely makes one a Ho for stuff. Sure is never ending, every product is no longer “new” and cool after a month like you said lol.
The TX9 sure looks to be a nice camera and sure does have a lot of great features too. But I wanted to try an interchangeable lens camera for the first time without going with a large body. And so far I’m happy with the image quality of the Nex and most reviews seem to rate the image quality reasonably good especially at high ISO, it’s the functionality and controls (or lack thereof) as you mentioned earlier that seem to be a hitch. It is a bit frustrating sometimes as in certain modes, certain functions are simply grayed out. But I seem to survive with the basics.
It is my first time using interchangeable lenses so It’ll be interesting to see how much of a hassle it becomes, so far so good with the two standard lenses. Pretty much use the wide pancake for now as it keeps the camera small then switch when I need to.
What are you using for your small point and shoot these days?
I’ve owned the Panasonic LX2 and still use it. I’m waiting on the news of the new LX5 or whatever they’re calling it, or their new version of the LC1 which is supposed to be another mirror-less version of their G-series but without the interchangeable lens. I also have the Sony TX7, which is a GREAT little camera, water-proof and DROP-proof from 1.5 meters which is amazing. But I’m waiting on that new Panny, hoping that it’s THE one.
You should’ve gone to the Panasonic G-series, such as the GF1, which is the Micro4/3 system, smaller than standard DSLRs, but comes with interchangeable lenses, and shoots lovely pics and excellent video. But the next wave is the 1080 video standard on stills cameras, which the TX9 has.
I’ve used Lumix cameras before and loved them for their picture quality however I personally did not like the way the GF1 felt in my hands. I have very small hands and the nex-5 actually fit my hand much better. Ah you’ve got an LX2, wonderful camera that takes amazing pics. At one time I also considered the LX3, wish i had gotten it. Maybe I still will as there are many used ones around here. Thanks for the advice though, its much appreciated! (^_^)
I did not get the LX3, because it did not have a flash – you had to BUY an attachment. Panny went crazy with the LX3, trying to make it be this weird little pseudo-DSRL without the interchangeable lenses – I think they were setting people up for their up-n-coming micro4/3 G-series at the time, to get people used to the way Panny’s cameras worked.
Just wait for the LX5, it’s about to be announced at the end of this month. Look here:
http://43rumors.com/ft5-panasonic-lx5-more-compact-cameras-surprise-camera-by-end-of-july/
But, if you’ve got hands that don’t fit ergonomically, I totally understand. At least small hands are better for golf! I’ve got GIANT PALMS with stubbly short fingers that I have to get extra extra big grips on my clubs, which always throws off the head-weight balance of my cubs and messes me up.
GT thanks for the heads up on the LX5, I’ll definitely check it out. Yeah small hands work on the Nex-5, I found the GF1 too bulky. Definitely great for golf, I can always go for the ultra light small grips to bring swing weight up. (^_^)
very interesting camera. I must say i haven’t seen something like this before. Is it a point and shoot type with an option for lens? Looks very convenient to store yet the pics look like SLR type.
I also am interested in Sony alpha Nex-5 and I also want to buy it, but I don’t know how can I buy the camera with English version in Japan. If you have any idea, don’t hesitate to tell me. Thank you all in advance for your reply
Your Message I have a 1,000 pounds budget for a new camera. I heard most of my countrymen bought a pro camera, I was almost interested to buy a new version of a pro camera like the CANON 550D a top rated camera with 18 M PIX but I realised it’s too bulky & lenses are heavy to carry on your holiday everywheher, I hate caryring too much MONSTER WEIGHTS in the airport, I decided to buy a SONY NEX 5 TWIN LENSES because I consider of the size & weight and the quality of the pictures I can carry everywhere on my holiday.. Its a hobby and for fun & I’m happy to go for it.
I am also living in japan and I was wondering where you got the camera with the J/E funtion
Now that I’m on the lookout for an upgrade from a point & shoot for the missus this coming holiday season, this thread has suddenly become very informative for someone like me who knows nothing about cameras.
What other cameras would be comparable, if not better to the Nex-5 in terms of size, weight & of course, performance?
I actually moved from a point and shoot to the Nex… and now I’ve gone beyond with even more interchangeable lens cameras. The Nex is very easy to use even for the beginner as it has great info tips and guides built into the menu but best of all it simply takes great pictures. Another option would be the new Panasonic GF2 which hasn’t been released yet.
You’ve got two options, purchase the camera from a overseas retailer who ships to Japan (in many cases this is actually cheaper as the Yen is so strong now and overseas retailers typically use USD prices) or you can try this rakuten seller who sells international models but at a premium: http://item.rakuten.co.jp/kaigai/nex-5d/ as you can see they still charge quite a large amount for the double lens kit.
@gocchin:
Thanks T! Leaning towards the Nex since I’ve seen the great results that you’ve had with it but, might wait for the GF2 to show. In the meantime, time to do some research.
please more post on photography. i really enjoy the tech aspect and scenery of rural japan.