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- Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 Digital Cameras Review
Product Review
Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera
Sony NEX-3
&
Sony NEX-5
Key Features
· 14.2MP Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor
· Interchangeable-lens versatility
· HD movie recording
· 3 inch tilt-able TFT Xtra Fine LCD, 921,600 dots
· LCD field coverage 100%
· 25 multi-point Auto Focus
· 3D Sweep Panorama
· ISO 200 to 12800
Sony has released the NEX series of cameras into its Alpha family, with the NEX-3 and NEX-5 Interchangeable lens digital cameras. The mirrorless digital camera range has been designed primarily to lure compact users who are looking to upgrade. The range promises higher image quality and versatility through changeable lenses all in a small body that compact users are familiar with.
Featuring 14.2 Megapixels, a 3 inch tilt-able LCD screen, Sweep Panorama mode and High Definition movie recording, the specifications for both cameras are almost identical. The main difference being the body (the NEX-5 is smaller with a magnesium alloy body) and the NEX-5 also has an infrared remote receiver and offers 1080i AVCHD movie recording.
The cameras interchangeable lenses are from Sony’s new E-Mount range which includes 3 lenses specifically designed for the NEX system. Both cameras can however also use Sony’s Alpha-mount lenses via an optional adapter.
A comparison of the NEX-3 and NEX-5 features is displayed in the following table;
SLR Cameras – Key Features Comparison
|
| Sony NEX-3 | Sony NEX-5 |
| Body material | Polycarbonate | Magnesium Alloy |
| Sensor | 14.2 Megapixels | 14.2 Megapixels |
| Auto focus | AF-S (Single-shot AF) AF-C (Continuous AF) selectable 25 multi-point | AF-S (Single-shot AF) AF-C (Continuous AF) selectable 25 multi-point |
| Sensitivity | ISO 200-12,800 | ISO 200-12,800 |
| Flash | External flash (supplied) | External flash (supplied) |
| LCD panel | 3.0 inch TFT, Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology | 3.0 inch TFT, Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology |
| Movie mode | Yes – recording format MP4 | Yes- recording format 1080i AVCHD, MP4 |
| Dimensions | 117 x 63 x 33mm | 111x 59 x 38mm |
| Weight | Approx. 239g | Approx. 229g |
The NEX series is suitable for compact camera users who are looking to upgrade to a camera that provides higher image quality, greater versatility and High Definition video without moving to a DSLR camera.
The range would also suit a DSLR user looking for a more compact, portable camera that is still of high quality.
The Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras are available with the following E-Mount lenses:
1. 18-55mm
2. 18-55mm + 16mm f/2.8 pancake
3. 18-200mm (only available in kit with NEX-5)
Sony digital cameras, Sony SLR cameras, SLR lenses and Sony camera accessories are available at Georges Camera Store Sydney or online at http://www.georges.com.au
