Sony NEX-5N Users Guide Video
The Verge (Click here) selected the Sony NEX-5n as camera of the year 2011! Here is the motivation: “The door that Sony cracked open with the NEX-5 has been blown wide open by the NEX-5N. Besides making the body marginally thinner and adding a touchscreen, Sony endowed the NEX-5N with a truly supreme image sensor. Its 16-megapixel CMOS sensor competes with the Nikon D7000 and Canon 60D (each company’s latest and greatest midrange DSLR) for noise performance, while delivering image quality that leaves other mirrorless cameras in the dust. If the NEX-5N had a universal microphone input and a more generous battery, it’d be a formidable DSLR replacement for professionals as well. As it stands, it’s the top choice for any hobbyist looking for the best image-quality-to-camera-size ratio.”
I have to say that even If I love the NEX-7 I am testing in these days the Sony NEX-5n has still the edge when in terms of price-quality balance. While the A77 and NEX-7 are definitely more “spectacular” cameras the Sony NEX-5n simply does almost all the other two big cameras do, but for a far cheaper price and smaller package 🙂
P.S.: Dcresource (Click here) started a new NEX-5n gallery
The Sony NEX-5n is selling well in almost all countries. For months now you can find the different kit options under the top 20 of the most mirrorless stuff at Amazon US (Click hee to see ranking) at Amazon Germany (here for the ranking), Amazon France (here).
Here are some NEX-5n shop search links: [shopcountry 8452]. While the camera is relatively cheap the external viewfinder is a bit too expensive: [shopcountry 9110].
P.S.: So why did I buy the NEX-7 to replace my NEX-5n (which is now owned by my girlfriend)? Easy answer, because of the Trinavi navigation. Good usability allows me to work more precisely and faster.
16 Responses
I think the NEX7 and a77 would have had a better chance in winning this award if they were more available. It’s kinda hard to give the award to a camera that’s hard to find. It would be like giving the Best Picture/Oscar’s award to a movie that people are having a hard time finding a theater that’s showing it.
What I don’t get is how can the 5n be such a great stills camera, but a mediocre video camera. With that sensor, it should blow away the 5D2 and GH2, but even Sony’s HX9v has more resolution in video mode, for €250. It baffles me.
Not saying you are wrong (I’m not into video that much), but what do you base this on?
I enter to adorama and see this lens.
http://www.adorama.com/SLR2828E.html
whether it were news about it?
They sell it as being light yet it’s twice as heavy as the SEL30M35 which has both AF and circular aperture (the other selling point of this SLR Magic lens) at only a hundred dollars more. The SLR Magic lenses that I’ve seen in person look really cheap in build quality. What’s the appeal to you in this particular lens?
Andrea, why do you post shopping links for items that aren’t available from certain retailers?
For example, the Jessops and WEX links for the external viewfinder are completely redundant, as they don’t stock the item.
I dumped my NEX VG10 and got the VG20. I’ll tell ya,…that 16mp sensor has a damn good ISO performace. (Really damn good!) On the video side, that thing laughs at +15, 18 and even 21 db of gain.
However, yeah…you will get strong moire artifacts. Remember, its scanning 16 million pixels and throwing out 14 million. That’s allot of spacial area lost in the original image so moire that strong is expected. (Simple laws of physics)
All in all, that 5n sensor is one that Sony engineers must be very proud of.
Could not agree more with the Verge. NEX-5n is the camera of the year.
My only footnote is that the initial lenses did not bring out 100% of the cameras capabilities.
I have been using the Zeiss 24mm f1.8 for a couple of days now and my goodness what a difference.
Although the stills are terrific with the Zeiss lens, my biggest surprise was video. Sharp, bright and amazing AF.
In Switzerland the NEX-7 with 18-55 cost the same as the The NEX-5n with Zeiss
If my choice was NEX-7 with 18-55 or NEX-5n with Zeiss, the choice would be easy.
Jack
admin,
here is another guide for a77
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87_RePIZaBU
Not my cup of tea but nice features for those looking for a good P&S.
You made a very good comment about Nex7/Nex5n in the second paragraph Admin. I totally agree. I’m just waiting for pancakes like e.g. 30mm f/2 and I will strongly consider 5n or whatever it will replace it until then assuming that it will too have such a great sensor.
While poking around and looking for a 5n to buy, I noticed it is hard to find a store that has a 5n with a lens. Most of them only have the body on hand. Is Sony not shipping the bundle as much?
Kit lenses won’t do 5N justice. Try good prime lenses. If you can work with manual focus, try those super sharp legacy lenses. I’m using Contax G lenses and the IQ just blows you away.
I planned on using the lenses I already have, but was interested in an E mount lens for walking around…which is the biggest reason for me to buy the NEX. My A-700 is wonderful but gets heavy when I am out and about.
Would really like a mic input and wired remote control.
it’s also out of stock everywhere. admin, please also put links where we can buy the 5N not just a77 or NEX-7.