While I am still waiting to see more A77 and NEX-7 review there is one camera I can highly recommend you without any major doubt. And that is the new Sony NEX-5n (Click here to preorder it). Those are the reasons why:
1) Sensor: The performance of the Sony NEX-5n sensor is amazing! There is no doubt that it is a High ISO king! (See Noise test at Focus Numerique and comparison at EosHD.) It has also another advantage, the sensor is the same of the [shoplink 7207]Sony NEX-C3[/shoplink]. It means that Sony had quite some time to tweak the sensor performance and to bring it on it’s best level with the new Sony NEX-5n imaging processor.
2) Compact: Unlike the NEX-7 the NEX-5n fits in your pocket (with the 16mm pancake). Click here ot see the NEX-7 versus NEX-5N size comparison.
3) External viewfinder: If you really need the NEX-7 viewfinder…you can buy it! The new external viewfinder has the same quality of the NEX-7 viewfinder. And it has two advantages. First, you can remove it if you need to carry a compact camera, ad Second…you can upgrade! Yes, whenever Sony will announce a new better viewfinder you can buy it to upgrade your NEX-5n. That is not possible with the NEX-7!
4) Stealth Rollei experience: As you know the external viewfinder can be tilted so that you can look vertically inside the EVF. What I always liked about the [shoplink 8590 ebay]Rolleiflex (Click here to see those cameras)[/shoplink] is that you don’t look straight to the photographic subject. It has a nice psychological side effect. If for example you want to take a picture of a person (street photography) the subject will not immediately feel like he is being observed. Your eyes are focused on your “feet” not on his face! Click here to see the tilt movement of the NEX-5n external EVF.
5) Availability: The A77 and NEX-7 will be start to ship in October and November. And history tells us that most of us will have to wait until December-January before we can get it for real! But the NEX-5n will be available in a couple of weeks!
6) Price: The NEX-7 and the A77 are quite expensive. Not so the Sony NEX-5n! It’s a real bargain for what it can do!
Now I am very tempted to buy the NEX-5n instead of the NEX-7. And as I said the NEX-5n will be in Stock very soon. Preorder it now at:
Sony NEX-5N with 18-55mm lens at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto, Jessops UK and Sonystore.
Sony NEX-5N at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto, and Sonystore.
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ALL Preorder links:
Sony A77 with 16-50mm lens at Amazon, Adorama, Jessops UK and Sonystore.
Sony A77 body only at Amazon, Adorama, Jessops UK and Sonystore.
Sony A65 with 18-55mm lens at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto (notification only), Jessops UK and Sonystore.
Sony A65 body only at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto (notification only), Jessops UK and Sonystore.
Sony NEX-7 body only at Amazon, Adorama, Jessops UK and Sonystore.
Sony NEX-7 with 18-55mm lens at Amazon, BHphoto (notification only) and Sonystore.
Sony NEX-5N with 18-55mm lens at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto, Jessops UK and Sonystore.
Sony NEX-5N at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto, and Sonystore.
Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 E-mount at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto (notification only) and Sonystore.
Sony 50mm f/1.8 at BHphoto (notification only), Adorama and Sonystore.
Sony 55-210mm E-mount at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto (notification only) and Sonystore.
160 Responses
I actually agree on this. but I wonder about the stability and so lower handholdable shutter speed.
A note: you can’t use flash with nex5n with viewfinder.
But I do agree about the lowlight ability .
peronally I couldn’t care less for either EVF or flash. The only thing I see an advantage in the NEX-7 over the NEX-5N is its user interface. But then again, maybe the touchscreen + some firmware updates in the near future might create a real “enthusiasts” camera out of the 5N.
For me, the 5N is more or less perfectly the compact camera I’m looking for. The AF performance was claimed to be on par with OLY’s and PANA’S latest m4/3 but it seems that this was a little optimistic. Still, there is hope in a firmware update.
Now all that’s missing are a 24mm f/1.4 and a 50mm f/1.2 lens …
There are even more advantages for the NEX5 over the NEX7 that I’ll mention
1-Ignoring ISO performance aside, NEX5n ISO goes up to 25.600 vs 16.000 only
2-Both cameras got bare minimum buttons, With NEX5 the TouchScreen can let you access things faster PLUS the new track-focus ability works FASTER with the Touchscreen (just point and touch instead of moving courser slowly to track
3-Better battery life, 460shots for NEX5 vs 430shots for NEX7
If you got the extra money get The Zeiss lens, because NEX5n+Zeiss > NEX7+Kit lens
lol true.. resolution will be wasted with kit lens.
🙂 ISO 16000 only…
The only concern I have with the 5N versus the 7 is what looks like excessive NR and maybe a more aggressive AA filter. How much of this can be resolved with going RAW?
How would the video from the NEX-5n differ from the compact HX9v? Obviously the NEX has manual control in video. They both have 16MP sensors.
Low light shooting would be different. Daylight you might get the benefit of better DR with the NEX.
NEX-5N has a larger sensor meaning you use longer focal lengths to achieve the same field of view (framing). Longer focal length = shallower DOF = sexy film look.
Interchangeable lenses means you can use a faster/better/different lens than what the HX9V has, again affecting the image you get.
The Sensor size is the big difference between the Nex5n and the dsc-hx9. The pixel size is more important than pixel number because with a bigger pixel you catch more light !
Under low light, you will have a better image quality with less noise (1600iso with Nex5 = 400iso with hx9)
In good condition, with enough light (iso100,200), you have more information on your image, more density/dynamic, so you can have more details in the shadows or in contrasted scenes.
Thanks guys, I guess I thought they shared the same sensor. Bit of an idiot this one 😉
I have HEART that there are also dis-advantages for big sensor cameras in video mode. Like when you are panning, you get so kind of wobbly efects…
Is this true?
Every CMOS sensor has that problem. If you don’t want that you have to get a CCD sensor like in Sony’s CineAlta cameras: http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-broadcastcameras/cat-cinealta/product-F35/
I share the same opinion.
And wondering where is A56 with this sensor?
Those managers trying to sell us megapixels in A77 and A65…
Why didn’t they used this sensor in the A77 ?? Not prestigious enough ?
yes, that would be nice … a REAL A55 refresh with the new NEX 5N sensor and the new EVF, nothing more is needed to make me happy 😀
Glad that your happy with your choice of 5N+16mm kit,
but i’d like to be an ass and say that i dont see a point to purchase interchangable lens camera just to use one lens,
of course you can claim that you can change the lens – but all NEX lenss are HUGE and, again, negate the point of buying a NEX camera
I’d myself would wait a week or so to see if the NX200 sensor is all about, and then purchase the samsung anyway
they sell 20f/2.8 30f/2 and 16f/2.4 pancakes for prices of 200-300$ and they perform much better then sony pancake
Just imagine runing around with just a pancake lens in your pocket – no need for huge camera bags! now THATS WHAT MIRRORLESS IS ALL ABOUT!!!
the only benefit of sony is peaking and viewfinder,
but the viewfinder is made by samsung – so we might see it in “NX” and peaking hopefully be added later,
and for god’s sake, i beg of you, stop all the “you can adapt rangefinder lens” nonsens, those lens perform badly on the edges and being soft, have poor focusing distance, and cost a small fourtune! no thanx!
The Nex-C3 sensor performs better at the edges with rangefinder lenses, the Hawks Helicoid adapter allows closer focusing, and the Voigtlander and ZM lenses aren’t that expensive. Samsung has yet to make a competitive sensor, which is too bad, because I agree that they have the most interesting lens lineup. I’d just wait for Sigma to make Nex lenses.
Can you provide a link? i have yet found nex-c3 perform better,
waiting for sigmae is nice, but why wait if one can enjoy sammy lens? i agree their sensel is inferior, but the lens is still more important aspect then sensor
There is a petition for sony to make 301.8 Pancake lens here: please take 1 minute to sign it
http://www.petitiononline.com/NEX30mm/petition.html
http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=902861&pagenumber=1
That link shows comparisons between the C3 and 5 with the ZM 21/2.8. The improvement is quite tangible right there. And the corner softness issue is a problem with FL below 35, so 35 and up you still have quite small, very good RF lenses to use on NEX. However, I understand that it’s not your cup of tea. I have been using adapted lenses from Contax to Leica on my A900 and with NEX, it is even better. Admittedly, Samsung is a nice system, but it fails in adaptability, especially with Leica M. From my view, Samsung is not likely to catch up with Sony in the sensor department, while getting more lenses out is just a matter of time. If Sony is smart enough, they should be planning a couple of good pancakes to take over the market from m43 and Samsung.
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to use my M lenses on the 5N.
Thank you for the link,
I agree about samsung being less attractive for adapters, but the majority of people do not own rangefinder lens so its a less of a consideration.
Sony could have won, if only they would release another pancake or two
This race has just begun, and to my knowledge Sony is already outselling Samsung despite Sony’s lack luster lens lineup. So I don’t think we can proclaim anyone a winner or loser at the moment. Heck, I’m still using m4/3’s gear until both Sony and Samsung mature more.
However as far as Samsung goes, I love the looks of the NX200 mock ups that are floating around, and I love their lens line up and road map (hopefully Sony is paying attention), but it does bother me that you can’t adapt rangefinder lenses to that mount. IMO they made a huge mistake by making the NX mount a few MM’s too deep to use M-Mount glass. That seems to be a turn off to many enthusiasts, myself included.
Frosti7* have you EVER took a picture with Nex5 and some m-mount lenses? Did you took ONE picture with either CV 20mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm lenses or even better have you tried with any Leitz/Leica lenses? NO. So, write something you have a knowledge about first.
Good point!
Actually I was thinking about Nex 5N, but:
1) i’ve seen Samsung 30 mm F2 lens for ~280$ in local store and start thinking why I should dreaming several years about Sony e-mount good small lenses?
Cheaper than Panasonic 20mm F1.7, and smaller than Sony 30mm F2.8 and Sigma 30mm F2.8.
2) i’ve found Samsung lenses roadmap and become more realistic – that is what I want as good lenses for “compact system” 🙂
3) And body race are going quickly. One year and 200-300$ and i’ll got new body with better sensor (not more MP i hope) 🙂
As we saw, body (Sony, Panasonic, Olympus,…) are getting better, but good lenses takes more time and money.
And Samsung produces good lenses for (size*quality)/money ratio and clear perspectives in 1-2 years (if i’ll enough money for premium lenses) 🙂
ps Sorry for my pure English.
Dima, ya soglasen!
Have a sign here
http://www.petitiononline.com/NEX30mm/petition.html
Sony is always listen to us.
146 signatures lol
That petition has appeared on many forums since several weeks ago (maybe 2 months ago) and it has only 146?? Maybe that’s a sign that compact lenses aren’t the cherry on top of the cake of many NEX-users…Maybe lens size aren’t a issue since many people are using the e-mount lenses without problems, or they’re using MF lenses.
Based on the design of the two cameras the NEX-7 is my choice and it’s not even close. I simply have to have a hotshoe and an EVF (and I prefer it not be one that protrudes from the top). So that eliminates the NEX-5N for me alone.
However, from what I’ve seen so far I certainly prefer the IQ from the 5N to that of the A-77. In fact the A-77 has done so little to impress me I’ve held off on pre-ordering the NEX-7 until after we see some final reviews. Even with the extra resolution the images I’ve seen so far simply haven’t been that sharp, and the high ISO looks no better than even the Panasonic G3. It looks like Sony is using so much noise reduction they’re blurring out all the details and the result is a 24mp impressionist painting.
I still have high hopes for the NEX-7, and I can’t wait to see final production images from it, but lets just say I’m a bit nervous about Sony’s decision to go with 24mp’s instead of 16mp.
admin, i hope you are wrong with 5) Availability – i want a77 in november :))
Some A77 with CA 85 1.4 model photos
http://www.chip.de/bildergalerie/Fotostrecke-Sony-Alpha-77-Galerie_51185984.html
@admin,does that mean Sony won’t deliver my preorder for the a77 until next year!? Why do they give release dates then. :'(
Why don’t the just say winter 2011/2012. I convinced my wife to spend 2,400 on me before Christmas. (2,400Us for tax and extended 4 year warranty)
Please tell me why this happens? Is it because its like the release of a new game console? Just popular?
and for the record SAR IS AWESOME. Great work.
Oswald Beolcke
Calm down Oswald. I already pre-ordered my NEX-5N and it should arrive here no later than September 9th. If it does, then the ETA on SonyStyle is pretty accurate. I think it would be no different for the A77.
THere will not be enough A77 and NEX-7 cameras for everyone the first 1-2 months. Of course some of you will be lucky to get it first….but some will not.
well, maybe there are enough, if everybody is dissappointed from the final IQ of A77, A65 and NEX7
I guess we can count you out. LOL
I will pay someone to queue up for me on 6th September outside sony store. 😉
I almost share your attitude, but I have some points to object:
1 – with the EVF on the NEX-5N you can not attach any further equipment (flash, microphone etc.) This is not a problem with NEX-7.
2 – (but this might be just my private point) – the NEX-7 offers a slightly larger body, more comfortable to grasp than the tiny NEX-5N
3 – the touch screen is not everybody´s preference. The NEX-7 Tri-Navi interface could be handier if you use the EVF.
I am also still hesitating, but I will wait for comparable reviews of both products. Hope to read them soon.
I fully agree with you Jiri. I would also add a fourth point: Balance. A big lens like the Zeiss 24mm will be better balanced on the NEX-7 than the NEX-5N.
I don’t agree: If “balance” or “handling” is crucial to you, I see no way around getting a PRO-DSLR.
You choose a compact mirrorless camera, and in particular the NEX-5N, because you willing give up handling capabilities for a small, portable package. I don’t see how you can have both. And going for a “compromise” is IMO the wrong choice as you’ll rather have the worst of both worlds instead of the best.
even better on A35
I guess this one just depends if you view the glass half empty or half full. I view it half full, so I would rather have the compromise and get the NEX-7. The Nex-3 and 5 felt very small to hold.
Thank you. I feel like a kid that just can’t wait. Staying calm.
“really?”…
“really?”… REALLY?…. AWESOME! -Mist 😀
my finger too big to be touch ont screen tiny icon eventhough i like it but not an option for me 😀
Are there any options to add an external flash to the NEX-5n (besides the tiny one from Sony)?
Hopefully we get some pancake lenses. Meanwhile, I had the pleasure of rolling around with a NEX-5 with both the 16mm pancake and a Ziess 35mm f/2.
Honestly with either lens my hands cramped to hell and back, so I guess it’s not for me. My significant other is buying one though… She didn’t mind about having to manually focus when she was using it. Go figure.
Hi Andrea,
I love your enthusiam about Sony products and as a NEX-3 user I know the advatages of this new Rolleiflex ;-), love the idea of focustracking on a fingertip and a 1,8 / 50mm with OSS AND Lens-Correction in the Nex-5 so that the images become comparable with standard-SLR/Ts.
But after a deeper look at both reviews you will find that both DSLR/Ts, i mean D7000 at Alphanumerique and the 5D II at EOSHD have a lot MORE DETAILS and more noise than any Alpha. So the NEX will be the prince, not the King.
And, of course, if you want to upgrade your ELV you will need a supporting cam to do this.
And I miss a Remote control now on my NEX-3 and on the new NEX-5N, too. You will need it every time you try a HDR at low light or low distance, because the timer does not work at HDR.
But nevertheless the NEX-5 with 1,8/50mm will be “alternativlos” (without competitor).
Thanks for sharing Andrea. It seems like the Nex 5N is a good buy. I was considering the Nex 7 till this piece of information appear. Seems like I am in Jeopardy.
I share the Admin’s opinion of having Nex-5N instead of others. For home use it is the best:
1. Unusual for Sony, but Nex-5N has sufficien set of the required features available. No speical marketing restrictions seems to be applied. Even more – it is granted the unique feature in line – the sensor screen, which is going to add some extra ease of use.
2. The perfectly usable 3200 ISO is just great. This mean I do not need the flash (which I hate to use) at all. And after the upcoming 50 f 1.8 OSS relatively inexpensive NEX lens would become available, low light shootings will not be a problems anymore at all.
And for the time being the 16-55 OSS lens will suit more or less for both video and photo purposes. (Yes, I actually need 16-55 f 2.8 OSS, but it is not available for Nex)
3. The video quality seems to be qute OK. I recently bought the small HD videocamera and figured out myself using only it at vacation trips, instead of A100 (though I always had it laying in the Car, but never carried it with myself). Due to videocamera’s low weight and dimensions and more importtant – impossibility to handle both videocamera and DSLR at the same time.
So use of the Nex-5N will allow (at least for myself) to continue with the home video and photo shooting without compromizing on neither the quality nor the convinience.
Image Quality – wise for myself, I don’t need superb resolution. Though I keep all the images in RAW (which NEX-5N has!), i wach them on the large HD TV screens at home, no printing at all. And the TV screens are resolving 2 mpixels only. So 24 mpix images would be overkill.
So, what alternatives might provide:
Nex7 – nice to have, but at cost of lower sensitivity. And with the same low lens choice, which is rather bad. So no real advantages for me.
A77/A65 – even less sensitivity, bulkier, havier. With some better lens choice. But, I do not need neither supertele no ultra wide lenses. So again no super advantages.
A77 may not be camera for everybody but for me it is perfect. Even if high ISO is not the best available in APS-C, I like the camera very much. Do not forget this camera is aimed mainly for enthusiasts. A77 will give me great performance at ISO 50-100 in studio for less $ then A900. I do not care about twice much noise elsewhere realy. Pros should buy FF.
“Why the E-P3 could be (my) best choice.”
Some weeks ago, I was really sure I would buy the successor of the NEX-5 (i.e., the NEX-5N) when it hits the stores. Now, judging from the available previews, the NEX-5N fulfills all my expectations and even exceeds some.
And yet… the more I think about the idea to upgrade from my Canon 450D (considering myself an “advanced amateur”), the more I feel sad for the lack of slim, sexy lenses for E-mount. Yes, the 16mm pancake makes the camera pocket-sized, but that wide angle – for me – is mostly useful for indoor photography, where I don’t care attaching bigger lenses, whereas for street-photography, bike-tours etc. I would prefer something in the 50mm range, and here is where I need a pocket-sized camera.
If only we could attach the beautiful M.Zuiko m43 primes to the NEXes….
The E-P3 is just what I am looking for in size and look/shape. But I love to shoot low-light, be it candle-light indoors or sunset/late evenings/campfires outdoors. The G3 has a better performance here, but with the “classic style” EVF it has exactly that DSLR look that I want to get rid of.
BUT: Sensor performance will evolve. Right now E-P3 performance, judging from the sample shots, is somewhat below of what I would like to see from my “perfect pocket sized” camera. Yet, having to choose between NEX and m43, I think sensor performance of m43 cameras will improve to the level of current NEX over the next few years. On the other hand I know that NEX lenses will never shrink to the perfect size of m43 cameras right now. One reason of course is the APS-C sensor, another reason is that Sony obviously has other priorities than minimal lense dimensions.
So, I will wait and think and read until E-P3/M.Zuiko 45mm/12mm/Pana 25mm are finally available in Germany, but I guess I will go with those gorgeous lenses and E-P3, and wait another 2 years to exchange that body for some nice “P&S style” camera with good accessible manual controls and a nice sensor.
(C’mon, cram that NEX sensor into a m43 body already!)
I really understand you. The lack of lenses – even more without pancakes – it’s a let down on the NEX side and the big lenses make the whole compactness thing pointless somehow.
Have you seen the Panasonic new X Lens? The 14-42mm is really small!
I think you should wait until there are more info about the GF7/GF PRO/GX1 high-end GF from Panasonic. It’s said to have a similar look to the Panasonic L1, it will also come with EVF and hot shoe, AVCHD 2.0. It should have a low light performance at least as good as the GH2/G3 and packed with that X lens it looks very promissing. There should be more info soon.
I will probably buy a NEX-5n though, because I need a compact camera and I need it soon. As I will use Nikon lenses with adapter, the lack of lenses don’t bother me right now. I could go for the G3, but the lack of manual control in video mode is a let down for me, even with the EVF. And the peaking focus of the NEX cameras is good for these manual lenses, plus it already has the AVCHD 2.0 and as you could notice, the video is important in my decision.
But I’m looking foward for this high-end GF and the GH2 successor and I think that a NEX-5n + GH3 combo could be very interesting for me in the future.
daanng..! makes me confuse..i also think that way.. :S
Am I the only person who won’t buy a NEX camera until it has in-body image stabilization? 🙁 It’s kind of a make-or-break feature for my shaky hands. Otherwise I would have been looking to buy an NEX5n instead of the NEX7 based on this article.
you are not the only one – everyone who use mf-lenses longer than 50mm needs it.
So – let`s make a petition for steady shot inside
I would support you. A miniature size is definitely not the only virtue of the NEX (or any camera). Sony could place an IS system in a body of the NEX-7 size easily. With the already existing differentiation of the NEX line a model with SSS would be logical, I feel.
That will never happen.
That will never happen. SSS was removed from the NEX system in order to reduce the size of the camera. Its the same reason why the NEX cameras don’t have a focus motor. The USP of the NEX system is to be as small as possible with DSLR like photo quality. No petition will make sony change that thinking.
.@admin,does that mean Sony won’t deliver my preorder for the a77 until next year!? Why do they give release dates then. :’(
Andrea, why don’t the just say winter 2011/2012. I convinced my wife to spend 2,400 on me before Christmas. (2,400Us for tax and extended 4 year warranty)
Please tell me why this happens? Is it because its like the release of a new game console? Just popular?
and for the record SAR IS AWESOME. Great work.
Oswald Beolcke
you are not the only one – everyone who use mf-lenses longer than 50mm needs it. So – let`s make a petition for steady shot inside
If it wasn’t for the price, it would definitely be the NEX-7 for me. I don’t like the add-on EVF. Just something to lose or forget and way to easy to break. Then there’s the built in flash. I don’t think it’s much use apart from emergencies, but I’m assuming it can be used for wireless control of external flashes. Then it makes complete sense (I’m assuming that is possible – anybody know?).
Remember we haven’t seen any NEX-7 test shots yet, and probably won’t get properly processed RAWS for two or three months.
I wonder if Sony is supprised at how much attention the NEX 5n is getting from us.
They are singing the praises of the A77 and here we all are talking about how great the 5n is with its lower pixel count! Lol
It just goes to show that consumers are getting more and more educated today. You just can’t wow us anymore with higher pixel counts. People are learning now how that negatively affects ISO noise.
Times are changing. We don’t fool as easily as we used to. Hehehe
Cliff
We don’t represent the majority of consumers. We are what, a few thousand knowledgeable camera enthusiasts, with the majority of us being gearfags and pixels peepers? We don’t even make 1% of their customer base.
Hey, Andrea! I’m a long time lurker, but first time poster here!
Since this post is a very personal opinion of yours, I’d to use it to ask a personal question as well (with a little bit of info, if you are able to provide it, of course 🙂 ):
I, like some here, am a little disapointed/worried about the not-so-great low light capabilites on the new 24mp sensor.
(specially after the “ISO of hundreds of thousands” rumour)
Even though I wasn’t reeeaaaally expecting to buy the A77 (because I intend my next camera to be a full-frame), the “more-megapixels” approach of Sony made me worried.
Do you think (or your sources think/now) that Sony really is going this route? Or is there a hope for a “high ISO king” camera? (like the Nikons and even the Pentax K-5)
I’m asking this question because now I’m not sure whether I keep investing on Sony (buy better, faster lenses) or simply go to another system.
If I was sure that Sony’s going to release a camera to the “high ISO crowd” I’d happily wait (even if that means wait until 2013 for a FF release) and keep investing on the system.
So, what do you suggest and what info you can share with us?
Thanks!
PS: I trully think that if Sony made an “A75” with the very same body and specs fo the A77 BUT with the 16mp sensor, it’d sell like hot cakes!
PS2: you made me think seriously about the Nex 5n as well!
Hi Neo!
Here is my answers:
yes Sony will go the High ISO route with one of the fullframe cameras. I am right now collecting more FF rumors as I can. Hpe to post soon my first FF rumor.
Cool, looking forward to that high ISO FF camera!
That’s what we’re really waiting for..
Just let’s hope that Sony doesn’t take another three years for that! LOL!
(but an hypotetical ‘A75’ like I’d said, wouldn’t be too bad either)
Hopefully Sony read this forum.
Looking on the Sony UK site, the 5N is not available with just the 16mm lens.
The options are:
Body only
18-55
18-55 and 16mm
18-55 and 55-210mm
If you really like the EVF, Nex 7 already about the same price as Nex 5 + external EVF.
And I read some good comments above, if you are keen on EVF, tri-navi will win touch screen control.
I have personally try Nex 5N, the AF speed is faster than Nex 3/5, but it still lags behind phase AF (the lens has to move to and forth for focus).
Also the new AF function (let you select the AF point first, and you can move your camera and the focus stick with the object) is really a must have smart function for DC or even professional user. That makes you forget the touch screen and select zoom point.
There is a petition for sony to make 30\1.8 Pancake lens here: please take 1 minute to sign it
http://www.petitiononline.com/NEX30mm/petition.html
I’m surprised to see that despite much complain, less than 150 people actually signed for this petition. I just signed one myself.
For me, the NEX-7 seems better. Hotshoe, flash, built-in EVF, more controls, more speed. Yes, it is bulkier than my current NEX-3, but I’d say they both fit in the pack. The NEX-5 just isn’t this appealing for me.
I might even buy the LA-EA2 for it and get some alpha lenses, but that’s thinking far ahead, as there isn’t even a finished NEX-7 for reviewers.
I’m still believe in Sony that will produce a better firmware for both cameras A77 and NEX-7.
They must have already a pile of information given by the professional photographers what went wrong with the pre-production cameras.
Not everything can be perfect as we want. There is a lot of reviews to desire for, but better if you have the camera and make the most of it. The same thing happen in the past when NEX-5 came along, after reading so many reviews some of them good and others complaining because of the missing buttons in the camera. Sony repair that by updating their firmware to customize your choices and most of the problem went.
The same will happen with the bigger sensor cameras, even with less ISO they will improve on picture quality and most of the problem with phase out.
Enjoy your NEX-5N guys and I will resist until NEX-7 comes out.
The sensor isn’t king, the jpeg engine is. The RAW samples at that french website show it to be equal/ a hair better than the A77, but the latter has the pellicle mirror, which means half a stop extra to overcome (effectively shot half a stop higher).
Really?? What French Website are you talking about?
Focus Numerique. They have RAW samples of most of these cameras too.
Here’s a comparison and again take the half a stop handicap that is included in the A77 sample into account:
http://www.talknex.com/f2/iso-6400-comparison-sony-nex-c3-nex-5-a77-panasonic-g3-gh2-205/
That site compares the A77 with NEX5 not the NEX5N. So, actually, the A77 is even slightly worse than the 14MP of the NEX5 and considerably worse than the NEX5N.
Here is a link to what the NEX5N ISO12800 looks like (From the same forum). It is miles ahead of the A77.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/NEX5N/FULLRES/NEX5NLL128004.HTM
Look again, its also compared to the C3, which in turn is compared to the NEX5N. The A77 compares well as in almost the same) to both, WITH the pellicle (half a stop) handicap.
You are comparing jpeg engines. Pretty meaningless
All I want is the NEX5N quality on an A65 body for $899. But I won’t get that since Sony decided to bump the Megapixel to 24MP 🙁 … Sniff
too bad, that Sony didn’t make a bigger difference between the A77 and the A65 (like between NEX 5N and NEX 7) and give the A65 the new 16 MP sensor of the NEX 5N. I would have preordered it for that nice price directly. But now with the bad 24MP’s … probably waiting until christmas, but maybe Nikon and Canon have some nice offers too … we will see. IQ and also High Iso IQ (which is the advantage over compact cameras) are very important for me. more than “highest resolution” and “fastest burst” 😀
the only problem of the NEX 5N is the lack of many different, very good lenses. Panasonic is better in this category, also little bit cheaper.
So far, of all the new stuff, I’ve only pre-ordered the 55-210 mm E-mount lens (and of course, I helped Andrea out by clicking on the pre-order link from this site!). I have the NEX-5 and a rapidly-aging Alpha 100 (with over 30,000 photos so far), and was hoping to move up to the A77. The reviews so far have me hesitant to spend so much money, though. Maybe Sony’s RAW processing is just lacking, and that processing the RAW files through Adobe or some other program will yield superior results, but until I see that, I’m going to wait.
At worst case, I might go with the A65 (24 MP walk-around camera that sacrifices some high-ISO image quality) and wait for the full-frame cameras to come out. The one with the lower pixel count might be amazing with its IQ at high-ISOs. The problem is, however, that I really wasn’t planning on getting a full frame camera, due to size and my current lens line-up.
Why can’t Sony ever make any of our decisions easy? :-s
+1. I share your view on A65 and future FF. My problem with SONY FF is that their FF lenses are very good but also very expensive (G/CZ) for my non-pro budget.
Well it may be because you are looking at “Pro” G/CZ lenses, which I found to be pretty much the same or cheaper than Canikon offerings. You can still buy legacy Minolta lens, which sometimes is quite cheap.
The Sony 85/f2.8 is a nice lens that works well on FF at a cheap price and the Tammy 28-75/f2.8 is a great deal
I have been waiting for the NEX-7 so long the NEX-5n slipped under the radar. Now that I see the camera’s side by side I am leaning towards keeping my A700 and going with the NEX-5n.
One thing that I don’t understand…why no 720p video mode? Does anyone have a idea on that?
If it’s true then they don’t care about practical usage at all.
So many mistakes… Anyone who does not own modern quad core computer trying to cut his video will struggle because he can’t capture at lower res.
Video editing is extremely hardware demanding.
I am not too sure if future improved nex accessories would be backwards compatible . Quite disappointed the evf can’t work on existing nex5. 🙁
Nex7 and a77 high iso capability has drawn flaks currently . I am wondering is it really bad or just expectations gap . The jpeg looks fine on 27 inch led , the smudges are visible only when blown up to 100 percent. I agree, kinda of anti climax as we are all so awed with the hype before the camera launch.
I guess no one camera is perfect, and I doubt will there be a perfect one in the future. Photographers are known to work around problems using existing resources . That’s the fun part of it .
Going back to 12mp , 16mp may be a viable short term solution. But as sensor technology improves, we should be forward looking rather than backward . That’s my 2c worth of opinion
Yes, it does appear that Sony is becoming another Apple, where us early adopters (I have an NEX-5) end up wishing we waited for the next version of the product. It’s a shame. Hopefully this trend won’t continue. 🙁
Personally, I choose NEX-7 and the only reason is the hotshoe.
I want a NEX that can totally replace my a580.
NEX-5N fulfill all my needs except the hotshoe.
I switch to NEX from Alpha just because:
1)Peaking Mode make manual focus amazing.
2)I can now use lenses from any of my friends who are using or not using Alpha.
3)Its size is just nice for street photography and with its size, now I can bring my camera with me anytime, anywhere.
The NEX-5n sounds really promising. Does anyone know if the NEX-5n includes grid lines for image composition and a virtual horizon?
NEX-5 has grid lines for the rule of thirds. No virtual horizon on the original NEX-5
Andrea,
A77 IQ seems to be quite good up to 16 000 (yep 16 000). Check out the samples at
http://www.popphoto.com/gallery/sample-image-gallery-sony-slt-a77-dslr#container
For me it works.
NEX-7 has hotshoe as few others noted. This is a deal breaker for me with the 5 series.
I want to converge to one camera eventually. No point in having NEX and Alpha. I use the Alpha very rarely now. However I have no choice when it comes to flashes
For me, the 9th photo is work.
ISO16000 is usable for me at low light street photography especially turn it into black and white(which I always do for my street photography).
I read that a77 has peaking mode like nex ?
Needing high iso abilities is a bandaid for those who can’t afford the right glass.
Really,
I use a Sigma 50/f1.4, CZ 85/f1.4, CZ 135/f1.8, CZ 16-35/f2.8 and a CZ 24-70/f2.8 and I would like to see improvements in ISO on Sony bodies……………………What glass do you think I need?
ISO is used for other things in photography than low-light also!
Technically, photography is about balancing between the aperture and shutter speed. If you want shooting low light with enough DOF and enough shutter speed, then ISO is your only resort. Fast glass would not replace ISO, and vice versa.
thank you,
well said!
Yeees, thank You for this brilliant comment
Not sure if this comment is a troll or a tease. I can take it as a joke as well.
Sometimes the right glass is not enough due to amount of light and need-for-speed. Other times $$ doesn’t fall from the sky.
Seriously, you can’t be shooting at f1.0 all the time. Unless your sole purpose of the camera is to shoot single people portraits all the time.
The MAIN problem still exists, not enough (quality) lenses.
Who are you comparing against? Canikon? 😉 In that case you must include the Minolta lineup in terms of history 😀 Or the third party 🙂
This is an argument that Sony will never win at 🙂 And just like the Vita, I don’t think they will try to make cheap stuff. Sucky yes (18-70!). Cheap no (Zeiss & Gs).
it’s no tease, just a fact. what did/do film photographers do? they bought/buy the best glass and learn better photograpghic skill. it’s rare to find film over 1,600 iso…don’t depend on digital photography to take the work out of photography.
isn’t the 35mm 1.8 in the sony pipeline? i hope it adds OSS just like the 50mm
I too hope for 35/1.8
Though 50/1.8 is clearly more important for me at this stage. AF is important for portrait lens.
i love that the 50mm has OSS, perfect for video, but a pancake style 35mm with OSS would be perfect to fit in my jacket too 🙂
sony seems to follow the alpha productcode here, only adding OSS
SAL50F18 > SEL50F18
SAL35F18 > SEL35F18 ??
so right now i am getting the 5n and once available the 50mm. until then my pentax 110 lenses (18+24mm2.8) and my konica 40/1.8 pancake will have to do 🙂
Pre-ordered the Nex 5N last week. I wasn’t going to since I already have an a65 and Nex-7 pre-ordered. If I’m happy with it, I might cancel the other orders.
Sony Japan says the 5N and the C3 don’t share the same sensor:
http://www.sony.jp/ichigan/pre_include/comparison/comparison_E.html
Is that true?
From test pictures I can clearly say that 5N is better, therefore 5N has a better sensor.
The 5N’s auto ISO goes up to 3200 while the C3 and 7 go only up to 1600.
Very interesting, the 5N is a 16.1 while the 3C is a 16.2.
Early comparisons certainly favor the 5N, let’s hope the corner corrections of the 3C are also present.
ISO range is 100-25600 on 5N and 200-12800 on C3 some restriction on C3 there
Sony lists NEX5n ship date as Sept 7.
No doubt it’s an awesome camera, but without a normal prime pancake (30-35mm) it is not a usable walkaround pocketable device. So I decided on the SLT a35. Not pocketable, but it fits in a nice little belt/shoulder case and is a far more capable camera, especially for those of us like to work it with actual dials and a choice of buttons.
That’s not a bad idea. The way it is now, NEXes are not truly pocketable. Only the 16/2.8 may make it pocketable. Otherwise, if you don’t mind the size, jumping to one of the SLTs may be a better decision.
Sometimes I still think HX9v is more practical (read: doesn’t have to be ‘better’) than NEX5 for portability, and the SLTs for lens selection.
But that’s just me. Sales figures speaks the truth.
See this result of A77 with Firmware 1.0 and download the sample and you may change your mind to love A77 (or maybe NEX-7 also) again.
http://www.fotomagazin.de/test_technik/testbilder/detail.php?objectID=5412
Third time this link is posted in comments. Is it linked in one of the main rumors?
Where did you see this link in the previous post? Point me there please …
1. http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sony-nex-5n-to-be-in-stock-tomorrow-in-canada-one-week-later-in-us/#comments
2. http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/new-a77-raw-samples-for-download-how-to-open-them-where-are-nex-7-raws/#comments
3. You’re the third one
I can’t remember seeing it in one of the rumors, but yeah, it’s good info, just wondering if admin ever linked it.
ahhh ok .. I didn’t see them before … 🙂 and thought so that it could be the good source …
Yeah, looks quite good. The only issue that distracts me is the noise pattern on the black background even at ISO 100.
I could not see the noise pattern that you said .. maybe my computer screen is not good enough to see it
I can see it from ISO1600 onward, though.
Folks, none of these cameras are truly pants pocketable – even with pancakes, the m4/3 cameras will fit in a coat pocket at best (as will the NEX) and here in TX, I don’t wear coats in 110 degree weather!
People need to recognize these cameras for what they truly are. When the truly high quality compacts that can fit in your pocket (like the original Ricoh GR) arrive, you will know it – and it hasn’t happened yet…
Arguments about the lack of small NEX AF lenses are valid but I would wager that the vast majority of m4/3 owners are walking around with kit lenses that are no smaller than the comparable NEX kit. Sometimes it is hard to remember that the “enthusiast” market is only a small percentage of the target that these companies are shooting for. SONY and others will bring the smaller lenses, it is inevitable – the question is, will m4/3 sensors improve before that time.
Sorry, this post was meant to reply to a different comment below…
I leave for a 2week honeymoon to Greece September 16th
Is there a chance for me in USA to get NEX-5N to replace my NEX-5? What is the fastest place to buy from? I would prefer silver also…so sonystore?
I would love to sell my NEX-5…is it easier to sell with a kit lens? so should I buy NEX-5N with kitlens so I can sell the NEX-5 with kit lens instead of body only?
Please help!
siouxpernatural AT hotmail COM if you can help with advise or thoughts thanks!
Used 18-55 kit lens on eBay have sold in recent days for around $199 US. (You can check yourself by searching for completed listings). Used Body only Nex-5 go from $350-400 depending on condition and extras. Nex-5 with kits lens sel for about $450-500. So if I were you, I would sell them seperate. so you can make back the maximum amount of money. Then buy the 5N with kit lens.
If you want it the fastest, I would keep an eye on Amazon, Adorama, and B&H to see which gets stock in fastest and then order with next day air. You could do the same at Sonystyle, but it’s harder to cancel their order than from other retailers in case some other place gets stock first.
Jessy,
Thank you for the great advice.
So sonystyle is suggesting september 7th for a ship date. Is it likely the other three (B&H, Adorama, Amazon) would also get that date? Never been on the cusp of dealing with a release like this in a camera purchase before.
Additionally I have a 2 year accidental warranty on the camera… I have found I can transfer the warranty to the new owner as well, but, I’m not sure if then that would just go to the body and not the lens. Interesting.
Good idea on getting the kit then selling them separately.
again appreciate your help. I think selling the body only on ebay would probably help if I can put that it has 1.75 years of accidental accident coverage on it!
B&H, Adorama, and Amazon are likely to be shipping them around the same date as well. That is, if the September 7th date is confirmed.
You’ll have better luck with B&H or Adorama due to the market segment of NEX 5N (most of the consumer who’d buy NEX 5N frequents Amazon, not B&H)
You might have seen in later posts by now, but the nex-5n is in stock now at the US sonystyle site. Mine is on the way!
🙁 Mine is shipping out tomorrow the 30th. I have seen a guy mentions here (his post is still waiting for approval) that there is a Gold Box deal on the NEX-7 kit ($50 off) and the Zeiss lens ($60 off). Were you guys able to find that?
I personally think these NEX cameras seem nice and all, but I fail to see their point. The bodies themselves are small, but almost all the lenses are quite large. So with the lenses attached the camera is still too big to put in a normal pocket. If I can’t put it in my pocket then it isn’t any more convenient than just carrying a normal DSLR. The regular DSLR have better auto focus and more features for photography. The only way I see these NEX cameras being better is with the pancake lenses, but they are very limited in choices. If you are going to just keep the one pancake lens on it then there isn’t much reason in having the ability the change lenses. I am not saying this is a bad camera but maybe someone can explain the purpose?
NEX: Small body + Big Lens = Big
DSLR: Big Body + Big Lens = Big(er)
The purpose is combined video/photography.
In standard dslrs there is a mirror which sends light to the user while he composes the picture. When the picture is taken the mirror pops up and the light goes to the sensor.
This approach does not work for video because the video is always being shot.
NEX is a redesign to create a system that is optimized for both video and standard photography. This includes eliminating the mirror and other optimizations.
Eliminating the mirror made it possible to make smaller cameras but this is not why it was done.
Finally, the proper size comparison is not lens + camera but video camera + still camera vs NEX. Before the mirrorless cameras came out there were no video cameras that would shot high quality stills and the video support in dslrs all had major issues with focusing and sound.
Is there any advantage to the NEX cameras over say the A77 or A65 then if video is desired. It seems that video in the A77 is very good and the auto focus works awesome. It seems as though the NEX cameras may have an advantage over other DSLRs. But what advantage does the NEX 7 have over the A77?
Nex can shoot longer videos , no overheating like A55 (i have both).
They claim now, that A77 (different SSS mechanism in video) can shoot as long as nex, but i doubt. The A55 , even with SSS of , cannot shoot above 15 minutes.
Also, autofocus on nex is deadly silent on videos, on A55 you can hear easily the focus motor, even with HSM – SSM lenses, even with external mics (i have Rode mic ) .
” If you are going to just keep the one pancake lens on it then there isn’t much reason in having the ability the change lenses”
That makes no sense.
If you’re shooting with fixed focal length lenses, isn’t that MORE of a reason to have an interchangeable lens system so you can change to different primes???
not that i have that much experience in the digital photography world but this is really just my personal opinion…
1)i’d really like to see some test shots with the nex-7
2)i always kept my nex-5 in a jacket pocket anyway; i felt like the pants pocket was kinda pushing it..
3)being able to upgrade is a pretty valid point but isn’t it gonna take up your hotshoe? plus i think the 5n evf its kinda ugly compared to the integrated 7 evf but i guess everyone else seems to like it.
4)if i’m gonna be firing at the hip id rather look at the lcd instead of trying to compose through a tiny hole. i also dont really think looking down and pointing a camera at someone is really that stealthy.
5)that kinda sucks i’ve been waiting a long time.
6)it certainly is :/
7) i already preordered a 7…maybe im just trying to justify my purchase
8) im addicted to this site! keep doing what you’re doing!
also regarding the small body big lens. i love the more rangefinder-esque body shape. its pretty pointless besides aestetics but yeah..
Love the 5N. Hate the native Nex lens lineup. 🙁
I agree 100%. I will be seriously looking at the NEX-5n. I do have my concerns regarding the sensor size in the Nex 7, and I can’t justify the price difference between the two, which is the same reason I bought the A850 over the A900.
Hi,
Any news on whether the 5N is region switchable? I noticed that there’s no 24p video on the PAL version, which is kind of a dealbreaker for me.
The reports from around the web seems to contradict one another where one site claims it is region switchable, and another says no.
Thanks
Nex-5N is in stock in the US at the Sony Style Store.
Just saw that! Might have to cancel my Amazon pre-order and go SonyStore! Big news for US customers!
Amazon.com has the A77/NEX-7/SEL24 in their Gold Box deals. $100 off the A77 kit. $65 off the NEX-7 kit, and $50 off the Zeiss lens.
Hopefully the 5N will be available in Singapore soon, too.
Hey All,
Just noticed 5N is now on stock on US sony store:
http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666375215
I am getting one today 🙂
Kaushal
My thoughts:
1) On Price – According to the press release
NEX-5N kit: $700
OLD EVEF: $350
Total: $1050
NEX-7 kit: $1399
Granted it’s significant, $349 is enough to buy another compact camera, but the EVF really reduces the gap between the two cameras.
2) Less things to carry and lose
Not so much in the home city/town I suppose but when traveling I definately don’t like fiddling small attachable flashes and EVFs. And when the sun is facing the wrong way, high ISO performance is no substitute for a little fill flash. The advantage of a tilt EVF is an excellent point but that is balanced by the drawbacks of size and praticability. And I suspect we’ll probably all switch cameras long before Sony updates their EVF…
3) Sometimes you just need a hotshoe. Flashes aren’t just shooting in low light, in certain scenes they’re a fundamental part of lighting.
4) Handling and ergonomics.
A personal matter, but I need my dials. Sometimes I shoot in M, out of choice, out of nostalgia, to be more critical about expousure, in studio situations etc… When IQ is close enough, ergonomics to me are king. The NEX-7’s grip looks better too, though of course I haven’t held either camera.
I can see NEX-5N working for some serious shooters as a second camera (and a primary camera with big limitations) but on the whole I find the NEX-7 much more well-rounded and pratical.
Can anyone confirm if the NEX-5N region can be switched from PAL to NTSC? I noticed that there’s no 24p recording on the PAL version so that’s kind of a deal breaker to me if you can’t switch it to NTSC.
Thanks
Is an external flash possible with the 5n ? I agree built in flashes often do more harm than good but for indoor photos, having a decent external flash with bounce makes a huge difference. I had a D700 which had excellent low light performance but just because it could take a flash-free photo, doesn’t mean they were good. Faces were often dark but with a bounce flash, it made all the difference. Might not be something I’d take with the camera everywhere but it was one of the better accessories I’ve ever bought.
That said, I’d be sad to give up the advantages of the NEX-5N and pay up for the 7 just to get a hot shoe.
Andrea, is there any rumors about NEX pancake route map?
Please post it even SR1.
This link will show the dates when the cameras will be available in Japan.
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?act=url&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/img/dcw/docs/472/214/html/49.jpg.html&usg=ALkJrhhiUv0C2YQt5H5nW2v23JY1A1xSug
Here is the all article, which they talk about new cameras as well showing the graphic grow of the digital market in Sony products. The NEX-C3 was specially designed for women market, just why I found a very feminine design on it.
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?act=url&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20110824_472214.html&usg=ALkJrhgm1rJcZDKEjFF5cKj7WpSpqDTJrA
Let me ask a quick question about a shutter release connection for the 5n. I tried searching for this answer and don’t seem to see it – I’m sure it’s staring me in the face. I really want to do time lapse with this camera and am wondering if it has the ability to plug in a shuttle release cable? (connection type?) The only info I’ve found are work arounds using IR remotes for the previous nex-5. How would a person do a slow shutter speed tripod shot without a cable release and or a bulb exposure?
Thanks for any help, insights, or links to the detailed info I must be missing.
No regard for vertical shooters whatsoever. All functionality of both displays only applicable for horizontal. I’m a fashion/portrait photographer… 99.99999% of my images produced vertically.
The optional EVF should swivel left and right too… not just up. It should also extend further back for those of us with big oily noses. NEX, like most cameras, is still designed by designers who don’t take pictures for a living. If cameras were designed by photographers, they would be much different.
Consider the Golf industry. The equipment is designed by designers who also play Golf. That’s why it’s so refined. Not so with camera ergonomics.
I love what Sony has come to offer in 2011. The light NEX-5N and the 10fps engineering wonder like NEX-7 which is probably my next buy. I just wish Sony come to realize you have to keep up with the competion. They still haven’t got an equivalent of Panasonic’s impressive 7-14mm ultra-wide or Olympus 35-100mm f2.0. But till Sony gets around to do that, I will have to settle with NEX-7 + the kit lens. Thanks Sony!
I have had the Nex-5N for the weekend now. I really like the camera. I have owned the Nex-5 since it first came out. I also got the optional view finder and it is very nice addition however I find I am only using it 10% of the time (thought I keep it connected 100%).
The camera did tremendous job with kids soccer with the 200m lens and the high speed shooting. I also shoot a Nikon D3 with a 400m so I am pretty particular. But these shots were fine and the burst caught some great action.
The video at the highest quality is remarkable also. Not sure how I can use it as there doesn’t seem to be a way to burn it to blu-ray as I understand but it is nicest video I have seen and the focus is fast and accurate. Much better than my D7000 for example.
Overall very happy – I intended to just try this while waiting for the Nex-7 but I think I will keep it and the Nex-7. Sony has made some great strides here.
I think size definitely goes to the NEX-7. Better ergonomics and grip for lenses. Plus the EVF doesn’t stick out so far above the camera like it does with the 5N. Hot shoe is only useful if you ever plan to put a microphone or a huge flash on it, and the tri dial thing doens’t entice me, as I don’t mind taking a little more time to change iso and stuff like that. I think the deal breaker is that there is no touch screen in the NEX-7. Touch magnification for manual focusing, I heard, is absolutely essential for people using manual lenses, as peaking is often unreliable. the 5N’s touch screen allows for fast magnification and focusing, while the NEX-7 has to zoom in and click around with the buttons, taking 10 times longer. Also, even with the EVF, the 5N is 300 dollars cheaper. The thing about LOW LIGHT PERFORMANCE: They’re about the same. People argue about this all the time, but the truth is, the bigger pixel size doesn’t make a difference on the same size sensor. Low light capabilities should not be a reason to go for the 5N. Instead, focus (pun intended) on the features and usability of each camera, such as the touch magnification or the hot shoe. Basically it comes down to this: Are you willing to give up touch magnification, touch tracking, and 300 dollars for the ability to add a flash or a mic and better ergonomics?
I am in total agreement that the Sony NEX 5N is indeed a good buy corresponding to the features therein. Correct to say, if only we can do without the flash, the EVF & more additional features. If we have to add these 2 in the future, they are more costly and cumbersome to have them in separate pieces. I for instance would love to have them both & more but find them out of my budget now. If I wanna have the best or anything better, I only have to & can bear with the wait to save enough to buy all I can get for the NEX-7. Very much worth the wait and have the best of most things all in one NEX-7.