Sony Alpha NEX-5 – Featured User Review

This is our first user review for the new Sony NEX-5 Compact Alpha interchangeable lens camera. Between the Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Samsung NX and the two Sony NEX cameras, the new “EVIL” (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) camera category is really taking off. Kamran’s review is very positive and confirms that the Sony NEX-5 offers the performance of a DSLR in a body the size of a high-end compact camera.

If you have a Sony NEX-5 or any other EVIL / Micro Four Thirds camera, please write a review for your camera. Your camera reviews are the foundation of PhotographyREVIEW.com! If you wan to know more about Sony NEX cameras or other EVIL cameras, check out our EVIL & Micro Four Thirds Cameras forum.

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by Kamran Amjadi (Intermediate)

Summary:
I was almost ready to by a DSLR (canon/nikon …), but during my research was constantly running into the weight bulk issue and the multiple device to carry issue. I also wanted an all in one device with regards to digital camera/video camera. I considered the Olympus, Samsung and Panasonic micro four thirds. But the Sony Nex 5 was capturing my interest with it’s multiple lens options, small body, APS-C sensor and HD 1080i video capability.

I bought the NEX5 with a 3.5-5.6/18-55 lens and went on vacation to south of France and Spain. After about 1200 pictures and about 15 videos, at the beach, indoors , at dusk, at night and even of fireworks, I have no buyer’s remorse :-). I like my NEX-5 a lot. I don’t need a viewfinder (although one can be mounted on it) and I have hardly used the flash since the camera works great in low light conditions. I took most of my initial pictures as jpgs, but switched over to raw, except for multi-frame action shots (more on this below). Here’s a link that shows the quality of the raw images on the NEX-5: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/NEX5/NEX5RAW.HTM

I also used this camera at the Legg Mason tennis tournament in Washington DC a week or so ago. I have great shots of some top players. My favorites are the burst mode shots of serves, backhands and forehands. The NEX-5 can do 7fps. I am not a great photographer to time my shots (I also want to watch the match). But the burst mode shots are awesome.

Strengths:
- great resolution
- great low light sensitivity
- strong auto mode choices with fully manual operation if you need/want
- light (weight) – you can carry it all day
- 7frames per second in burst mode

Weaknesses:
burst mode in raw mode can’t do 7fps and ends up with a pretty long delay to recover before you can take another picture.

Similar Products Used:
This is my first “DSLR”; In the past 15 years it has all been pro-sumer point and shoots – before that I used a Canon AE-1 and a Leica M5

Customer Service:
haven’t had to use it. I upgraded the firmware, which improved start up time and added a 3D panoramic mode which I haven’t tried. The upgrade was simple.

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EVIL & Micro Four Thirds Cameras Forum
Sony Cameras Forum
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Sony Alpha NEX Cameras Web Site