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Sony NEX-5N 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Touchscreen Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black)
Brand | Sony |
Model Name | Sony NEX-5N |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 16.1 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Image Stabilization | Optical, Digital |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Exposure Control Type | Program, Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Automatic |
Form Factor | Mirrorless |
About this item
- DSLR quality in your pocket
- Up to 10 fps shooting to capture the decisive moment
- 16.1 MP Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor
- Full HD movie shooting 60p/24p
- Photo Creativity Touch provides easy access to image adjustments
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This Item Sony NEX-5N 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Touchscreen Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $379.90$379.90 | -18% $698.00$698.00 List: $849.99 | -15% $848.00$848.00 List: $999.99 | -20% $398.00$398.00 List: $499.99 | $479.99$479.99 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it Mar 25 - 27 |
Customer Ratings | |||||
Picture quality | — | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.3 | — |
Auto focus | — | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.3 | — |
Sold By | Prime Photo Great | Video & Audio Center - Same Day Shipping | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | 42nd Street Photo |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 1 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | zoom | zoom | Zoom | Wide Angle | zoom |
zoom type | Optical, Digital | — | Digital Zoom | — | Optical, Digital |
shooting modes | Panorama | Single Shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracket: Single, Bracket: Cont., White Balance bracket, DRO bracket | Single Shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracket: Single, Bracket: Cont., White Balance bracket, DRO bracket | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Scene |
connectivity tech | USB | USB | Wireless | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, Micro HDMI | HDMI, USB |
video resolution | FHD 1080p | 4K UHD 2160p | 2160p, 1080p | 2160p, 1080p | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
optical zoom | 3 multiplier x | — | 2 multiplier x | 0 multiplier x | — |
wireless tech | EyeFi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | ✓ |
Videos
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Ambassador NEX 5N Product Video
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Sony NEX How-to Guide_Toddler
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Introducing the Sony NEX-5N
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Sony NEX How-to Guide_Nature
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What's in the box
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Selective single-point, Multi-area, Single, Continuous, Live View, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Display Resolution Maximum | 920,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 16.1 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 16.1 MP |
JPEG quality level | Fine |
Image Stabilization | Optical, Digital |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/160_sec |
Supported Image Format | APS C |
Video Capture Format | MPEG-4, AVC |
Video Capture Resolution | FHD 1080p |
Video Standard | mpeg4, h.264 |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
---|---|
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Tilting |
Touch Screen Type | Yes |
Model Name | Sony NEX-5N |
---|---|
Brand | Sony |
Model Number | NEX5NK/B |
Customer Reviews |
3.8 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #591,886 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #1,893 in Mirrorless Cameras |
ASIN | B005IHAIJ8 |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Shoulder Strap, Lens Cap, Battery, USB Cable, Instruction Manual |
Specification Met | No |
Assembly Required | No |
Processor Description | Bionz |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.37 x 1.5 x 2.32 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 0.59 Pounds |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Lens Type | zoom |
---|---|
Optical Zoom | 3 x |
Zoom Type | Optical, Digital |
Autofocus Points | 25 |
Camera Lens Description | 55 Mm |
Compatible Mountings | Sony FE, Sony E (NEX) |
Focus Type | automatic with manual |
Maximum Focal Length | 55 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 25600 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Program, Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Automatic |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Panorama |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium-Ion NPFW50 rechargeable battery & charger |
Battery Weight | 34 Grams |
Battery Life | 460 Photos |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 10 |
Wireless Communication Technology | EyeFi |
Flash Memory Type | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Special Feature | Image Stabilization |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Professional |
Specific Uses For Product | Photography |
Form Factor | Mirrorless |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Product Description
Product Description
The performance of a DSLR, in about half the size and weight. The NEX-5N is the interchangeable lens camera that fits in your pocket. Enjoy Full HD 1080/60p or 24p movies, astounding low-light pictures, continuous shooting up to 10 fps, incredible panorama shots, and 3.0-inch tiltable Live View touch screen LCD.What’s in the box: Sony Alpha NEX-5N Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black), E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver), NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1080mAh) , Lens Cap, Shoulder Strap, USB Cable (Mini B), Alpha AC Charger for W Series Battery, HVL-F7 Flash, CD-ROM and 1-Year Limited Warranty.
From the Manufacturer
NEX-5N
The performance of a DSLR, in about half the size and weight. The NEX-5N is the interchangeable lens camera that fits in your pocket. Enjoy Full HD 1080/60p or 24p movies, astounding low-light pictures, continuous shooting up to 10 fps, incredible panorama shots, and 3.0-inch tiltable Live View touch screen LCD.
DSLR quality in your pocket
This is the world's smallest interchangeable lens digital still camera using a large APS-C size sensor (as of Aug 2011). The removal of the conventional mirror box and viewfinder results in a camera body that is about half the size and weight of a standard DSLR camera.
Up to 10 fps shooting
Capture the decisive moment in sports and get the ideal baby photo. Up to 10 fps continuous shooting at full 16.1 MP resolution. Standard continuous shooting speeds vary based upon shooting conditions and memory card speeds.
16.1 MP Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor
You get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. Thanks to the APS-C sensor size and Sony Exmor APS HD CMOS technology, the camera achieves high resolution with no penalty in low-light sensitivity or sensor noise.
BIONZ image processor
The brain of the camera is a refined version of Sony's BIONZ image processor. Its chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 25600 sensitivity. Also enables fast processing for up to 10 fps continuous shooting of data-intensive 16.1 megapixel images, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama modes and 6 image layering.
Full HD movie shooting 60p/24p
Record Full HD 1920x1080 video in a variety of frame rates from 60p for super smooth action to 24p for a more cinematic feel. The NEX-5N utilizes the AVCHD codec, the industry standard for high quality HD video capture, as well as the MP4 codec for easy upload to the web due to it's smaller file size.
Photo Creativity Touch
The Photo Creativity interface enables you to easily enjoy the creative expression through direct photographic control in an easy to use interface. Changes can be combined/removed and viewed in real time on the LCD making it a breeze to make adjustments.
Tiltable 3.0" Touch LCD
Sony's 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD monitor has 921K dots for superb resolution. The TruBlack screen includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increasing contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further in bright sunlight. Tilts down 45° and up 80° to frame high- and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss.
Object Tracking AF via Touch LCD
Object Tracking AF can lock onto a specified object and maintain focus even as the subject moves. This hassle-free mode allows unpredictable subjects to stay in focus even while zooming. Letting you concentrate on the scene and composition without having to worry about focus. The subject on which to lock focus is easily selected via the touch screen or the center button of the control wheel.
World's shortest release time lag (0.02 sec)
In photography, shutter lag, or release time, is the delay between triggering the shutter by fully depressing the shutter button and when the photograph is actually recorded. By initiating the exposure electronically instead of with the traditional shutter mechanism, release time on the NEX-5N is reduced to just 20 milliseconds - helping you to capture the decisive moment.
Optional XGA OLED viewfinder
The optional FDA-EV1S OLED Tru-Finder offers a large, bright and wide-view of the scene. With high resolution 2.395K dot, and unprecedented speed, contrast and color accuracy, the FDA-EV1S provides an extraordinary view.
11 Picture Effect modes
There are 11 picture effects modes to choose from: Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow), Soft High-key, High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal, Cool, Warm, Green, Magenta), Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, and Miniature. Each is unique and each gives you a new and exciting way to make your images and videos pop.
Peaking AF display
The Peaking AF display makes precise manual focusing much easier by highlighting the edges that are in focus in your choice of three colors ( white, red, or yellow). This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where your focal plane can make or break your shot.
3D Sweep Panorama Mode
Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television. Records both JPEG and MPO file formats.
Sweep Panorama Mode
Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23 MP image size. Up to 202 degrees maximum sweep angle (16mm focal length).
6-image layering
The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. The camera then combines the data from the 6 different images to create a single image. This method is used to control blur in Anti-Motion Blur mode or to get cleaner, sharper nighttime pictures in Hand-held Twilight mode.
Auto HDR
High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail from another for one incredible shot. Until recently, you needed a computer and editing software. Sony builds HDR in. Handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes. Captures in a split second. (Recommended for still subjects.)
P/A/S/M operating modes
The NEX-5N offers a full range of controls for video and still shooting from the beginner's iAUTO mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control.
Intelligent Auto Focus
Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing focusing time to a bare minimum.
iAUTO mode
Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies. Takes advantage of Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization without leaving auto mode so you always get the best shot.
Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO)
Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.
Accepts Sony E-mount lenses
Compatible with Sony's E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for a compact interchangeable lens cameras. Opens up a world of creative options.
Phase Detect AF for E-mount bodies w/ adapter
Both the LA-EA1 and EA2 adapters (sold separately) allow you to attach A-mount lenses to your E-mount camera. However, the LA-EA2 is the world's first adapter to leverage Sony's exclusive Translucent Mirror Technology to provide super fast and accurate Phase Detection AF as well. The LA-EA2 adapter has a translucent mirror built-in between the two mounts that directs a small portion of the light to the phase detection AF sensor in the bottom of the unit.
25-point Auto Focus
25 sensors cover a very wide area of the scene, for accurate focusing even when the subject is far from the center of the frame.
HDMI output
Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an HDMI output.
Stamina battery power for up to 430 shots
Take up to 430 shots on a single charge with Sony lithium ion Stamina battery power. Sony's InfoLITHIUM battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.
Read about our customers' top-rated cameras and lenses on our review pages: Compact System Cameras, Lenses
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, size and ease of use of the digital camera. They mention that it's a high quality camera, that takes great still photos and videos. They say that it is a great versatile, super compact and reliable camera.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the digital camera. They mention that the images and video are stunning, the low light shots are also great, and the camera is able to take excellent 1080p video with decent stereo sound. They also mention that it's perfect for taking portraits with blurred backgrounds and that the screen is very clear.
"...Auto focus is near perfect in good light, and very good in low light.Macro with the kit zoom, using menu setting "Camera - AF/MF - DMF"...." Read more
"...I have enjoyed that camera for years, and it's done great taking photos for portraits, weddings, family events, and outdoor/landscape stuff...." Read more
"...It even looks good at 3200. The small size and the small size of the lenses trumps almost anything out there, even now...." Read more
"...for video, 60p for slow motion/smooth motion also the pictures look a lot better and sharper...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the digital camera. They say it's a high quality camera that is small and easy to use. Customers are impressed with the camera's performance over time. The camera is versatile, reliable, and takes great still photos. The build quality is solid, and the shutter sound is enjoyable.
"...This camera is really impressive over time, as I have now had several of my club member's cameras for a day or two loan, and I find the 5N unbeatable..." Read more
"...But I also was reluctant to lug the full size DLSRs around. This camera is brilliant!..." Read more
"...In addition, the kit lens is pretty slow. Still, it is a good quality lens that I am happy using, though at a higher price point (5r, natch) I might..." Read more
"...It is light and feels very well built...." Read more
Customers like the size of the digital camera. They say it's a great versatile, super compact, reliable camera that takes great pictures. It weighs so little that it' s easy to carry around and doesn't look like a big target for a thief. The camera fits well in their hand and is lightweight without feeling cheap.
"...any DSLR under $1200, the 5N is their photographic equal, and 50% lighter to carry...." Read more
"...Overall, I am very happy with this camera, It's light, it's fast, and it takes good photos (even when the light doesn't agree)...." Read more
"...The compactness, the lightness, the quality of the sensor (as good as my dSLR by all measures), the ease of wide angles makes this a no brainer...." Read more
"...The camera fits well in your hand, and is lightweight without feeling cheap. It reminds me how I felt when I fell in love with my first AE-1...." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the digital camera. For example, they say it has a small and easy to use interface, and the HD video is easy to take. That said, some say it takes a minimal amount of skill to set up the camera, and it's easy to handle.
"...at high ISO's.My latest kick is the panorama - it's so addictive (try it in B&W !!)..." Read more
"...The adjustable live view screen works really well. It allows for some creative shooting, without have to guess what the shot might come out like...." Read more
"...Tough- I even dented the lens. Very stealth with the flipout screen. Feels like a more intimate camera to get creative with than a machine gun...." Read more
"...This is a sophisticated tool that can be well utilized without ever touching a user manual..." Read more
Customers like the autofocus of the camera. They say it's fast, works well for pictures of their kids, and has a great shutter speed. They also mention that the images are superb, the start up time and shooting speed are fast, and the camera doesn't disappoint with speed and crispness of shots. The processor does anticipate your photography style well, and it adapted settings to better catch the cat while autofocus is near perfect in good light, and very good in low light. This makes manually focusing a lens a breeze.
"...Auto focus is near perfect in good light, and very good in low light.Macro with the kit zoom, using menu setting "Camera - AF/MF - DMF"...." Read more
"...Overall, I am very happy with this camera, It's light, it's fast, and it takes good photos (even when the light doesn't agree)...." Read more
"...because (in order of importance ) it has manual mode for video, 60p for slow motion/smooth motion also the pictures look a lot better and sharper...." Read more
"...The processor does anticipate your photography style well, so it adapted settings to better catch the cat while running..." Read more
Customers like the value of the camera. They say it's a great value for the money, and the image quality is stellar. Some say that the camera is worth the gamble.
"...This is a great value for the money but smugs sony's "Your Holding it Wrong" response to the clicking problem and failure to recall units forces me..." Read more
"...16.1M is a great size to grab more than adequate detail and yet remain affordable...." Read more
"...and thanks to the new NEX 5R model, it can be picked up at a really great price...." Read more
"...TL;DR It feels like an expensive DSLR, but way smaller and cheaper to boot.In the future I will prefer Sony over Olympus." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the adjustability of the digital camera. They say that it has a lot of options and has all the control and features of other leading dSLRs. The sophisticated camera has teh full manual settings as well as a number of shooting modes and options, as well a special effects if you really want. They also say that the options are convenient and it takes amazing pictures.
"...The adjustable live view screen works really well. It allows for some creative shooting, without have to guess what the shot might come out like...." Read more
"...There are effects in fully auto mode that I love. Great fun and simple to apply...." Read more
"...List of features is nice like Panoramo, HDR and other effects...." Read more
"...It took me a few days to figure it out. Oh, and you can change the intensity to low, medium and high as well by first selecting HDR Pntg and..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the sound quality of the camera. Some mention that there is no noise up to this ISO, while others say that it has an infuriating clicking problem with the sound in videos. They say the noise is likely not as pronounced in some models or some buyers, and that the manual focus is slightly noisier.
"...is a major feature of this camera, and the clicking sound makes video recording largely useless, so keeping the camera in its current form was not..." Read more
"...The NEX-5N also has near-excellent video. There is no "clicking sound" that early buyers sometimes mentioned, but once in a while there is a..." Read more
"...money but smugs sony's "Your Holding it Wrong" response to the clicking problem and failure to recall units forces me to deduct it 2 stars...." Read more
"...My conclusion is that the noise is likely not as pronounced in some models or some buyers may not be as concerned because they love the good quality..." Read more
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Added 4-24-14 AFTER MORE yEXPERIENCE
This camera is really impressive over time, as I have now had several of my club member's cameras for a day or two loan, and I find the 5N unbeatable. The 5N even equals the $1100 Oly EM-5, esp. at high ISO's.
My latest kick is the panorama - it's so addictive (try it in B&W !!) Also, I'm using video a lot more now than I ever did with previous cameras - this camera has very well focused and exposed video.
I have customized the "soft keys" or buttons (Look under "Settings - Custom Key Settings"). It has made a world of difference in my speed of shooting. I have the buttons set :
A> bottom button (in Auto the Help key) : Focusing area
B> center-of-ring button (in Auto the Mode selector ) can choose three things: Metering area / WB / D-range
C> right click on ring (in Auto the Live selector) : ISO
ORIGINAL REVIEW :
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Indoor no-flash, the Sony NEX 5N is pretty much a game changer. Most cameras have to use slow shutter speeds indoors in ambient light, because they just can't control noise and smear at ISO 800 and above. For instance, I wouldn't let my nice Lumix LX5 go above ISO 800 indoors. Now, using the NEX 5N Auto mode indoors will often result in ISO 1600 or even 3200, and there's no problem : the APS-C sensor, and the processor's programming let me use ISO 3200 like it was 800...!! I then have a much faster shutter speed available, to help stop the blur of most kid and pet movements. Auto WB indoors is sometimes tricky, but by setting WB using a white napkin or other reference, the 5N is near amazing.
How did I come to choose the NEX 5N ?? Well, I am retired, and I spent a LOT of time on forums for Sony, Panasonic, Canon, etc... But I especially played a lot with dpReview.com's "High ISO comparison" tool:
One day I put the Canon G15 against the Nikon P7700 and the Lumix LX7. For the fourth and final unit, I happened to choose the Samsung NX1000, because I had seen it on a big sale at Amazon. The Samsung with its APS-C sensor was so superior, that I began to look for other cams that used the same type sensor. DpReview had the NEX-5N rated at 79, so I put it on my list to play with. The NEX simply blew everyone's socks off, including in later comparisons the Micro 4/3's from Nikon and Olympus. I watched Amazon for several weeks, and in mid-November I was lucky to find the 5N at $140 less than the small Sony RX100 and the Samsung NX1000, which had been my two top choices up to that time.
The NEX-5N also has near-excellent video. There is no "clicking sound" that early buyers sometimes mentioned, but once in a while there is a background motor noise during quiet periods of recording.
Something else I really like: the 5N has a quieter shutter than any DSLR. All DSLRs are noisy beasts in comparison, very good for calling attention to themselves at the wrong time. The NEX-5N is of course still louder than say,, a LX7, but if you set the "Front Curtain Shutter" option to "enabled", the sound is very much reduced.
Some reviews say the included 18-55 kit lens is only Very Good, not great; mine has no noticeable problems, and I've become a lot more critical than I once was. In tests side by side, the NEX slightly outdid my Pentax K-30 and K-01 kit lenses for sharpness in most every type of scene. Auto focus is near perfect in good light, and very good in low light.
Macro with the kit zoom, using menu setting "Camera - AF/MF - DMF". can give some pretty nice shots, but you will need to stay 9-10" away with this lens to focus. By cropping, you will get a great photo, since the NEX is so sharp and noiseless at low ISO.
CONCLUSION:
============
A./ This camera far exceeds premium compacts and almost every micro 4/3rds for lack of noise at every ISO. With the kit zoom, you will need a strap rather than a pocket. You may like to look for a good used Sony 16mm pancake lens, or a used 16-50 power zoom. I highly recommend the 1650PZ , as it makes the 5N ready for almost every situation.
B./ Compared to any DSLR under $1200, the 5N is their photographic equal, and 50% lighter to carry. Put a protective UV filter on, and you're good to go street shooting out of the box.
C./ However, the 5N is not a replacement for an action photographer using a DSLR in the field, where frequent ISO , WB, Focus Point, HDR, and other setting changes have to be made on-the-fly. This is foremost a great family camera.
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I doubt few people have had hands-on access to more cameras in the $150 - $800 range that I've had, through the amateur club I just joined last summer. Join an informal group or a real photography club - you'll have a great time and be much better able to decide which camera, at what price, is the best for your needs.
I decided to take the plunge and try one out. The newer NEX-5N seemed to be the popular pick, with big improvements over the NEX-5, and in many ways rivaled the NEX-7. I've had this camera for a few days now, and have taken probably 45 photos. So far, the ISO performance has been very impressive. It totally beats the pants off of my T1i in low light with no flash. That's not to say that there is no noise, but at ISO3200, I can capture very pleasant photos, which I've never really been able to do before. The shutter response is nice and fast, and in burst mode can shoot a lot a photos in just a few seconds.
I really like how much smaller an lighter this camera is. I don't feel like I am toting a bowling ball around. The on screen functions take getting used to if you are already accustomed to a DSLR with analog wheels and buttons. I have taken to it pretty quick, and have also programmed the custom button settings to my liking.
The kit lens seems on par to most kit lenses. It does a decent job, and is good as a general use/walk around, but leaves you wanting more like a f2.8 zoom or 1.8 prime in creative situations. The include flash...is a flash. :) It's direct only, and doesn't provide any bounce option. It's fairly bright and acceptable for single person or a small group scenario. I do very little direct flash lighting, so it's not something I would use much.
I have ordered the optional flash, which has bounce options. I have also recently read that sony is making a hotshoe adapter to allow owners to use traditional SLR flash units, like my Canon 550EX.
The adjustable live view screen works really well. It allows for some creative shooting, without have to guess what the shot might come out like. The "auto" mode actually works fairly well for general use, but you'll want to learn manual mode to create exactly what you want. I noticed that sometimes in auto mode, it would choose to not flash, and instead crank up ISO to 1600 or even 3200 for a shot.
I have not yet experienced the clicking type sound that some earlier purchasers have experienced, but i'll try some different scenarios, and see if mine is ok.
Overall, I am very happy with this camera, It's light, it's fast, and it takes good photos (even when the light doesn't agree). I've also ordered the 50 1.8 lens, and am looking forward to it.