At long last, Sony has revealed to the world two of the most fascinating cameras they have created in recent memory. The new NEX-3 and NEX-5, destined for the market in July (pre-order at SonyStyle), are DSLR-quality cameras that feature an APS-C image sensor in a shockingly small form factor. These aren’t DSLR’s, though – they are Mirror-Less Interchangeable Lens Cameras that have a sensor as good as a DSLR. As you can see, the polycarbonate casing of the NEX-3 and magnesium alloy NEX-5 look vastly different than mostly anything else out there, but most certainly don’t sacrifice on features. In fact, these 14.2 megapixel cameras have a CMOS that is undoubtedly larger than Micro Four Thirds, and can shoot at a maximum of 4592×3056 resolution. The large sensor creates a more narrow depth of field, which some have said is closer than that of a 35mm SLR.
Many of you who have been following this camera closely know some or all of this information already based on the accidental postings of the NEX specifications earlier. However, what you have not read yet is that this camera is able to shoot panoramic pictures in 3D. That’s right – 3D panoramic pictures in a firmware update that will come later. It won’t be able to shoot regular pictures in 3D, however. The NEX series can also shoot regular 226-degree horizontal or 151-degree vertical panoramic shots.
We truly love that the NEX-5 can shoot 1920x1080i AVCHD video (at 17 Mbps) and the NEX-3 can shoot 720p MPEG-4, which should look quite stunning through the variety of advanced lens that will be available. Plus, the NEX cameras have HDMI out to share those photos, videos, and 3D panoramic shots. They also have built-in stereo microphones for high-quality audio recording for those HD videos. And another great aspect of the small NEX series is the super crisp fold out 3 inch LCD screen, which is home to a vastly improved menu that enables you to quickly take the perfect photo and manipulate a variety of settings. Both should support Memory Stick Duo and SD(XC) memory cards.
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The NEX-5A and NEX-3A cameras, which are supplied with SEL16F28 lens, will cost about $650 and $550 respectively. NEX-5K and NEX-3K cameras, supplied with SEL1855 lens will cost about $700 and $600 respectively. The NEX-3 will be available in silver, black and red, and the NEX-5 in silver and black. CNET already has a nice review of the NEX-5. Check out the NEX pre-order page on SonyStyle, which can really educate you about this product. SonyStyle is really raising the bar in product presentation on their site these days.
Several accessories will be available, including an optional optical viewfinder (FDA-SV1) and an included flash add-on. Here’s some photos that were accidentally released earlier by Digital Photography school of the LCD in action:
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Key technical specifications
Model |
NEX-5 | NEX-3 |
| Resolution | 14.2 effective megapixels (approx.) | 14.2 effective megapixels (approx.) |
| Image sensor | Exmor APS HD CMOS (23.4×15.6mm) | Exmor APS HD CMOS (23.4×15.6mm) |
| Processor | BIONZ™ image processor | BIONZ™ image processor |
| Lens compatibility | E-mount; (with adaptor, MF only, exclude power zoom lenses) Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens | E-mount; (with adaptor, MF only, exclude power zoom lenses) Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens |
| ISO Range | ISO 200 – 12800 | ISO 200 – 12800 |
| Video shooting | AVCHD: max. 1920 x 1080i, 17Mbps
MP4: max. 1440 x 1080i, 12Mbps |
MP4: max. 1280 x 720 p, 9Mbps |
| Continuous advance shooting | Up to 2.3 fps / 7 fps in speed priority mode (AF/AE fixed) | Up to 2.3 fps / 7 fps in speed priority mode (AF/AE fixed) |
| Precision digital zoom | 10x | 10x |
| Autofocus system | Contrast AF (25 multi-point
/Centre-weighted/Flexible Spot) |
Contrast AF (25 multi-point
/Centre-weighted/Flexible Spot) |
| Metering system | Metering by main image sensor (49-segment Multi light metering, Centre-weighted, Spot) | Metering by main image sensor (49-segment Multi light metering, Centre-weighted, Spot) |
| Shooting functions | Face Detection; Smile Shutter; Sweep Panorama (3D ready); iAUTO; Auto HDR; Anti Motion Blur Mode; Hand-held Night Shot | Face Detection; Smile Shutter; Sweep Panorama (3D ready); iAUTO; Auto HDR; Anti Motion Blur Mode; Hand-held Night Shot |
| Creative styles | Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W | Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W |
| Display | 7.5cm (3”) Wide type XtraFine TruBlack LCD (921k dot resolution), angle adjustable 80◦ up/45◦ down | 7.5cm (3”) Wide type XtraFine TruBlack LCD (921k dot resolution), angle adjustable 80◦ up/45◦ down |
| Weight & size | 287g (10.1oz) with battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo; 110.8×58.8×38.2mm (WxHxD) – Min. Depth 24.2mm (without grip & mount) | 297g with battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo; 117.2×62.6×33.4mm (WxHxD) – Min. Depth 25.4mm (without grip & mount) |
| Anti-dust system | Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift | Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift |
| Interfaces | HDMI out (with PhotoTV HD and BRAVIA Sync); USB 2.0 Hi-Speed | HDMI out (with PhotoTV HD and BRAVIA Sync); USB 2.0 Hi-Speed |
| Shooting stamina | 330 shots approx. (CIPA standard) | 330 shots approx. (CIPA standard) |
| Media | Memory Stick Pro Duo, Pro-HG Duo; SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card | Memory Stick Pro Duo, Pro-HG Duo; SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card |
| Supplied accessories | Shoulder strap; Battery; Charger; USB cable; CD‑ROM; Flash | Shoulder strap; Battery; Charger; USB cable; CD‑ROM; Flash |
| Colours | Black, silver | Black, silver, red |
