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Sony's NEX-5 single-lens direct view camera with external stereo microphone accessory attached. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3: World's smallest SLD digicams reviewed
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(Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 01:00 EDT)

Sony Electronics Inc. has today announced its Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 single-lens direct view cameras, the final production versions of a concept camera the company first showed at this year's Photo Marketing Association tradeshow -- and we've just published our Sony NEX-5 review (while our Sony NEX-3 review is set to follow imminently).

The Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 are said to be the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital cameras as of early May 2010, and we'd believe it. The design goal for the NEX-3 and NEX-5 was to create cameras that were approximately half the size and weight of the smallest digital SLRs, and the NEX5 in particular takes this to the extreme, resulting in a rather futuristic, angular look. The Alpha NEX-3 has more contemporary styling, but is only slightly larger than its sibling. Both cameras share a new lens mount, dubbed the Sony E-mount. Three E-mount lenses have been announced alongside the camera -- two zooms, and a prime. All feature metal construction with burnished aluminum bodies.

The Sony Alpha NEX5 and NEX-3 both feature a single-lens, direct view design which removes the bulky mirror box assembly of a traditional SLR, much like the Micro Four Thirds-format cameras from Olympus and Panasonic, as well as Samsung's just-shipped NX10. The paring down of what's known as the back focus distance (or flange-back distance) allows a significant reduction in the size and weight of both the camera body and lenses for SLD cameras, as compared to their SLR brethren. By way of comparison, Sony's standard Alpha-mount DSLRs have a flange back distance of 40mm. The Samsung NX10 reduces flange back distance to 25.5mm, and the Micro Four Thirds format drops it still further to 20mm. Sony has bested both standards for its Alpha NEX-5 and NEX-3, with a flange-back distance of just 18mm. That's pretty impressive, especially when one considers that the NEX3 and NEX5 both feature APS-C image sensors -- the same size as that of Samsung's NX10, and some 60% larger than those of the Micro Four Thirds cameras.

There's a whole lot more to the story of the Sony Alpha NEX-3 and NEX-5 than just their futuristic, compact bodies, however. Both cameras include high-definition video capability, complete with genuinely usable contrast detection autofocusing during video recording. The Sony Alpha NEX5 can record in either AVCHD or MP4 format at resolutions up to 1080i, while the Sony Alpha NEX3 offers MP4 video at a maximum of 720p resolution. Both cameras feature built-in stereo microphones, and thanks to new lens designs featuring stepper motors for both focusing and aperture control, the NEX-3 and NEX-5 have reached somewhat of a holy grail for interchangeable lens cameras, in that they can actually focus and adjust aperture near-silently, with an absolute minimum of unwanted noise being picked up on the audio track of their movies. The lenses themselves are also rather unique in featuring all-metal construction, with attractive aluminum bodies and steel lens mounts.

Both cameras also include some other cool features seen previously in Sony's Cyber-shot point-and-shoot cameras, but never before in an SLR or SLD camera. These include variants of Sony's sweep panorama and anti-motion blur / hand-held twilight modes. The former automatically captures a burst of images while the camera is panned across a scene, and then stitches it in-camera into a single image. The latter two modes also capture several images in a burst, and combine them into a single image, but with the aim of freezing subject motion or camera shake, while keeping high ISO noise levels down. There's also an updated version of Sony's in-camera HDR mode which now captures and combines three images into a single image with increased dynamic range -- and the function still uses microalignment so that a tripod isn't necessary (although a static subject is necessary for HDR photography).

Since the first single-lens direct view cameras were launched starting in late 2008, they've done very well in the Japanese marketplace, which is frequently seen as somewhat of a bellwether for the rest of the world. The Japanese public have often been early adopters for technologies that have gone on to take the world by storm. To date, while they've certainly inspired much interest and discussion in the US and Europe, SLD cameras haven't really taken off in quite the same way as they've done in Japan. With their unique mixture of compact size, top-notch style, and impressive -- sometimes even unique -- features, it'll be interesting to see whether the Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 will be the cameras to really set the SLD market alight for the rest of the world!

The Sony Alpha NEX5 and Alpha NEX3 go on sale from July 2010, priced at $650 and $550 respectively with a 16mm f/2.8 lens, or $700 and $600 respecitvely with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens. The lenses will be available by themselves for $250 and $300 respectively. A third lens model -- the 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS zoom -- is set to follow from fall 2010, priced at around $800. Alongside the camera and lenses, Sony has announced accessories including two wide angle converters, a proprietary external flash strobe, external stereo microphone accessory, and an optical viewfinder. There's also a mount adapter that will allow manual focus compatibility with all Sony Alpha-mount lenses. Sony has also announced a forthcoming update that will give 3D Sweep Panorama capability to both cameras this July, for viewing on the latest 3D televisions.

As noted previously, we've just posted our Sony NEX5 review, offering a really in-depth look at these exciting cameras. Our Sony NEX3 review is set to follow very shortly, but in the meantime we'd refer readers to the NEX5 review simply because the two cameras are in many respects very similar. (Image quality in particular is looking to be near-identical, although we're still running our comprehensive tests as we speak.) The most significant differences between the two cameras are in their styling and size/weight, as well as in the NEX5's higher-spec movie mode with selectable compression format. The NEX5 also adds infrared remote control capability that's absent in the NEX3.

Sony Alpha NEX-3
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeSLD
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberNorth America: NEX-3
Dimensions4.6 x 2.5 x 1.3 in.
(117 x 63 x 33 mm)
Weight17.7 oz (502 g)
Planned Price$600
Planned AvailabilityJuly 2010
Image Capture
Sensor TypeSony CMOS
APS-C (approx. 1.11 in. diagonal)
14.60 megapixels (total)
14.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Focal Length Multiplier1.50
Aspect Ratio3:2, 16:9
Image Dimensions4592 x 3056 (14.0 megapixels)
4592 x 2576 (11.8 megapixels)
3344 x 2224 (7.4 megapixels)
3344 x 1872 (6.3 megapixels)
2288 x 1520 (3.5 megapixels)
2288 x 1280 (2.9 megapixels)
Image Quality2 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0 in. diagonal
921,600 dots (307,200 pixels)
Playback Zoom13.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeSony SEL1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
3x optical zoom
49mm lens thread
Lens MountSony E-mount
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length18.0 - 55.0mm (actual)
27 - 83mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 34 (T)
Focusing SystemContrast Detect: 25-area, Center, Flexible Spot; with Face Detection
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing RangeNormal: 10" - 4,081" (25 cm - 9,999 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (200-1600), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800
Shutter Speed30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure ModesAperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering ModesMulti-segment (49 segments), Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temp./Filter, Custom
Internal FlashGuide Number: 7
Modes: Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync., Slow sync., Red-eye reduction
Range: Lens dependent
Flash Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, Hand-held Twilight
Digital ZoomUp to 10x Precision digital zoom with prime lens attached
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format.ARW RAW, RAW+JPEG, JPEG
Connectivity
VideoHigh definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: No
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMini HDMI (Type C)
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary InfoLithium NP-FW50
Product Bundle
oftwarePMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneNo
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes, Metal
Remote ControlNo
NotesAvailable in black or silver.
More Photos
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-3 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Sony Alpha NEX-5
Sony's NEX-5 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeSLD
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberNorth America: NEX-5
Dimensions4.4 x 2.4 x 1.6 in.
(111 x 60 x 40 mm)
Weight17.7 oz (502 g)
Planned Price$700
Planned AvailabilityJuly 2010
Image Capture
Sensor TypeSony CMOS
APS-C (approx. 1.11 in. diagonal)
14.60 megapixels (total)
14.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Focal Length Multiplier1.50
Aspect Ratio3:2, 16:9
Image Dimensions4592 x 3056 (14.0 megapixels)
4592 x 2576 (11.8 megapixels)
3344 x 2224 (7.4 megapixels)
3344 x 1872 (6.3 megapixels)
2288 x 1520 (3.5 megapixels)
2288 x 1280 (2.9 megapixels)
Capture SpeedStandard: 1.3 frames per second for 9999 frames
Continuous: 2.7 frames per second for 38 frames
Image Quality2 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0 in. diagonal
921,600 dots (307,200 pixels)
100% field of view
Playback Zoom13.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeSony SEL1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
3x optical zoom
49mm lens thread
Lens MountSony E-mount
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length18.0 - 55.0mm (actual)
27 - 83mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 34 (T)
Focusing SystemContrast Detect: 25-area, Center, Flexible Spot; with Face Detection
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusin RangeNormal: 10" - 4,081" (25 cm - 9,999 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (200-1600), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800
Shutter Speed30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure ModesAperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering ModesMulti Segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temp./Filter, Custom
Internal FlashGuide Number: 7
Modes: Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync., Slow sync., Red-eye reduction
Range: Lens dependent
Flash Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, Hand-held Twilight
Digital ZoomUp to 10x Precision digital zoom with prime lens attached
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format.ARW RAW, RAW+JPEG, JPEG
Connectivity
VideoHigh definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: No
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMini HDMI (Type C)
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary InfoLithium NP-FW50
Product Bundle
SoftwarePMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Im ge Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneNo
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes, Metal
Remote ControlYes, Optional IR Wireless
NotesAvailable in black or silver.
More Photos
Sony's NEX-5 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-5 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-5 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-5 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-5 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's NEX-5 single-lens direct view camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

Sony Introduces World's Smallest And Lightest Interchangeable Lens Digital Cameras

Models Provide DSLR Performance, Full HD Video, Sweep Panorama, APS-C sensor and Low-Light Capability in an Unprecedented Compact Design

SAN DIEGO, May 10, 2010 – Sony today introduced two innovative α (alpha) compact interchangeable lens digital cameras (models NEX-5 and NEX-3) that provide the quality of a digital SLR in a compact body that is easy to slip into a small purse or jacket pocket for ultimate portability.

“Consumers want better picture quality in a smaller form factor. Sony has made that a reality with these cameras. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras truly embody Sony’s make.believe spirit,” said Kristen Elder, director of Sony’s alpha digital imaging business. “These new cameras are the game-changers everyone has been waiting for and will revolutionize the consumer experience by offering outstanding picture quality with a totally pocketable size.”

With breakthrough video performance, these models are the world’s first interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C sensor to continuously adjust focus and exposure while recording video. The NEX-5 camera offers Full HD movie capture (1080i AVCHD and 720p MP4) with Full HD 60i recording.

These cameras are perfect for point-and-shoot users looking to advance from snapshots to creative photography as well as existing DSLR users searching for a no-compromise compact alternative.

Innovative Design
Unlike conventional DSLR models, the “mirrorless” construction of the new models reduces the thickness of both camera bodies to just about an inch at their slimmest point (excluding grip and mount portions). The NEX-5, constructed from magnesium alloy, and the NEX-3, with a polycarbonate casing, offer a newly developed 14.2 megapixel Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor. About 60 percent larger than the sensor in micro four-thirds cameras, this sensor is key to the exceptional image quality, extremely low image noise and creative defocus background effects that are familiar to DSLR users.

HD Movie Recording and Fast, Silent Autofocus
The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the first α cameras to offer the extra convenience of high definition video recording. In addition to 720p HD recording, the NEX-5 also captures Full HD (1920 x 1080i) video in high-quality AVCHD files that can be easily enjoyed on a compatible HD television via the cameras built-in HDMI™ terminal (cable not included). The NEX-3 shoots 720p HD video as compact MP4 files. Both Sony cameras include built-in stereo microphones for high-quality audio recording.

Still and video image quality is further refined by Sony’s powerful BIONZ® processor that ensures quick DSLR-style shooting response with fast, precise autofocus and minimal shutter lag. Both cameras can also capture fast-moving action with a high-speed burst of full-resolution images at up to 7fps (AF/AE fixed from first frame).

Sweep Panorama
The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the first α cameras featuring Sweep Panorama. Capturing large group shots is as easy as press-and-sweep. Sweep Panorama mode lets consumers capture breathtaking shots up to 226-degree horizontal or 151-degree vertical shots.

Both models will be ready for 3D Sweep Panorama this July (with firmware update). With 3D Sweep Panorama mode, these cameras can shoot 3D panoramic still images with a single lens. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas. These files can be enjoyed in stunning 3D on compatible 3D televisions (other accessories may be required).

These cameras provide the advantages of multi-frame capture featured in Cyber-shot® cameras, including Hand-Held Twilight and Anti-motion Blur modes, which offer extraordinary low-light performance.

Simple To Use
Overcoming the complexity and intimidation that often come along with DSLR use, the NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras have a new easy-to-use interface. It makes their performance advantages and features—including the techniques of creative photography—simple to master for consumers stepping up from compact digital still cameras and simultaneously offers easy access to the important camera controls that DSLR users demand.

Images and camera settings are displayed on the 3-inch (diagonal) wide-type Xtra Fine LCD™ display with TruBlack™ technology and 921k dot high resolution LCD that tilts up or down for comfortable viewing in any shooting position. The screen features an auto-brightness control function for excellent visibility, even outdoors. TruBlack screen technology enables an even more vivid, high-contrast view of images and camera settings.

E-Mount Lenses
Three new E-mount lenses are being introduced, including a 16mm F2.8 wide angle prime lens (model number SEL16F28), an 18mm-55mm F3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model number SEL1855) and an 18mm-200mm F3.5-6.3 (model number SEL18200) high magnification zoom lens.

The E-mount lenses provide the cameras with extreme compactness as well as the performance required for quiet continuous auto focus and auto exposure during HD video capture. These all new lenses are of premium construction, with brushed aluminum barrels and steel mounts. An optional LA-EA1 Mount Adaptor extends compatibility to the α family of 30 lenses, plus a huge range of other legacy A-mount lenses (Manual Focus only).

Ideal for everyday shooting, the low-profile E 16mm F2.8 lens minimizes bulk, allowing the camera to easily be carried in a coat, pants pocket, or purse. This lens’ creative possibilities can be expanded even further by the VCL-ECU1 Ultra Wide Converter which provides a 12mm view, and VCL-ECF1 Fisheye Converter that delivers impressive curvi-linear distortion.

Featuring in-lens Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization for clearer handheld images, the E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS zoom is a perfect travel partner. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are available in kit form with either the 16mm prime or the 18mm-55mm lens. The E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS zoom lens offers a powerful 11x magnification range plus Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active mode that is used in the most advanced Handycam® camcorders.

Accessories
Both cameras are supplied with a super-compact clip-on flash that attaches via the smart accessory terminal when needed. Other optional accessories include the FDA-SV1 Optical Viewfinder plus stylish cases and shoulder straps.

As an option, the accessory shoe on both cameras accepts a compact ECM-SST1 Stereo Microphone that captures even more high-quality sound for HD video recordings than the cameras’ built-in stereo recording.

The new cameras accept both Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™) and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media (all sold separately). Sony’s new Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX offers 30MB per second transfer rates that save you time when downloading images.

Pricing and Availability
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.

The SEL16F28 and SEL1855 lenses will be available for about $250 and $300. (The SEL18200 zoom lens will be available this fall for about $800.)

The cameras, lenses and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style® retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers nationwide.

###

For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-Sony.

The NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras are the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital cameras as of the announcement date and based on Sony’s research.

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