• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha NEX-5
  • Sony Alpha SLT-A37
Links
Prices:    
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website
Sony Alpha NEX-5 webpage
Manufacturer website
Predecessor:    
Successor: Sony NEX-5N
NEX-5 vs NEX-5N
 
General
Model Number: NEX-5 A37
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact System Camera SLR
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $699.99 $599.99
Street Price: $699.99  
Date Available: 2010-07-15 2012-06-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 17.7 oz (502 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
25.6 oz (726 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 4.4 x 2.4 x 1.6 in.
(111 x 60 x 40 mm)
4.9 x 3.6 x 3.3 in.
(124 x 92 x 85 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Sony
Effective Megapixels: 14.2 16.1
Sensor Format: APS-C APS-C
Sensor size: 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.16 microns 4.82 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 1.5x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2, 16:9 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No Yes
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 69 75
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 22.2 23.3
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.2 12.9
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 796 799
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4592 x 3056 (14.0 MP, 3:2),
4592 x 2576 (11.8 MP, 16:9),
3344 x 2224 (7.4 MP, 3:2),
3344 x 1872 (6.3 MP, Other),
2288 x 1520 (3.5 MP, Other),
2288 x 1280 (2.9 MP, Other)
4912 x 3264 (16.0 MP, 3:2),
4912 x 2760 (13.6 MP, 16:9),
3568 x 2368 (8.4 MP, Other),
3568 x 2000 (7.1 MP, 16:9),
2448 x 1624 (4.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 1376 (3.4 MP, 16:9),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
5536 x 2160 (12.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
3872 x 2160 (8.4 MP, Other),
7152 x 1080 (7.7 MP, Other),
4912 x 1080 (5.3 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9)
Image File Format: JPEG, .ARW RAW, RAW+JPEG JPEG, MPO, RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 2.7 5.5
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60i)
1440x1080 (30)
640x480 (30)
1920x1080 (60i(FH)/​24p(FX)/​24p(FH))
1440x1080 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
Movie File Format: AVCHD or MPEG-4 AVCHD 1.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC)
Composite Video Out: No No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony E Sony Alpha (Minolta A)
Lens: Sony SEL1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm 27 - 83mm
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm 18 - 55mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.00x 3.06x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 34 (T) f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 36 (T)
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 49.0mm 55.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes No
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 10x Precision digital zoom with prime lens attached Up to 2x Precision, Up to 2x Clear Image Zoom, 1.4x (8.4MP) or 2.0x (4MP) Smart Zoom
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detect: 25-area, Center, Flexible Spot; with Face Detection Phase Detection: 15 points (3 points cross type); Wide (auto, 15 points), Zone, Spot, Local; Enhanced Object Tracking
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: LCD EVF / LCD
Viewfinder Type: (Optional FDA-SV1 optical viewfinder available with 16mm FOV) EVF type; 1.1cm (0.43") 1.15M-dot LCD (380K-dot time-multiplexed RGB), 100% coverage, 1.1x magnification, 19mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a  
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):   0.73x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):   1.10x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: No Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 2.6
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots 230,400 dots (76,800 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen:
Selfie Screen:
Max Playback Zoom: 13.0x 11.8x
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   16000
Minimum ISO (native):   100
ISO Settings: Auto (200-1600), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 Auto (100-3200), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 16000; (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600)
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temp./Filter, Custom Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm, Cool, Day, Daylight), Flash, Custom, Color Temp/Filter (2500-9900K with 15-step Magenta/Green compensation)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Multi Segment, Center-weighted, Spot 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, Hand-held Twilight, Sweep Panorama Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Portrait, SportsAction, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Hand-held Twilight (6 shot layering), Night Portrait, Picture Effect (Posterization (color/B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal/Cool), Soft High-key, Soft Focus (Hi/Mid/Lo), HDR Painting (Hi/Mid/Lo), Miniature (7 Settings))
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No Yes
Flash Modes: Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync., Slow sync., Red-eye reduction Auto, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 7.0 m / 23.0 ft. 10.0 m / 32.8 ft.
Flash Range Description: Bundled flash has GN of 7m/ISO 100 Lens dependent
Max Flash Sync: 1/160 1/160
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Smart Accessory Terminal (flash is detachable) Hot shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:    
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: .ARW RAW, RAW+JPEG RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: AVCHD or MPEG-4 AVCHD 1.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC)
Included Memory:    
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No Yes
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional IR Wireless Optional Wired (RM-S1AM/RM-L1AM)
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI (Type C) Type-C Mini HDMI (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack, DC Input
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.77 0.47
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.77 0.45
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 17 2
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):    
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 2.7 5.5
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 38 10
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):    
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):    
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.44 seconds 0.11 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.44 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.257 seconds 0.080 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.75 seconds 0.32 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.115 seconds 0.057 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Full Autofocus, Single-area AF mode, 16mm f/2.8 lens = 0.448 second Full AF lag, Wide-area mode = 0.124s
Startup Time: 1.0 seconds 0.9 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 1.0 seconds 0.9 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 2.8 seconds 2.5 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 330 shots  
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):   450 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary InfoLithium NP-FW50 Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included:
Internal Charging Supported:
Software
Included Software: PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR Sony Software CD-ROM
OS Compatibility: Windows 2000/XP/Vista; Mac OS X 10.1.3 or later Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.3 +)
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Available in black or silver. SteadyShot INSIDE Sensor-shift Image Stabilization (up to 4 EV correction), Full HD 1080i60 Video, Up to 7 fps Burst Mode (Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE), Enhanced Object Tracking AF, 2x Clear Image Digital Zoom, Auto Portrait Framing.