Genuinely, today’s biggest news at the NEX front is Sony’s 24.3 megapixel NEX-7 . But for photographers attempting to find somewhat less power (and a lower $600 body-only price ticket), the NEX-5N delivers a few of the 7′s headline features in a slimmed-down magnesium-alloy body. Sony boosted the NEX-5′s sensor from 14 to 16 megapixels within the N, also adding 1080 / 60p AVCHD video capture, a ten fps continuous shooting mode, a hint-enabled 3-inch LCD, and a maximum sensitivity of ISO 25,600. The mid-range NEX cam also supports an optional XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, which attaches to its accessory port and carries a value tag of $350. We must always note that although the accessory port seems to be very similar to that used at the NEX-C3 and former gen NEX-5, the OLED attachment is simply compatible with the 5N. Need to know more? Jump past the break for a short overview video, and take a look at the rather comprehensive gallery of press shots below.
2nd Generation NEX-5N Produces 16.1 megapixels and whole HD 60p video
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 24, 2011 – Sony adds superb responsiveness, image quality, and inventive possibilities to its line of E-mount interchangeable lens cameras with the hot α NEX-5N model. Housed in a rugged, light magnesium alloy body, with an intuitive touch-screen interface, the camera is solely 23.3mm at its slimmest point.
“The NEX-5N camera extends the graceful, minimalist design of the acclaimed NEX-5,” said Ernesto Bravo, senior business manager of the alpha group at Sony Electronics. “But additionally it is a big leap forward from its predecessor in relation to still image and HD video quality, Auto Focus and speed-of-capture performance.”
Response is accelerated even further by a release time lag of roughly 20 milliseconds, the fastest of any interchangeable lens camera. Combined with a far better autofocus (AF) algorithm and more efficient image processing, this leads to an AF it is significantly faster than the present NEX-5 model.
The camera’s Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixel resolution is complemented by a specially-optimized version of the powerful BIONZ® image processing engine, leading to exceptionally clean, low noise images. Maximum sensitivity can be boosted to ISO 25600, the top among mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (as of Aug 2011), taking into consideration very high-quality handheld shooting in low-light conditions.
The NEX-5N camera shoots smooth AVCHD™ Progressive (Ver2.0) Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound at 60p – a similar resolution and frame rate as Blu-ray Disc™ media, a primary for interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C size sensor. Faster readout from the sensor doubles the utmost frame rate to 60 fps and, when shooting on the 24p setting, movies achieve a beautifully expressive, artistic and cinematic feel. Additionally, continuous auto-focus while recording video was improved and object Tracking Focus was added, which permits a target object to be selected and tracked accurately via the touch-screen, even if the topic is moving.
Photographers may also fully control exposure with Program, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (P/A/S/M) – like the most advanced DSLR cameras. Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers wind noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.
The NEX-5N is the primary E-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony that includes an intuitive new Photo Creativity Touch interface. Background Defocus, Exposure, Picture Effect and other adjustments could be quickly and simply previewed, applied and combined via the LCD touch panel and control dial, with traditional “photo jargon” simplified for amateur shooters.
In Speed Priority Continuous mode, the NEX-5N captures fast-moving action at as much as 10 fps (actual speed is dependent upon shooting conditions and memory card performance), the fastest burst speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (as of Aug 2011).
Recently introduced at the new NEX-C3, Picture Effects simplifies the production of sophisticated artistic effects ‘in camera’, with out a PC or post-processing needed. There at the moment are 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature, Rich-Tone Monochrome and Soft High-key. A generous palette of different artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama™ mode, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.
The camera’s 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ display can angle as much as 80 degrees up or 45 degrees down for straightforward viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack™ technology assures superb detail and contrast with dramatically reduced on-screen reflections.
Enhanced by the brand new Photo Creativity Touch interface, the LCD makes composition, shot review and adjustment of camera settings easier and more flexible than ever.
Lenses and Accessories
The growing number of E-mount lenses compatible with all α E-mount cameras now includes the hot Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA (SEL24F18Z), E 50mm F1.8 OSS (SEL50F18) and long-awaited Telephoto zoom E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS (SEL55210).
The world’s first mount adaptor with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology™, the optional LA-EA2 Mount Adaptorallows phase-detection AF with nearly all of A-mount lenses for both still image and video shooting. The optional Electronic Viewfinder FDA-EV1S, XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ display offers high resolution/contrast and wide viewing angle. With these two unique accessories, user can adapt their NEX-5N cameras to most any shooting situation and environment.
Also new within the range of accessories, the trendy body case (LCS-EB50) and lens jacket (LCS-EL50) help protect the camera and lens from scratches, the shoulder strap (STP-XS3) fits tightly to the body and the soft carrying case (LCS-EMF) holds the E-mount camera body with attached lens in addition to one more lens or other accessories.
Pricing and Availability
The NEX-5N ultra-compact interchangeable lens digicam may be available this September in black and silver with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for roughly $700 and as a body-just for about $600.
The brand new E-mount Telephoto zoom E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS (SEL55210) might be available this October for approximately $350. The recent Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA (SEL24F18Z) and the E 50mm F1.8 OSS (SEL50F18) will each be available this December for roughly $1000 and $300, respectively.
The recent LA-EA2 mount adaptor and FDA-EV1S OLED viewfinder will both be available this November for roughly $400 and $350, respectively.
The recent camera kits, lenses and compatible accessories will all be sold at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) in addition to other authorized retailers in the course of the Sony dealer network.
For “sneak peak” videos of the hot products, please visit www.sony.com/cameravideos.
Sprint launches New Ventures arm, adapts ID and Zone apps for foreign markets
Proton and Yes team as much as offer Malaysia’s first 4G-connected car, promise more to return
