What’s the charge?
The battery does take an age to get recharge fully up to 100 per cent. In fact, a couple of times I just couldn't wait any longer and just took what I could get with the available charge. Incidentally, when filming, I wanted to check the duration for continuous video capture and it notched up a 25-minute recording.
Compact and recently updated to take 3D images for playback on flagship Sony Bravia TVs
Once battery life does start to dip, you do have plenty of warning. And not every user is going to capture video for such intensive periods. Now, if the screen could be switched off when the camera is mounted and being left to record, that would save power. But nah, it’s unlikely to ever be configured for anything so specialised.
Verdict
The NEX-5 is a quality compact camera with the most important feature sticking out the front. Compared to a DSLR, Sony has given us the bare bones out the back and a good, but currently narrow choice of three lenses. Admittedly, this isn't a very big range but that will surely change and there are adapter options too.
Among camera enthusiasts, the NEX-5 is a real talking point as it shines by being so different, and well put together. Indeed, Sony has taken the compact somewhere else, and with the NEX-VG10 camcorder due in a matter of weeks, the company has finally launched a range that changes everything. About time, I say. ®
James Cumpsty is a professional photographer and videographer working in the music industry.
Thanks to Jessops for the loan of the review sample.
More Camera Reviews… |
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 Panasonic
Lumix DMC-G2 |
 Olympus
PEN E-PL1 |
 Leica
M9 |
 Samsung
NX10 |
Sony NEX-5 interchangeable lens camera
Jessops' Sony NEX-5 page
COMMENTS
Nice but....
... its a Sony.
We don't do Sony any more, do we?
Shame they shunned the four thirds format
They seem to have moved to the APS-C sized sensor, not sure why, the micro four thirds format was designed for this type of camera and all the features, such as no view finder, external flash, etc, are the same as the Samsung NX1, Olympus Pen and Panasonic G series.
Shame really because the mocro four thirds lens collection is expanding and this camera could have provided some more. Also, reading the review, manual control seems to be a dog, which is also against the grain for this type of camera.
For anyone interested, (I have an Olympus Pen 1), these are street cameras, lighter than an SLR, more descrete, full manual control and shots with the same resolution and dynamic range as SLR shots. I still love my SLR's but my Pen has replaced and supassed my point and shoot for casual shots.
Personal opinion, but the proportions of the NEX-5 seem to be wrong, the lens is too big. The Panasonic and Olympus offerings, especially the silver and white versions, have a lovely retro style, but that's my taste.
What we all need to know....
All these pictures are very nice, but what we really want to know is what the signal strength is like, how does it function as a *phone* above all else?
Er... compact???
Interesting to read about this, but I'm not sure how you could possibly describe this as 'compact'.
Confused about the target market?
Yes I agree with the review, there is something quite cool about this camera and it illustrates that sometimes Sony does produce the goods. I am still a little confused though as to who is buying this type of camera and also other interchangeable lens cameras such as the Olympus Pen? I can only presume that they are trying to offer DSLR quality lenses on compact backs? Is that it?
Because I can't find in the review any statement of this camera offering any standard DSLR functions that allow REAL creative control over the photographs taken. Sure it has a fairly high ISO level, but where is the statement around maximum and minimum aperture stops for control of DOF/selective focus and the high and low limits of shutter speed to control motion blur and the clear capture of things moving at high speed?
I just don't get it. Sure.. it's cool. Sure... the flash and mic add ons look kind of neat. But that's it. For the £600 wanted by Sony I could buy a Canon EOS 40D or similar with a decent 18-55 lens with memory card and holdall - and get MUCH MUCH more control over my photography.
I know there will be the argument that - "well an EOS 40D is more dedicated bit of kit and you would expect it to have better creative features" and I understand that, but on the other hand - if this camera is not aiming for that space, then who is it aimed at?
Surely it's not just a new marketing angle?
