Sony Alpha NEX-5

A new entry in the small, mirrorless, interchangeable-lens category has a large image sensor and HD video capability

The Editors

Published June 8, 2010

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Sony alluded to an exciting new camera at the annual PMA show in February of this year, and with the new Alpha NEX-5 the company has delivered on the promise of a compact, interchangeable-lens camera with a large APS-C-sized image sensor. This exciting camera offers compactness, the use of high-quality lenses, high resolution and built-in HD video capability. The Alpha NEX-5 (with its even lower-priced brother, the NEX-3) is the smallest camera yet to feature a DSLR-sized image sensor and take interchangeable lenses.

The dream of DSLR image quality and interchangeable-lens versatility from a pocketable camera is definitely here, great news for the outdoor photographer who really wants to travel light.

Special Sony Features
The NEX-5 incorporates features from Sony’s top compact digital cameras and DSLRs, including Sweep Panorama, Handheld Twilight Mode, Dynamic Range Optimizer, Face Detection, Smile Shutter Technology and more.

Specifications

Image Sensor: 14.2 MP Exmor APS HD CMOS
Resolution: 4592×3056 pixels
Sensor Size: 23.4×15.6mm (1.5x)
LCD Monitor: 3 inches, 1,040,000-dot Live View
Video: 1920×1080/60i AVCHD, 1440×1080/30p
and 640×480/30p MP4
AF System: 25-point contrast-based
Shutter Speeds: 30 to 1⁄4000 sec., plus B
ISO Settings: 200-12,800
ISO Settings: 100-6400 (1/3 increments), expandable to 12,800
Continuous Firing Mode: 2.3 fps (7 fps in Speed Priority mode)
Recording Format: RAW, JPEG, RAW + JPEG
Metering: 40-segment honeycomb, CW, spot
Storage Media: Memory Stick PRO/PRO-HG/PRO-HG HX Duo
and SD/SDHC/SDXC
Dimensions: 4.4×2.4×1.5 inches
Power Source: Rechargeable NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery
Weight: 8.1 ounces
Estimated Street Price: $699 (with an 18-55mm zoom)
Contact: Sony, (877) 865-7669, www.sonystyle.com