Sony Alpha NEX-5 review

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Verdict:

Impressive miniaturisation, fantastic photo and video quality and much improved controls make this the best carry-everywhere camera for those with high expectations.

Review Date: 22 Jul 2010

Price when reviewed: £399

Buy it now for: £458
(see more store prices)

Supplier: http://www.jessops.com

Reviewed By: Tim Smalley

Our Rating 5 stars out of 5

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Basic Specifications
Part Code	NEX-5K/S
Review Date	22 Jul 2010
Rating
CCD effective megapixels	14.2 megapixels
CCD size	23.4x15.6mm
Viewfinder	N/A
Viewfinder magnification, coverage	N/A
LCD screen size	3.0in
LCD screen resolution	921,600 pixels
Articulated screen
Live view
Optical zoom	3.1x
Zoom 35mm equivalent	27-83mm
Image stabilisation	Optical, lens based
Maximum image resolution	4,592x3,056
Maximum movie resolution	1,920x1,080i
Movie frame rate at max quality	60fps
File formats	RAW, JPEG, QuickTime (AVCHD), QuickTime (MPEG-4)

Camera Controls
Exposure modes	program, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual, scene mode, intelligent auto, anti-motion blur, sweep panorama
Shutter speed	30 to 1/4,000 seconds
Aperture range	f/3.5-22 (wide), f/5.6-32 (tele)
ISO range (at full resolution)	200 to 12,800
Exposure compensation	+/-2 EV
White balance	auto, 6 presets, manual
Additional image controls	6 picture style presets, dynamic range optimiser
Manual focus
Closest macro focus	25cm
Auto-focus modes	multi (25-point), centre, flexible spot, face detect, predictive focus
Metering modes	multi, centre-weighted, centre
Flash	auto, fill, slow synchro, rear synchro
Drive modes	single, continuous, speed-priority continuous, self-timer, continuous self-timer

Physical
Memory slot	SDXC
Mermory supplied	none
Battery type	7.2V 1,020mAh Li-ion
Battery Life (tested)	330 shots
Connectivity	USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
HDMI output resolution	1080i
Body material	Magnesium Alloy
Lens mount	Sony E mount
Focal length multiplier	1.5x
Kit lens model name	Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Accessories	camera strap, charger, USB cable, flash
Weight	508g
Size	59x111x38mm

Buying Information
Warranty	1 year parts and labour
Price	£399
Supplier	http://www.jessops.com
Details	www.sony.co.uk

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User comments

Step down from 350d?

Tim - will a dSLR user feel "hobbled" by the NEX-5? I'm fed up with carrying around a 2kg camera and want something less brain intensive.

By RSwinburne on 25 Jul 2010

I think you probably will in some ways, yeah, but it depends how you use it. The high ISO performance will be particularly welcome for you, I'm sure.

It verges on brilliance in the Program Auto mode and it's a beautiful camera to hold, take pictures with and carry around. However, it's quite annoying to use in the ASM and intelligent auto modes for one reason or another. The ASM modes are clunky because of the lack of buttons (and, consequently, the inconsistent button mapping). The IA mode lacks even basic exposure compensation, which is a feature on virtually every respectable P&S camera, while auto ISO (which IA is forced to use) is limited to ISO 1600, which kinda defeats the point of having such a large sensor that can produce very usable images at ISO 3200.

It's a great camera to carry around like a P&S with limited controls (ISO, exposure compensation) and manual controls for those times when you *really* need them, but the manual controls are about as frustrating to use as trying to pluck your nostril hair with a pair of pliers.

By Tim_S on 28 Jul 2010

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