Sony Alpha NEX NEX5K/S Digital Camera with Interchangeable Lens (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have owned the Olympus EP-1, Panasonic GF1, also have a Nikon d90 and canon s90 so I have seen a lot of pictures from all these cameras. First I would like to say the MENU on the NEX is actually pretty GOOD. Yes, like everybody has said it would have been nice to have a dedicated button for iso, w balance etc..BUT it takes literally 1 second and you can change those settings, what's all the fuss about??? I actually find the Nex's menu LESS complicated than the EP1 that drove ME nuts! So..to all afraid of this camera because so many reviews mention the menu is horrible..to them I say what???
What is blowing me away most is the low noise at high iso plus the overall picture quality. I am one of those DSLR people who wants DSLR type quality in the smallest package possible. I admit I am NOT a pro photographer but I can change every setting on my D90 and I know how to go deep into DSLR settings and what they mean. I say this ONLY because the Nex-5 seems aimed at point and shooters moving up the quality ladder but supposedly don't know all that much about settings. Yes, the Panasonic GF1 and Olympus E-P1 seem to give you a "little more" manual control than this NEX-5 does..but it's pretty close..re: controls.
What the NEX-5 does in my opinion is especially in raw format Blow the doors off the GF1 and EP1 as to how much detail you can work with. On the GF1 in raw..often I STILL couldn't get skin tones to look right, shadows in lower light always had too much noise..and I ended up with too many grainy pictures. I am simply blown away with the NEX as to how much detail you can get back using raw...where the jpg may look like a total loss..you can often still get a great pic using raw.
For the point and shoot people..the raw conversion software that comes with the Sony is actually VERY good, powerful and EASY to use. Overall this is a SMALL camera that pretty much takes pictures in the same general ballpark as the better dslrs in my opinion. I think this may actually have less noise than my Nikon d90.
What I don't like..manually you can only choose iso 200, 400, 800, 1600 etc. I prefer a bit more control ala the GF1 where you can choose say a 640, 1000, iso or 1200 iso etc. That being said if you choose Auto iso the NEX Will at times choose isos such as 640, 1000 etc..not available manually.
Some of the gimmicks? like panorama or twilight handheld shooting where the NEX shoots about 5 pictures within about a second actually WORK and I think at times "these can give you pictures you simply can NOT get on a gf1, ep1" etc.
One other thing I am not thrilled about is overall color saturation is bit too punchy or high. This is not a problem as it takes a sec IF you want a bit less color saturation in your pics with any photo editor.
The NEX feels great in your hand. It feels solid as a brick YET seems to weigh much less than the gf1 and ep1 making the Nex easier to take with you!
There is no perfect camera and never will be. In my opinion though..if you don't need to change settings every 2 seconds..OVERALL this NEX-5 may be your best choice right now as far as mirrorless cameras go. Don't forget one huge reason the GF1/EP1 look so much better than point and shoot cams is the sensor size. Well the full sized dslr sensor in the NEX is MUCH bigger than micro Four..hence the lower noise...better overall IQ in my opinion.
UPDATE: The menu system never really bothered me, however, after updating to latest version 03 this Nex-5 is even WAY WAY better. The menu system now is downright EXCELLENT in my opinion. I am constantly blown away by how great this LITTLE camera is. What a WONDERFUL camera overall!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Alpha NEX NEX5K/S Digital Camera with Interchangeable Lens (Silver)

The performance of a DSLR, in about half the size and weight.5 The NEX-5 is the interchangeable lens camera that goes wherever you do. Enjoy Full HD 1080/60i movies,2 astounding low-light pictures, continuous shooting up to 7 fps, incredible panorama shots, and Live View on a tilting 3.0-inch6 LCD.

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Sony Alpha NEX NEX5K/B Digital Camera with Interchangeable Lens (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)People, I LOVE this camera. I bought it thinking there was an 85% chance I was going to return it, but am happy to tell you that as soon as I uploaded my first pictures, I was smitten. I was most worried about picture quality, because I had previously owned a Sony a200 and a700, and ended up selling both for a Canon and Nikon, because the picture quality just wasn't up to snuff. My most recent camera was a D300s and I would say that the nex5 performs almost as well as it in most situations and even better in a few. And the nex5 video blows the D300s out of the water! Obviously everyone has different needs and preferences from their camera so all I can do is tell you what my needs were and why the nex5 is so great for them.
The picture quality was the most important thing for me, which was more than adequate so the next most important criteria was the LCD. The LCD on my D300s was a complete joke, as I couldn't see squat on that thing in even moderate sunlight. This was extremely frustrating but since it was based on an OVF anyway, I just dealt with it. But I started my photography in this digital age on a Canon S2IS which had a swivelling screen and full-time live-view, and honestly, I've missed that method of taking pictures ever since I moved up to dSLR's. The two things that I wanted most out of the LCD on the nex5 were adequate visibility in bright sunlight, and real-time exposure compensation, so that you know EXACTLY what your picture would look like before you take it. It passed both of these tests with flying colors. The second day I had it, my wife and I went fishing on the river, in the afternoon sun. Live view photography would have been impossible on my D300s but I had no problems with the nex5. Understand that it will get a little washed out, but I was still able to compose as well as I needed and set exposure almost spot on. When I got home and uploaded my pics, this was confirmed for me as they just looked amazing. The best part about it was knowing that I wouldn't have gotten any of those shots with my D300s, simply because I wouldn't have brought the dang thing because I already had a bunch of stuff to carry. The sony just fit in my pocket (cargo pocket, with 18-55) and was out of the way until needed.
The other great things about this little guy are the ISO performance, which is ridiculous (better than D300s) and the high-speed continuous mode. Just to be straight on this, it will take 7, full-resolution photos a second, but locks exposure and focus. If you want it to refocus and adjust exposure, the best it can do is about 2 1/2. Of course there's the panoramic mode (haven't tried it), HDR mode (don't like it), and twilight mode (don't like it). Oh yeah, and I love the detachable flash which is solid as a rock when attached, but since I hardly ever do flash-photography, I love to be able to get it out of the way for the majority of the time.
For me this is the best camera on the market right now. I tested it against the Lumix G2 and thought the picture quality is noticeably better on the Sony (I do think focus is faster on the G2 though - certainly a great camera too), not to mention the form factor is so much smaller! But, with all that said, I fully plan on selling it in the fall when the new batch of cameras come out because there are a few things that the nex5 doesn't have that I desperately want.
First of all, the menu sucks. There's no way around it - if you ever try to change the settings, you are going to be frustrated by it. I could live with that, but there are other things missing. As good as the LCD is, I really want an EVF, even if I have to have a slightly larger body. I also really need just a few more buttons, namely: ISO, Focus lock, AE lock, but I do like the minimalist approach, because I absolutely hate the millions of buttons that Canon and Nikon throw on their cameras. As I mentioned, the video is very good, and although it does have an exposure control, so you can increase or decrease the brightness by two stops at any time (kind of neat), I need full manual control over video. The only other things that I don't really like are just nagging things that I could live with, but I'm hoping will improve in my next purchase, they are: battery life, screen blackout, and shutter noise. Battery life goes really fast on this camera and spares are ridiculously priced at $70, but I can understand that it takes a lot of juice to run that screen, so I could live with it. The screen does black out when you take pictures for what seems just a hair too long. It's not terrible, and for a $700 camera it's actually very good, but it's just something that would bother me in the long run. The shutter is surprisingly loud. The first day I got it I took a picture of my wife taking a nap on the couch and it actually woke her up! I'm not saying it sounds like a freight train, but unfortunately, I love taking incognito pictures in crowded places and would definitely have to be a little more careful with this little guy.
So, all in all, this is my favorite camera I've ever owned. I mention that I plan on selling it only because I know that the evolution will be to bring more and more functions to this small sized, mirrorless style camera, otherwise I wouldn't. If I had to choose between every camera out there right now, I'd choose this one every time. But I'm keeping a keen eye out for the nex7 and gh2 that should be coming out this fall, and guess that one of those cameras will be pretty much perfect for me.
UPDATE
Now that they've started manufacturing adapters for the NEX, I got myself a Canon FD lens adapter which has really taken the camera to a whole new level. Understand that you will only have manual focus with any adapter but Sony makes it very easy by dedicating the bottom button to MF Assist which zooms in so you can make sure that your focus is sharp! Even though some of the lenses dwarf the tiny little NEX, it still handles very comfortably and efficiently. If you love this camera but are frustrated with the selection (or lack of) of lenses, check out the options on ebay - those old lenses are a real bargain now.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Alpha NEX NEX5K/B Digital Camera with Interchangeable Lens (Black)

The performance of a DSLR, in about half the size and weight.5 The NEX-5 is the interchangeable lens camera that goes wherever you do. Enjoy Full HD 1080/60i movies,2 astounding low-light pictures, continuous shooting up to 7 fps, incredible panorama shots, and Live View on a tilting 3.0-inch6 LCD.

Click here for more information about Sony Alpha NEX NEX5K/B Digital Camera with Interchangeable Lens (Black)

+1 +2 +4 +10 Close-Up Macro Filter Set with Pouch For The Sony Alpha NEX-5, NEX-3 Digital Camera Which Have The Sony E Series (16mm, 18-55mm) Lens Review

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(More customer reviews)These come with a converter to attach them to the NEX.
These areNot zooming lenses. They are focus lenses. They allow you to get physically closer to an object and focus upon it while removing the ability to focus at objects which are father away. As the other viewer said, it is much better to get physically close to an object over zooming in on the object because zooming magnifies camera shake. The +10 lens allows me to focus upon an object with the camera about 3.5 inches away from the object.

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The Macro Filter Kit includes four close-up diopters at +1, +2, +4 and +10 magnification, and a durable carrying case. These filters simply screw onto the lens, and will maintain resolution and picture clarity while magnifying image size. Plus, these filters are double-threaded, which means you can combine them to achieve increased magnification, or you can attach additional optics such as polarizers or skylight filters. These macro filters are ideal for photographing small items and focusing in on details of coins, flowers, jewelry and insects, as well as industrial photos of miniaturized components, medical and dental laboratory work and other scientific photography. PLEASE NOTE: Some cameras require an adapter tube to fit the filters

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Novoflex Adapter for Nikon Lenses to Sony NEX Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this with the intent of allowing use of my Nikon lenses with the new Sony NEX Video Cam. The adapter works as advertised however Sony has missed the mark with the camera. I have returned the camera and will now return the adapter. The adapter allows use of all my lenses and the Nikon lenses are a dramatic improvement over the 2 available Sony lenses...the 2 main reasons for returning the camera are: the microphone system is too sensitive and picks ups every strange noise from the sides of the action (4 mics with no control) and the viewfinder cannot be flipped 180 degrees to see yourself when shooting yourself...I went with the Sony HXRMC50U...a far superior camera (IMHO) at a lower price.

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Novoflex offers a large variety of high precision, finely machined adapters to connect cameras and lenses from different manufacturers.All adapters and/or adapter combinations allow the lens focus to infinity.With most cameras metering is possible using stop-down metering and automatic exposure aperature priority

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Fotodiox Lens Mount Adapter, Nikon, Nikkor (Including G-Type) Lens to Sony Alpha Nex E-mount Camera Adapter, fit Sony NEX 3, Nex 5, NEX-VG10 Review

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(More customer reviews)Purchased this to mount all my Nikon G lenses to my Sony NEX VG10 camcorder. Fits perfectly on both ends without any rattle. Priced right. Now I can shoot wide open with my Sony camera.

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If you have a SLR or DSLR camera and other maker/mount lenses, the Fotodiox Mount Adapters allow you to use your lenses on the film/digital camera body. Sharing lenses has some distinct advantages.Certain prime lens just can't be replaced, and you save cost of purchase lenses. ­Fotodiox offers a range of adapter from large format to smaller format digital adapters.Adapting larger format lens, i.e., large format - medium format, medium format - 35mm, excellent edge-to-edge sharpness; and the smaller 24x36 mm image field helps minimize the effects of lens distortion and aberration.

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OP/TECH USA 6701062 SLR Wrist Strap, Neoprene Camera Wrist Strap (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)This neoprene wrist strap is comfortably wide, can be cinched to your hand with the included buckle-like device, and is not so long that your camera will dangle far from your wrist when you let go of it.
My only concern is the plastic clip that attaches the neoprene wrist strap to the lanyard portion secured to the camera. It looks sturdy enough, and hasn't given any indication that it's going to come loose, but given how easy it is to get your hand into and out of the wrist strap, it seems like the inclusion of this clip doesn't add enough value to the product to justify the loss of peace of mind.
If you were going to be switching between a neck strap and this wrist strap, the plastic clip would probably make that process quick and easy, but if, like me, you're only interested in securing your camera with a wrist strap, the clip feels unnecessary.

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OP/TECH USA's SLR WRIST STRAP offers a comfortable alternative to carrying an SLR camera or other gear. It attaches to the camera with our unique Uni-Loop System which gives it added versatility. The neoprene wrist strap is adjusted around the wrist with a security slide to keep it firmly in place. Keeping it simple and secure is the secret to the SLR WRIST STRAP. It offers good peace of mind when shooting without a neck strap.FeaturesCarry Style -Wrist Number of Connection Points -One Connection Type -Uni Loop Strap Length -11 (27.9cm) Pad Dimensions -1.375 by 5 Neoprene (3.49cm - 12.7cm) Quick disconnect -Yes Materials -Neoprene pad, nylon webbing and leather tab

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RainbowImaging Canon lens to Sony NEX NEX-3 NEX-5 Camera Mount Adapter, (RainbowImaging Adapter) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is overall a good product.
The only complaint is that it is very very very tight for me to connect it to my canon lens and I am always afraid that it is going to break my lens somehowother than that, things work great!

Click Here to see more reviews about: RainbowImaging Canon lens to Sony NEX NEX-3 NEX-5 Camera Mount Adapter, (RainbowImaging Adapter)

It allows Canon EOS EF lens lens to be used on Sony NEX camera body. The adapter has no electrical connection and diaphragm & focusing are required to be set by manual. Compatible to Sony NEX-3 NEX-5 camera. Material: Made of Copper & Aluminum. To use NEX camera with Canon EOS EF lens, pleas set"Shooting without lens" in camera menu, set camera shooting mode to A or M, use manual focus and shoot.

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Cowboy Studio Nikon lens to Sony NEX Camera Mount Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)This very simple little contraption allows me to use even my oldest Nikon lenses on my new Sony NEX camera. The camera meters properly with non-AI, AI and AIs lenses. I might have to buy more of these and just leave them on the lenses!

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It allows Nikon lens to be used on Sony NEX camera body. The adapter has no electrical connection and diaphragm & focusing are required to be set by manual. Compatible to Sony NEX-3 NEX-5 camera. Material: Made of Copper & Aluminum. To use NEX camera with Nikon Lens, pleas set"Shooting without lens" in camera menu, set camera shooting mode to A or M, use manual focus and shoot.

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