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Sony Alpha NEX-5 reviews
You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Sony Alpha NEX-5 Camera. Here are the reviewers:
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- 22 November 2010 - |
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- 0 |
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- 11 October 2010 - |
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- 0 |
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- 13 September 2010 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 08 July 2010 - |
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- 0 |
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- 05 July 2010 - |
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- 4 |
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- 23 June 2010 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 07 June 2010 - |
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- 3.5 |
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- 03 June 2010 - |
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- 0 |
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- 31 May 2010 - |
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- 4 |
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- 11 May 2010 - |
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- 0 |
Steves Digicams 's conclusion / rating - 22 November 2010 |
The Sony NEX-5 is a camera that packs a lot of technology and features into a small and versatile package, with a sensor that's capable of providing class leading image quality, even when compared to most larger dSLR models using an APS-C size sensor. We only had a handful of minor complaints, and found that the NEX-5 was fun to use. The NEX-5 is great choice for someone wanting a smaller package with the image quality you'd expect from a larger camera, keeping in mind that lens choice is somewhat limited with only 3 NEX lenses (16mm, 18-55mm, 18-200mm) announced so far, although adapters are available for additional lens options, including an optional Sony LA-EA1 Adapter that allows the use of Sony A Mount lenses with aperture control. We used both the NEX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS and 16mm f/2.8 Pancake lenses on the NEX-5 with good results in most conditions.
With a current price of around $649 for the NEX-5 kit including a a smaller 16mm f/2.8 lens, or a price of only $699 for the NEX-5 including a versatile 18-55mm OSS zoom lens with Stabilization built in, we can easily recommend this camera to users looking for a smaller camera offering higher image quality in low light than is normally possible from a package this small, thanks to the use of a larger APS-C size sensor. The Sony NEX-5 is a bold design with innovative features, incorporating great image quality in a well made body that's easy to carry with you and intuitive to use...
Steves Digicams's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
PhotographyBay 's conclusion / rating - 11 October 2010 |
In short, Im a big fan of the Sony NEX-5. I think its a solid option for an interchangeable lens camera. While it is more appropriately situated as an upgrade from a point and shoot camera due to the menu-based control scheme, it is also suitable as a DSLR-alternative thanks to the still image and video quality. Aside from a few minor quibbles with regard to its controls and functionality, the Sony NEX-5 is an otherwise great mirrorless camera...
PhotographyBay's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
CameraLabs 's conclusion / rating - 13 September 2010 |
Sony's Alpha NEX-3 and NEX-5 are remarkable cameras. They take the concept pioneered by Micro Four Thirds of packing a DSLR-sized sensor into a compact mirrorless body, but employ a bigger sensor and a smaller shell. The larger sensor really does deliver better results at high sensitivities, while the unique L-shaped design ensures a comfortable and secure grip despite the compact dimensions.
Throw-in fast continuous shooting, a large, detailed and vertically articulated screen, HD video with a decent stab at autofocusing while filming, a respectable kit lens and a series of innovative modes which do everything from reducing noise in low light to generating 3D panoramas, and you've got a pretty impressive package.
Probably the most remarkable thing about the Sony NEX cameras though is how their misjudged user interface has soured the deal for so many people. We've gone into detail above and in the main review, so will keep it brief here: yes, the NEX user interface forces you through way more hoops than is strictly necessary to change common settings, but it may not be as big an issue as you think in practice.
Sure if you regularly change lots of settings, or are a camera tester, then you'll find the current NEX interface infuriating. But if you tend to setup your camera and only make minor adjustments during general use, the interface won't be a major problem. Don't get us wrong: there were frequent occasions during testing when we cursed the NEX interface, and anyone willing to improve it with a firmware update will make many friends. But as soon as we stopped testing and started using the camera for normal photography the laborious interface became a minor issue.
After using the NEX-5 for several weeks, the biggest issue we see with it is actually the target audience. Sony says it's aimed at those upgrading from point-and-shoot cameras, and the combination of an excellent auto mode with well-written context-sensitive tips will certainly appeal. But the shallow depth of field of a camera with a larger sensor and longer focal length lenses than a typical compact can result in more focusing errors...
CameraLabs's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
DCResource 's conclusion / rating - 08 July 2010 |
Ultimately, I grew to have a love-hate relationship with the NEX-5. It's an extremely capable camera, held back by a user interface that drove me (and nearly all other reviewers) nuts. I love the NEX's photo quality, live view implementation, the Auto HDR and Sweep Panorama features, and the Full HD movie mode, but users shouldn't have to jump through hoops to enjoy them. I'll repeat my advice from above: try the NEX-3 or NEX-5 in person and see what you think. If you aren't bothered by the user interface (or won't be using it frequently), then you've found yourself a heck of a camera. If the interface frustrates you, then you can join me in line of people hoping that Sony offers a firmware update that makes the NEX-5 easier to use...
Complete review here
PhotographyBLOG 's conclusion / rating - 05 July 2010 |
Lacking the charm of the Olympus Pen series, the usability of the Panasonic G range and Samsung NX10, or the quirkiness and lateral thinking behind the Ricoh GXR, Sony is majoring on its all-conquering brand name and ready-made mass-market audience/appeal to make the NEX-5 (and NEX-3 little brother) a practical if not quite loveable option.
While the debutant interchangeable lens camera may not be (yet) the game changer that its manufacturer hopes it will be, there is still much here to admire. You have to give Sony the fact that, even if at times you feel the flair is lacking, overall it's a competent performer nonetheless.
We weren't blown away by the NEX-5's image quality - coming as it does after some very capable contenders who got there first - but there's a reasonable degree of consistency and the ability to tweak shots to a limited degree in camera if you desire; otherwise Raw shooting is the way to go.
Add in HD video, a tilting LCD and while not cheap for anyone investing in the system from scratch, the NEX-5 at least feels like it is earning your pennies and perhaps, begrudgingly and gradually, your respect. There are improvements to be made to usability and intuitiveness, and a touch screen version is only surely a matter of time. So the only real question that remains is: (ahem) what NEX?...
PhotographyBLOG's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
PhotoReview 's conclusion / rating - 23 June 2010 |
Aside from a user interface that will frustrate serious photo enthusiasts and the lack of an optical (or electronic) viewfinder to assist shot composition in bright outdoor lighting, the NEX-5 has plenty to offer to everyday snapshooters who place equal emphasis on recording high-quality still pictures and video clips. It may also suit a more advanced stills photographer who wants to record the occasional video clip without having to carry a separate camcorder.
We have yet to review a compact, interchangeable-lens camera with a user interface that makes key functions quick and easy to access. So far, the Samsung NX-10 has come the closest, with the Panasonic G-series models slightly behind. (Canon's G10 and G11 models are the closest to ideal in our opinion - but the small sensors in both cameras place them out of contention.)
The NEX-5 is competitively priced for the features it offers. It represents a brave departure from traditional styling that still requires some refinements. We look forward to seeing future models that Sony must surely have on the books...
PhotoReview's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
DPReview 's conclusion / rating - 07 June 2010 |
The NEX cameras are a brave and interesting attempt to redefine the camera and one that might, one day, be looked upon as the first step along a new path of camera development. If so, they represent a distinctly unsteady first step.
The biggest disappointment is that the NEXs offer no encouragement or obvious pathways for users wanting to take more control over the camera. The 'Bkground Defocus' option in iAuto mode, constantly recommended in the in-camera guide, doesn't make clear what it's doing and risks being actively unhelpful in some circumstances (using F22-F32 won't yield the 'crisp' images the interface promises). Furthermore, operation and navigation differ enough between iAuto and Aperture Priority mode that you're unlikely to ever guess that they're doing essentially the same things.
As cameras to literally just point and shoot the NEXs do pretty well, which will be enough for some people - although by being restricted to ISO 1600 in iAuto mode, the benefits over a good compact camera are not as clear-cut as they could be. Sadly even these users may find the battery life problematic, and we'd be hard-pushed to think of an interchangeable lens camera less appropriate for a keen photographer. In conclusion, the NEX system shows a great deal of promise but we'd strongly advise waiting for the next generation of products...
Complete review here
DigitalCameraReview 's conclusion / rating - 03 June 2010 |
Sony's NEX-5 (and NEX-3) interchangeable lens compact digitals are the latest additions to a class that has only recently seen competition arrive to contest sales with the class founders. The NEX-5 comes in with competitive ISO and image quality performance, and while a bit light on lenses for its introduction, the arrival of the stabilized 18-200mm zoom later this year will give the camera a decent focal range with the "E" mount glass. An adaptor for Sony and Minolta "A' mount lenses is due in July and will provide a wide selection of manual focus lens options, albeit without stabilization.
Video quality is good, and the one-button capture combined with auto focus and exposure during video capture gives the NEX-5 the edge over the other guys in the video arena. The AVCHD format that provides the true HD video may require some software to be viewed on your existing equipment. The camera should appeal to a wide spectrum of users as it provides an automatic shooting menu including specific scenes along with full manual controls for more advanced image capture. RAW, JPEG and RAW/JPEG shooting formats are available.
The camera's menu system, particularly in the manual shooting modes, takes a little getting used to, and settings are a bit labor intensive as everything has to go through internal menus. Shutter lag is just enough to be noticeable (and tie for worst in the class). Battery life at 330 images is OK, but not great. The field is getting more crowded with competitors and Sony didn't make it any easier on potential purchasers by adding a very capable camera to the mix...
DigitalCameraReview's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
LetsGoDigital 's conclusion / rating - 31 May 2010 |
When we follow the philosophy behind the Sony NEX-5, then we can speak of a successful first introduction. The Sony NEX-5 chooses its own way, and if this is the most successful way, should become clear this year. Sony has in any case shown daring and knows how to produce a remarkable system camera. The amateur photographer will undoubtedly be rewarded for its step up from a compact to the NEX-5, with a higher image quality and more creative freedom of photography. The Sony NEX-5 is an excellent choice for that target group. The serious or hobby photographer will in our opinion be a bit less inclined to look at the NEX-5, as the competition in the form of Micro Four Thirds, among others, is still just a bit too serious for that...
LetsGoDigital's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
Imaging Resource 's conclusion / rating - 11 May 2010 |
Sony has done just what they needed to: They've shaken up the camera market. Even though they were fourth to the Single Lens Direct-view digital camera category, the Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 are unique cameras that will be remembered for their design as well as their excellent image quality.
As a longtime Sony fan, I've been waiting for a camera that really feels and works like a Sony. While I wish Sony had stuck with the tried and true Alpha menu system, everything else about this design represents Sony at its finest. Dave and I agree that despite the menu, we'd both be happy to own and carry the NEX-5 to just about any event where an SLR would be inappropriate or cumbersome, and I might even feel confident using the NEX-5 as a backup camera should my SLR fail.
The Sony NEX-5 is not a camera for the seasoned pro, but it just might serve anyone wanting digital SLR quality in a very small, pocketable form factor. We were surprised by the NEX-5's good image quality at all ISOs, and its printed quality was remarkable. For a small camera to output ISO 3,200 images that look amazing when printed at 13x19 inches: that's worth noticing.
What was more of a surprise was Sony's ability to build in Sweep Panorama mode and both Handheld Twilight and Anti-motion blur into a camera with a larger sensor and large shutter, since these modes were first introduced in Cyber-shot digital cameras.
Overall, we continue to be really impressed with the Sony NEX-5 and its lower-priced sibling, the NEX-3. Both offer higher image quality than any of their rivals, all in a package that's smaller than all of their large-sensor rivals. It is fun to carry and shoot, and gorgeous to behold with a bevy of features you're going to want to explore. If they can improve the menu, fix the Playback mode, and add a Quick menu, we'll be even more excited, but for now we're content to have great looks, great features, and excellent, category-leading image quality, making the Sony NEX-5 a Dave's Pick...
Imaging Resource's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
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