eK-gadgets info

The interchangeable lens camera market just got a lot more crowded! Sony has introduced their new “NEX” series of ultra-compact ILCs that use an all new lens mount (Sony E-mount), yet retain compatibility with classic Alpha mount lenses via an optional adapter. The NEX-3 and NEX-5 are almost identical, save for the build quality and movie recording capabilities. Both are very small cameras, though the lenses are a bit bulky, due to the camera’s APS-C sensor (which is 60% larger than a Micro Four Thirds sensor). I had a chance to use both cameras last week, and all I can say is: look out Panasonic and Olympus (and Samsung, I guess) — the NEX twins are very impressive. They have the manual controls of an D-SLR, with quite a few features borrowed from Sony’s compact cameras (Sweep Panorama and Smile Shutter, to name two). And did I mention that it will be able to take 3D panoramas?

NEX-3

• 14.2 Megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
• Ultra-compact polycarbonate body comes in silver, black, and red
• Uses new Sony E-mount lenses, with a 1.5x crop factor
  • Three lenses available initially, all of which are made of brushed aluminum, with stainless steel mounts:
    • F2.8, 16 mm pancake lens — supports 12 mm wide-angle and fisheye conversion lenses!
    • F3.5-5.6, 18 – 55 mm zoom lens w/optical image stabilization
    • F3.5-6.3, 18 – 200 mm zoom lens w/optical image stabilization (includes an “active” mode for enhanced shake reduction)
  • Lenses support quiet continuous autofocus and auto exposure for movie recording
  • Backward compatible with classic Alpha-mount lenses via optional LA-EA1 adapter (manual focus only)
• 3-inch articulating LCD display with 921,000 pixels and “TruBlack” technology for better outdoor visibility
• Full time live view with face and smile detection, 25-point contrast detect AF
• Full manual controls, with support for RAW image format; ISO range of 200 – 12,800
• Proprietary shoe on top of camera supports an external flash (GN 7) and optical viewfinder (designed to work with the pancake lens)
• Can take 8 RAW or an unlimited number of JPEGs at 7 frames/second
• Sweep panorama mode can produce 15 or 23 Megapixel panoramas simply by panning the camera from side-to-side; 3D support coming this July via firmware update (requires 3D TV)
• Auto HDR mode combines three exposures into one for better dynamic range; Handheld twilight and anti-motion blur feature combines six exposures into one for blur-free photos
• Records movies at 1280 x 720 (30 fps) with stereo sound using H.264 codec
  • Supports continuous AF, auto exposure, and image stabilization
  • Dedicated movie recording button
• Built-in help guide has 80 context-specific tips and tricks
• Dual memory card slots support Memory Stick Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC media
• Uses NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery; 330 shots per charge
• HDMI output
• Ships in July for $550 with the 16 mm pancake lens and $600 with the 18 – 55 zoom
  • Lenses will be available separately for $250 (16 mm), $300 (18 – 55), and $800 (18 – 200, ships this fall)

NEX-5  – changes:

• Even sleeker, magnesium alloy body; comes in silver and black
• Records Full HD movies (1920 x 1080 @ 60 interlaced frames/sec) using AVCHD codec
  • Also supports 720p recording using H.264
• Priced at $650 with the pancake lens and $700 with the 18 – 55 zoom