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
The entry-level model is the DMC-G10, while the fancier model is known as the DMC-G2. Both bring notable improvements to the G1 (which was the first Micro Four Thirds camera), including a new image processor, enhancements in image sharpening, easier access to the Intelligent Auto Mode, 720p video recording, and — in the case of the DMC-G2 — a touchscreen LCD display. Both cameras will be bundled with a new, lighter 14 - 42 mm kit lens.I’ll start with the entry-level DMC-G10, and then tell you about what makes the G2 different (and thus more expensive). Here we go:
Lumix DMC-G10
12.1 effective Megapixel Live MOS sensor
New Venus Engine HD II processor brings Intelligent Resolution (sharpening) feature
Uses Micro Four Thirds lens mount, with 2X focal length conversion ratio
Backward compatible with classic Four Thirds lenses via optional adapter; adapters for nearly every other lens format also available
3-inch LCD display with 460,000 pixels and 100% coverage
Electronic viewfinder with 202,000 pixels, 100% coverage, and a magnification of 1.04X
Live view with super-fast contrast detect AF
Full manual controls, with ISO range of 100 - 6400; RAW image format supported
Intelligent Auto mode (now easier to access with a backlit button on the top of the camera) selects a scene mode, detects and recognizes faces, reduces blur, tracks movement, brightens shadows, and more
Twenty-six scene modes to choose from
Continuous shooting at up to 3.2 frames/second
Dust reduction system
Hot shoe for external flash
Records movies at 1280 x 720 (30 fps) using M-JPEG codec
Camera can focus continuously with most Micro Four Thirds lenses
SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
HDMI output
Uses DMW-BLB13 lithium-ion battery; 380 shots per charge with kit lens
Ship date and price to be announced
Lumix DMC-G2 - changes:
Flip-out, rotating 3-inch touchscreen LCD display with 460,000 pixels
Touchscreen features include customizable on-screen menus, touch focus and shutter, and iPhone-style image playback; I had the chance to try it out at CES and while it’s well-implemented, it seems like more of a novelty than anything (thankfully, everything can still be operated with the four-way controller and command dial)
Electronic viewfinder has 1.44 million pixels and magnification of 1.4X (same as on the original G1); eye sensor detects when EVF is in use
Records movies at 1280 x 720 (files play at 60 fps, sensor outputs 30 fps) using AVCHD Lite codec
Unlimited recording time when using AVCHD Lite, except in Europe
Dedicated movie recording button
Records monaural sound, though an optional stereo mic is available
360 shots per charge
Available in black, blue, and red
Ship date, price TBA
As I mentioned, there’s a new kit lens that goes with both of these cameras. The new F3.5-5.6, 14 - 42 mm Lumix G Vario lens is lightweight, and is equivalent to 28 - 84 mm when attached to either of the cameras above. It also supports Panasonic’s MEGA OIS (optical image stabilization) to reduce the risk of blurry photos. No word on if this lens will be available separately.
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