Sony NEX-5N Camera Review

The Sony NEX-5N is the fourth model in Sony's NEX line of APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Like the NEX-C3, the 5N is actually a direct replacement for its predecessor the NEX-5, employing the company's most recent 16.1MP CMOS sensor in location of the prior 14MP chip. Despite the fact that the 5N is practically indistinguishable from the NEX-5 on the outside (and is bound to be regarded as such by many casual observers), it can be truly a very various camera, and 1 that's worthy of critical attention.

The two most important changes towards the NEX-5N compared towards the Sony NEX-5 are its new sensor, which we have been very impressed by inside the NEX-C3, and the addition of a touch interface. When images with the initial NEX cameras appeared, a lot of men and women assumed their lack of buttons indicated touch-sensitive operation, so it is fascinating to see a touchscreen finally appearing on the 5N.

Even though the NEX-3 and five were close siblings, differentiated mostly by styling and HD video capability, the NEX-5N and NEX-C3 are a lot more like cousins. The 5N has a wider ISO range, spanning 100 - 25600 and adds support for the new FDA-EV1S electronic viewfinder, which may possibly supply it gain appeal with enthusiast shooters. Like the co-announced NEX-7, the 5N also gives the option of utilizing an electronic first-curtain shutter that promises to substantially lessen shutter lag. Moreover, when paired with native E-mount lenses, it gains the capability to compensate for certain optical aberrations (namely lateral CA, vignetting and distortion - each of which may be turned on or off at the user's discretion).

Even with the addition of these enthusiast-friendly capabilities the 5N nonetheless retains its appeal to compact upgraders. The very same iAuto and Photo Creativity modes from the C3 are available on the 5N, together with a generous helping of the 'Picture Effects' creative processing options, obtainable in PASM modes. Inside the prior NEX models, ISO sensitivity in iAuto mode was limited to 1600, somewhat negating 1 with the best characteristics offered by these cameras over compacts - the low light capability with the larger sensor. The NEX-5N still has a fixed maximum ISO setting in iAuto, however it has at least been elevated to 3200. A welcome alter, but we'd still like to see the entire ISO sensitivity range made offered.

Pros: Fast autofocus and prefocus shutter lag; Quieter shutter sound; Captures 10 frames per second; Supports AVCHD two.0.

Cons: Not accessible until evaluation is finished.

Though outwardly it looks really equivalent to its predecessor, the Sony NEX-5N has created very a few inner modifications which are worthy of note. Its 16.1-megapixel EXMOR APS-C sensor is a slight upgrade with the NEX-5's 14.2 megapixels, but the news is the sensor's new electronic first-curtain exposure mechanism, allowing the NEX-5N to recognize a prefocus lag time of just 0.02 second (this new electronic 1st curtain is also noticed within the Sony NEX-7, A77 and A65, which also debuted at the very same time).

The new sensor and Bionz processor also allow capture of Full HD video at 60p. A new touchscreen adds a couple of functions, but doesn't serve to replace any existing functions. The Sony NEX-5N is also the very first NEX -- or CSC for that matter -- to reach 10 frames per second at full resolution.

The front of the Sony NEX-5N is also a bit different, with a slight bevel behind the lens, where the company and Alpha logos now live. "5N" is also stamped into the front of the grip subsequent to the shutter button.

The grip has a brand new broader dimple pattern in location with the raised bump pattern. Other than those items, there's quite small diverse on the front. The 16mm f/2.8 lens is shown mounted here, though it's not mounted on the image below.

The only main difference from the leading is really a silver ring about the energy switch (the 5 has a black ring), and also the Playback button is smaller, round, and on the back bevel instead of the top deck. The 3 speaker holes have moved more than several tenths of an inch.

Apart from the Playback button's greater visibility from the rear along with the slightly smaller Sony logo, the rear physical controls, look, and function are identical towards the Sony NEX-5.

Overall, it is the identical sweet small camera with some extremely cool new tricks.


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