Sony NEX-5N Compact Interchangeable Lens Touchscreen Camera

You don’t need a DSLR anymore once you use this camera. Capable of shooting at 10 fps (with focus and exposure locked), this 16.1-megapixel CSC with a large sensor is surprisingly small/slim, partly because it doesn’t have a built-in flash and viewfinder.

The kit includes a small clip-on flash unit, and an optional EVF is available. Designed for those upgrading from a point-and -shoot camera, it features few external controls but offers a wealth of functions via the menu.

All functions can be activated with analog controls or by using the 3-inch tilting, touch-screen (921,600-dot) LCD. Requires LA-EA1 or LA-EA2 adapter. You can also buy a low cost adapter ($25) to use your old Canon or Nikon lens.

Pros

• With a full line of accessories including interchangeable lenses that are both E-mount and A-mount compatible
• Great ease of use for novices
• Superb tilting touch-screen LCD and it is quite responsive
• 10-fps or 2.5-fps framing rates
• Fast and reliable 25-point AF
• Auto HDR and Sweep Panorama
• Many special effects options
• AVCHD 2,0 or MP-4 video
• Low light performance is very good

Cons

• Few external controls
• Zoom lenses aren’t very small
• It will be great if there are more color choices
• The kit lens could do better

The sweep panorama is fantastic, though my favorite is the Handheld Twilight/Anti-blur mode. These both always result in amazingly crisp and detailed shots. There are so many adapters for this camera that you can actually mount any lens to it, this gives the ability to play and get wonderful results.

Video Overview

Unlock a new world of possibilities with the NEX full system. Take professional quality pictures with its large ASP-C size sensor for 16.1MP resolution.

The performance of a DSLR, in about half the size and weight.

Navigating through it isn’t the easiest of tasks, but once you know where everything is, it becomes a lot easier/faster to navigate through all the settings. I love that you’re able to use the LCD screen to see what the image would look like when you change settings before taking the picture. I also enjoy being able to use a combination of  touch screen and manual controls.

Sample Photos

The image quality is fantastic, and there is a huge selection of shooting options to further customize your shot. The most amazing thing about this camera is the clarity of shots at shutter speeds so low & ISO’s so high. The auto/intelligent mode works well and would do fine if you were in a rush for a quick shot.

The intelligent IQ feature takes all the guesswork out of the process and knows how to best capture the image. Picture clarity, sharpness, color rendition and low light capability are all excellent. Best of all, it is lightweight and easy to carry around in the field.

It’s never been easier to expand your creativity. Get continuous shooting up to 10fps, shoot video in full AVCHD 1080/60p and view it on the 3.0-inch tiltable Live View touch screen LCD.

Bottom Line

In short, SONY NEX-5N is good for both professional and beginner. It is really easy to use even you don’t have any skill with these kind of camera before. All the functions are almost like DSLR but it’s just  easier to use and understand.  Touch screen makes it easy to focus.

The price is convincing if you have a medium budget for camera.

Nex-7 vs. Nex-5N

I have had the opportunity to use both the Nex-7 and the Nex-5N. Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses but since the 5N is almost half the price I will highlight the features in which the 5N beats the 7.

• Touch screen. I never thought I would appreciate a touch screen on a camera as much as I did when I used the one on the 5N.
• Better max light sensitivity
• Slightly longer battery life. Because the 5N doesn’t have a EVF the battery lasts longer.
• Cheaper. The 5N is almost half the cost of the Nex-7.

No doubt the Nex-7 is a wonderful camera but the extra features come with a heavy price tag.  If you are just coming over from a point and shoot camera the 5N is the perfect camera to begin with and may be all the camera you will ever need.

General walkabout camera

Great things in small package: This is an excellent camera, with a great balance between price, portability and features (both video and photo).