 |
|
|
|
|||||
Main Features: •
Both cameras offer DSLR picture quality and responsive shooting
"The Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras truly embody Sony's make.belive spirit. Consumers have often believed they have needed better picture quality in a smaller form factor. Sony has made that a reality with these cameras," said David Oyagi, Marketing Manager for the a (alpha) digital imaging business at Sony of Canada Ltd. "These new cameras are the game-changers everyone has been waiting for and will revolutionize the consumer experience by offering outstanding picture quality with a totally pocketable size." With high quality video performance, these models automatically adjust auto-focus and auto-exposure while recording video. The Sony Alpha NEX-5 camera offers Full HD movie capture (1080i AVCHD and 720p MP4) and is one of the first interchangeable lens cameras with Full HD 60i recording. The Sony Alpha NEX-5 and NEX-3 are perfect for point-and-shoot users looking to advance from snapshots to creative photography as well as existing DSLR users searching for a no-compromise compact alternative. Sony Alpha NEX-3 Sample Test Shots: Editors Note: We have had the opportunity to have a brief hands on with the new Sony NEX-3 digital camera mounted with both the new Sony E 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 OSS zoom lens and the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 pancake lens. A couple of Sony NEX-3 camera test sample shots taken at the Sony Canada Press event are provided below. Click on image to see full size. (Large file)
Innovative Design Unlike conventional DSLR models, the "mirrorless" construction of the new models reduces the thickness of both camera bodies to just about an inch at their slimmest point (excluding grip and mount portions). The Sony NEX-5, constructed from magnesium alloy, and the Sony NEX-3, with a polycarbonate casing, offer a newly developed 14.2 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. About 60 percent larger than sensors in micro four-thirds cameras, and up to 15 times larger than in many point and shoot cameras, the sensor is key to the high end image quality, low image noise and creative defocus effects that are familiar to DSLR users.
HD Movie Recording and Fast, Silent Autofocus The Sony
NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the first Alpha cameras to offer the convenience of
high definition video recording. In addition to 720p HD recording, the
NEX-5 also captures Full HD (1920 x 1080i) video in high-quality AVCHD
files that can be easily enjoyed on a connected HD television via the
cameras built-in HDMI terminal (cable not included). The NEX-3 shoots
720p HD video as compact MP4 files. Both Sony cameras include built-in
stereo microphones for high-quality audio recording. Still and video image quality is further refined by the Sony BIONZ® processor that ensures quick DSLR-style shooting response with fast, precise autofocus and minimal shutter lag. Both cameras can also capture fast-moving action with a high-speed burst of full-resolution images at up to 7fps (AF/AE fixed from first frame). Sweep Panorama The Sony Alpha NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the first Alpha cameras featuring Sweep Panorama. Capturing large group shots is as easy as press-and-sweep. Sweep Panorama Mode lets consumers capture shots up to 226-degree horizontal or 151-degree vertical shots. With 3D Sweep Panorama mode, these are the world's first cameras that can shoot 3D panoramic still images with a single lens. A high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using in-camera processing techniques to automatically create 3D panoramas with a 226 degree effective angle of view. These files can be enjoyed in 3D on compatible 3D televisions. Simple To Use Overcoming the complexity and intimidation that often come along with DSLR use, the Sony Alpha NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras have a new easy-to-use interface. It makes their performance advantages and features-including the techniques of creative photography-simple to master for consumers stepping up from compact digital still cameras and simultaneously offers easy access to the important camera controls that DSLR users demand.
Images and camera settings are displayed on the 3-inch wide-type XtraFine LCD with TruBlack technology and 921k dot high resolution LCD that tilts up or down for comfortable viewing in any shooting position. The screen features an auto-brightness control function for clearer visibility, even outdoors. Key
Specifications
Lenses and Accessories Three new
Sony E-mount lenses are being introduced, including a 16mm F2.8 wide angle
prime lens (model number SEL16F28), an 18mm-55mm F3.5-5.6 standard zoom
lens (model number SEL1855) and an 18mm-200mm F3.5-6.3 (model number SEL18200)
high magnification zoom lens. The E-mount lenses, provide the cameras with ultimate compactness as well as the performance required for quiet continuous auto focus and auto exposure during HD video capture. These all new lenses are of premium construction, with brushed aluminium barrels and steel mounts. An optional LA-EA1 Mount Adaptor extends compatibility to the a family of 30 lenses, plus a huge range of other legacy A-mount lenses (Manual Focus only).
Ideal for everyday shooting, the low-profile E 16mm F2.8 lens minimizes bulk, allowing the camera to easily be carried in a coat, pants pocket, or purse. This lenses creative possibilities can be expanded even further by the VCL-ECU1 Ultra Wide Converter which provides a 12mm view, and VCL-ECF1 Fisheye Converter that delivers impressive curvi-linear distortion. Featuring in-lens SteadyShot® image stabilization for clearer handheld images, the E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS zoom is a perfect travel partner. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are available in kit form with either the 16mm prime or the 18mm-55mm lens. The E 18-200 F3.5-6.3 OSS zoom lens offers a powerful 11x magnification range plus Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active mode that is used in the most advanced Handycam (TM) camcorders.
Both cameras come supplied with a super-compact clip-on flash that attaches via the smart accessory terminal when needed. Other optional accessories include the FDA-SV1 Optical Viewfinder plus stylish cases and shoulder straps.
As an option,
the accessory shoe on both cameras accepts a compact ECM-SST1 Stereo Microphone
that captures even more high-quality sound for HD video recordings than
the cameras' built-in stereo recording. Pricing and Availability The Sony NEX-3 will be available in silver, black and red, and the Sony Alpha NEX-5 will come in silver and black. The Sony NEX-3 will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $699.99 Canadian with the Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS zoom lens, and $649.99 with the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 fixed lens. The Sony Alpha NEX-5 digital camera will be available for an MSRP of $799.99 with the 18-55mm zoom lens and $749.99 with the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 lens. The Sony E 18-200mm zoom lens will be available this fall for about $950 Canadian. In the United States the NEX-5 will ship in July with the 16mm lens for US$650, while the NEX-5 with the 18-55mm lens will sell for US$700. The Sony NEX-3 with the 16mm lens will sell for US$550, while the Sony Alpha NEX-3 with the 18-55mm will sell for US$650. Compare other popular models. Click for details:
Back to Top |
| ©digitalreview.ca
2010 jonas@digitalreview.ca Privacy policy |
