Sony NEX-5 is small, really really small (video)
By Thomas Ricker 
posted May 11th 2010 6:04AM
posted May 11th 2010 6:04AM
What started back in 2008 has become a glorious trend: stuffing DSLR-sized sensors into compact camera bodies. First it was Olympus and Panasonic with its Micro Four Thirds standard followed recently by Samsung's NX10. Now Sony is flexing its digital imaging muscle with the introduction of its own compacts sporting APS-C-sized sensors and interchangeable glass. Both CNET and LetGoDigital already have previews of the NEX-5 -- the "world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera" according to Sony. And by the looks of that comparison shot above with Olympus' diminutive PEN E-PL1, we're guessing that's a pretty accurate assessment. CNET was particularly stoked by the "aggressively priced" pre-production NEX-5 it took for a spin. Although the camera's not without faults -- quirky UI and controls (hey, it's Sony!), inconsistent autofocus, lack of electronic viewfinder, and a general lack of manual controls -- CNET found the NEX-5 to be "fairly fast" with "really quiet" lenses for both zooming and focusing. Most importantly, it judged the photo quality and noise profile to be "really good" while producing "sharp" 1080/60i AVCHD video. Mosey on through the break for CNET's video preview of the NEX-5 and then hit up the source link for some sample photos and a good spec-by-spec comparison of the NEX-5 with its micro format competition.
Oh Nikon.. When will you do something like this?
Am I wrong? I thought that four-thirds sensors were smaller than the APS-C sensors in most consumer grade DSLRs. And I assume micro four thirds is smaller than four thirds. So you're not getting a DSLR sized sensor in a smaller body. You're getting a smaller sensor in a smaller body, a different value proposition entirely.
@jonbruc "So you're not getting a DSLR sized sensor in a smaller body."
No you are not, but it is much closer to a DSLR than a compact. Check this one: http://tom11.com/images/blog/sensor-sizes-1.gif
But the (micro)FourThirds is only Panasonic and Olympus. For example the NEX uses the same sensor as consumer DSLRs - APS-C.
@jonbruc Forgot:
the sensor size is the same for Micro FourThirds and FourThirds.
@jonbruc
What Atkins said is correct. The "micro" in micro-four-thirds merely refers to the absence of a mirror box, which significantly reduces the depth of the camera body. It also means that shorter focal length lenses don't need a bulky retrofocus design.
The Sensor on Micro 4/3 is 1/3 smaller than on these.
I'm really interested in this camera with the Pancake lens.
Good to know, thanks!
I hope to see real samples soon. Sony has always had a problem with color rendition. Olympus on the other hand always excels in its color rendition. It isn't a big issue with RAW and the right profiles but would have been nice if they just got it right OOC.
It's also interesting that the barrel and pin cushion distortion is noticeable when shooting. With a lens that large you would have thought that they would have gotten it tack sharp. Only time will tell but once again I think Sony has gone for form over function yet again.
Maybe Panasonic / Olympus will take some design cues from Sony and release a camera that is delivers great images OOC and looks cool to handle. :-)
@gagoh
according to my experience standard jpgs from the e-pl1 look better than the best you can manage with a sony raw photo...at least it a reasonable amount of time...
@Avaron Which Sony camera are you basing this on?
@Avaron Well, trying to give Sony the benefit of the doubt. The older Canon's had some color issues with good skin tones but the recent models are better and I thought Sony would have figured it out by now.
I think the trade-off is to reduce chroma noise you lose on good color rendition, specifically tonality, which is a hard to quantify, but to each his own. As the video says the type of user that would buy in this range probably doesn't care. I'd rather have good color, even though I shoot RAW and can tweak the heck out of it in post process.
The review was good, but was anyone else put off by how revolting that woman looks? She's posing for film, at least she could brush her hair and not just throw an orange tarp over her enormous body. Makeup maybe?
How about she just writes and has someone at least moderately attractive do the presentation.
@theRise That's my first thought too (re: clothing). A bit unprofessional, even for a geek audience. If she can't be bothered to clean herself up at least she should just to a voiceover and just zoom in on the camera and show it being used. Haha. We're so demanding for free content. ;-)
@gagoh
My thoughts exactly. I had a hard time paying attention. Next time please comb your hair or look more presentable. Lori if your reading this no offense but please hand the video reviews to an intern or put a little bit more effort in your appearance.
@mustangs
Needs more Natali Del Conte...
@theRise
Oh man I almost peed myself reading your comment....I actually just signed into comment on exactly what you did...
Usually cnet reviews are horrible and the reviewers look horrible to boot(FAIL in every regard)...at least this time the review was actually shockingly good.
1080i video? God, really? Interlaced? Why not just do 720p? Interlaced video is crap, and only add extra processing time for editing.
From video: "They feel great with the smooth rotation."
So how much are those going for with a couple of lenses (totally clueless about all of this but wants to start with something decent)
Although the camera's not without faults -- quirky UI and controls (hey, it's Sony!), inconsistent autofocus, lack of electronic viewfinder,
i can assure engadget that this camera has an electronic viewfinder. it's that big screen on the back of the camera. composing pictures would be a tad be hard without a viewfinder, which is why only the cheapest/simplest cameras (such as webcams) don't have them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viewfinder
They mean an eyel level EVF. The problem with only having an LCD to compose with is that it can become overpowered in bright sunlight.
"and they feel great with a smooth rotation"