SonyNex5
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Lego viewfinder created for Sony NEX-5, lincoln log enthusiasts feel left out
Do you spend your days pining for a viewfinder with some Danish building-block flair for your shiny new Sony NEX-5? Well, your camera woes have been solved -- while appealing to your childlike aesthetic sensibilities -- by a DIYer who fashioned just such a viewfinder out of some Lego blocks and parts from an old CD-ROM drive. Its complexity doesn't quite match that of an all-Lego camera, but it's a slick little solution for those who want to add some pizazz -- and functionality -- to Sony's favorite not-quite-Micro Four-Thirds shooter. Hit up the source link to see how to build one for yourself.
Rayqual adapters bring Leica, Nikon, and Canon lenses to Sony's NEX cameras
Sony's new NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras may have a few limitations when it comes to their UI, but it looks like they won't be hurting for lens options -- Japan's Rayqual has announced that it'll be offering a series of lens adapters for the cameras starting next month. Those will let you attach any number of Leica, Nikon or Canon lenses to the compact shooter, although you'll expectedly have to make do without autofocus if you decide to venture beyond Sony's own lenses for the cameras. They also won't come cheap, with the adapters set to run ¥19,950 to ¥25,200, or roughly $220 to $275 -- although that could be a small price to pay if you've already invested in some serious glass.
Sony NEX-5 preview
In every geek's life, the time must come when he or she steps away from the pocket-friendly compact point-and-shooter and straps up with a hefty DSLR to do real photography with. Or such was the received wisdom until not too long ago. It's still the case that lenses, bound by the laws of physics, will protrude more than most of us want them to, but mirrorless Micro Four Thirds shooters from Olympus and Panasonic, along with Samsung's NX series, have shown that prosumer camera bodies don't always have to be that bulky. This is the stage upon which the NEX-5 enters, with Sony predictably aiming to outdo everyone using an ultraslim magnesium alloy body that delivers 1080p video and 14 megapixel stills. Join us after the break to see what we thought of the Japanese giant's latest product.%Gallery-95474%%Gallery-95477%
Sony Alpha NEX-5 in the wild, plays David to A330's Goliath
Talk about envy. One of our lucky tipsters just wrote in to talk about the training he did this week for -- and here's the kicker -- Sony's brand new Alpha NEX-5. Just to prove his conquest, he also managed a picture of the compact DSLR next to the Alpha 330. Yep, it's still really, really small. If that's not enough, the tipster apparently also will be able to use the SAM and SSM Sony lenses, both with functional autofocus. We know what you're probably thinking: the pre-order details are right here. Update: Perpetual Radio has some hands-on impressions and a video (embedded after the break). Go forth!
Sony's NEX3 / 5 cameras priced, June release date leaked (update: official)
It looks like Sony's having a field day right now in Japan, making its official reveal of the NEX3 and NEX5 cameras, the "ultra-compact" DSLRs with interchangeable lenses we saw back at PMA. The presentation is going on as we speak, and the rumor sites seem to suggest Digital Photography School posted (and subsequently pulled) a review of the NEX3. Quesabesde, however, still has its preview of the not-quite-Micro Four Thirds shooters live, and is also listing some specs and prices. First with the technical details: the NEX3 has a 14.2 megapixel sensor, support for Memory Stick and SDXC media, 720p / 30fps video, and an articulating 2.95-inch LCD. The NEX5 boasts AVCHD 1080i video, and we're not sure yet as to other differences between the pair. As for pricing, the bodies on their lonesome appear to be worth about €250 and €350, respectively -- that's $320 and $448 in US currency. Throw in a 16mm f2.8 lens for €250 and you're now looking at a minimum of €500 (or $640) to join the fray. The kits are said to be going on sale in June. Sony's official site hasn't updated yet, but with any luck we'll get the legit scoop in very short time. Update: Sony made it official, says a firmware update will be released this summer to capture stereoscopic 3D sweep panoramas. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]%Gallery-92716%
Sony gives NEX3 and NEX5 names to its first ultra-compact interchangeable lens cameras
Those ultra-mysterious folks at Sony are finally starting to loosen their grip on info about the Japanese giant's entry into the growing market for compact interchangeable lens cameras. Having already witnessed some of the user interface and a few prototype bodies, we're now seeing the first shots of these new shooters in the wild. Spotted in an Asian pub (what is it with drinking establishments and hardware leaks?), the mirrorless NEX3 body reveals its name, an external flash attachment (with a proprietary connector, boo!), and a a chrome-finished 16mm F2.8 pancake lens. It doesn't look very pancakey to us, and indeed Sony Alpha Rumors claim it's bigger than the nearest competitors from Olympus and Panasonic, but apparently that's because Sony has included optical image stabilization in the lens, perhaps a worthy trade-off. Both new models are expected to sport the 14 megapixel ExmorHD sensor, though the NEX5 will record 1080p video versus the NEX3's 720p. We're told to expect a May 11 announcement for the pair, with what's being described as "very aggressive" pricing relative to their Micro Four Thirds competition. Let it be so.
