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Friday, August 6, 2010

Enter the Sony NEX5

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And so, I finally chose the Sony NEX5 as the final verdict. As I'd mentioned in the previous post, I needed a second camera for video assignments. I need it for Digital Storytelling (DS) and Introduction to Digital Media (IDM) this semester.


I decided to go for the Model D (NEX-5D), as I was told that I maybe will be upgrading my camera by time. But somehow, that decision might be wrong. I'll show you why. 


Anyway, overall, the Sony NEX5 is really a remarkable camera and surprisingly it is a lot better than my current Nikon D80. I won't be doing any comparisons on the 2 cameras for now, but you have to trust me, it's a whole lot better. 


And since the Model D variable contains the 2 current lenses as advertised, I managed to tried on both lenses in the campus. 


Let's start with the standard lens (SEL1855). These are not edited, though there is a watermark there. 

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1/4000s, f/3.5, ISO 400


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1/3200s, f/3.5, ISO 400

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1/4000s, f/3.5, ISO 400

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1/500s, f/5, ISO 400

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Vivid Mode, from the bus. 1/500s, f/5, ISO 400

Meanwhile, these are taken from the pancake lens, SEL16F28. To be honest, I expected something remarkable from the lens, but then, it won't reach the bokeh capability when compared to the real DSLR portrait lens.

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1/2500s, f/2.8,. ISO 400

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1/13s, f/2.8, ISO 400

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This one's done with manual focus. 1/20s, f/3.5, ISO 800


Sweep Panorama, anyone? It's a remarkable feature, but you have to master the art of using it. This is one of the successful ones.

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1/200s, f/10, ISO 200

By judging the NEX5 pictures here, truly without doubt, it is better than my Nikon (produced in 2006, discontinued 2008).


Anyway, NEX5 is not a DSLR. It is categorized as an EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) camera. I once mistaken it as a Micro Four Third (M43) camera, but this is under the same class with the Samsung NX10. Yeah, I also did tried the Samsung, but I decided to go for the NEX. 


While selecting the NEX5, the salesman claimed that it is better than the Panasonic GF1 (which I don't really believe), as it had the APS-C sensor used in DSLRs. The GF1 is build based on the Micro Four Third platform, but somehow to me it's still remarkable when compared to the NEX. 


Compared to my Nikon, all I can say is this:


ADVANTAGES


1. Ability to shoot HD videos (AVCHD, MP4 format)
2. The electronic viewfinder of the NEX5 helps me a lot in manual shootings. 
3. Better ISO quality (ISO 1600 still looking fine)
4. My Nikon shot can go up to 4 fps, but NEX5 can go up to 7fps (in speed priority). 
5. Can take bigger pics (14.2 MP over 10.2)
6. My Nikon, obviously is bulkier than the NEX. [size]
7. My Nikon has only 11 focus points, but NEX has the flexible shot feature where you can select your own focus point. 




DISADVANTAGES


Battery consumption


Yesterday, the camera was on from 8 am to 4 pm, and the battery percentage went from 100% to 43%. That was shocking! Compared to my Nikon, it can still run for around a week without being turned off. Yes, the NEX5 has sufficient energy for one whole photoshooting section, but not long enough for one whole day. =.=


Focusing


Despite the flexibility on getting your own focusing point, sometimes you might feel frustrated with the camera not to focus on one close spot in time, specially on the SEL16F28 lens. That is why I am not really satisfied with the pancake lens. 


Let's see if I can find more weaknesses in the coming future. 


So far, the NEX5 is impressive. Well, such DSLR-type technologies for compact cameras has just been around in the photography market, and I think 1 day these cameras will eventually replace entry-level and mid-range DSLR cameras in the future. The NEX5 is meant for DSLR beginners, but it gives a mid-range DSLR-type capabilities. 


I think I had just get myself something that is more than my demand. Well, if you're impressed with such cameras and you're savvy with money, NEX3 will be the choice. That means, I must focus hard on my video assignments. 

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Picture taken under ISO 1600. Still fine EVEN under 3200. The maximum ISO you can reach with it is ISO 12800. Shutter: 1/40 Aperture: f/3.5
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8 comments:

Hilda Milda™ said...

I've always dislike sony cameras but after reading yr nex 5 review, it sort of changed my mind! Now i want a nex 5 :D

Munn said...

Wow! ISO 12800.. O.O Even ISO1600 still not much noise. It's really not bad
Between the camera looks nice!

excalade89 said...

hilda: I'm beginning to get confident with Sony cameras, but it's their innovativeness that shows up, not the quality.

Munn: they say the NEX's ISO capabilities are more than the Nikon D5000's. lols

Jasmine said...

cool thanks for the review

this is a cool gadget ,

what do u think about Olympus EPL-1?

excalade89 said...

vampire: EPL1 is okay but it has slow focusing speed. Based on a review on Youtube, as the author was comparing it to the Samsung NX10 and Panasonic GF-1. The author chosed Samsung NX10 as the winner.

NEX is not categorized as a Micro Four Third like the Olympus PEN.

Jasmine said...

thanks dude , that day will surveing in a the guy at the camera shop also mention that if comparing Sony Nex and EPL-1 he suggested NEX

cause i think he mention something like the speed shot is faster or stuff like that

i am still a noobie , so most of the time i dont understand what he's saying lol

but i like EPL-1 cos it has the vintage body kit

vialentino said...

wow...like ur cam review...nice pics took by u too

chris federick said...

Nice shots. I wonder how much are they selling it here.