Sony Alpha NEX-5 14.2 Megapixel Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 16mm F2.8 E-mount Lens, Black

SKU: ISONEX516BK

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Questions & Answers

Shopper : Why Did You Choose This?WALT S : NEX-7 wasn't here yet.LAWRENCE Y : same as aboveALLAN M : I was looking for something smaller and a camera that I had the option to change out the lenses. Also wanted a camera to HD video in 1080i format. With the optional wide angle and fisheye lens, you can get some great photos. I have a history of Sony cameras, and they have always done well with me over my other better end cameras. Down side for me was taking photos of lightning, for some reason I just cannot get a good shot of lighting with it as I do with my Canon cameras.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2012-04-29T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

GREAT PRODUCT!

GREAT PRODUCT AND SUPER SIZE/WEIGHT, ESPECIALLY FOR OUTDOORSMAN. REMOTE SHUTTER RELEASE IS A MUST, AS IS A TRIPOD OR SOME TYPE OF STABILIZATION FOR SHOOTING VIDEO. YOU DO NEED TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH THIS CAMERA, BUT IT WILL MAKE YOU LEAVE YOUR BIG DSLR AT HOME.

tak

2010-08-15T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Sharp 16mm but CA

I purchased the Sony NEX-5 with 16mm f2.8 and it's hard for me to imagine getting great results out of it without some manipulation in Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). The chromatic aberrations (CA) of the 16mm are so noticeable, particularly one-third in from the edges, especially if you're a "pixel-peeper" as I am, or do 16x20 inch prints, that it would be disturbing and annoying for some users who demand high quality. And if you enjoy shooting high-contrast subjects like I do it's vexing to see that using the RAW (Sony's proprietary ARW format) conversion with Sony's Image Data Converter Sr still produced a burnt-edge look to extreme highlights bordered by mid-tone tonalities (such as patches of bright sky next to leaves in shade); it was never a smooth transition. I did get outstanding results by shooting JPEGs at fine with in-camera Sharpening, and further manipulating in Adobe Camera Raw which easily corrected the CA. The 16x20 test prints were very sharp. (In-camera setting for Sharpness was +3, Contrast -1.) Contrast and color were excellent. All photos were taken in Aperture Priority; I've yet to use the camera on AUTO. I've noticed that the image-stabilization is NOT as good as the Olympus E-P2 although I did play with the Hand-Held Twilight and was impressed with the sharpness and lack of "noise" (grain). It may be that since Sony image-stabilization "Optical SteadyShot" is only built into a select number of lenses that the 16mm is one of those without. Another annoyance is going through menus just to change ISO or change from Autofocus to Manual. But the camera is really designed for people who want automation, not advanced photographers. The 16mm lens is very sharp in the center and soft in the corners even at f6.3, which according to many independent tests such as dpreview is the best correction for CA. It's still a bit disappointing at the edges. Apparently Sony does not do software/in-camera CA correction as does Panasonic with their G2 or G10 or Olympus. But in terms of a light-weight super compact (it's noticeably smaller than the Panasonic GF-1 and the Olympus E-PL1), high quality, APS-C sensor camera with a wide-angle lens, (producing 1080 HD video to boot!) the Sony NEX-5 with 16mm is amazing and hard to beat.

RICHARD R.

Sony Alpha NEX-5 14.2MP Compact Interchangeable Lens, Black Specifications

  • Camera Type

    Sony E-mount interchangeable lens digital camera

  • Lens Mount Type

    Sony E-mount

  • Lens Compatibility

    Sony E-mount lens, (Sony a lenses when used with LA-EA1 lens adaptor)

  • Lens Conversion Factor

    1.5x

  • Imaging Sensor

    Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (23.4 X 15.6mm)

  • Anti Dust

    Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and electromagnetic vibration mechanism (Power off or Manual)

  • Processor

    BIONZ image processor

  • Pixel Gross

    Approx. 14.6 megapixels

  • Effective Picture Resolution

    Approx. 14.2 megapixels

  • Color Filter System

    RGB primary color filters

  • Recording: Media Type

    Memory Stick PRO Duo/Pro-HG Duo/PRO-HG HX Duo media
    SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card

  • Recording: Image Mode

    JPEG (Standard, Fine), RAW, RAW+JPEG

  • Recording: Image Size 3:2

    L (14M): 4592 X 3056
    M (7.4M): 3344 X 2224
    S (3.5M): 2288 X 1520

  • Recording: Image Size 16:9

    L (12M): 4592 X 2576
    M (6.3M): 3344 X 1872
    S (2.9M): 2288 X 1280

  • Recording: Color Space

    sRGB, AdobeRGB

  • Recording: Video Format

    AVCHD / MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264))

  • Recording: Video Mode

    AVCHD: 1920 x 1080/ 60i (59.94i Interlace) Approx. 17Mbps (Average bit-rate)
    MP4 HD: 1440 x 1080/ 30p (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 12Mbps (Average bit-rate)
    MP4 VGA: 640 x 480/ 30p (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 3Mbps (Average bit-rate)

  • Recording: Audio Format

    Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC

  • Focus System

    Contrast AF

  • Focus Points

    25 points

  • AF modes

    Single-shot AF, Continuous AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual Focus

  • Focus Area

    Multi Point AF (25 points), Center Weighted AF, Flexible Spot AF

  • Focus Sensitivity

    0 EV to 20 EV (at ISO100 conversion with F2.8 lens)

  • Manual Focus Assist

    Magnified display for precise manual focus

  • Focus Features

    Predictive Focus Control, Focus Lock

  • AF illuminator

    Built-in, LED type

  • Advanced User Interface

    Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu

  • Shooting Tips

    80 expert advice shooting tips

  • Sweep Panorama

    Horizontal Panorama Size:
    - Wide 23MP (12,416 x 1,856), 226° (16mm focal), 201° (18mm focal)
    - Standard 15.2MP (8,192 x 1,856), 149° (16mm focal), 133° (18mm focal)
    Vertical Panorama Size:
    - Wide 12MP (5,536 x 2,160), 151° (16mm focal), 135° (18mm focal)
    - Standard 8.4MP (3,872 x 2,160), 106° (16mm focal), 94° (18mm focal)

  • Auto High Dynamic Range

    Yes, (Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step), off)

  • Anti Motion Blur

    6-image layering

  • Face Detection

    Off, Auto, Child Priority, Adult Priority

  • Smile Shutter

    Off, Slight, Normal, Big

  • Exposure Metering

    49 Segment metering from CMOS image sensor

  • Metering Modes

    Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot

  • Metering Sensitivity

    0EV-20EV, (at ISO 100 equivalent w/ f/2.8 lens)

  • Exposure Compensation

    +/-2EV (in 1/3 EV steps)

  • Exposure settings

    iAUTO, Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M)

  • Scene Mode(s)

    Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night View, Handheld Twilight

  • D-Range Optimizer

    Yes: (Auto, Level 1-5, off)

  • Auto Exposure Lock

    Yes (AE Lock with focus lock)

  • ISO

    Auto, 200 to 12800

  • Noise Reduction

    Long exp.NR: (On/Off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 second)
    High ISO NR: (Auto/Weak)

  • Creative Style

    Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W
    Adjustable: Contrast (-3 to +3 steps), Saturation (-3 to +3 steps), Sharpness (-3 to +3 steps)

  • White Balance Mode

    Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Setting the color temperature, Custom

  • Color temperature

    2500 - 9900 k with 19-step Magenta / Green compensation

  • Shutter Type

    Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type

  • Drive Mode

    Single-shot, Continuous, Speed Priority, Self-timer, Continuous Self-timer, Bracketing; Remote Commander

  • Continuous Shooting Speed

    Continuous (2.3fps)
    Speed Priority (7fps)

  • Self-timer

    2-sec. or 10-sec. delay, (single, continuous 3 or 5 frames)

  • Shutter Speeds

    1/4000 - 30 seconds, bulb

  • Flash Sync Speed

    1/160 seconds

  • Burst Buffer

    JPEG (unlimited to card capacity)
    RAW (8 shots)
    RAW+JPEG (5 shots)

  • LCD Type

    3" TFT TruBlack LCD (921,600 pixels)

  • LCD Angle Adjustment

    Up: Approx. 80 degrees, Down: Approx. 45 degrees

  • LCD Brightness Control

    Auto (-2 to +2 step sunny weather)

  • LCD Coverage

    100%

  • LCD Live View

    Yes, (Constant AF Live View)

  • Real-time image-adjustment LCD display

    Exposure Compensation, WB, Creative Style

  • LCD Histogram

    Yes (On/off)

  • LCD Grid Display

    Yes (On/off)

  • LCD Customization

    Brightness: Auto Manual, Sunny Weather
    Display Color: Black, White, Blue, Pink
    Wide Image: Full Screen, Normal

  • Flash Type

    Smart accessory terminal (HVL-F7S Flash Supplied)

  • Flash Metering System

    Pre-flash TTL

  • Flash Modes

    Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync., Slow sync., Red-eye reduction

  • Flash Compensation

    +/-2EV,1/3EV steps

  • Flash Coverage

    FOV coverage up to 16 mm (in the focal length)

  • Recycling Time\

    Approx. 4 sec

  • Guide Number

    7 (in meters at ISO 100)

  • Flash Bracketing

    3 frames, 1/3, 2/3EV steps selectable

  • Memory Card Slot

    Dual memory card slot:
    - Memory Stick PRO Duo/Pro-HG Duo/PRO-HG HX Duo media
    - SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card

  • HD Output

    HDMI (TypeC mini)

  • USB Port(s)

    USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP)

  • BRAVIA Sync

    Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV

  • PhotoTV HD

    Yes, with BRAVIA Sync enabled HDTV and HDMI cable

  • DVDirect

    Yes, via USB

  • Supplied Software

    PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR

  • Operating System Compatibility

    Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional/Windows XP SP2/Windows Vista/Mac OS X(v10.1.3) or later

  • Battery Type

    InfoLitium NP-FW50,7.2V

  • Number of Shots

    Approx. 330 images (CIPA standard)

  • Operating Temperature

    32 - 104 degrees F (0 - 40 degrees C)

  • Optics/Lens

    SEL16F28

  • Lens Type

    E-mount 16mm F2.8

  • Lens Mount

    Sony E-mount

  • Lens Construction

    5 groups, 5 elements (1 aspheric surface)

  • Lens: Focal length (35mm equivalent)

    24mm

  • Lens: Angle of view

    83°

  • Lens: Aperture blade

    7 blades (Circular aperture)

  • Lens: Aperture (Max.)

    F2.8

  • Lens: Aperture (Min.)

    F22

  • Lens: Maximum Magnification

    0.073x (APS-C)

  • Lens: Minimum Focusing Distance

    9.4" (0.24m)

  • Lens: Filter Diameter

    49mm

  • Lens: Internal Motor

    Yes (Stepping motor)

  • Lens: Image Stabilization

    N/A

  • Lens: Low Noise During Movie Capture

    Excellent

  • Lens: Direct Manual Focus

    Yes

  • Lens: Focus Ring in AF Mode

    No rotation

  • Lens: Mount Material

    Metal

  • Lens: Exterior Finish

    Aluminum

  • Lens: Dimensions(Max. Diameter x Length)

    2-7/16 x 7/8" (62x22.5mm)

  • Lens: Weight

    2.5 oz (70g)

  • Camera: Dimensions (Approx.)

    Approx 4-3/8 ® 2-3/8 ® 1-9/16" (110.8x58.8x38.2mm) (W/H/D); 15/16" (24.2mm) excl grip & lens mount

  • Camera: Weight (Approx.)

    Approx. 8.1 oz (229g) (excl battery & media)
    Approx. 10.1 oz (287g) (w/battery & media)

  • UPC Code

    027242797468

11 Accessories for Sony Alpha NEX-5 14.2 Megapixel Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 16mm F2.8 E-mount Lens, Black

  • All Accessories (11)
  • Batteries & Power Supply (1)
  • Filter and Filter Kits (1)
  • Filters (1)
  • Lens Adapters (8)

About Sony Alpha NEX-5 14.2MP Compact Interchangeable Lens, Black

FEATURED REVIEWS

Sharp 16mm but CA

By RICHARD R.

I purchased the Sony NEX-5 with 16mm f2.8 and it's hard for me to imagine getting great results out of it without some manipulation in Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). The chromatic aberrations (CA) of the 16mm are so noticeable, particularly one-third in from the edges, especially if you're a "pixel-peeper" as I am, or do 16x20 inch prints, that it would be disturbing and annoying for some users who demand high quality. And if you enjoy shooting high-contrast subjects like I do it's vexing to see...

View full Review

GREAT PRODUCT!

By tak

GREAT PRODUCT AND SUPER SIZE/WEIGHT, ESPECIALLY FOR OUTDOORSMAN. REMOTE SHUTTER RELEASE IS A MUST, AS IS A TRIPOD OR SOME TYPE OF STABILIZATION FOR SHOOTING VIDEO. YOU DO NEED TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH THIS CAMERA, BUT IT WILL MAKE YOU LEAVE YOUR BIG DSLR AT HOME.

Get the performance of a DSLR, in about half the size and weight with the Sony Alpha NEX-5 interchangeable lens camera. Enjoy Full HD 1080/60i movies, astounding low-light pictures, continuous shooting up to 7 fps, incredible panorama shots and Live View on a tilting 3.0-inch LCD.

Unlike conventional DSLR models, the "mirrorless" construction of the NEX-5 reduces the thickness of camera body to just about an inch at its slimmest point (excluding grip and mount portions). The NEX-5 is constructed from magnesium alloy. It offers a newly developed 14.2 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. About 60 percent larger than the sensor in micro four-thirds cameras, this sensor is key to the exceptional image quality, extremely low image noise and creative defocus background effects that are familiar to DSLR users.

The NEX-5 is the first Alpha camera featuring Sweep Panorama. With this feature capturing large group shots is as easy as press-and-sweep. Sweep Panorama mode lets you capture breathtaking shots up to 226-degree horizontal or 151-degree vertical shots.

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 lens' 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.

Sony Alpha NEX-5 14.2MP Compact Interchangeable Lens, Black Features

  • Smallest in class: This is the world's smallest interchangeable lens digital still camera. Sony has removed the conventional mirror box, AF sensor and viewfinder, reducing the "flange back" distance from 44.5 mm to 18 mm.
  • Interchangeable lenses: Compatible with Sony's E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for Alpha compact interchangeable lens cameras. Opens up a world of creative options.
  • APS-C size HD image sensor: With 13 times the area of the typical image sensor, APS-C makes the difference between "snapshots" and "photographs," delivering an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds.
  • HD movie recording: Capture vivid, lifelike HD movies in the PC-friendly MP4 format. Shoot 720/30p high definition or standard definition 480/30p.
  • 14.2 megapixel resolution: You get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. Thanks to the APS-C sensor size and Sony Exmor APS HD CMOS technology, the camera achieves high resolution with no penalty in low-light sensitivity or sensor noise.
  • Up to 7 frames per second: Capture the decisive moment in sports and get the ideal baby photo. Up to 7 fps continuous shooting at full 14.2 MP resolution with exposure and focus fixed at the first frame. Standard continuous shooting at up to 2.3 fps.
  • ISO 12800 sensitivity: Incredibly clear low-light pictures without sacrificing detail. This is best-in-class performance, made possible by low-noise Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor and refined BIONZ image processor.
  • Sweep Panorama: Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23 MP image size. Up to 202 degrees maximum sweep angle (16mm focal length).
  • Anti Motion Blur mode: Corrects for subject movement to capture amazingly clean and sharp images in low light. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six creates a single image that minimizes subject blur.
  • Hand-held Twilight Mode: Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures-beyond the capability of traditional cameras-without using flash or a tripod. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second.
  • Auto HDR built into camera: High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail from another for one incredible shot.
  • Live View LCD: The LCD monitor is active full-time for composing shots. Provides a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus informative on-screen displays.
  • Tiltable 3" LCD screen: Empowers your photography with a different point or view. Tilts down 45° and up 80° to frame high- and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss.
  • 920K pixel TruBlack LCD screen: Sony's Xtra Fine LCD monitor has best-in-class resolution. The TruBlack screen includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increase contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further in bright sunlight.
  • Fast Auto Focus: Some cameras in this class are slow to focus. That can make you miss the shot on fast-moving subjects like sports and unpredictable subjects. Sony's fast Contrast Auto Focus system typically takes just 0.3 seconds. Also offers continuous Auto Focus when shooting movies.
  • Intelligent Auto Focus: Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing focusing time to a bare minimum.
  • iAUTO (Intelligent Auto) mode: Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies. Takes advantage of Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face Detection technology and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization without leaving auto mode so you always get the best shot.
  • On-screen Help Guide : Provides ready reference, explains the camera's modes and settings. Walks you through camera operation so you get the best shot. Helps you advance from basic operation to greater sophistication.
  • On-screen Shooting Tips: Offers expert advice so you can shoot like a pro.
  • Control Wheel + Soft Keys: Unlike cameras that bristle with knobs, buttons and dials, the NEX-5 features a simple turn-and-click Control Wheel and context-sensitive Soft Keys. It's elegant, uncluttered and intuitive.
  • Sony Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor: Conventional image sensors use only a handful of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, which can slow you down. The NEX-5 Exmor sensor provides 4,592 column-parallel A/D converters. You get fast response, superb image clarity.
  • BIONZ image processor: The brains of the camera is a refined version of Sony's BIONZ image processor. Its chroma noise reduction delivers high-res, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity. Also enables fast processing for up to 7 fps continuous shooting of data-intensive 14.2 MP images.
  • Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO): Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.
  • Accepts a DSLR A-mount lenses: Using the LA-EA1 adaptor (sold separately), you can attach the full selection of a A-mount system lenses, which includes 28 current models and an installed base of millions of lenses worldwide.
  • 25-point Auto Focus: 25 sensors cover a very wide area of the scene, for accurate focusing even when the subject is far from the center of the frame.

What's in the box:

  • Sony Alpha NEX-5 Digital Camera
  • SEL16F28 E-mount 16mm F2.8 Lens
  • Lens Cap
  • HVL-F7S Detachable Flash
  • Case for Flash
  • BC-VW1 Battery Charger
  • NP-FW50 Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery
  • Shoulder Strap
  • USB Cable (Mini B)
  • CD-ROM
  • Sony 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty