Sony NEX-5N Review



The Sony Alpha NEX-5N is the fourth model in Sony's NEX line of APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Just as the NEX-C3 replaces the NEX-3, the 5N is a direct replacement for its predecessor the NEX-5, using the company's latest 16.1MP CMOS sensor in place of the previous 14MP chip. Although the 5N is nearly indistinguishable from the NEX-5 on the outside (and is bound to be regarded as such by many casual observers), it is actually a very different camera, and one that is worthy of serious attention.

The two most significant changes to the NEX-5N compared to the NEX-5 are its new sensor, which we have been very impressed by in the NEX-C3, and the addition of a touch interface - unique in Sony's current Alpha lineup. When images of the first NEX cameras appeared, many people assumed their lack of buttons indicated touch-sensitive operation, so it's interesting to see a touchscreen finally appearing on the 5N.
While the NEX-3 and 5 were close siblings, differentiated mostly by styling and HD video capability, the NEX-5N and NEX-C3 are more like cousins. The 5N has a wider ISO range, spanning 100 - 25600 (equivalent) and adds support for the new FDA-EV1S electronic viewfinder. Like the co-announced NEX-7, the 5N also offers the option of using an electronic first-curtain shutter that promises to substantially reduce shutter lag. Furthermore, when paired with native E-mount lenses, it gains the capability to compensate for certain optical aberrations (namely lateral CA, vignetting and distortion - each of which can be turned on or off at the user's discretion). The NEX-5N also adds support for the new LA-EA2 SLT Alpha mount lens adapter which will also be compatible with the NEX-7.
Even with the addition of these enthusiast-friendly features the 5N still retains its appeal to compact upgraders. The same iAuto and Photo Creativity modes from the C3 are available on the 5N, along with a generous helping of the 'Picture Effects' creative processing options, available in PASM modes.
Sony NEX-5N specification highlights

•Touch-screen display

•Electronic First Curtain shutter

•Revised 16.1MP CMOS sensor

•ISO 100-25600

•10fps continuous shooting mode (at full resolution)

•In-camera CA, vignetting and distortion correction

•Auto ISO limit of 3200 (increased from ISO 1600 in NEX-5)

•Creative Control results-orientated user interface

•Picture Effects processing options

•1080p 60p HD movies in AVCHD format

Olympus PEN Mini / E-PM1 Hands-on Preview

The classically-styled PEN series has given Olympus the opportunity to draw attention to its film-era history of making small, popular cameras. But it wasn't just the size and style of the PEN and Trip cameras that helped their success - it was also their simplicity. And it's this ethos that explains the E-PM1, or PEN Mini as it is likely to be promoted to its target audience.

The logic behind the design is undeniable - the collapsible zoom and slightly smaller sensor of the PEN series (compared to Samsung's NX or Sony's NEX cameras), helps make the E-PM1 an impressively compact package, so far as large-sensor mirrorless cameras go. There'll still be arguments that it's not truly pocketable, but it's undeniably more convenient to carry than any DSLR.
So, depending on how you look at it, the PEN Mini is either the most simplistic mirrorless model yet, or most of the company's flagship E-5 DSLR for the cost of a high-end enthusiast compact. Either way, its combination of being both relatively small and relatively inexpensive is worth looking closely at.
For $200 more, the photographer wanting a camera to 'grow into' can get an E-PL3, which offers slightly more direct control, a mode dial and a tilting LCD screen, helping clarify the Mini's position as a large sensor camera for users who are happy to simply point and shoot. But, with its sensor being eight times larger than most compact cameras, it's still likely to be a very impressive point and shoot.
Of course, like its more expensive sister models, the Mini retains the ability to change lenses. Given that many of them cost as much as the camera again, we suspect many buyers won't ever do so (the overwhelming majority of entry-level DSLR users don't, either). But the option is there and the Micro Four Thirds lens range (from both Olympus and Panasonic), gives the beginner and intermediate user plenty of options if they chose to become more specialzed in their photography.

Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3 key specifications:

•Updated 12MP Live MOS sensor

•120 Hz 'Fast AF' focus system

•Clip-on flash (included)

•Built-in autofocus illuminator light

•460,000 dot fixed LCD screen (16:9 aspect ratio)

•Dual-core TruePic VI processor

•1080i60 movies in AVCHD format

•Shadow tone adjustment control

•Revised and expanded Art Filter mode
 

                                                              

Samsung WB750

12.5 megapixels

3" screen
24 – 432 mm (18×)

The Samsung WB750 is a compact superzoom with an 18x zoom lens. The camera is built around what the company says is a proprietary 12.5MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Despite its slim dimensions, the camera offers a 24-432mm equivalent zoom range with its F3.2-5.8 image stabilized lens. As well as being able to shoot 10 full-resolution frames per second, it can also capture 1080p30 HD video.





Samsung NX200

20.3 megapixels

3" screen
APS-C sensor

The Samsung NX200 rangefinder-style 20.3MP mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera is the latest in the NX series featuring a sleek new metal body wrapped around the latest APS-C CMOS sensor from the Korean manufacturer. It can shoot at 7 frames per second and capture 1080p30 HD video.



Samsung MV800

16.2 megapixels

3" screen
26 – 130 mm (5×)

The Samsung MV800 'MultiView' camera features an LCD panel that flips up to allow more flexible photography. Building on the company's two-LCD 'dualview' idea, the MV800 has a screen that flips all the way up, to allow you to see the 3.0" rear LCD while taking a self-portrait. The 16.2MP CCD-based camera has a 26-130mm equiv. lens to maximise its flexibility.

Pentax Optio RZ18

16.0 megapixels

3" screen
25 – 450 mm (18×)

The Pentax Optio RZ18 is a compact superzoom camera with 18x zoom lens. It combines a very flexible zoom range (25-450mm equivalent) with a 16MP image stabilized CCD sensor. It also features a 460,000 dot LCD and can shoot 720p HD video at 30 frames per second.

Ricoh GR Digital IV

10.0 megapixels

3" screen
28 mm

The Ricoh GR Digital IV high-end, fixed focal-length compacts is built around the company's GR Digital III 10MP 1/1.7" CCD sensor but gains sensor-shift image stabilization. It also adds 'Hybrid AF' that uses twin CMOS AF sensors allowing the camera to assess focus distance and bring focus times down to 0.2 sec (twice the speed of the GRD III). This, combined with the camera's distinctly photographer-focused interface and compact size, prompts the company to tout the GR Digital IV as a street-shooting tool. The camera also gains a high-resolution RGBW 1.23M dot LCD. There will also be a limited-edition white version for the first time.