Digital camera industry has been facing the challenge posed by mirrorless DSLR — since the launch of 4/3 camera, many traditional DSLR users are seduced by a mirrorless as an additional tool. The biggest market of mirrorless DSLR is composed of regular DC users and female users, prompting Sony to join the fierce competition.

Following many hi-tech fairs showcasing mirrorless DSLR prototypes, the SonyαNEX series is currently the most compact out of all. Launched in May worldwide, accessories for the surprisingly petite digital camera will also be actualized soon.

The brand new Sony αNEX series adopts APS-C HD CMOS sensor mirrorless DSLR. The first offerings of the NEX series are NEX-5 and NEX-3 — although launched ever so slightly later than APS-C mirrorless DSLR Samsung NX10, NEX-5 is the most compact digital camera with its 229g weight. Aesthetic pleasing, designing has always been a strength in the Sony family.

Sony especially launched brand new E-mount interchangeable lenses alongside the NEX series — SEL1855(18 – 55mm, F3.5 – 5.6) and SEL16F28(16mm, F2.8). Come in gold and silver, they are pleasantly tactile. The 18 – 200mm lenses will be launched in August, αA-mount can also be used with the interchangeable LA-EA1. NEX is a new category for Sony, requiring considerable quantity of research. The Sony signatures are visible — the design, digital technology, high speed BIONZ image processor and Cyber-shot TX panorama scan.

The image processor of the NEX series is the brand new Exmor APS HD CMOS, with its ISO 12800 sensitivity. This equips the camera to capture DSLR quality image as well as 1080i HD film. NEX-5 can film in AVCHD or MPEG4 format; NEX-3 can only film in MPEG4 format. There is certain difference with the key functions on NEX-5 and NEX-3. NEX-5 is comparatively slimmer, the more prominent handle makes it comfortable to hold (even single-handedly).

The NEX series continues certain tradition of α camera, such as wide screen with 921,600 resolution, adjustable in 80 degrees upwards and 45 degrees downwards to accommodate creative shooting; compatible with SD and MS, the price point is shockingly friendly — certainly an attractive strategy to lure more DC users into the NEX camp.

Text: Siu Tin | Translation: dilettante
Photo: Anthony Chan (Product), Vincent Lau (Test Shot) | Update: 31 May 2010

SPECIFICATIONS
Effective Picture Resolution : 14.2 Megapixel
Imaging Sensor: 23.4 × 15.6mm APS-C HD CMOS
Lens Mount Type : Sony E-mount
Shutter Speeds: 1/4000 – 30 Seconds, bulb
ISO: Auto, 200 to 12800
Continuous Shooting Speed: Continuous (2.3fps) Speed Priority (7fps)
LCD Display: 3” TruBlack Xtra Fine LCD (921,600 Pixels)
Video Mode: 1920 × 1080 (NEX-5); 1280 × 720 (NEX-3)

Memory Card Slot: SD, SDHC, SDXC, MS PRO Duo, MS PRO-HG Duo
Number of Shots: Approx. 330 Images
Dimensions: 110.8 × 58.8 × 38.2mm (NEX-5); 117.2 × 62.6 × 33.4mm (NEX-3)
Weight (Excl Battery & Media): 229g (NEX-5); 239g (NEX-3)
Color (NEX-5): Black, Silver
Color (NEX-3): Black, Silver, Red and White

NEX-5 with SEL16F28 or SEL1855 Lens HKD $5,290
NEX-3 with SEL16F28 or SEL1855 Lens HKD$4,390
NEX-5 with SEL1855 or SEL16F28 Twin-Lens HKD$6,290
NEX-3 with SEL1855 or SEL16F28 Twin-Lens HKD$5,390
(Pre-Order: Until 23 June 2010, with a complimentary 16GB SD Card)

SONY NEX
+852 2345 2966
www.sonystyle.com.hk