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Sony NEX-5N: compact system camera

  • Launched: August 2011 Type: Compact system camera Sensor: APS-C 23.5 x 15.6mm CMOS Resolution: 16.1MP Kit lens: 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Movies: Full HD 
Summary: The NEX-5N is the next step up from the NEX-C3 and one step down from the NEX-7. It has an SLR-size APS-C sensor in a compact, magnesium alloy body, and full auto modes for beginners and advanced manual modes for experts. Its advanced high-speed technology means it can shoot continuously at 10 frames per second.

Key features
• The APS-C format 16.2 megapixel sensor is the same as you might find in a modern digital SLR, yet the NEX-5N body is a fraction of the size.

• Sony NEX cameras take new E-mount lenses, though it’s also possible to attach Sony SLR A-mount lenses using an adaptor.

• The NEX-5N shoots full HD movies and offers full manual control as well as automatic modes. It saves movies in the efficient AVCHD format which maintains quality while keeping movie file sizes to a minimum.

• The NEX-5N’s Speed Priority mode enables it to shoot at 10 frames per second, a speed  only matched by very expensive, professional digital SLRs.

• The NEX-5N automatically corrects corner shading (vignetting), distortion and chromatic aberration according to the lens in use.

• Advanced ‘multi-frame imaging’ technology allows a number of specialised modes, including Sony’s pioneering Sweep Panorama and 3D Sweep Panorama (you need a 3D Bravia TV to view these).

• Auto HDR mode combines three separate exposures taken in quick succession into a single high dynamic range image.

• Handheld Twilight and Anti-Motion Blur modes combine six shots taken in quick succession to produce smooth, low noise images at high ISO settings and sharp images in low-light conditions.

• The ‘Photo Creativity’ interface replaces technical terms with easy-to-understand alternatives, such as ‘background defocus’, ‘brightness’, and ‘colour’.

• In-camera ‘Picture Effects’ for both stills and movies, such as Partial Color, Retro and Toy Camera.

• The high-resolution rear LCD tilts vertically to make it easier to compose shots with the camera at waist level or slightly overhead.

Full specifications
  • Sensor: 23.5 x 15.6mm APS-C format CMOS
  • Megapixels: 16.1
  • Kit lens: 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6
  • Image stabilisation: Lens shift
  • Autofocus: 25-point hybrid contrast-detection AF, manual focus
  • Closest focus: 0.25m (18-55mm kit lens)
  • Metering: Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
  • ISO: 100-25600
  • Shutter speeds: 30-1/4000sec
  • LCD: 3-inch, 921K dots
  • Viewfinder: No
  • Flash: External (supplied), Guide No 7 at ISO 100
  • Modes: Program AE, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, Manual, Scene modes
  • Continuous shooting: 10fps in Speed Priority mode
  • Movies: Full HD 1920 x 1080
  • File types: JPEG, RAW, AVCHD, MP4
  • Memory: Memory Stick Pro Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • Battery life: 410 shots (CIPA)
  • Dimensions: 110.8 x 58.5 x 38.2mm, 210g (body only)

Links
Sony UK press release
Sony UK product page