Something about the Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 caught my eye. Small, light weight, HD video, interchangeable lens…
I mean, just looking at the pix of these cameras made me want one. I decided to take a closer look. Here’s what I found.
On the positive side…
- The cameras sport a new lens mount with a trio of lens that cover a decent range plus an adapter so you can use other Sony lenses. Interchangeable lenses in a camera at this price and size is pretty cool.
- These cameras use Sony’s new CMOS Exmor sensor and processor technology designed for video as much as for stills. This means fairly low noise HD video.
- They record in stereo audio and have an optional external stereo mic that can be mounted on the camera hot shoe.
- They record to both the Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo )and SD cards (including both SDHC and SDXC formats). Lots of choices for inexpensive media that matches what you already use.
- The LCD view finder tilts to help frame and focus when the camera is not at eye level.
On the not-so-positive side…
- There is no manual control of audio, no 1/8″ external microphone jack and no headphone jack. If you want decent audio you’ll need a dual system like any of the DSLR cameras on the market today.
- While these cameras do a better-than-average job of autofocus while shooting video that is a feature only useful to a consumer. Autofocus is one of the first things you should turn off when shooting serious video. You don’t want the camera deciding what the focus of the shot should be.
- There is no manual control of exposure. They provide some easy-to-use exposure control running the great tech inside the lens. Good for consumers, not for setting up great video shots.
- There is no manual control of shutter speed. That’s fine for home movies. Not so fine when you’re trying to get great film-like clips for your short feature.
- The NEX-5 can shoot 1080i60 HD video recorded in AVCHD format or 720p30 HD video in MP4 format. The NEX-3 shoots in 720p30 in MP4 format only. You’ll want to transcode either of these formats for editing. If you’re on a Mac you’ll need an MTS video player like free open-source VLC just to view your clips. Transcoding AVCHD on a Mac is still an issue. Windows users are a little luckier.
Of course, you can always use an adapter and go with a full manual control Nikon lens. Older Sony alpha lenses should give more manual control – depending on the lens.
But it’s you’re doing that, why wouldn’t you spend a little bit more and get a Canon 7D with manual control over so much more that’s important for video?
Want to see how the video looks for yourself?
Here’s a link to a solid review including downloadable raw footage showing the 1080i60 and 720p30 modes of an NEX-5. Lots of good info from a photographer/home video perspective.
Here’s the official Sony press release
These cameras are priced from USD $550 to $750, available for pre-order with delivery scheduled in June 2010
Bottom-line: If you need to shoot video for serious projects you’ll likely run into enough issues with either of these cameras to make you wish you’d gone with something else. Like I said, close but no cigar.
But they are so hot – I still want one!
