I received my NEX5 in black w/18-55mm two weeks ago from Inkley's in Salt Lake City, and followed this up with the $99 offer for the 16mm lens.
As a user and not a guy who derives a living from doing nothing but testing camera's, I hope to give a less stoic and critical review. To be fair and establish how I ended up with this camera, I will give a short history. I started with a Pentax SLR in HS photography back in 76/77. After many years away I started in the never-ending upgrade from 1 mp cameras, up to my most powerful Canon 5D Mark II. My most recent transition was from the Nikon D80, to the Canon 5D, then to the Mark II. I do not have a brand loyalty, but clearly spoken I prefer the Nikon body's and menus, although I believe the L-series lenses by Canon are far superior to any other. After a few years of doing weddings and freelance outdoors work, I finally fatigued from carrying two bodies, 3-4 lenses, all the support gear, and sold it all. Not willing to give photography up I spend a few months looking for an not finding the best of the portable and DSLR hybrid. When Sony announced the NEX line my ears perked up. Thank goodness I was not waiting for a newly announced Canon or it could have been six months before anyone, let alone me, got our hands on it.
To start, I have not pounded the camera, but I have used it for several days, and took it on two short trips. I also did not purchase this thinking I was getting a smaller, equally competent 5D Mark II replacement. I was hoping for a limited subset of "best of" features.
1. Yes, I will admit I have used (and like) the automatic function, which has been as good or better than any automated photography that I have been involved with.
2. The auto stitching in the panorama is flawless.
3. The HDR produces visible reproductive representations, very close to what my 50 year old eyes recognize.
4. As a dyslexic, I am in love with the visual menuing system. Within 15 minutes I had a clear understanding of how it worked, where things were, and how to quickly access everything I regularly use.
5. The fit and finish is what you would expect from a prosumer DSLR.
6. The 18-55mm is quick, and seems to produce zoom over its 55mm (x1.5) rating.
7. I have not used the 16mm as of yet. It is light and emotionally its light weight makes it feel cheap, but recognize that is a statement made in ignorance as I stated it is unused.
8. The display is flawless, and very clear in direct sunlight. This from a guy who had lasik two week prior to buying it. The display is tight, and will take some getting used to when it comes to using it.
9. At first it took some time to get used to having the play button on top, but now it makes since.
10. The video is fantastic, and having had the chance to measure it against the results of my Mark II, I am hard pressed to find a flaw in comparison.
11. Opposite of at least two reviews; I like the screw-in flash/viewfinder/other accessory. I don't have all my tools in my bag at the same time, as long as I have the tools I need when I need them.
On the could be better for me side of the fence.
1. I hate proprietary batteries, but carrying a second gives me between 670 - 720 exposures.
2. Where is the 18-200mm? I wish all of the camera mfg's would release when their first series of accessories/lenses are actually available.
3. I would like to have a slightly larger grip, but might be able to get that with the leather two piece case.
4. The PSAM functions of the camera are limited when compared to full DSLR's, but not when contrasted against its competition.
5. I personally think the $799 (two lens) price is high, but Nick (the sales guy) did not chase me down and threaten me if I did not buy it.
6. Although not industry standard, it would be nice (considering cost) if Sony included the wall power unit.
7. It would have been nice to see a five lens offering right out of the gate, but I fully expect Sony to rise to the market demand, if such a demand is present.
My uneducated summary - This is a near flawless camera for those looking for a middle gate camera that pokes its head into the prosumer market space, does so for a competitive price, and with a feature set that no sane person would be justified in complaining over. I would easily give this camera a 9 of 10 rating, and see several other ratings that reek of elitism and separatism.
For the “PRO” photographer who has long since established that "you cannot be an artist unless you are a full on full-frame DSLR brand zealot"; there is always a more puritanical (bigger fish) argument. You are beginners to the medium and large format digital guys, they are wannabe’s to the puritans who are die hard 35mm film folks, and they are non-sentient to the medium and large format film folks, etc. If you stick your heads into the critic space; remember where you came from, understand that not everyone knows what took you years to learn, and whenever possible – compare in class to be as fair as is possible. I.e. you would never compare the D90 to the D3X.
Best of luck and blue skies.
As a user and not a guy who derives a living from doing nothing but testing camera's, I hope to give a less stoic and critical review. To be fair and establish how I ended up with this camera, I will give a short history. I started with a Pentax SLR in HS photography back in 76/77. After many years away I started in the never-ending upgrade from 1 mp cameras, up to my most powerful Canon 5D Mark II. My most recent transition was from the Nikon D80, to the Canon 5D, then to the Mark II. I do not have a brand loyalty, but clearly spoken I prefer the Nikon body's and menus, although I believe the L-series lenses by Canon are far superior to any other. After a few years of doing weddings and freelance outdoors work, I finally fatigued from carrying two bodies, 3-4 lenses, all the support gear, and sold it all. Not willing to give photography up I spend a few months looking for an not finding the best of the portable and DSLR hybrid. When Sony announced the NEX line my ears perked up. Thank goodness I was not waiting for a newly announced Canon or it could have been six months before anyone, let alone me, got our hands on it.
To start, I have not pounded the camera, but I have used it for several days, and took it on two short trips. I also did not purchase this thinking I was getting a smaller, equally competent 5D Mark II replacement. I was hoping for a limited subset of "best of" features.
1. Yes, I will admit I have used (and like) the automatic function, which has been as good or better than any automated photography that I have been involved with.
2. The auto stitching in the panorama is flawless.
3. The HDR produces visible reproductive representations, very close to what my 50 year old eyes recognize.
4. As a dyslexic, I am in love with the visual menuing system. Within 15 minutes I had a clear understanding of how it worked, where things were, and how to quickly access everything I regularly use.
5. The fit and finish is what you would expect from a prosumer DSLR.
6. The 18-55mm is quick, and seems to produce zoom over its 55mm (x1.5) rating.
7. I have not used the 16mm as of yet. It is light and emotionally its light weight makes it feel cheap, but recognize that is a statement made in ignorance as I stated it is unused.
8. The display is flawless, and very clear in direct sunlight. This from a guy who had lasik two week prior to buying it. The display is tight, and will take some getting used to when it comes to using it.
9. At first it took some time to get used to having the play button on top, but now it makes since.
10. The video is fantastic, and having had the chance to measure it against the results of my Mark II, I am hard pressed to find a flaw in comparison.
11. Opposite of at least two reviews; I like the screw-in flash/viewfinder/other accessory. I don't have all my tools in my bag at the same time, as long as I have the tools I need when I need them.
On the could be better for me side of the fence.
1. I hate proprietary batteries, but carrying a second gives me between 670 - 720 exposures.
2. Where is the 18-200mm? I wish all of the camera mfg's would release when their first series of accessories/lenses are actually available.
3. I would like to have a slightly larger grip, but might be able to get that with the leather two piece case.
4. The PSAM functions of the camera are limited when compared to full DSLR's, but not when contrasted against its competition.
5. I personally think the $799 (two lens) price is high, but Nick (the sales guy) did not chase me down and threaten me if I did not buy it.
6. Although not industry standard, it would be nice (considering cost) if Sony included the wall power unit.
7. It would have been nice to see a five lens offering right out of the gate, but I fully expect Sony to rise to the market demand, if such a demand is present.
My uneducated summary - This is a near flawless camera for those looking for a middle gate camera that pokes its head into the prosumer market space, does so for a competitive price, and with a feature set that no sane person would be justified in complaining over. I would easily give this camera a 9 of 10 rating, and see several other ratings that reek of elitism and separatism.
For the “PRO” photographer who has long since established that "you cannot be an artist unless you are a full on full-frame DSLR brand zealot"; there is always a more puritanical (bigger fish) argument. You are beginners to the medium and large format digital guys, they are wannabe’s to the puritans who are die hard 35mm film folks, and they are non-sentient to the medium and large format film folks, etc. If you stick your heads into the critic space; remember where you came from, understand that not everyone knows what took you years to learn, and whenever possible – compare in class to be as fair as is possible. I.e. you would never compare the D90 to the D3X.
Best of luck and blue skies.
. I'm pretty impressed too. The NEX5 is very comfortable to hold and carry, quick to autofocus, and produces very nice files.
Bringing this up for some fresh eyes - comments welcome, too.
