9.3 out of 10

Sony NEX-5

14.2 megapixels

Information found in: from 247 sources in 28 countries

Best Price: $489

  • User Score (1127)
    8.7 8.7 from 1127 reviewers
  • Expert Score (50)
    8.5 8.5 from 50 reviewers
  • Design (6)
    8.2 8.2 from 6 reviewers
  • Value for money (9)
    9.2 9.2 from 9 reviewers
  • Features (16)
    9.5 9.5 from 16 reviewers
  • Ease of use (14)
    7.8 7.8 from 14 reviewers
  • Performance (20)
    9.5 9.5 from 20 reviewers
  • Picture quality (27)
    9.5 9.5 from 27 reviewers
  • Display (18)
    10 10 from 18 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (17)
    9.2 9.2 from 17 reviewers
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  • Best Prices

  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(22)
7-8
(28)
5-6
(0)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(366)
7-8
(125)
5-6
(37)
3-4
(29)
1-2
(24)
  • Expert Reviews

  1. DPexpert

    7 July 2011

    This is s a fine camera capable of producing lovely photographs. However, the drawback with using the larger sensor is the necessity for a larger lens, and in this case the bulk of the lens unbalances the overall design. Still, it is an excellent lens. And the APS-C sensor does give slightly better image quality than the smaller Micro Four-Thirds sensor. Read more

    • The image quality is excellent, with fine rendering of detail and generally good colour and exposure. Because it is essentially a Sony DSLR with the mirror removed the...
    • The inability to access important camera functions from buttons on the body is irritating. Setting the ISO speed is done through the multilayer menu system and in spit...
  2. goodgearguide.com.au

    review.goodgearguide.com.au
    28 September 2010

    Sony's Alpha NEX-5 bridges the gap between compact camera and digital SLR with some high-performance features. The Alpha NEX-5 embodies the out-of-the-box thinking that gadget fans often admire about Sony. This camera brings together features from both point-and-shoots and digital SLRs. Its high-performance features, which include the 14.2mp, APS-C CMOS sensor, a 25-point autofocus system, and a 7fps burst mode, go beyond the world of compact cameras. Read more

    • Small but comfortable to hold, great image quality
    • Lens-based image stabilisation
  3. PhotoReview

    8.5/10
    4 July 2010

    Although Sony claims its new NEX-5 as the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable-lens camera, this can only apply to the camera body itself, which is similar in size and shape to Sony's H-series digicams. Attach the low-profile E 16mm f/2.8 (SEL16F28) ‘pancake' lens and the camera remains just pocketable; fit the E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (SEL1855) zoom lens and you'd be hard pressed to get the camera into a jacket pocket. Read more

  4. Buy-n-Shoot.com

    Buy-n-Shoot.com
    8.2/10
    24 June 2010

    At the time of its Australian release (May 10, 2010) the NEX-5K was touted as the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera body and indeed has proven to be both of those things.The body alone weighs in at just 287g with both the battery and memory card on board and even when mounted with the 18-55mm lens, the entire unit remains remarkably lightweight. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. D-SLR versatility in a compact!

    Reviewer: Oceania, Camerasdirect
    2 February 2011

    On first impression, the Sony Alpha NEX-5 appeared to be just another compact with the added feature of being able to swop lenses! How wrong was I. This feature loaded camera has all the benefits of it's larger brothers without the bulk. Yes it is missing a view finder for the purist but the ability to angle the screen allows shooting from the hip or overhead with ease. Read more

    • High quality, Easy to Use, Durable
    • some minor delays when using high-speed multi-fram
  2. Sony Alpha NEX-5

    CNET
    10/10
    Reviewer: Arun, CNET
    28 September 2010

    Its as portable as point and shoot camera and picture quality is amazing. Read more

    • Size, built, picture quality
  • WikiFreak Description

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  • Manufacturer's Description

Sony NEX-5 with SEL 16mm F2.8 Lens Interchangeable Lens Digital CameraDSLR-style quality and shooting responses: compact and easy to use with interchangeable lenses14.2 megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, HD 1080i movie, 7.5cm LCD, Sweep Panorama.

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