Review based on a production NEX-5N with firmware 01
The Sony Alpha NEX-5N is the fourth model in Sony's NEX line of APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Just as the NEX-C3 replaces the NEX-3, the 5N is a direct replacement for its predecessor the NEX-5, using the company's latest 16.1MP CMOS sensor in place of the previous 14MP chip. Although the 5N is nearly indistinguishable from the NEX-5 on the outside (and is bound to be regarded as such by many casual observers), it is actually a very different camera, and one that is worthy of serious attention.
The two most significant changes to the NEX-5N compared to the NEX-5 are its new sensor, which we have been very impressed by in the NEX-C3, and the addition of a touch interface - unique in Sony's current Alpha lineup. When images of the first NEX cameras appeared, many people assumed their lack of buttons indicated touch-sensitive operation, so it's interesting to see a touchscreen finally appearing on the 5N.
While the NEX-3 and 5 were close siblings, differentiated mostly by styling and HD video capability, the NEX-5N and NEX-C3 are more like cousins. The 5N has a wider ISO range, spanning 100 - 25600 (equivalent) and adds support for the new FDA-EV1S electronic viewfinder. Like the co-announced NEX-7, the 5N also offers the option of using an electronic first-curtain shutter that promises to substantially reduce shutter lag. Furthermore, when paired with native E-mount lenses, it gains the capability to compensate for certain optical aberrations (namely lateral CA, vignetting and distortion - each of which can be turned on or off at the user's discretion). The NEX-5N also adds support for the new LA-EA2 SLT Alpha mount lens adapter which will also be compatible with the NEX-7.
Even with the addition of these enthusiast-friendly features the 5N still retains its appeal to compact upgraders. The same iAuto and Photo Creativity modes from the C3 are available on the 5N, along with a generous helping of the 'Picture Effects' creative processing options, available in PASM modes.
The NEX-5N is almost identical to the 5 in terms of form, but there have been some significant changes made to its function. The 5N's new stand-out feature is the introduction of a touchscreen that provides alternative access the the camera's operational controls, as well as adding few additional features that take advantage of this input method.
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| Cosmetically, the NEX-5N (on the right) is nearly identical to the NEX-5, with the exception of a slightly angled top-casing and a silver flair around the power switch. The overall appearance of the 5N has been further streamlined by creating a single magnesium-allow top plate. The hand-grip material has has a more refined feel too, but doesn't seem to offer any more grip. |
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 Sony NEX-5N |
 Sony NEX-5 |
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| Sensor | • 16.1 million effective pixels | • 14.2 million effective pixels |
| Body construction | • Magnesium alloy (front and top plate) | • Magnesium alloy (front plate) |
| Maximum shooting rate | • 10 FPS | • 7 FPS |
| Electronic Viewfinder | • Optional accessory | • No |
| SLT Adapter support | • Yes | • No* |
| LCD touch-screen | • Yes | • No |
| Lens aberration correction | • Yes | • No |
| Video | • 1080 60i/p (AVCHD) | • 1080 60i (AVCHD) |
| Sensitivity | • ISO 100 - 25,600 | • ISO 200 - 12,800 |
| Electronic first curtain shutter | • Yes | • No |
* At the time of writing the LA-EA2 is only compatible with the NEX-5N and NEX-7 but Sony tells us that compatability will be added to the NEX-5/NEX-3/NEX-C3/VG10 in a future firmware update.
The Olympus PEN series have, historically, been geared more towards the enthusiast crowd than Sony's NEX cameras which have been marketed primarily towards compact upgraders. However, with the 5N's new bevy of customization options and expanded features, that line is becoming blurred.
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| The NEX-5N is impressively small - as you can see in this comparison with the Olympus E-PL3, it's the same width but sits lower and has sections of its base cut away to reduce its overall volume. However, the 5N's larger sensor means the lens is considerably larger than the collapsing unit on the PEN and, unlike the Olympus, the NEX-5N doesn't have built-in image stabilization. |  |
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| From the top down, the NEX-5N's generously-sized hand grip is obvious, and so is the supermodel-thin body, compared to the E-PL3. This is partly an optical illusion - the 5N's lens mount protrudes from the body and looks, here, as if it is part of the lens. Also apparent in this view is the 5N's unadorned top plate. Unlike the E-PL3, there is no exposure mode dial, and no hotshoe. Even the 5N's flash connector is concealed behind a door. |
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital
Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help
you understand some of the terms used).
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Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions. Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of the image, clicking on the image will display a larger (typically VGA) image in a new window. To navigate the review simply use the next / previous page buttons, to jump to a particular section either pick the section from the drop down or select it from the navigation bar at the top. DPReview calibrate their monitors using Color Vision OptiCal at the (fairly well accepted) PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the (computer generated) grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C. |
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This article is Copyright 2011 and may NOT in part or in whole be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author.
Sony NEX-5N 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Touchscreen Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black) | $660.00 |
Sony NEX-5RK/B 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lenses (Black) | $510.00 |
Sony NEX-5N 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Touchscreen Camera With 18-55mm Lens (Silver) | $769.00 |
Sony NEX-5N 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Camera with Touchscreen - Body Only (Black) | $598.00 |
Sony Alpha NEX5K/B Digital Camera with 18-55mm Interchangeable Lens - Black | $574.99 |
Sony NEX-5RK/S 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Silver) | $550.00 |
Sony NEX-3NL/B Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera Kit (Black) | $448.00 |
Sony NEX-5R/B 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD - Body Only (Black) | $438.00 |
Sony Alpha NEX-7 Digital Camera Body & E 18-55mm OSS Lens (Black) with E 55-210mm Lens + 64GB Card + Backpack + Battery + Tripod + Filters + Tele/Wide Lenses Kit | $1,499.95 |
Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/18-55mm Lens... | $399.99 |
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