Sony offers NEX-5N adjustment for users experiencing video clicking

I'm going to hold out for the new NEX-5 1/2 N , unless Sony adds a can of WD40 in every box of the 5N.

Oct 8, 2011permalink

cactusgeorge

Has anyone bought an 5N recently? Does the clicking problem persist in the new shipments? Also, has anyone had theirs repaired and want to comment on the 'adjustments' effectiveness?

Oct 8, 2011permalink

kaptainkatsu

i'll get mine on monday and can report if the clicking is in new models

Oct 9, 2011permalink

onestopnyc

I just got mine back from Sony and the clicking is gone.

Oct 9, 2011permalink

Stripey1964

I bought mine 2 days ago - 6th Jan 2012 - from the Sony Centre, Oxford, UK and yes - mine clicks.

Jan 8, 2012permalink

abolit

I recently gave up on the camera like Sony NEX 5N, Sony HX9V, etc expecting them to be "like" professional video devices. Why? Because they are not. It will be always something about them that make customers not happy. In this case it's a clicking noise which Sony refuses to fix properly. I'm not sure whether something similar will happens to new NEX7.
Anyway. I got Nikon D7000 for stills and Canon XF100 for video.
Very happy now. No half-backed units anymore.

Sep 29, 2011permalink

FoolyCooly

They should just bundle it with a good external mic and call it a day.

Sep 27, 2011permalink

lancespring

The NEX-5N has no input available for using an external microphone with it.

Sep 28, 2011permalink

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF15geAmmjg
.

Or bundle it with a tube of graphite or silicone to squirt into the leveling sensor, along with monthly dosage recommendations.

Sep 28, 2011permalink

emportal

@lancespring There is a mic that you can get for the NEX5N.
ECMSST1
:D

Sep 30, 2011permalink

jespdj

@lancespring: That is not entirely true - it does not have a standard connector for an external mic, but one of the accessories you can get from Sony for the NEX-5N is an external microphone, which plugs in on the external flash connector on the top.

Oct 1, 2011permalink

presiden

Just called sony customer service hotline for the fix solution.
The operator confirmed that the solution was just to add some lubricant to the clicking part.
Obviously this is not a fix at all...

Sep 27, 2011permalink

lancespring

I had to return my NEX-5N It was clicking even when I was standing still and not moving, and also gave bursts of clicking when not only I was stationary, but also when I was not doing any panning either. So at least on my NEX-5N, the problem was quite severe and unacceptable.

Here is a video that I recorded, showing how I would get clicking even when I was standing still and not panning the camera:

Sep 27, 2011permalink

cactusgeorge

Video=
Wow, that's really unacceptable.

Sep 28, 2011permalink

Low Budget Dave

I am with Lance on this one. I do not believe there was anything loose in there. The clicking on my camera sounds electronic. My guess is that they are just adding a noise clipping filter to the audio software until they can figure it out.

Sep 28, 2011permalink

Low Budget Dave

This is spiin ccontrol from SONY. My 5N takes great pictures, but cliicks llike a tin rooof in a hailstorm.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

onestopnyc

I have the same problem here, just called SONY and they are not owning up to it. First of all, they don't tell you what they are planing on doing, it's just an adjustment. Now I tested the problem and I wasn't on a trampoline doing back flips. I was slowly walking with the camera and you would get a constant click. Sites like this one needs to put the pressure on Sony and issue a DO NOT BUY until they come clean with what the issue is and what they are doing to fix it. I live on the east coast and all sony is doing is sending you a shipping label for ground to go to texas (pretty much 4 days each way, plus 5-7 days to work on the camera. I had to to make a big deal just to be able to get them to upgrade to overnight shipping. And do not send your camera in the original box because they will trash it when they receive it, per customer relations person.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

Michael49

The clicking is pretty obvious.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhINnJA2gxM

Sep 26, 2011permalink

Thotee

I'm ready to purchase my Nex 5N...and then this? Just great.

Sep 25, 2011permalink

azhestiga

me too......maybe get C3 instead.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

C3 is nice, but has fewer video options. NEX-7 better, but costs more, and better to see real reviews first.

Sep 28, 2011permalink

ntsan

Better to wait for new patch of click-free 5Ns, better resale value thank clicker 5N

Sep 25, 2011permalink

Unfortunately, that may be precisely what thos click-free 5Ns turn out to be: a 5N with a tissue or patch stuck in, plus a cut in the mic sensitivity. Liveable, perhaps, if the dampening does not leave the audio low qualilty.

As for resale value, the true test is the price you'd get from the people who say the worries about the clicking are false or overblown. Hmmm. Does that mean they'd pay close to full retail price? Don't count on it.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

justmeMN

I wonder what they are going to adjust, the orientation sensor, the microphone, or something else.

Sep 25, 2011permalink

roger qian

My 5N does the"click" sound as well. I just received it a couple of days ago.
Anyone called Sony and what they say about ship back?

Sep 25, 2011permalink

roger qian

I called Sony this morning and got processed a return for a "Adjustment" not a repair because Sony thinks that is NOT a problem. The "adjustment" only can reduce the clicking noise and cannot eliminate it.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

My 5N clicks also. :( And it's not only when I do sudden jerking movements with the camera or panning too fast. It seems if I pan the camera a little quick at first and then continue slowly moving, it continues clicking. So it's not just with rapid or vigorous movement.
Click click click
Got a Sony 5N
Move too quick
Gotta shoot again

Pan a little slower
Click click click
Now a little lower
Click click click

Move a little higher
Click click click
Getting very tired
Click click click

Sep 25, 2011permalink

Harry Lane

Shame on you Sony for not advising all to have this blatant product defect repaired. All your advertisements point to the action capabilities of the Sony 5n.

For you, the video capabilities of the 5n are perfectly fine if your sitting at your seat shooting video of your 5 year old at the school play. So what happens when your kid turns 7 and you're the proud parent at the front row getting up to shoot video of his game? Surprise! The camera has just turned the excitement of the situation into... Go go Br..click..an click ou click can do click. And your warranty just expired.

And it might be fine if you are on a safari shooting elephants walking across a stream, but as soon as you take the rainforest tour of Costa Rica and see monkeys swinging from tree to tree and decide to pan fast you get the annoying click click.

Why even have video image stabilization in the camera?

You're terrible Sony, you could sell your overpriced products before because your reputation was excellent.

Sep 25, 2011permalink

Ibida Bab

Allow me to guess. This model is not made in Japan.

Sep 25, 2011permalink

The problem is in the design, not where the units were made. The other problem is that product testing (and reviews) give scant attention to audio, either because people don't think it matters, or because it's assumed that any serious video would involve external mics or separate recording.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

bob-one

I have handle two different Nex 5n's at two different camera stores neither camera had the clicking sound . I tried panny in both still and video modes , normal panny speeds and vigorous shaking of the cameras no clicking. I think Sony knows exactly what was screwed up in assembly and or bad parts that need to be correct in the camera and fix the issue. I think Sony is trying to stay ahead of the classic action law suits will get larger media play (outside the camera community). In the U.S. Sony's (unfairly) got a bad reputation for selling over price electronics no longer made in Japan in the third world assemble plants with dubious quality records . Sony a big company a N.J. or NY. attorney general love to free publicity filing a consumer law suits against. So for once I think Sony's doing the smart thing a offering to fix the busted part/ assemble issue causing the clicking issue if you got a bad camera. As Clint Eastwood once said in a spaghetti western "Bravo" Sony.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Eric Peltzer

Firstly, I have a Canon 5D II and a Canon HD video camcorder. The 5N in most ways is better than either or both. I've shot hours of video with the 5N, reviewed it closely, never got a single click. So last night I took it out and shook it pretty vigorously on video, and yeah, I can hear clicks. The picture doing this is not even close to usable, a shaky incomprehensible mess.

I take a lot of video & try pretty hard to keep the camera steady. But I do walk around with it & film the kids etc. On one shot my kids were in a push car tearing around the driveway in circles. I sat in the center & panned the camera halfway around, then quickly panned the camera in the other direction to pick them up circling around again, repeat. No clicking. So, again, it's a violent shake that produces this phenomenon.

But, from the sound of it there may be some cameras where the problem is worse than mine and occurs at lower accelerations. For me it's completely a non-issue. Awesome camera.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Eric Peltzer: "...I have a Canon 5D II and a Canon HD video camcorder. The 5N in most ways is better than either or both."

You don't say? How so? The reasons would be more interesting than what you say about the (according to you) non-problem of clicks, for which there is evidence others can observe.

Anyway, are you telling the world Sony should not have bothered to offer a fix, or that you won't take the trouble to get it?

Not many EP postings in the last 11 years. Why all the bother to defend Sony over something you claim is a non-issue? If you think Sony has been done wrong, then by all means upload your click-free action video samples.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

freddingo

I hadn't shot any video with my 5n, but when I read there was clicking issues I took it out for a quick test. Mine clicks when I slowly move it from horizontal to vertical or do anything faster then a slow pan shot. Hopefully the repair / fix will correct the issue. Sounds like some cameras are better than others...

Sep 27, 2011permalink

CameraLabTester

Sony, next time: don't use CHEAP orientation detectors.

Shake any new DSLR or compact and they have these noises...
The more expensive ones don't.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

craiglester

Exactly.. im sure for a couple of bucks more they could have got solid state ones.. heck if it's in my phone.. they can put it in a camera.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Greg Gebhardt

The 5N is too good of a camera to turn your back on due to the clicking. Most will not even use the video function anyway. Regardless it is worth returning to get fixed even though my 5N is temp till the 7 arrives.

This is not the "PR Mess" you think. Sony has done the right thing and they will do quite nicely.

To many whiners here!

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Disagree.

Sony clearly advertises the 5N's features as a camera and a camera that takes video. They charge MORE for the 5N than the C3 because it will do 1080P, 10fps, etc, etc.

However, they do not advertise that the 5N has an apparent flaw. The extent of the flaw and the dissatisfaction for each consumer is patently hidden.

"To many whiners here!", you say?

I say Sony has clearly created a device that has a serious flaw that renders on of the advertised features (video recording) virtually useless.

I know, I have owned BOTH cameras.

Sony gets thumbs up for acknowledging the issue, but failed miserably when it came to quality control.

Would you buy a new car with one flat tire?

Sep 24, 2011permalink

I agree about the 5N being too good to return but Sony does have a mess here. A lot of unhappy buyers. If too many people return their purchases it could mean the end of the 5N.

Sep 25, 2011permalink

slaybells

"Most will not even use the video function anyway" - HUGE assumption. The specs of the 5N include 50fps 1080p video, one of the few cameras that offer this right now. A lot of people are looking closely at this for precisely this reason, as well as a few others (APS-C DoF, ISO performance, manual controls, EVF..)

So for those who do video, this IS a huge PR mess (never mind a QA disaster - heads will definitely roll). It seems to me that rather than 'do the right thing', they have 'bowed to the inevitable', as evidenced by their wording. The recall should be unconditional.

Sep 25, 2011permalink

Greg Gebhardt: "Most will not even use the video function anyway."

Haw, haw. Yeah. Haw, haw. I'll wager you're a bit off the mark, as well as less than candid.

You can also drive a car without an odometer, A/C, or seatbelts. Use an umbrella if the roof leaks. Who listens to the radio, so why care if it doesn't work. Just whistle your own tune! Buy your own spare tire if the one supplied is no good. Tape on a flashlight if the headlights don't work. But, goll-durnit, you'd return the darn lemon car in 24 hours if it had a rattling or clicking noise.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

BGhouse

Talk about a PR mess, the first several reviews on Sony's NEX5n page is blasting the camera for the noise. Not gonna be inspiring to prospective buyers doing their due diligence ...

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Sony's site says "sudden motion" can cause the clicks.

Furthest thing from the truth.

Darned thing clicks when walking while recording video.

Walking is hardly "sudden".

I returned my NEX 5N.

Sony has a lemon on their hands.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

ianimal

Nice that Sony offer a fix.
But would be interesting to know what the issue was and how they fixed it.
And how can we be sure when we buy the camera that it is updated?
Also interesting to read what people report when they have had their camera
updated by Sony.

Anyway, good. So now I just hope for a firmware update later that give
us audio gain control in video mode.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

(unknown member)

This is a real shame. It is going to be expensive because the user is almost forced to send in the camera, unless the user plans to keep the camera until it dies of old age, and I'm sure Sony has sold a lot of these already. This is a case where I wish they had ignored the "problem". My concern is that the "fix" will have a negative effect on photos. It's a great little camera. In any case, I will wait until the end of the warranty period, so as to avoid the rush.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

jl_smith

The clicking can be heard in my camera even with smooth panning or slight tilting from one side to the other. It's definitely there and can be annoying if you're looking for it.

I tested the camera several times on video clips to make sure I wasn't just jerking the camera or rubbing a metal clip or something on the body, but nope it's there and it doesn't require jerking around in a lot of cases.

Even so, I'm not sending mine in - don't care about video that much.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

MarinoDiMare

I'd send it in anyway if I were you, if only for future resale value.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Is it really true that it only happens when you move it vigorously? Because whoever records video that sloppily couldn't possibly care about a slight clicking sound. Is Sony trying to downplay it?

Sep 24, 2011permalink

wetsleet

My Nikon D70 also clicks if I shake it about a bit. It doesn't affect me as I don't use it for video recording :)
It worried me the first time I heard it, until I worked out that it was just the tilt switch (which records the picture orientation). Maybe it is the same thing in the Sony?

Sep 24, 2011permalink

zorgon

Now how long do we have to wait before we can buy one of these "fixed" versions?

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Seriously ? I just couldn't wait to put my hands on a 5N and now Sony wants me to send it back to them ? Are they kidding me ?
Fortunately, I barely use the video function but on the other hand I have to say that I'm deeply disappointed with Sony. How could they miss the "clicking" ? This is not something which appears after a year or two or after extensive usage. It seems that almost every 5N has the same issue. How could they miss it ?!
The only REAL solution would be to offer owners and exchange: Sony sends customers a new camera and they send the old one back within a certain time frame. Of course this won't happen, it would cost Sony a fortune but this would be the ONLY way how to handle this whole mess.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

KEG

Sound like your are a spoiled kid, this is an example of a perfect service.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

I disagree.

Sony SHOULD do as the RC suggests.

Sony put out a dud.

I cannot believe they put the NEX 5N out with this flaw.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

"Sound like your are a spoiled kid, this is an example of a perfect service."

Perfect service? They did just what they had to do to avoid more expensive and damaging consequencies, like law suits and more severe loss of reputation. Perfect service would be to first send the customer a replacement camera, and then take the malfunctioning one back. Customers have just purchased a new camera, and now they have to spend a minimum of one week (often probably two) without it, and send the camera back at their own cost.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

Jun2

Oh, Yea. I am the master of sudden motion.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

novak977

For anyone with just a bit of elementary education in video recording there is no issue.
This is not pixel peeping - this is way worse - in normal shooting situations, regular panning, and moving, there is no clicking.
Only if you start shaking it - or moving it quite dast teh way you would normally do, you would here the sound.
I have few hours already with it, and never heard a click/
I will fix it, too, but mostly for the resale reasons. And I am sure it will be a proper fix as Sony doesn't need this kind of PR.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

TommyPhoto

This point is completely moot. It's a design flaw and it doesn't require quick or wild movement to produce the "click".

I've you somehow managed to receive a camera that's performing better than the average in terms of "clicking", you should be happy, and you should NOT take advantage of this fix that is intended for those having a problem. You're kinda contradicting yourself, not only in terms of not having the problem but still fixing it but also by defending Sony and then still waste their money.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

D8334

It does require sudden movement. Also it is only noticable when ambient sound levels are very low.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Yup a total design flaw.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

slaybells

I saw a youtube video (from another DP thread) where there was clicking while the videographer was practically stationary.

I guess it is more serious on some 5N cameras more than others...

Sep 25, 2011permalink

"It does require sudden movement."

Oh, because it does require suddent movement on your camera, it's the same with everybody elses? You seem to imply, that every product defect always manifests itself equally, and if one example of a product doesn't have the defect, none of them does.

"Also it is only noticable when ambient sound levels are very low."

So don't shoot those quiet moments? Sing while you shoot? Mix some rap, techo, rock etc. to your finished video?

Sep 26, 2011permalink

Calvin Chann

Not a problem for me as I do not shoot video :)

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Wayne77

Until any of you "FAIL" whiners complaining that "this is not a fix" send your camera in for a fix, get it back, and do more test videos to see what the results are, you have no idea how effective it will be. So stop complaining, send your cameras in and get em fixed. Until then simmer down. This "adjustment" may be plenty adequate. Or not. Just be patient. Expecting them to re-engineer the internals aint gonna happen.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

GTRSHNKASN

This not a fix. They will just shoe horn some dampening thing inside the camera body. Clicking will still be evident just not as noticeable. Why would you want to give them your brand new 5N to disasemble anyways.

SONY FIX THE PROBLEM not cover it up !

Sep 24, 2011permalink

viking79

I imagine they wouldn't recall the cameras only to have their fix not help the problem. Doesn't sound like they are covering it up to me.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

The fix:

* cover-up: duct tape and gauze over the click source?
* ear-plug: cut the mic sensitivity?
* troll: a little doll that squawks: "be quiet, you whinner"?

Option 3 would be cheapest for Sony, since so many appear willing to do that for free. Some of them also insist that the whinners simply don't know how to hold a camera perfectly still, or are stupid to shoot video anyway. Nice advice, indeed.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

jcmarfilph

Lol.. The Holy Fail camera not the Holy Grail!

Sep 24, 2011permalink

pixelmess

FAIL.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Jeff Morris

H Alan,

I sold my D700 last month because I was sure the D700/800/700S etc. was coming out soon.

Duhhhhhhhhhhh, the price of new and used D700's went through the roof and no replacement in sight. So, I am sitting on the cash and waiting. i did not shoot often with the D700 (My favorite photo tool ever!) But I miss it non the less. I hope the replacement comes out soon.

Regards,

Sep 24, 2011permalink

Ashley Pomeroy

Why didn't you just keep the D700, and continuing photographing things with it? You liked it, you miss it. Now you've got no camera and some money that is decreasing in value.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

SDF

Good job Sony for "man-up" and fix the problem.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

chyll2

They did not fixed the problem. They will only offer adjustment to reduce the clicking sound.

And what is so "man up" with Sony?. They wont even acknowledge that their camera is really defective and partly blames the user for not using their product right.

(This phenomenon occurs if the camera undergoes sudden motion while recording; motion generally inconsistent with smooth video recording.)

Cmon, every P&S, DSLR, Cam Phone that shoot videos don't even have this clicking PHENOMENON whenever I shoot with "sudden motion inconsistent with smooth video"

Sep 24, 2011permalink

CFynn

Actually there are numerous reports and complaints of a similar sound occurring when Canon (and some other) cameras are moved erratically while shooting video.

Seems to have something to do with the orientation sensor in many cameras and is amplified by the built in mike. It may not be quite as noticeable in a DSLR which has a bigger body to absorb the sound or in cameras with a less sensitive mike.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

EOSHD

The plastic behind the lens mount is loose and wobbly on my NEX 5N, and similar on the NEX 3. When you shake the camera it rattles. Could this be the problem?

Sep 24, 2011permalink

"Actually there are numerous reports and complaints of a similar sound occurring when Canon (and some other) cameras are moved erratically while shooting video. "

Erratically? Like walking with the camera, or panning moderately?

Sep 26, 2011permalink

"if the camera undergoes sudden motion while recording; motion generally inconsistent with smooth video recording"

most people dont want to beleive this and think that waving the camera around like a speed-addicted squirrel produces good video

Sep 24, 2011permalink

blinsc

It's not about that, it's about capturing what you intended to capture. "Sudden motion" might be exactly the effect you are trying to achieve, but I can almost certainly guarantee that a random clicking noise coming from the camera is not.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

show me a video where sudden motion improves the video.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

craiglester

Saving Private Ryan, Beach Landing Scene is jerky, handheld and awesome. Far be it for me to suggest anyone's making an equivalent to that but, there are genuine reasons for needing hand held shots, and this camera can't be used for that without clicking (unless this fix works)

Sep 24, 2011permalink

saving private ryan??? really? i was hoping someone would link a youtube video from a consumer grade camera where jerking the camera around significantly improves the video (as opposed to steady and reasoned panning, etc).. go ahead, someone post something.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

holyfan

first off all there were footages of 5n that shows that the noises occur even with reasonable panning speed (not just shake vigorously left and right) and yes, some some professional videos do use wild panning on purpose. see the movie Cloverfield trailer for sample. http://youtu.be/ufYF0f-zMgY

Sep 24, 2011permalink

clide

It may vary from camera to camera, but I have seen a few videos demonstrate this problem with slight motions.

See these two examples:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EupcLsnPAE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6QE3uRJD8g

Sure you should use a tripod if you want great video, but I don't think it is unreasonable to call this a problem.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

CFynn

Some professional videos may use wild panning - but I don't think Sony designed the NEX5n for shooting professional video - they make other cameras for that.

This is hardly a "defect" as it doesn't stop anything from working. It may be annoying - like driving an inexpensive car where something rattles when it hits a bump, but nobody expects a car like that to be as quiet as a Rolls Royce. Anyway Sony are doing the right thing by offering a fix.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

mg_k

watched those video. Seems like something is loose inside...

Sep 24, 2011permalink

dhj49er

Sony announcement says the fix will reduce the clicking sound NOT eliminate it. One must assume the clicking sound is still present even after the fix. Anybody had a 5N fixed by Sony?

Sep 24, 2011permalink

craiglester

Exactly. This camera (without the click) would be a great camera for documentary film making, especially in the direct cinema style, wherein the use of hand held shots, with diagetic sound is pretty much essential. Seeing as the only sound options are in camera mikes (useless) or one of the attached mikes (by all reports not a complete fix) , the clicking noise will be present (until fixed) in almost all footage. Now.. If you have no in pushing your camera to the limits, and are happy with static shots, or you want to dub music over everything (which of course does NOT work for all film styles), then by all means go for it. I for one will wait and see what the fix is, then I may repurchase. But right now.. the NEX7 with an external mike input looks a lot more tempting.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

documentary film work? you cant be serious. the camera will overheat with continuous shooting... are you going to buy a few of them to switch around? and why are you not using an external recorder to begin with, the external mic is a field mic and not meant for that type of work. not to mention there are no audio controls. geez.

Sep 24, 2011permalink

11:49 PM Luke - (C3L3):
Hi. Welcome to Sony Online Support. My name is Luke. Please allow me a moment to review your concern.
11:49 PM Customer:
thanks
11:52 PM Luke - (C3L3):
Thank you for waiting. I'm sorry that clicking sound is coming from this Camera . I'll be glad to assist you with this.
11:52 PM Luke - (C3L3):
When did this first start occurring?
11:54 PM Customer:
I bought camera 1 week ago. And 2 days ago I tried make video when I walk ...
11:54 PM Customer:
I hear it every .. 2 sec..
11:55 PM Luke - (C3L3):
Okay.
11:56 PM Customer:
I though I have wrong settings , but then I have read article on dp review that this is official defect
11:56 PM Luke - (C3L3):
Please let me know if the sound is coming from Camera while taking picture.
11:57 PM Customer:
can it be fix without sending to you ? some how ... by firmware ?...

Sep 25, 2011permalink

11:57 PM Customer:
I think not ... I tried take video at home I hear clicking when I playback only
12:00 AM Luke - (C3L3):
I have documented your contact and we will update you with the results of our assessment once it is completed.
12:01 AM Customer:
How long it will take ?
12:03 AM Luke - (C3L3):
I'm sorry we don't have exact time of reference.
12:03 AM Luke - (C3L3):
However, it will be released in near future.
12:03 AM Luke - (C3L3):
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: (800) 222-7669.
12:03 AM Customer:
we are talking about firmware or I will have to send the camera to you for repairing ?
12:05 AM Luke - (C3L3):
I suggest that please contact at (800) 222-7669 for further information.
12:05 AM Customer:
Ok
12:05 AM Luke - (C3L3):
As we don't have more information about it.
12:06 AM Luke - (C3L3):
If you need any additional information feel free to stop by our chat room again using the same email address

Sep 25, 2011permalink

cxsparc

Some do have massive clicking, others don't. So possibly a tolerance in manufacturing?
Sony offers to fix it, so that is actually positive! Things like that do happen. So now buying a 5N is ok for me -))
I think some negative responses way over top. BTW, Mercedes hat tolerance issues with their brake assistance switch in the pedal. Now THAT was an issue for complaining.

Sep 25, 2011permalink

"saving private ryan??? really? i was hoping someone would link a youtube video from a consumer grade camera where jerking the camera around significantly improves the video"

You were given a high class example, where significant "jerking" improves the video. If it's considered good enough for a large hollywood production, it's probably good enough for a home video.

Your original comment was "show me a video where sudden motion improves the video". You were of course trying to prove that one can't do anything cinematically meaningful with sudden camera motion (you are not a movie afficionado, are you?). Your attempt was naturally a failure (which any movie goer could have told you in advance).

Sep 26, 2011permalink

No need for battle scenes to cause the clicking.

The clicking can occur with modest hand motion. A slight tilt in the camera plan causes a ball or switch to swing. It is like one of those little games where you tilt a card to guide a ball towards a hole, but a slight tilt the wrong way causes it to roll and knock something. Gravity does not cease to govern if you are only 0.5 degrees off a perfectly level plain.

Yet, there are people who deny this and any other possible imperfection in their dream toy.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF15geAmmjg

cxsparc , do you really want to buy defective camera?
If No , I see one reason only why you think this defect is not a big deal.

Sep 26, 2011permalink

lancespring

Here is a video that I recorded, showing how I would get clicking even when I was standing still and not panning the camera:

Sep 27, 2011permalink