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Amazing NEX5N - where have I been all these years?

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Absolutic

Absolutic

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I cant believe I dismissed Sony NEX for so long!!!! I've gone through every micro four thirds camera from Olympus and Panasonic, and every DSLR, and I never paid attention to NEX because I've read and heard that Autofocus is slow to non-existent.

Finally I took a plange a week ago, and it has been a revelation. The autofocus in low light is actually pretty fast, it has exceeded my expectations. The pic quality in low light is absolutely amazing for a small camera, I am still surprised by the results. And I am using it with a kit lens. For the record, my other current cameras are Nikon D800 full frame and Canon 7D.

The only issue I've had is how to set up this camera logically so I don't have to go in the menus from shot to shot and that has been a problem. For example if I want to quickly turn off the autoassist light and then turn it back on, one has to go inside the menus. Also if I want to go quickly from P mode into Scene Twilight Mode, for some reason, the scene mode menu always goes back to Portrait, not the last scene mode I selected previously. Also I want to go quickly from center point only autofocus to a general auto area mode with face priority, and that only available if I want to use center button as a custom mode. I wish they had a more logical quick menu tabs, like Canon has for example, or Custom 1/2/3 like some lesser Nikons and Panasonic m4/3 so you can quickly switch.

In general, the NEX5n so far in this short time has exceeded my expectations. I also bought a NEX to Nikon G adapter so I can mount my Nikon lenses to play around.

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Absolutic said:
I cant believe I dismissed Sony NEX for so long!!!! I've gone through every micro four thirds camera from Olympus and Panasonic, and every DSLR, and I never paid attention to NEX because I've read and heard that Autofocus is slow to non-existent.

Finally I took a plange a week ago, and it has been a revelation. The autofocus in low light is actually pretty fast, it has exceeded my expectations. The pic quality in low light is absolutely amazing for a small camera, I am still surprised by the results. And I am using it with a kit lens. For the record, my other current cameras are Nikon D800 full frame and Canon 7D.

The only issue I've had is how to set up this camera logically so I don't have to go in the menus from shot to shot and that has been a problem. For example if I want to quickly turn off the autoassist light and then turn it back on, one has to go inside the menus. Also if I want to go quickly from P mode into Scene Twilight Mode, for some reason, the scene mode menu always goes back to Portrait, not the last scene mode I selected previously. Also I want to go quickly from center point only autofocus to a general auto area mode with face priority, and that only available if I want to use center button as a custom mode. I wish they had a more logical quick menu tabs, like Canon has for example, or Custom 1/2/3 like some lesser Nikons and Panasonic m4/3 so you can quickly switch.

In general, the NEX5n so far in this short time has exceeded my expectations. I also bought a NEX to Nikon G adapter so I can mount my Nikon lenses to play around.
Click to expand...
I know the feeling. I still use m4/3, but the NEX is slowly taking over. I can see I'll sell the m4/3 gear shortly. I only use legacy lenses so no AF this end. Its an amazing system as long as the lenses are there for it. Quite a few in here are using an adaptor to take other Sony lenses that retain PDAF, I'm finding that tempting at the moment.

Anyway ;), wlecome and yes it is a darn good system with a decent sensor.

Danny.
...........................
http://www.birdsinaction.com

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Worry about the image that comes out of the box, rather than the box itself.
 
I have just got the Nex 7 and feel as you do and my previous experiences are similar.

I only have the Nex now, having sold everything else off and I think when you only use one camera, then menu's can become second nature quite quickly. Also the extra controls on the Nex 7 body do help and give me faster access to settings than my previous D5100 did.

We tend to view cameras as a 'here and now' item, and compare them to their peers, which causes a lot of system jumping, yet the unrelenting technology is changing things on a 6 - 9 monthly basis, so the 'next best thing' is always coming out, regardless of brand. I think the Nex body and sensor type are solid and will allow technology advances to be easily absorbed into future Nex models. So focussing will just get faster and the menu that seems to draw a lot of criticism will improve.
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Hey buddy, I'm surprise to see you here ( my ex-canon friend ). Ironic post, I just bought my 1st m4/3 camera last week. Anyhow, I like NEX-3/5/7, but I am still disappointed with Sony on dragging its feet in releasing pancakes lens )

I pretty much dismissed NEX because of it until Sigma 30mm f/2.8 and Sigma 19mm f/2.8 makes the platform worthy again. NEX are great cameras, but it is STARVING for cheaper and sharper lens.

If Sigma or Sony ever release either a:
  • 28mm f/1.8 lens for $199
  • 30mm f/2 "pancake" ( see samsung nx 30mm f/2 )
I'll sell both canon and m4/3 for a NEX platform. Honestly, I don't understand sony, and why they're so slow in releasing new lens. Since sony owns 11% of Tamron, couldn't sony just give tamron a call as well?
 
Absolutic said:
I cant believe I dismissed Sony NEX for so long!!!! I've gone through every micro four thirds camera from Olympus and Panasonic, and every DSLR, and I never paid attention to NEX because I've read and heard that Autofocus is slow to non-existent.

Finally I took a plange a week ago, and it has been a revelation. The autofocus in low light is actually pretty fast, it has exceeded my expectations. The pic quality in low light is absolutely amazing for a small camera, I am still surprised by the results. And I am using it with a kit lens. For the record, my other current cameras are Nikon D800 full frame and Canon 7D.

The only issue I've had is how to set up this camera logically so I don't have to go in the menus from shot to shot and that has been a problem. For example if I want to quickly turn off the autoassist light and then turn it back on, one has to go inside the menus. Also if I want to go quickly from P mode into Scene Twilight Mode, for some reason, the scene mode menu always goes back to Portrait, not the last scene mode I selected previously. Also I want to go quickly from center point only autofocus to a general auto area mode with face priority, and that only available if I want to use center button as a custom mode. I wish they had a more logical quick menu tabs, like Canon has for example, or Custom 1/2/3 like some lesser Nikons and Panasonic m4/3 so you can quickly switch.

In general, the NEX5n so far in this short time has exceeded my expectations. I also bought a NEX to Nikon G adapter so I can mount my Nikon lenses to play around.

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Click to expand...
Hiya Absolutic.

Did you know that there's a relatively recent Nex5n firmware update, that makes the autofocus work noticably quicker?

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Wide angled and legless...
 
I would not recommend this update. I have a feeling that the accuracy of the autofocus suffers.

I did not make a "scientific" test (with 1.00 and 1.01 firmware put together), but Sigma with slow autofocus works much more robust than the kit with the fast one.
 
Thank u Danny
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Normsmith it is pretty bold to sell everything else for the NEX. with serious investment in Nikon system with a full frame camera and lenses I am not
Yet ready for it.

For me the NEX might just be a replacement for point and shoot cameras, that is for sure

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Captain Red Beard I had no idea about thE new firmware. I just got the camera and video did not seem to have a clicking noise so I assumed it had the latest firmware. I'll definitely check it out.
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007peter hello again! Well here is the deal. When I got nex5n I pretty much thought that I probably would stay with a kit lens and not

Go as I usually do crazy with collecting lenses. Here is why. The range of 18-55 on crop is perfect for what I will be needing this camera. And the beauty of nex5n is it has probably the best 16mp sensor, same in Nikon d7000 which I had before. Thus u can use it at ISO 1600-3200 with no problems so slow
Lenses like
Kit lens are tolerable. in m4/3 I usually did not
Want to go pass ISo 800 under any circs so a lens like 20mm 1.7 was a must.

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solveproblems said:
I would not recommend this update. I have a feeling that the accuracy of the autofocus suffers.

I did not make a "scientific" test (with 1.00 and 1.01 firmware put together), but Sigma with slow autofocus works much more robust than the kit with the fast one.
Click to expand...
Not so at all. The speed at which your camera will focus is very much improved. Focus is spot on.

I upgraded firmware on my 5n, and both my general managers 5n ... made a big difference. If you have not done so, I STRONGLY recommend it. Sony did it for a reason !

wll
 
OP here again. just checked and my camera already came with 1.01 firmware. I guess it must have been manufactured after March of 2012. Is that why I was so happy with 5N's AF ability? LOL
 
Where did you purchase you camera, & have you noticed the clicking video syndrome?
 
Yes so many of the early trolls cried so much "The sky is falling" "horrible NEX cameras", "4/3rd are soo much better."

When the NEX photos started coming out showing the outstanding quality of the NEX photos they had no where to hide and have since gone back into hiding.

I upgraded from the NEX-5 to a NEX-7 and really see it being my go to camera for many years to come.

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http://www.youtube.com/user/relate2
 
nzmacro said:
I know the feeling. I still use m4/3, but the NEX is slowly taking over. I can see I'll sell the m4/3 gear shortly. I only use legacy lenses so no AF this end. Its an amazing system as long as the lenses are there for it. Quite a few in here are using an adaptor to take other Sony lenses that retain PDAF, I'm finding that tempting at the moment.

Anyway ;), wlecome and yes it is a darn good system with a decent sensor.

Danny.
Click to expand...
Hey Danny, how's about instead of you getting a supposed 800mm f/5.6 (where I have no idea how you will focus without your finder image going everywhere), get ahold of the very affordable Sony 500mm f/4 G and LAEA2? I think you'd enjoy it. ;)

http://matthewdurrphotography.wordpress.com
 
ej_array said:
Where did you purchase you camera, & have you noticed the clicking video syndrome?
Click to expand...
I bought mine at Bestbuy. No clicking video problems.
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first samples





(twilight mode)



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Have fun with your 5N! A very good LL camera for sure. Moviemode is great! Only wished there were some real nice lenses available.

I went the other way, from 5N to epl 2, and when available OMD. And I ám serious about this. The lenses, the fun, the wiresless flash, the perfect full auto flashbalance (inboard and offboard) is all back. Feels like going from C to N again. (hehe, no joking please)

Mind you, not bashing the 5N at all, its very nice. Still using a lot of C, N and S gear also.

YMMV

Perry
 
Pretty girl! what modes did u take those pictures in? ... nevermind I only just noticed the words twilight, wonder why i missed them the first time ;)
 
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