Sony announces latest Alpha series compact DSLRs NEX-5 and NEX-3 Reviews

Sony announces latest Alpha series compact DSLRs NEX-5 and NEX-3 Reviews

We briefly touched on Sony’s latest developments in the ultra compact DSLR field back in February and it was then that we learnt the direction in which Sony would soon be expanding their Alpha series DSLRs. Officially announced yesterday were the NEX-5 and NEX-3, both of which will be new additions to Sony’s DSLR lineup, available from this summer.

Sony NEX3:

* Effective pixels: 14,000,000
* Display scale : 3 inch
* HD camera support: 720p format
* Body type: Single power
* Manual operation: Full manual support
* Sensor type : APS-C CMOS
* Battery Type : Special lithium battery FW50
* Memory card type : SDHC Cards / MS Memory Stick
* Flash Type : External Support shoe
* Data Interface : USB2.0
* Pixel and class: 920,000-pixel LCD screen
* Lens Description: Sony E series lens mount

Sony NEX5:

* Effective pixels: 14,000,000
* Sensitivity: ISO200-12800
* AF Sensor: 11
* Display scale: 3 inch
* Video shoot: 1080p format
* Body type: Single Lens electronic viewfinder
* Manual operation: Full manual support
* Sensor type: APS-C CMOS
* Battery Type: FW50 Special lithium battery
* Memory card type: SDHC Cards / MS Memory Stick
* Flash Type: External
* Focusing aids: Parameter correcting focus assist lamp
* Support hotshoe: Yes
* Data Interface: USB2.0
* Pixel and class: 920,000-pixel LCD screen
* Lens Description: Sony E series lens mount

The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the first α cameras featuring Sweep Panorama. Just press the shutter button and swing the camera side-to-side or up and down. A high-speed burst of frames is stitched together automatically to create detail-packed 23 megapixel panoramas with a 226 degree effective angle of view4. Panoramic files can also be enjoyed in stunning 3D on compatible BRAVIA™ 3D televisions.5

As previously introduced on the DSLR-A550, Auto HDR has been further refined. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 can now shoot a high-speed burst of three images at different exposure values that are electronically combined in the camera. This produces a single High Dynamic Range image with extended highlight and shadow detail.

Both cameras come supplied with a super-compact clip-on flash that attaches via the smart accessory terminal when needed for low-light shooting. Other optional accessories include the FDA-SV1 Optical Viewfinder plus colour coordinated cases and shoulder straps.

The NEX-5 and NEX-3 system cameras from Sony are available from summer 2010.