New Sony Alpha NEX-5 and NEX-3 Hybrid Cameras

by Sohrab Osati | May 12, 2010 | 4 comments
Sohrab Osati

Announced yesterday was Sony’s new interchangeable-lens cameras and they look good.  The two new Alpha models are the NEX-3 and the NEX-5 and will be available in July.  These cameras are impressively compact and sleek which will appeal to DSLR buyers who don’t want the bulk or weight of a normal DSLR.  Both models will be 14.2 megapixels with a tilting 3″ LCD screen, great for video recording.  I feel many will be drawn to the hybrid design that Sony has created and its affordability.  I personally have a point and shoot camera but would like more of the manual functions and professional feel of interchanging lenses.  This is a great solution to this issue that many have and it’s the first type of interchangeable that is small enough to feel like a point and shoot.

Both the NEX-5 and NEX-3 will support SD, SDHC and SDXC cards as well as a memory stick.  One slot in the camera will take both formats.  You can also record HD video on these with a dedicated movie record button and show it off on an HDTV with the HDMI out port.  The NEX-5 will record HD video in 1080i while the NEX-3 will record up to 720p.  Below are the pricing options for the two model kits:

NEX-3

  • $550 with flash and 16mm prime lens
  • $600 with flash and 18mm prime lens
  • Polycarbonite body available in silver, black and red color

NEX-5

  • $650 with flash and 16mm prime lens
  • $700 with flash and 18mm prime lens
  • Magnesium alloy w body with larger grip

A wide variety of E mount lenses will be available to purchase from Sony.  One drawback is the flash is an additional add-on that will cost consumers.  But wait! Thankfully Sony will include a flash with the camera and it’s no issue at all.  Other add-on accessories can also be purchased for the top slot like a stereo microphone for enhanced sound when recording video or an optical viewfinder.  I can’t wait to try the NEX cameras hands-on and see for myself DLSR quality photos in such a small and compact size.  Santa might be seeing one of these on my list this year.

If you are ready to purchase one of these beauties or want to check out accessories and lenses Sony will offer for these cameras, go to Sony Style.  Click the jump for more photos and a video trailer for the NEX-5 which shows more features the camera can do.