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Hot shoe adapter for Sony NEX-5 and NEX-5N gets the hands-on treatment

Sarah Silbert — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:47:00 -0400

The Sony NEX-7 we reviewed last month is the only cam from the NEX line to include a hot shoe for attaching an external flash, but NEX Proshop just introduced an unofficial workaround for the NEX-5N and NEX-5, a hot shoe adapter that will ship for $79.99. Engadget Chinese got to handle a unit and gave it a spin on the NEX-5N. In addition to allowing for an external flash, the adapter lets you automatically sync with the internal one, with the recommended max shutter speed being 1/ 250s. Our sister site's hands-on version didn't allow for tightening the screw position with a coin, which resulted in the adapter coming a bit loose -- so perhaps this isn't the exact model that will ship. Hop on over to the original post for more photos.

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Sony Alpha NEX-5N makes clicking sound when moved, renders captured audio useless (video)

Zach Honig — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:50:00 -0400

We've spent a few click days shooting click with click Sony's new click NEX-5N click click click and were very click impressed with its click still image performance click click but click noticed some... Oh man, we've gotta hit Stop. As you can see, the camera suffers from a rather significant yet-to-be-diagnosed condition that outputs a mysterious clicking sound whenever you move it about. Since it's quite faint, this is little more than a minor nuisance when shooting stills, but when you go to playback video click it's impossible to ignore, rendering the audio component of your video virtually useless.

We've been able to isolate the sound to the camera body itself, so it's completely independent of the lens and other accessories. We also happen to be testing a variety of new Sony products this week in San Diego, and had Sony reps on hand to acknowledge and confirm the issue, which seems to plague every NEX-5N that we've tried. This is still very fresh, so Sony doesn't have a fix or even a statement to issue, but because 1080/60p video is one of this camera's headline features, we're going to recommend holding off on your purchase until the company can confirm what's causing the issue. Jump past the break to hear it for yourself in our demo video.

Update: To clarify our experience, we've only tested four cameras, all of which were likely manufactured at the same time. All four cameras presented the same clicking sound, but Sony is still investigating the issue, and has by no means implied yet that all NEX-5Ns are affected. We will of course share any updates as we receive them from Sony.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Sony Alpha NEX-5N on sale, NEX-7 available for pre-order

Daniel Cooper — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:01:00 -0400

Our network of eagle-eyed tipsters have given us the heads-up that Sony's $700 NEX-5N is ready to buy online, and curious camera fans can check out last month's hands-on before deciding to part ways with that much cheddar. The company is also taking pre-orders for the monstrous NEX-7, which costs $1,350 -- slightly more than we'd expected. This camera has a 24.3-megapixel sensor, can shoot AVCHD video and stills up to 10 fps and can probably see the turn of the universe, or something. This one will make its way to homesteads in November, giving you just enough time to learn how to record everyone's disappointed faces -- come Christmas morning -- in eye watering detail.

[Thanks, Sammy]

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NEX-C3 instruction manual appears on Sony's Czech site, quickly removed

Zach Honig — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:57:00 -0400

Sony is still staying mum on any official details for the NEX-C3, but the camera's instruction manual has now made a brief appearance on the company's Czech Republic site, offering yet more evidence that the successor to the NEX-3 is set for an imminent launch. The camera mock-up on the description page appears to be identical to previously leaked photos, and judging by control layout, NEX-3 and NEX-5 users should have no trouble adjusting. The full manual is no longer available, but DPReview points out that the camera is smaller than both previous models, and includes a 16 megapixel sensor. A post on Mirrorless Forum also reveals a new lens -- a 30mm f/3.5 macro priced at €259 (about $383) -- adding a fourth option to the limited mix of NEX-compatible optics.

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Lego viewfinder created for Sony NEX-5, lincoln log enthusiasts feel left out

Michael Gorman — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:28:00 -0500

Do you spend your days pining for a viewfinder with some Danish building-block flair for your shiny new Sony NEX-5? Well, your camera woes have been solved -- while appealing to your childlike aesthetic sensibilities -- by a DIYer who fashioned just such a viewfinder out of some Lego blocks and parts from an old CD-ROM drive. Its complexity doesn't quite match that of an all-Lego camera, but it's a slick little solution for those who want to add some pizazz -- and functionality -- to Sony's favorite not-quite-Micro Four-Thirds shooter. Hit up the source link to see how to build one for yourself.

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Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 firmware update adds autofocus support for company's A-mount lenses

Vlad Savov — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 02:35:00 -0400

Sony has taken the time to upgrade the firmware on its minuscule NEX-5/3 system cameras to improve usability, make manual focusing easier, and allow single-shot autofocus when using A-mount glass via an adapter. The latter will be perhaps the most important thing for owners of Sony's large-sensor compact, allowing them to use a total of 14 lenses from the company's DSLR range without having to worry about focusing manually. Though, if you are into that kind of thing, the MF Assist mode has been improved with a new feature giving you a zoomed-in view of the area you're trying to keep sharp -- to make it easier to tell if you're doing it right. The UI has also undergone a bit of a streamlining, which you can check out for yourself by downloading the new software from the source link below.

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Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 can shoot 3D panoramas with new firmware

Vlad Savov — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:58:00 -0400

Think Sony ain't serious about 3D? Think again. The Japanese giant has just outed a promised firmware update for its ultra-slinky NEX series of shooters that will allow users to shoot 3D panoramas. Panorama stitching was already one of the touted features on these cameras, but with a little extra software magic they'll now be able to collect "depth information" as well. We don't know how strong a 3D effect you're going to get, but since this is a free upgrade and a new way to play with your toy, we suggest grabbing the firmware first and asking questions later. Hit the source link for the download.

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Rayqual adapters bring Leica, Nikon, and Canon lenses to Sony's NEX cameras

Donald Melanson — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:12:00 -0400

Sony's new NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras may have a few limitations when it comes to their UI, but it looks like they won't be hurting for lens options -- Japan's Rayqual has announced that it'll be offering a series of lens adapters for the cameras starting next month. Those will let you attach any number of Leica, Nikon or Canon lenses to the compact shooter, although you'll expectedly have to make do without autofocus if you decide to venture beyond Sony's own lenses for the cameras. They also won't come cheap, with the adapters set to run ¥19,950 to ¥25,200, or roughly $220 to $275 -- although that could be a small price to pay if you've already invested in some serious glass.

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Sony NEX-5 preview

Vlad Savov — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:04:00 -0400

In every geek's life, the time must come when he or she steps away from the pocket-friendly compact point-and-shooter and straps up with a hefty DSLR to do real photography with. Or such was the received wisdom until not too long ago. It's still the case that lenses, bound by the laws of physics, will protrude more than most of us want them to, but mirrorless Micro Four Thirds shooters from Olympus and Panasonic, along with Samsung's NX series, have shown that prosumer camera bodies don't always have to be that bulky. This is the stage upon which the NEX-5 enters, with Sony predictably aiming to outdo everyone using an ultraslim magnesium alloy body that delivers 1080p video and 14 megapixel stills. Join us after the break to see what we thought of the Japanese giant's latest product.

Gallery: Sony NEX-5 preview

Gallery: Sony NEX-5 versus Nikon D5000 (shot with another NEX-5)

Filed under: HD

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Sony NEX-5 pops up in UK for £589, no waiting required

Vlad Savov — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:37:00 -0400

Stock of Sony's premier new compact system camera is still pretty scarce on the ground, but British photography retailer Jessops has managed to round up a batch and is ready to ship you one right this minute. Provided, that is, that you're equipped with £589 ($867) and a lusting for the silver variety of the NEX-5. The swarthy variant and the kit that includes a 16mm pancake lens are not yet ready for their time in the spotlight, but you can pre-order them now as well. Or, should your needs not stretch to quite such stratospheric heights, peek out the NEX-3, which can already be had from US e-tailers at far saner price tags. See the mini shooter in-store after the break.

[Thanks, David]

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Sony Alpha NEX-5 in the wild, plays David to A330's Goliath

Ross Miller — Sat, 22 May 2010 13:47:00 -0400

Talk about envy. One of our lucky tipsters just wrote in to talk about the training he did this week for -- and here's the kicker -- Sony's brand new Alpha NEX-5. Just to prove his conquest, he also managed a picture of the compact DSLR next to the Alpha 330. Yep, it's still really, really small. If that's not enough, the tipster apparently also will be able to use the SAM and SSM Sony lenses, both with functional autofocus. We know what you're probably thinking: the pre-order details are right here.

Update: Perpetual Radio has some hands-on impressions and a video (embedded after the break). Go forth!

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