NEX mirrorless pro cameras of Sony made official for US

16th May, 2010 by adina
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Sony has made a first step in mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras with the launch of the Alpha NEX-3 and NEX-5. Thanks to their sensors, the company considers both devices as trumping Micro Four Thirds cameras. Both have a 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor reaching APS-C size and their dimensions match those of common DSLRs. They are about 60 percent bigger than with the MFT system and are cutting back on noise while providing a high ISO 12,800 sensitivity.

The new cameras are promised to have a relatively simple interface with a preview LCD three-inch sized, with 921,000 pixels, which can offer full manual control as well as a streamlined user interface putting settings such as aperture in layman’s terms. The vertically articulated panel allows off-angle shooting and is designed for higher contrast and for outdoor better visibility.

Without needing mirrors, the two cameras are the first Alphas with video and shoot footage at maximum resolutions. The NEX-3 is capable of capturing up to 720-pixel in MPEG-4 mode, while the NEX-5 is able to record in H.264 up to 1,080i. They also take advantage of the high-speed shooting of up to 7 frames per second when in full resolution. If a firmware update is in place in July, the cameras will get the same panorama mode many new Cyber-shot compact cameras already have.

The two Sony cameras will ship in July and will be provided with a mix of accessories and lenses. A small hot shoe flash will equip every model. Basic kits including 16mm f2.8 pancake lenses will cost $550 for the NEX-3 and $650 for the NEX-5. A bundle of 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens will raise the prices to $600 and $700, respectively. An 18-200 f3.5-5.6 lens is also promised but will not ship until the fall, the probable price being $800. Other options like a viewfinder and a stereo microphone will be available, but their prices are not known by now.


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