New Sony NEX series

[Marcus Hawkins]

So... Sony is to release its take on Micro Four Thirds/Samsung NX in June. See the full story here.

We currently testing one out, but it would be interesting to hear your initial thoughts.

[match14]

Fewer controls than the Olympus PEN and 18-55 zoom is huge. Olympus PEN still seems the best camera of this type to me.

[chris-p]

I think Sony have shot themselves in the foot to an extent with the E-mount.

They're going to sell an adaptor to the alpha mount but it won't have any AF function. I suppose that it really depends on who buys the cameras - a newcomer to the SLR/hybrid market won't really care but any Sony/Konica-Minolta users who want one as a back-up or more portable alternative will loose all auto focus. It does maintain aperture control but I imagine that (as it's all electronically driven because there are no actuators in the lens mount) the adaptor might be rather pricey.

It is interesting that there will be an 18-200mm lens to go with it (along with the 18-55 and 16mm pancake options). I wonder how many people will buy this combination and treat it like a superzoom compact? It's obviously aimed more at the compact market than the SLR market (less external controls, compact styling etc).

Match14 has mentioned the minimal external controls but I don't think it'll make much difference. When it comes to PSAM modes it'll be fiddly but I would expect that 7 out of 10 NEX owners won't take it out of auto and, of the remaining 3 out of 10, 2 of them might use some preset scene modes.

I'll be honest though - I think it's the most interesting hybrid camera to date. The PENs are OK but I'm not impressed with the handling of them (the Panasonics are much better) and the NX10 is a little to conservative for me (in this market).

[Marcus Hawkins]

Interesting thoughts, Chris. We've currently testing the Panasonic G2 and G10 at the moment as well – we'll publish a review asap.

[chris-p]

It'll probably come down to price (these things usually do).

Published prices are: NEX-5 with 18-55mm lens will be £550-£600 and the NEX-3 + 18-55 will be £450-£500. They will probably be cheaper on the street.

The 16mm f/2.8 pancake lens is supposed to be around £200 but the 18-200mm lens is supposed to be around £500-£600 which is a lot of money...

I still think this makes most sense as a body with the 18-200mm lens as a kit which Sony have said they'll do but only for the NEX-5 (not the NEX-3) and it looks like it could be pretty pricey...

[Oly Paul]

Originally Posted by chris-p

I think Sony have shot themselves in the foot.

Seems you are not the only one Chris.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/re...ony-nex5.shtml