« Happily Married, a review of the Sony NEX-5 »

Jet-lag is gone, laundry is done, and the biggest problem of the day is no longer if you want a drink before going in the pool, or have that drink after being in the pool. Back from a two and half week vacation where Sony kindly lent me their new interchangeable lens camera, the NEX-5, I have now had a chance to go through 45gb of video material and 1,258 photographs, and draw my conclusions on this new camera from Sony. 

Having first seen the camera announced at this years's PMA (standing in the front row), it is kinda cool being able to finally shoot with Sony's new creation. And it is a new creation. The camera falls outside the camera manufacturer's normal camera classes, or perhaps more accurately, in between the classes. In essence, the NEX-5 is a happy marriage between a Sony point & shoot and an Alpha DSLR.

↓ "I now pronounce you NEX-5"

The point & shoot part of the 'couple' is clearly the slimmed down camera body. Sony claims it is currently the slimmest body in its class of mirror-less, interchangeable lens cameras. Having shot with both the GF1 [link to pma] and E-P2 [link to review] that seems accurate. It is small. The DSLR portion of the unison is that nice, biiiigggg sensor and the fact you can change lenses. 

So after shooting with the camera pretty much nonstop for three weeks what's to like? 

1) It's light, easy to grip and portable

2) Great image quality and HD video quality

3) Speedy

↓ A few examples of the Sony NEX-5's outstanding image quality. 

Overall, the Sony NEX-5 is very recommendable to any current point & shoot user considering a DSLR upgrade. If you are attached to the size, lightness and portability of your point & shoot, then definitely go for a mirror-less, interchangeable lens camera instead of a larger, heavier DSLR.

On the other hand, if you are a point & shoot user longing for the sturdier feel of a DSLR, a real viewfinder, and need quick access to critical shooting settings, then take a pass on the NEX-5 and go for an entry or mid-tier DSLR instead. 

The third audience segment, hardened DSLR users looking for a DSLR-like image quality in a smaller package, should also consider the NEX-5. It is small, it is light, and it does offer great image and video quality. The compromise to make in this case is to endure a clunky menu system, and limiting compatibility with any Sony Alpha DSLR gear you might have. 

Read full review of the camera, including what's holding it back, over at Future Shop's tech blog. 

For the technically interested: All shots are with the Sony NEX-5 coupled with the Sony E-mount 18-55mm OSS or 16mm f2.8 pancake lenses. Locations count London, Rhodes and Vancouver. The product shots of the Sony camera are taken with the Nikon D700 and 105mm f2.8 VR Micro lens using just natural light.