Preview of NEX-7 TriNavi and EVF

Sony NEX-7 TriNavi Demo

The video above shows the Sony NEX-7 TriNavi or Tri-Dial Navi Controls. The new user interface allows for quick and easy adjustments without going into too many menus. Once you have customized and familiarized yourself with the NEX-7 TriNavi adjustments will become second nature. We have never found the NEX-5 controls fuzzy especially after the Firmware 3.0 update which allowed for Customized Softkeys but the TriNavi is definitely an improvement.

The NEX-7 in the video is in Aperture Priority mode and the TriNavi was used to adjust the following:

• Aperture/Exposure Compensation/ISO
• Focus Points
• White Balance
• Dynamic Range/HDR Adjustments
• Creative Styles and Adjustments

The NEX-7 is then switched to Picture Effect mode and the TriNavi is used to go through the options.

The video below shows the Sony Alpha SLT-a77's electronic viewfinder (EVF), which is the same XGA 2.35 Million dot OLED EVF used on the Sony NEX-7. The video shows a horizon / level indicator and the data overlays available in the EVF. We cannot confirm if this will be exactly the same as the NEX-7's EVF but it should be fairly close.

Sony SLT-A77 EVF Demo

Sony NEX-7 TriNavi Tri-Dial Controls

Sony NEX-5N Unboxing Video

Let's see what comes inside a new Sony NEX-5N with 18-55mm OSS Lens Kit. The video shows the following contents of the NEX-5N Kit.

• Software Disc
• Warranty Card
• Instruction Manual
• Accessories Coupon
• Lens and Accessory Guide
• Flash with Case
  
  
• Shoulder Strap
• Battery Charger
• W Series Battery
• USB Cable
• Lens Hood
• Lens Cap
• 18-55mm OSS Lens
• NEX-5N

Sony NEX-5N with Optional 55-210mm OSS Lens

Sony NEX-5N vs NEX-5 Spec Comparison

Sony NEX-5N vs NEX-5 Spec Comparison

Let's compare the specs of the new Sony NEX-5N to the one that started it all, the NEX-5. The form is slightly slimmer but Sony kept the shape very familiar. Now let's see what the new functions are of the NEX-5N.

Availability

• Sony NEX-5N Kit: September 7, 2011 $699.
• Sony NEX-5: July 2010.
  
  

Effective Picture Resolution

• NEX-5N: Approx. 16.1 megapixels
• NEX-5: Approx. 14.2 megapixels

Imaging Sensor

• NEX-5N: Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)
• NEX-5: Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor (23.4 X 15.6mm)

Shutter Lag

• NEX-5N: 0.02 seconds
• NEX-5: 0.44 seconds
  
  

ISO Performance

• NEX-5N: 100 to 25600
• NEX-5: 200 to 12800
  
  

Video Controls

• NEX-5N: Full Manual Control P, A, S, and M Modes Available
  
  
• NEX-5: Exposure lock with half press of Shutter Button
  
  

Video Recording

• NEX-5N: AVCHD: PS - 1920 x 1080/60p@28Mbps FX - 1920 x 1080/60i@24Mbps FH - 1920 x 1080/60i@17Mbps FX - 1920 x 1080/24p@24Mbps FH - 1920 x 1080/24p@17Mbps MP4: HD - 1440 x 1080/ 30p@12Mbps VGA - 640 x 480/ 30p@3Mbps
• NEX-5: AVCHD: 1920 x 1080/ 60i MP4 HD: 1440 x 1080/ 30p MP4 VGA: 640 x 480/ 30p

Still Image Size 3:2

• NEX-5N: L (16M): 4912 X 3264 M (8.4M): 3568 X 2368 S (4M): 2448 X 1624
• NEX-5: L (14M): 4592 X 3056 M (7.4M): 3344 X 2224 S (3.5M): 2288 X 1520

Still Image Size 16:9

• NEX-5N: L (14M): 4912 X 2760 M (7.1M): 3568 X 2000 S (3.4M): 2448 X 1376
• NEX-5: L (12M): 4592 X 2576 M (6.3M): 3344 X 1872 S (2.9M): 2288 X 1280

Burst Buffer

• NEX-5N: JPEG (Fine: 10 shots, Standard: 10 shots), RAW (6 shots), RAW+JPEG (4 shots)
• NEX-5: JPEG (unlimited to card capacity) RAW (8 shots) RAW+JPEG (5 shots)

Continuous Shooting Speed

• NEX-5N: Continuous (up to 3fps) Speed Priority (up to 10fps)
• NEX-5: Continuous (2.3fps) Speed Priority (7fps)

Exposure Compensation

• NEX-5N: ±3.0 EV (in 0.3 EV steps)
• NEX-5: ±2.0 EV (in 0.3 EV steps)

Sony NEX-5N LCD Touchscreen In Action

LCD Touchscreen

• NEX-5N: Yes
• NEX-5: No
  
  

LCD Brightness Control

• NEX-5N: Auto, Manual (5 steps between -2 to +2), Sunny Weather
• NEX-5: Auto (-2 to +2 step sunny weather)

Sony NEX-5N with FDA-EV1S Electronic Viewfinder

Optional Viewfinder

• NEX-5N: FDA-EV1S Electronic Viewfinder, FDA-SV1 Optical Viewfinder
• NEX-5N: FDA-SV1 Optical Viewfinder

Battery Life

• NEX-5N: Approx. 430 images (CIPA standard)
• NEX-5: Approx. 330 images (CIPA standard)

Weight (Approx.)

• NEX-5N: Approx. 7.4 oz (210g) (excl battery & media) Approx. 9.5 oz (269g) (w/battery & media)
• NEX-5: Approx. 8.1 oz (229g) (excl battery & media) Approx. 10.1 oz (287g) (w/battery & media)

Click here for full Sony NEX-5N Specs.

Sony NEX Macro Extension Tubes Samples

Sony NEX Macro Extension Tubes with 40mm Rokkor-M Lens

Here are some sample shots using the Sony NEX E-mount macro extension tubes and some Rokkor-M lenses. The tubes contain no optical elements. They move the lens further away from the NEX's APS-C sensor therefore reducing the focusing distance and increasing magnification. The trade off to extension tubes are that more light is needed, which can be compensated with slow shutter speeds or high ISO.

The shots below were handheld in bright daylight which is not ideal for macro shots. A walk around a small park with the NEX-5, tubes, and the 40mm Rokkor-M gives us a different perspective. This fruit below is still unknown to us and was already interesting but at 100% zoom, a small community of insects makes it even more interesting.

100% Zoom on Image Sony NEX E-mount Extension Tubes

Here are more samples from the 40mm Rokkor-M lens at f/8 or f/11 at high ISO.

Sony NEX Macro Extension Tubes with 90mm Rokkor-M Lens

Here are a couple of shots of a caterpillar using all of the extension tubes and the 90mm Rokkor-M lens at f/8 or f/11. A small tripod was used so the ISO was kept at 200 with a very slow shutter speed.

The Sony NEX E-mount macro extension tubes are available at Amazon. They will work with any E-mount lens adapter and the new Sony NEX cameras.

Sony NEX-3 Kit $299 Half Price

Frys in the west coast is selling the Sony NEX-3 with 18-55mm Lens Kit at a great discount. The NEX-3 Kit is selling at half the price, $299, of MSRP, $599. It is currently selling at $499 at Amazon. We will see more of these closeout deals since the NEX-3's replacement, the NEX-C3 is already available.



The deal is only available at a Fry's brick and mortar store. Happy hunting!

Sony NEX-7 NEX-5N NEX-VG20 Hands On Video and Images

It's always hard to tell what the actual size of products are if they are shot alone. So here is a hands on video and several hands on images of the new Sony NEX-5N Camera, NEX-7 Camera, NEX-VG10 Camcorder, and Zeiss 24mm Sonnar E lens. These really show how small the NEX line of cameras are.



Pre-order the NEX-5N here.

Pre-order the NEX-7 here.

Pre-order the Zeiss 24mm f/1.8Sonnar ZA E Lens here.

Sony NEX-7 and Zeiss 24mm with Hood

Sony NEX-7 Rear LCD

Sony NEX-VG20 Camcorder with 18-200mm OSS Zoom Lens

Sony NEX-5N Rear Touchscreen LCD

Sony NEX-5N with LA-EA2 Phase Detect AF Lens Adapter

Sony NEX-5N in Silver

Sony NEX-VG20 Promotional and Sample Videos

Here are the first videos of the new Sony NEX-VG20 Camcorder. The videos also feature footage shot with the new lenses including the Carl Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 ZA lens.

Sony NEX-7 Specs and Images - Official

Sony NEX-7 with Built In Flash

Here are the official images from Sony of the new Alpha NEX-7 camera. Quick specs:

• 24.3 megapixel CMOS sensor.
  
  
• 0.02 sec Shutter Lag.
• XGA OLED TruFinder - 2359296 dot electronic viewfinder 100% frame coverage.
• Sony Alpha Hotshoe for use with Alpha Flash Accessories.
• Magnesium Alloy Body weighs in at 291 grams or 0.64 lb.
• Available in December 2011.
• NEX-7 Body Only $1199.
• NEX-7 with 18-55mm OSS Lens $1349.
  
  

We will update the post with the full specs later on today.

Sony NEX-7 with 18-55mm OSS Lens

Sony NEX-7 Rear LCD

Sony NEX-7 Tiltable Rear LCD

Sony NEX-7 Top Showing Two Control Dials and Alpha Hot Shoe

Sony NEX-7 with 55-210mm OSS Zoom Lens

Sony NEX-7 with 50mm f/1.8 OSS Lens

Sony NEX-7 with LA-EA2 Phase Detect AF Lens Adapter

Sony NEX-7 Available Lenses and Accessories

The official press release:

Sony introduces the NEX-7: all-in-one compact interchangeable lens camera with 24.3 megapixel resolution

24 August 2011

Supreme imaging plus pro performance and handling coupled with creative options

• 24.3 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
• Quick, responsive autofocus and world’s fastest (0.02 sec) release time lag
• Quick, versatile new TRINAVI control
• High-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ and built-in flash
• Full HD Movie with 50p/25p, manual focus, full P/A/S/M exposure control and improved audio
• 10fps continuous shooting (Speed priority mode)

Sony takes pro-quality imaging and creative options to new extremes with the easy to use α NEX-7. Styled in magnesium alloy for strength and premium looks, the NEX-7 weighs a travel-friendly approx. 291g (camera body only).

The NEX-7 features a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution that’s teamed with the latest revision of Sony’s BIONZ image processing engine.

This unique combination of sensor and processor assures ultra-rapid shooting responses, plus flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video. Extending from ISO 100-16000, the ultra-high sensitivity range makes it easy to capture clean, low-noise images in dimly lit interiors or at dusk.

Responses are accelerated further by a shutter release lag of just 0.02 seconds – the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital camera in the world. Quick, precise AF is enhanced by new Object Tracking that keeps accurate focus lock on a selected target, even when it’s moving in the frame.

The NEX-7 offers quick, easy control over creative settings via an intuitive new TRINAVI control. Two control dials on the top of the camera are complemented by a control wheel. Pushing the navigation button cycles quickly through various shooting modes, allowing enthusiasts to make custom adjustments and control images with the flexibility of a DSLR camera.

The NEX-7 is also the world’s first compact camera that features an XGA OLED TruFinder™ for precision framing and focusing. This precision electronic viewfinder gives a bright, detail-packed, high contrast view of still images and video, with approximately 100% frame coverage and a wide field of view to rival pro-grade optical viewfinders. On-screen grid lines and a level gauge can be displayed to assist with accurate framing.

The XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ is complemented by a 7.5 cm (3.0") Xtra Fine LCD that can be angled up to 90° up or 45º down for easy viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack technology assures superb detail and contrast with dramatically reduces on-screen reflections.

At the touch of a button, the NEX-7 shoots smooth AVCHD Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound. Support for the new AVCHD Progressive (Ver. 2.0)* format also allows users to select 50p or 25p frame rates for beautifully smooth, detailed video footage. As with stills shooting, Object Tracking allows a target object to be selected for accurate tracking AF, even when the subject is moving.

Manual focus is now possible during video shooting. Enthusiasts can also enjoy full control over creating the perfect video image with Programme, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (PASM). Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.

In speed priority mode, the NEX-7 captures fast-moving action at up to 10fps – the world’s fastest burst shooting speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

First introduced on the NEX-C3, Picture Effect simplifies the production of sophisticated artistic effects ‘in camera’, with no PC or post-processing needed. There are now 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature and Rich-Tone Mono. A generous palette of other artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.

The NEX-7 introduces an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe, a first for E-mount cameras. Widening opportunities for advanced shooting applications, the shoe supports accessories including HVL-F58AM, F43AM and F20AM Flash, the HVL-MT24AM Macro Twin Flash Kit and CLM-V55 Clip-on LCD Monitor.

Lenses and accessories

The world’s first mount adaptor with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology™, the optional Mount Adaptor LA-EA2 allows phase-detection AF with almost all of the A-mount lenses for both still image and video shooting.

The LCS-ELC7 Soft Carrying Case combines a closely-fitting body case and lens jacket in genuine leather to protect camera body and lens from scratches and dust, is released exclusively for NEX-7. It’s complemented by the STP-XH70 shoulder strap in the same material.

The α NEX-7 ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera by Sony is available from November 2011.

Key technical specifications

General	Camera type	Interchangeable lens digital camera with built-in flash
	Lens compatibility	Sony E-mount lenses
Image sensor	Type	APS-C type (23.5 x 15.6mm), "Exmor" APS HD CMOS sensor with primary color filters
	Number of pixels	Approx. 24.3 megapixels (effective), Approx. 24.7 megapixels (total)
	Image sensor aspect ratio	3:2
	Anti-dust system	Charge protection coating on optical filter and ultrasonic vibration mechanism
Recording system (still image)	Recording format	JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format), 3D MPO (MPF Extended compliant)
	Image size (pixels) 3:2	L: 6000 x 4000 (24M), M: 4240×2832 (12M), S: 3008 x 2000 (6M)
	Image size (pixels) 16:9	L: 6000 x 3376 (20M), M: 4240 x 2400 (10M), S: 3008 x 1688 (5.1M)
	Image size (pixels) Sweep Panorama	Wide: horizontal 12416 x 1856 (23M), vertical 5536 x 2160 (12M), standard: horizontal 8192 x 1856 (15M), vertical 3872 x 2160 (8.4M)
	Image size (pixels) 3D Sweep Panorama	Wide: 7152 x 1080 (7.7M), Standard: 4912 x 1080 (5.3M), 16:9: 1920 x 1080 (2.1M)
	Image quality modes	RAW, RAW & JPEG, JPEG Fine , JPEG Standard
	Picture Effect	11 types (15 variations): Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R, G, B, Y), High Contrast Mono, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Mono, Miniature
	Creative Style	Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn leaves, B/W, Sepia (Contrast (-3 to +3 steps), Saturation (-3 to +3 steps), Sharpness(-3 to +3 steps))
	Dynamic range functions	Off, Dynamic Range Optimizer (Auto/Level), Auto High Dynamic Range: Off, Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1.0-6.0EV, 1.0EV step)
	Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Recording system (movie)	Recording format	AVCHD Ver. 2.0 (Progressive) / MP4
	Video compression	MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)
	Audio recording format	Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC
NTSC	AVCHD Ver. 2.0, average bit rate	1920 x 1080 60p: 28Mbps (PS), 60i: 24Mbps (FX), 17Mbps (FH) 24p: 24Mbps (FX), 17Mbps (FH)
	MP4 , average bit rate	1440 x 1080 (12Mbps), VGA (3Mbps)
PAL	AVCHD Ver. 2.0, average bit rate	1920 x 1080 50p: 28Mbps (PS), 50i: 24Mbps (FX), 17Mbps (FH) 25p: 24Mbps (FX), 17Mbps (FH)
	MP4 , average bit rate	1440 x 1080 12Mbps VGA 3Mbps
Media		"Memory Stick PRO Duo" , "Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo", SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card
Noise reduction		Long exposure NR: On/Off selectable, available of shutter speeds longer than 1 sec. High ISO NR: High/Normal/Low selectable
White balance	Modes	Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, C.Tem<2500 to 9900K>, C.Filter, Custom
	WB fine adjustment	G7 to M7, 15-step / A7 to B7, 15-step
Focus system	Type	Contrast-detection AF
	Focus point	25 points
	Sensitivity range	EV0 to EV20 (at ISO100 equivalent with F2.8 lens attached)
	Focus mode	Autofocus, DMF (Direct Manual Focus), Manual Focus
	AF mode	AF-S: Single-shot AF, AF-C: Continuous AF
	Focus area	Multi Point (25 points) / Center-weighted / Flexible Spot selectable
	Other features	Tracking focus , Predictive control, Eye-Start AF (with LA-EA2), Focus lock
	AF illuminator	Built-in LED, Range: Approx. 0.5m - Approx. 3.0m (E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS)
Exposure control	Metering type	1200-zone evaluative metering
	Metering sensor	"Exmor" APS HD CMOS sensor
	Metering sensitivity	EV0 to EV20 (at ISO100 equivalent with F2.8 lens attached)
	Modes	Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
	Exposure modes	iAUTO, Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Anti Motion Blur, Scene Selection
	Scene selection	Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night view, Hand-held Twilight
	Exposure compensation	+/- 5EV (in 0.3EV steps)
	Bracketing	3 continuous exposures in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps
	AE lock	AE is locked when focus is locked in multi-segment metering mode. AE lock button
	ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)	ISO100-16000、AUTO (ISO100-1600)
Viewfinder	Type	1.3 cm (0.5 type) Electronic viewfinder
	Number of dots	2359296 dots
	XGA OLED	Yes
	Brightness control	Auto, Manual (3 steps between -1 and +1)
	Field coverage	Approx. 100%
	Magnification	Approx. 1.09x with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m-1
	Diopter adjustment	-4m-1　- +1.0m-1 (diopter)
	Eye point	Approximately 23mm from the eyepiece, 21mm from the eyepiece frame at -1m-1
	Display Contents	Disp. Basic Info, Level, Histogram
	Real-time image-adjustment	ON/OFF
LCD Monitor	Type	7.5cm (3.0-type) wide type TFT (Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology)
	Number of dots (total)	921,600 dots
	Brightness control	Auto, Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2) Sunny Weather mode
	Field coverage	Approx. 100%
	Adjustable angle	Up by approx. 90 degrees, Down by approx. 45 degrees
	Display	Graphic Display, Display All Info, Big Font Size Disp, No Disp. Info, Live View Priority, Level, Histogram, For viewfinder
	Real-time image-adjustment display	ON/OFF
	Focus check	MF assist (5.9x, 11.7x), Peaking (Level setting: High/Mid/Low/Off, Color: White/Red/Yellow)
Face detection	Modes	On/On (Regist. Faces)/Off Face registration, Face selection; Max. number of detectable faces 8
Other features		Smile shutter (selectable from 3 steps), Shooting Tips, Help guide
Digital zoom		Precision digital zoom, 1.1x-10x
Shutter	Type	Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type
	Shutter speed	1/4000 to 30 sec, bulb
	Flash sync. speed	1/160 sec.
	Electronic front shutter curtain	Yes (ON/OFF)
SteadyShot INSIDE (image stabilization)	Type	Not supported (image stabilization supported on lens)
Flash	Type	Built-in flash
	Guide No.	6 (in meters at ISO 100 equivalent)
	Flash coverage	18mm (focal-length printed on the lens body)
	Control	Pre-flash TTL
	Flash compensation	+/- 3EV in 0.3 EV steps
	Flash modes	Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync.
	Recycling time	Approx. 4 sec
	External flash	Compatible with Auto-lock Accessory shoe
	Wireless control	Supported on External flash
Drive	Drive modes	Single-shot, Continuous shooting, Speed priority continuous shooting, Self-timer (10/2 sec delay selectable), Self-timer (Cont.) (with 10 sec delay 3/5 exposures selectable), Bracketing, Remote Cdr (with separately sold remote commander RMT-DSLR1)
	Speed (max., approx.)	10fps in Speed priority continuous shooting, 3fps in standard continuous shooting *Varies depending on shooting conditions and memory cards
	No. of frame recordable (approx.)	Fine: 10 frames, Standard: 10 frames, RAW: 6 frames, RAW & JPG: 4 frames *Varies depending on shooting conditions and memory cards
Playback		Single (with or without shooting information RGB histogram & highlight/shadow warning), 6/12-frame index view, Enlarged display mode (L: 11.8x, M: 8.8x, S: 6x, Enlarged display mode (L: 16.7x, M: 11.8x, S: 8.3x, Panorama (Standard): 25.6x, Panorama (Wide): 38.8x), Auto Review (10/5/2 sec, Off) ,Image orientation (On/Off selectable), Slideshow, Panorama scrolling, Folder selection (Still), Forward/Rewind (movie), Delete, Protect
Interface	PC interface	Hi-speed USB (USB2.0): Mass-storage, MTP
	HD output	HDMI mini connector (Type-C) , BRAVIA Sync (link menu), PhotoTV HD
	Auto-lock Accessory shoe	Yes
	Compatible OS (USB connection)	Windows XP* SP3, Windows Vista** SP2 , Windows 7 SP1, Mac OS X (v10.3-v10.6) *64-bit edition and starter edition not supported. **Starter edition not supported.
Audio	Microphone	Built-in stereo microphone or ECM-SST1 (optional）
	Speaker	Built-in, monaural, Volume settings in 8 steps between 0 and 7
Print	Compatible standards	Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, DPOF setting
Custom function	Custom key settings	Available
Power	Battery	One rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50
	Still images	Viewfinder :Approx. 350 images LCD Monitor :Approx. 430 images （CIPA standard）
	Movies	Approx. 29 min., MP4 format movie for up to Approx. 2 GB.
	External power	AC Adaptor AC-PW20 (optional)
Weight	With battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo included	Approx. 350 g Approx. 12.3 oz
	Body only	Approx. 291 g Approx. 10.3 oz
Dimensions	mm (W x H x D) excluding protrusions	Approx. 119.9mm x 69.9mm x 42.6mm Approx. 4 3/4 ×2 3/4 ×1 11/16 in.
	Minimum thickness mm	Approx. 25.3mm / Approx. 1 in. (without grip and mount)
Operating Temperature	Operating temperature	32 - 104 degrees F / 0 - 40 degrees C