(PR.co.nz) The new Alpha NEX series delivers true DSLR quality with its Exmor™ APS-C HD CMOS image sensor and Full HD movie recording in a stylish, easy-to-use, ultra-compact body.
Sony New Zealand has announced the launch of its first ultra-compact, interchangeable lens system digital cameras – the Alpha NEX-3 and NEX-5. Featuring the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera body , the NEX series allows users to effortlessly capture stunning, DSLR quality photos with its new 14.2-megapixel ExmorTM APS-C HD CMOS image sensor and Full HD 1080i videos in AVCHD or MP4 format.
“As a leader in innovation, Sony developed this new line of Alpha cameras so that anyone can easily capture DSLR quality images, regardless of whether they are seasoned or amateur photographers,” says Fleur Picot, Digital Imaging Product Manager. “For photographers who are new to extensive manual controls on a camera, the NEX series offers a sleek form factor, as well as user-friendly settings such as Background Defocus Control and iAuto mode that allow them to capture professional photos effortlessly. For experienced photographers, the lightweight NEX series offers serious DSLR performance in a camera that they can easily carry with them at all times.”
Unparalleled Image & Video Quality
Equipped with the latest ExmorTM APS-C HD CMOS image sensor and high speed BIONZ processor, the NEX-3 and NEX-5 deliver DSLR image quality and Full HD movie recording with richer tonal gradation and lower noise. These cameras offer higher ISO sensitivity of up to 12800, up to 14.2-megapixel resolution and defocusing allowing users to achieve beautiful images without a tripod or flash even in low light environments. Users can also record movies in stunning Full HD 1080i resolution in either AVCHD or MPEG4 formats.
Leveraging the power of its interchangeable lens system, the NEX-3 and NEX-5 allows photographers to swap between lenses for greater flexibility and precision, as well as achieve photo effects such as wide-angle, macro and fisheye with the Alpha range of E-mount lenses. In addition the optional Alpha Lens Mount Adapter means users can make use of the existing wide range of Alpha A-mount lenses with the NEX series, expanding imaging possibilities.
Compact, Stylish & Intuitive Design
Integrating a mirrorless design, the NEX-5 is the smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera available today. Weighing approximately 229g and measuring 10.8mm × 58.8mm × 38.2mm (W x H x D), the slim and stylish NEX-5 provides both professional and amateur photographers the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times. Measuring a mere 24.3mm thick , the top-of-line NEX-5 also has the world’s thinnest interchangeable lens digital camera body and can fit perfectly into pockets or handbags.
The Alpha NEX series also provides an intuitive user experience with its simplified control layout, featuring a control wheel and two customizable soft keys. The new Graphic User Interface features six clearly labeled icons that can be selected by rotating and then pressing the control wheel to access shoot settings. This user interface, common in compact cameras, makes the NEX series perfect for photographers new to extensive manual controls. In addition, built-in shooting tips provide information relevant to the current shooting or mode selection, giving users quick tips on photographic techniques as well as various types of scenes and subjects. A separate Movie mode button on the NEX series allows users to switch from still photo capture to movie recording quickly.
Revolutionary DSLR Features In A Compact Form
Users of the Alpha NEX series cameras will soon be able to capture high quality 3D panoramic photos with its new 3D Sweep Panorama mode, which will be available through a firmware update later this year. Based on the same Sweep Panorama technology used in existing Cyber-shot TX series models and leveraging Multi Picture Format (MPF) storage, the NEX-3 and NEX-5 can snap realistic 3D panoramic still images that will, quite literally, jump out of the frame.
Background Defocus Control
When activated, the Background Defocus Control feature lets photographers intuitively adjust background defocusing and depth of field to their desired level by simply rotating the control wheel, letting users easily control depth of field to make their subjects stand out dramatically from a blurred background. With the new iAuto (Intelligent Auto) mode, the scene recognition function automatically analyzes the scene to determine the correct exposure values and selects the optimum scene for true point-and-shoot simplicity.
Furthermore, the 3-inch Xtra fine LCD monitor can be tilted 80° up and 45° down to allow users to view their subjects and shoot even at awkward angles. The screen features a high 920,000 dot resolution with its 16:9 widescreen display, and integrates TruBlack technology which allows subject details and subtle tonal gradations to be displayed with deep blacks and high contrast, making it easy to focus on subjects accurately.
Other Intelligent Features
In addition to Speed Priority Continuous mode shooting at up to 7fps, the NEX-3 and NEX-5 also feature the Handheld Twilight mode. This feature allows users to capture impressive, high resolution images in low light conditions without having to use a tripod or flash.
Both cameras also sport dual memory card slots which enable the use of both Memory Stick and SD media. The NEX series is compatible with the latest Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX media, enabling the fastest transfer speeds of up to 4 times that of the Memory Stick PRO Duo Mark 2 and maximizing continuous shooting with its large data capacity of up to 32GB. The HX also enhances burst shooting, so consumers can afford to shoot more pictures in one minute without missing any key shots during shooting compared to using any SD Memory Card now available in the market.
The new Alpha NEX-3 and NEX-5 will be available in New Zealand from July 2010.
1. Refers to NEX-5 model when compared with other interchangeable lens digital cameras as of 11 May 2010; Sony research.
2. Distance from front of body to camera’s LCD screen surface
Media Release 12 May 2010 from Sony NZ.