 Small, with options
By Theo Boshoff
More and more camera makers are bringing out ever smaller digital cameras with the option to use multiple interchangeable lenses to take that perfect shot. Sony is one of them and has released what it says are the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital cameras.
The two new cameras are in Sony’s alpha range of compact cameras – the NEX-5 and NEX-3 – and offer the quality of a high-end digital SLR camera in a small and lightweight form factor.
Both models offer full HD video capability, a sweep panorama photo-taking option as well as feature an APS-C sensor to continuously adjust focus and exposure while recording video.
According to Sony, the NEX-5 offers full HD movie capture in 1080i AVCHD and 720p MP4 format with Full HD 60i recording, while the NEX-3 shoots 720p HD video as compact MP4 files. Both Sony cameras include built-in stereo microphones for high-quality audio recording.
The cameras also sport mirror-less construction, which allows them to be smaller and more lightweight. The NEX-5 is constructed from magnesium alloy and the NEX-3 is made from a polycarbonate casing.
Both feature the newly developed 14.2-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, allowing for less image noise, and creative defocus background effects that are familiar to DSLR users.
Sony further notes that the BIONZ processor, featured in both cameras, ensures quick response times with fast, precise auto focus and minimal shutter lag, as well as up to seven-frames-per-second capability.
 Both models, the company notes, will also be capable of taking 3D Sweep Panorama content with a firmware update that can be downloaded later in July. This will allow users to take 3D panoramic still images with a single lens, which can then be viewed on compatible 3D TVs.
Together with the cameras, three new E-mount lenses to be used with the devices are also being introduced. These include a 16mm F2.8 wide-angle prime lens, an 18mm to 55mm F3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens and an 18mm to 200mm F3.5-6.3 high-magnification zoom lens. An optional LA-EA1 Mount Adaptor will allow users to also use any of the other 30 lenses already on offer, as well as a range of other legacy A-mount lenses (Manual Focus only).
Sony says the low-profile E 16mm F2.8 lens minimises bulk, making it more mobile, while adding creative possibilities with the VCL-ECU1 Ultra Wide Converter, which provides a 12mm view, and VCL-ECF1 Fisheye Converter that delivers impressive curvi-linear distortion.
The E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS zoom lens, notes the company, features in-lens Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, allowing for clearer handheld images.
Both cameras are available in a kit form sporting either the 16mm prime or the 18mm to 55mm lens.
The new cameras accept both Memory Stick PRO Duo (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo) and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats)
In terms of price, the NEX-5A with the SEL16F28 lens included will cost about R6 999. The NEX-5K and NEX-3K, bundled with the SEL1855 lens, will cost about R7 499 and R6 499 respectively.
The SEL18200 zoom lens, only available in August this year, will be available with the NEX-5H for
about R11 999.
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