Sony Alpha NEX-5 and NEX-3

San Diego, CA—Aimed at point-and-shoot users looking to step up, as well as DSLR shooters searching for a compact alternative, Sony’s two new Alpha interchangeable-lens digital cameras—the NEX-5 and NEX-3—are designed to provide the quality of a digital SLR in a lighter, smaller body that can slip into a jacket pocket.

“Consumers want better picture quality in a smaller form factor. Sony has made that a reality with these cameras. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras truly embody Sony’s make.believe spirit,” said Kristen Elder, director of Sony’s alpha digital imaging business. “These new cameras are the game-changers everyone has been waiting for and will revolutionize the consumer experience by offering outstanding picture quality with a totally pocketable size.”

With video capabilities, these interchangeable-lens cameras boast an APS-C sensor to continuously adjust focus and exposure while recording video. In addition to 720p HD recording, the NEX-5 captures Full HD (1,920x1080i) video in AVCHD files that can be viewed on an HDTV via a built-in HDMI terminal (cable optional). The NEX-3 shoots 720p HD video as MP4 files. Both cameras include built-in stereo microphones.

Unlike conventional DSLRs, the “mirrorless” construction of these models reduces the thickness of their camera bodies to about an inch at the slimmest point (excluding grip and mounts). The NEX-5, constructed from magnesium alloy, and the NEX-3, with a polycarbonate casing, use a newly developed 14.2 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. About 60 percent larger than the sensor in Micro Four Thirds cameras, it is said to provide “exceptional image quality, extremely low image noise and creative defocus background effects that are familiar to DSLR users.”

Still and video image quality is refined by Sony’s Bionz processor, which is engineered to ensure DSLR-style shooting response with fast autofocus and minimal shutter lag. Both models also capture fast-moving action with a 7-frames-per-sec burst of full-resolution images (AF/AE fixed from first frame).

Other features include a simple-to-use interface with easy access to important controls; a 3.0-inch tilting Xtra Fine LCD display with TruBlack technology, 921k-dot resolution and auto-brightness control; the multi-frame capture functions of Cyber-shot cameras, including handheld twilight and anti-motion blur modes for low-light performance; support for Memory Stick Pro Duo media and SDHC/SDXC cards; and Sweep Panorama technology for capturing group shots with a “press-and-sweep” motion. Both will also be ready for 3D Sweep Panorama this July (with a firmware update), which allows them to shoot 3D panoramic still images with a single lens. The burst of frames is stitched together to automatically create 3D panoramas that can be displayed on 3D televisions (other accessories may be required).

Three E-mount lenses were also introduced with the NEX models: a 16mm f/2.8 wide-angle prime lens (model SEL16F28); an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom (SEL1855); and an 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 (SEL18200) high-magnification zoom lens. Both zoom lenses feature in-lens Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and all three are constructed with brushed aluminum barrels and steel mounts. An optional LA-EA1 mount adapter extends compatibility to the Alpha family of 30 lenses, plus a range of other A-mount lenses.

For everyday shooting, the low-profile E 16mm f/2.8 lens minimizes bulk, and its creative possibilities can be expanded using the VCL-ECU1 ultra-wide converter with a 12mm view and VCL-ECF1 fisheye converter.

Sony’s NEX-5A and NEX-3A, which come with the SEL16F28 lens, have MSRPs of $650 and $550, respectively. NEX-5K and NEX-3K cameras, supplied with an SEL1855 lens, retail for $700 and $600, respectively. The NEX-3 is available in silver, black and red; the NEX-5 in silver and black. The SEL16F28 and SEL1855 lenses have MSRPs of $250 and $300; the SEL18200 zoom lens will retail this fall for about $800. sony.com