Sony has launched two new mirrorless, interchangeable-lens compacts, the NEX-5 and NEX-3. Both are fitted with 14.2-megapixel sensors, have a 200-12800 ISO range and are compatible with any E-mount lens.
The main differences between the two cameras are size (the NEX-5 is two inches narrower), casing and video options. The NEX-5 is housed in a magnesium alloy case, while the NEX-3 is housed in a polycarbonate case. Both cameras can shoot in HD video mode with continuous AF/AE; in addition, the NEX-5 has full 1080p full-HD capabilities, while the NEX-3 does not.
With larger sensors, the two compact cameras can shoot in lower-light settings without the use of a flash. With the sweep panorama feature, users can press the shutter button and then quickly move the camera over a panoramic scene while the shutter rapidly fires to capture the shots needed to stitch the scene together.
The cameras will be compatible with an 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS lens with an E-mount that will be available for $800 this fall, or with any Sony A-mount DSLR lens or Minolta Maxxum lens with the use of an adapter.The NEX-5 will go on sale for $699 with an 18-55mm lens or for $649 with a 16mm, f/2.8 lens.
The NEX-3 will sell for $599 with the 18-55mm lens or $549 with the 16mm lens. Both cameras will be available in July and will be succeeded by an interchangeable HD camcorder available later this fall.