Posts Tagged ‘DSLRs’

Nex5 and the State of the Micro Thirds

Sony forayed into the murky micro-thirds waters by introducing Nex5 digital camera. Compact digital cameras have enjoyed a steady stream of buyers and have been comfortably thwarting threats of obsolescence just by releasing upgrades yearly. However, the emergence of the micro thirds systems may cut in on the popularity and profitability of the compact camera category. For unclear reason, Sony has dropped the gauntlet on this niche market with the introduction of the Nex line of micro thirds camera. Nex5 is marketed under the alpha brand, but interestingly, it makes use of a completely new all-electronic E-mount, dropping the Alpha lens mount. Nex5 boasts of 50% bigger image sensors and with a smaller form factor. This smaller frame is what sets it apart from the other brands that have bravely marketed the micro thirds system. With this said, Sony may have just found gold in Nex5 by encouraging consumers to upgrade from compact cameras to micro four thirds. While this may be the way forward for the manufacturer, its positioning is forced and not driven by market forces.

Nex5 Features: The Lowdown

Nex5 has the feel of a compact digital camera but it looks like a hybrid, that’s why it has more in common with the compact than with the DSLRs. This does not mean that it is low on features. In fact, Nex5 was designed from the ground up, system-wise, and packed in a sturdy frame to hold metal-bodied kit lenses. This is something that has been done away with years ago in mainstream camera products. While camera geeks would prefer a conventional hot shoe on their SLRs, Sony opted for an accessory port. In Nex5’s magnesium alloy body comes infrared receivers, 1080i AVCHD movie recording, 14 megapixels sensor, image stabilizer, and 3.0 Xtrafine TruBlack LCD, among other nifty features in its thin frame. While they may be considered standard, the thing that got users interested is that it retains the versatility of DSLRs in such a tiny frame. The users are also given more choices given the interchangeable lenses. Sony’s focus on electronics makes the Nex5 less cumbersome to use. As such, users can take advantage of the electronic displays. This strategy, coupled with the technology from Minolta, could very well be the competitive advantage of Nex5.

Nex5 | To Upgrade or Not

Early adopters of Nex5 have admitted that the camera is slow to start up and the battery could use some more juice to power up the unit. Others find the interface of Nex5 quite confusing, which hampers the overall experience of using the camera. Sony tries to market it as a revolutionary micro four thirds and not just simply miniaturizing the DSLR. Given that the camera is in its initial stage, it comes across as awkward and deliberate. The price is reasonable considering the features. The bottom line here is whether or not Nex5 delivers superior photo quality. In this criterion alone, an upgrade seems to be in order.

Read more about Sony’s Nex5