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Sony NEX-5N Review

2011-10-20T01:11:00.000-07:00

The Sony Alpha NEX-5N is the fourth model in Sony's NEX line of APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Just as the NEX-C3 replaces the NEX-3, the 5N is a direct replacement for its predecessor the NEX-5, using the company's latest 16.1MP CMOS sensor in place of the previous 14MP chip. Although the 5N is nearly indistinguishable from the NEX-5 on the outside (and is bound to be regarded as such by many casual observers), it is actually a very different camera, and one that is worthy of serious attention.

The two most significant changes to the NEX-5N compared to the NEX-5 are its new sensor, which we have been very impressed by in the NEX-C3, and the addition of a touch interface - unique in Sony's current Alpha lineup. When images of the first NEX cameras appeared, many people assumed their lack of buttons indicated touch-sensitive operation, so it's interesting to see a touchscreen finally appearing on the 5N.
While the NEX-3 and 5 were close siblings, differentiated mostly by styling and HD video capability, the NEX-5N and NEX-C3 are more like cousins. The 5N has a wider ISO range, spanning 100 - 25600 (equivalent) and adds support for the new FDA-EV1S electronic viewfinder. Like the co-announced NEX-7, the 5N also offers the option of using an electronic first-curtain shutter that promises to substantially reduce shutter lag. Furthermore, when paired with native E-mount lenses, it gains the capability to compensate for certain optical aberrations (namely lateral CA, vignetting and distortion - each of which can be turned on or off at the user's discretion). The NEX-5N also adds support for the new LA-EA2 SLT Alpha mount lens adapter which will also be compatible with the NEX-7.
Even with the addition of these enthusiast-friendly features the 5N still retains its appeal to compact upgraders. The same iAuto and Photo Creativity modes from the C3 are available on the 5N, along with a generous helping of the 'Picture Effects' creative processing options, available in PASM modes.
Sony NEX-5N specification highlights

•Touch-screen display

•Electronic First Curtain shutter

•Revised 16.1MP CMOS sensor

•ISO 100-25600

•10fps continuous shooting mode (at full resolution)

•In-camera CA, vignetting and distortion correction

•Auto ISO limit of 3200 (increased from ISO 1600 in NEX-5)

•Creative Control results-orientated user interface

•Picture Effects processing options

•1080p 60p HD movies in AVCHD format

Olympus PEN Mini / E-PM1 Hands-on Preview

2011-10-20T01:06:00.000-07:00

The classically-styled PEN series has given Olympus the opportunity to draw attention to its film-era history of making small, popular cameras. But it wasn't just the size and style of the PEN and Trip cameras that helped their success - it was also their simplicity. And it's this ethos that explains the E-PM1, or PEN Mini as it is likely to be promoted to its target audience.

The logic behind the design is undeniable - the collapsible zoom and slightly smaller sensor of the PEN series (compared to Samsung's NX or Sony's NEX cameras), helps make the E-PM1 an impressively compact package, so far as large-sensor mirrorless cameras go. There'll still be arguments that it's not truly pocketable, but it's undeniably more convenient to carry than any DSLR.
So, depending on how you look at it, the PEN Mini is either the most simplistic mirrorless model yet, or most of the company's flagship E-5 DSLR for the cost of a high-end enthusiast compact. Either way, its combination of being both relatively small and relatively inexpensive is worth looking closely at.
For $200 more, the photographer wanting a camera to 'grow into' can get an E-PL3, which offers slightly more direct control, a mode dial and a tilting LCD screen, helping clarify the Mini's position as a large sensor camera for users who are happy to simply point and shoot. But, with its sensor being eight times larger than most compact cameras, it's still likely to be a very impressive point and shoot.
Of course, like its more expensive sister models, the Mini retains the ability to change lenses. Given that many of them cost as much as the camera again, we suspect many buyers won't ever do so (the overwhelming majority of entry-level DSLR users don't, either). But the option is there and the Micro Four Thirds lens range (from both Olympus and Panasonic), gives the beginner and intermediate user plenty of options if they chose to become more specialzed in their photography.

Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3 key specifications:

•Updated 12MP Live MOS sensor

•120 Hz 'Fast AF' focus system

•Clip-on flash (included)

•Built-in autofocus illuminator light

•460,000 dot fixed LCD screen (16:9 aspect ratio)

•Dual-core TruePic VI processor

•1080i60 movies in AVCHD format

•Shadow tone adjustment control

•Revised and expanded Art Filter mode

Samsung WB750

2011-10-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

12.5 megapixels

3" screen
24 – 432 mm (18×)

The Samsung WB750 is a compact superzoom with an 18x zoom lens. The camera is built around what the company says is a proprietary 12.5MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Despite its slim dimensions, the camera offers a 24-432mm equivalent zoom range with its F3.2-5.8 image stabilized lens. As well as being able to shoot 10 full-resolution frames per second, it can also capture 1080p30 HD video.

Samsung NX200

2011-10-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

20.3 megapixels

3" screen
APS-C sensor

The Samsung NX200 rangefinder-style 20.3MP mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera is the latest in the NX series featuring a sleek new metal body wrapped around the latest APS-C CMOS sensor from the Korean manufacturer. It can shoot at 7 frames per second and capture 1080p30 HD video.

Samsung MV800

2011-10-18T01:16:00.000-07:00

16.2 megapixels

3" screen
26 – 130 mm (5×)

The Samsung MV800 'MultiView' camera features an LCD panel that flips up to allow more flexible photography. Building on the company's two-LCD 'dualview' idea, the MV800 has a screen that flips all the way up, to allow you to see the 3.0" rear LCD while taking a self-portrait. The 16.2MP CCD-based camera has a 26-130mm equiv. lens to maximise its flexibility.

Pentax Optio RZ18

2011-10-18T01:05:00.000-07:00

16.0 megapixels

3" screen
25 – 450 mm (18×)

The Pentax Optio RZ18 is a compact superzoom camera with 18x zoom lens. It combines a very flexible zoom range (25-450mm equivalent) with a 16MP image stabilized CCD sensor. It also features a 460,000 dot LCD and can shoot 720p HD video at 30 frames per second.

Ricoh GR Digital IV

2011-10-18T00:58:00.000-07:00

10.0 megapixels

3" screen
28 mm

The Ricoh GR Digital IV high-end, fixed focal-length compacts is built around the company's GR Digital III 10MP 1/1.7" CCD sensor but gains sensor-shift image stabilization. It also adds 'Hybrid AF' that uses twin CMOS AF sensors allowing the camera to assess focus distance and bring focus times down to 0.2 sec (twice the speed of the GRD III). This, combined with the camera's distinctly photographer-focused interface and compact size, prompts the company to tout the GR Digital IV as a street-shooting tool. The camera also gains a high-resolution RGBW 1.23M dot LCD. There will also be a limited-edition white version for the first time.

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

2011-10-18T00:52:00.000-07:00

12.1 megapixels

2.7" screen
24 – 840 mm (35×)

The Canon PowerShot SX40 HS is a 12MP CMOS-based superzoom with 35x zoom. The SX40 steps into the place of the SX30 and offers a 24-840mm equivalent zoom range. It can shoot at up to 10.3 frames per second for 8 shots and can capture 1080p24 HD video. An 'Intelligent IS' system attempts to assess the shooting conditions and use the most appropriate stabilization mode, to make the camera's huge lens range usable.

Canon PowerShot S100

2011-10-18T00:47:00.000-07:00

12.1 megapixels

3" screen
24 – 120 mm (5×)

The Canon PowerShot S100 features a broader, 5x lens range (24-120mm equiv.), the company's latest image stabilization and built-in GPS. The interesting specification, from our perspective, is the 12MP CMOS sensor. It's the company's second compact camera sensor, following the slightly disappointing example in 2008's PowerShot SX1. As with the S95, the sensor remains of the larger 1/1.7" type used in high-end compacts.

Nikon J1

2011-10-18T00:42:00.000-07:00

10.1 megapixels

3" screen
CX format sensor

The J1 small sensor mirrorless camera is the more compact, less expensive model in the company's line up of mirrorless cameras. Like the V1, it features Hybrid autofocus (combining phase detection and contrast detection AF) that allows the camera to shoot at up to 10 frames-per-second with autofocus. It's built around a 1" type (13.2mm x 8.8mm) 10MP CMOS sensor, giving a 2.7x crop, which Nikon is calling 'CX' format. Like the V1, it can shoot 1080i60 video.

Canon EOS-1D X

2011-10-18T00:35:00.000-07:00

The Canon EOS-1D X is the company's flagship professional DSLR (2011). The 18MP camera is built around a full-frame sensor capable of shooting at up to 14 frames per second (12fps with AF), allowing it to replace both the 1D Mark IV and 1DS Mark III in Canon's lineup. Despite looking like previous 1D cameras, it's been extensively reworked and includes more professional video features than any other Canon DSLR.

Sony offers NEX-5N adjustment for users experiencing video clicking

2011-10-18T00:25:00.000-07:00

Sony has posted a note on its support site saying it will modify NEX-5N cameras of users troubled by clicking noises during video recording. The company points out that the phenomenon only occurs: 'if the camera undergoes sudden motion while recording; motion generally inconsistent with smooth video recording.' But has said it will make an 'adjustment' to the cameras (during the warranty period) of users who feel they're likely to encounter the issue. The company doesn't say that only people combining jogging with their videography need apply, but...

Redrock Micro creates Canon EF to MFT adapter with aperture control

2011-10-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

DSLR video accessory specialist Redrock Micro has created a Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds lens adapter. The LiveLens MFT adds the electronics required to control the aperture on the mounted EOS lenses. A 9V battery and a touch-panel allows the adapter to specify the lens aperture in 1/3EV steps. The adapter costs $442.50 and is available directly from the manufacturer's website. (Via Photography Blog)

Sony SLT-A77 studio comparison samples updated with ACR 6.5

2011-10-18T00:17:00.001-07:00

Updated Sony SLT A-77 studio comparison RAW shots. We've just re-processed our A-77 shots of the standard studio test scene with the latest version of Adobe Camera RAW - ACR 6.5. (we had originally used a beta version of ACR 6.5). The differences are fairly minimal but the updated shots are are now available in the comparison tool.

Tamron offers 17-50mm F2.8 VC prize for dpreview challenge

2011-10-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

Tamron is offering an F2.8 zoom to the winner of a Travel and Nature challenge on dpreview.com. The competition, open to any registered dpreview member, runs until October 24th. The winner will be decided by public vote over the following seven days. The winning photographer will receive a Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 Di II XR VC LD Aspherical (IF) in Canon or Nikon mount (Full-frame shooters can request an unstabilized 28-75mm F2.8 instead), making this the first dpreview challenge with a competition prize.

Sony NEX-5N 16MP mirrorless camera

2011-10-18T00:12:00.000-07:00

Our review of the Sony NEX-5N. The 5N is the second generation of Sony's more enthusiast-focused mirrorless models. It offers the well-respected 16MP APS-C sensor and the option to fit an external electronic viewfinder. Although the bodywork is near indistinguishable from the original NEX-5, the latest model gains a touch-screen interface and in-camera lens correction processing as two of the most obvious of its many changes. We've spent some time getting familiar with the 5N, to see if it delivers on the NEX concept's considerable promise.

Apple announces iPhone 4S with 8MP camera and 1080p video

2011-10-18T00:09:00.000-07:00

Apple has announced its latest iPhone model, featuring an 8MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. The iPhone 4S features faster image capture (down to 0.5s shot-to-shot time and 1.1 second 'time to first photo'), and captures more light as a result of the new sensor. It also gains 1080p video, is said to have better auto white balance performance and adds face detection for the first time. The 4S will first be available in the US, UK and five other countries on October 14th, with 22 more countries following two weeks later.

Fujifilm unveils X-S1 high-end superzoom and confirms Mirrorless intentions

2011-10-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

Fujifilm has announced the X-S1 high-end superzoom and confirmed its intention to build a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The X-S1 is an addition to the company’s X-series and is built around the same 2/3” EXR CMOS sensor as the recently announced X10. Meanwhile, company president and CEO Shigetaka Komori said it will create a mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera built around a larger sensor with ‘resolution and low noise [that] will surpass the 35mm full size sensor.’ We’re not taking this to mean it will be a full-frame camera. More details will be announced nearer the Spring 2012 launch. The X-S1 features a 26x, 24-624mm equivalent F2.8-5.3 zoom and will be available from early 2012. (via DCWatch)

JVC launches GC-PX10 hybrid 12MP stills/1080p video camera in US

2011-10-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

JVC has announced the GC-PX10, a 12 megapixel/1080p60 hybrid stills/video camera with 10x optical zoom. The model, which combines a 1/2.3" back-illuminated CMOS sensor can shoot 1080p60 video at bitrates of up to 36Mbps, full-resolution images at 30fps or 8.3MB images at 60fps. The camera, which appears to be a US version of the previously-announced, Japan-only GC-PX1, can also capture slow-motion video at 300fps. It includes 32GB of built-in memory, as well as accepting SDXC, SDHC and SD cards.

Sigma reveals 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM with 'FLD' glass

2011-10-17T23:55:00.000-07:00

Sigma has released version II of its 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM superzoom lens. The latest version adds Sigma's FLD glass, the 'fluorite-like' glass co-developed with Hoya and features a revised design (it now features a narrower body and 18 elements in 14 groups, rather than the 13 groups of its predecessor). The lens will be available for Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Pentax and Sony systems (without optical stabilization on the last two mounts). MSRP will be $720.

Fujifilm announces pricing and availability of the X10 enthusiast compact

2011-10-17T23:51:00.000-07:00

Fujifilm has announced its X10 enthusiast compact will start shipping from November 2011 at a

recommended retail price of $599.95. Announced last month, the retro-styled camera features a bright

F2.0-2.8, 28-112mm-equivalent lens and is built around the company's 12MP 2/3" (6.6 x 8.8mm) EXRCMOS sensor.

Leica M9 comparison shots added to dpreview database

2011-10-17T23:46:00.000-07:00

We've just added Leica M9 studio shots to our comparison tool. As part of our forthcoming review of the Sigma SD1, we'll be comparing it to a range of large-sensor, high-resolution cameras, which meant including the Leica M9. The shots, actually taken with an M9-P, should not be seen as a signal of a full review of the camera but do help put its image quality in context against its peers.

Sigma Germany announces SD1 Wood Edition with burl veneer

2011-10-17T23:43:00.000-07:00

Sigma Germany has announced a wood-veneered version of its SD1 high-end DSLR. The 'Wood Edition' emphasizes the camera's premium appeal by adding a casing made from Amboyna Burl, an expensive and decorative veneer taken from complex growths on a Southeast Asian tree. The case takes around 60 hours to cut, mill and polish. Ten examples of the special edition will be available, body-only, for a recommended selling price of €9,999. (From PhotoScala)

Panasonic updates firmware for DMC-G3 and DMC-GF3

2011-10-17T23:40:00.000-07:00

A week after posting a firmware update for its G-system cameras, Panasonic has announced firmware updates for its DMC-G3 and GF3 Micro Four Thirds cameras. Version 1.2 improves compatibility of both cameras with Four Thirds lenses when mounted via the DMW-MA1 adapter. The updates are available for immediate download from Panasonic's website.

Sony posts firmware updates for SLT-A77 and SLT-A65

2011-10-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

Sony has released firmware v1.03 for its SLT-A77 and A65 cameras. Currently only available via the company's Asia site (the first region in which the cameras are widely available), the upgrade promises to improve the responsiveness of the control dials and function buttons, along with the speed of switching between EVF and LCD modes. It also adds support for the HVL-MT24AM macro flash accessory.