As a leader in the consumer electronics industry, Sony has set a benchmark in manufacturing products with cutting edge design. Record breaking technological marvels such as the Vaio X and the CyberShot TX55 are just two examples of this company's dedication to pushing the limits of portability and style. The current topic of review adds to this portfolio with the introduction of the world's thinnest, lightest, and fastest shutter speed DSLR camera. The Alpha Nex-5N marks Sony's entrance in to the micro four thirds camera race. Mirror less optics allow for an unprecedented reduction in size thus challenging all preconceived notions regarding the appearance of a camera of this caliber.

DESIGN

At first glance one would be hard pressed to believe that the Alpha Nex-5N is a full-fledged DSLR camera. The engineers over at Sony managed to pack the innards of their top of the line SLR into the body of a compact point and shoot. The camera's diminutive size is matched by its featherlike weight. Adding to this combination is a robust build, undoubtedly due to its magnesium alloy construction. The majority of the camera's weight is attributed to the removable 18-55 mm lens. The lens barrel is machined from aluminum and engraved with deep inset ridges allowing for a substantial grasp while focusing. The tuning mechanism is akin to a high quality microscope with an ultra-smooth rotation. Adjacent to the lens is a sizable grip textured with dimples. The grip allows for comfortable operation with the shutter button placed strategically above just within reach of your itchy paparazzi finger. Un-mounting the lens we become aware of the full sized APC sensor. This is literally the eye of the beast and directly accountable for producing some of the most amazing low light images seen on a DSLR. The opposite side of the camera is dominated by a massive 3.0 inch touch screen display. Sony uses its TruBlack technology which allows for higher contrast and superior outdoor visibility as compared to regular TFT displays. The Alpha Nex 5n has a first of its kind dual action tilting screen enabling the photographer to take accurate shots from above and below the line of sight without having to change positions. This would be advantageous when shooting a toddler or your favorite band at a concert.

SOFTWARE/ UI

The camera's software has been thoughtfully designed for quick and speedy usage. The primary menu is composed of icons displayed in a grid format. Continuing on from each icon is a submenu which is instead displayed as a list. The elements in the menu are controlled by a directional pad located adjacent to the screen as well as the touch screen itself. The display uses capacitive technology and beautifully integrates an add layer of ease to the menu system. The directional pad also doubles as a mechanical scroll wheel for faster browsing. In addition there are two hardware buttons with varying functionality depending on the task at hand. The bonus here is that the lower button can be programmed to your liking for a preferred group of settings. The camera menu allows for your standard array of shooting modes with the addition of iAuto and 3D panorama which we will discuss later. The only gripe here is that certain settings only appear under certain circumstances. The result is a few extra button presses and a few fumbles in regards to finding the appropriate setting. Although this may warrant the user to label the software as unintuitive, we would like to point out that all cameras suffer from this flaw in some way or another. Admittedly, trying to describe the menu system in words is a little boring so let us move on to performance.

PERFORMANCE

The hallmarks of this device are its ultra- compact size and full sized APC sensor. The latter allows for remarkable pictures in sufficient light - a feat that is to be expected from an SLR sensor. Surprisingly, it is the low light performance which separates this camera from the competition. We will go even further and state that the Alpha Nex 5N will hardly ever need the supplied external flash. The amazing low light photography is accredited to not only the sensor but also the "iAuto mode". The said mode will detect a situation with poor lighting and take three to five consecutive shots. The images are then processed (averaged) and the resulting composite picture is remarkably void of blur. Intelligent Auto also eliminates the need to sift through menus and find the appropriate setting as scenes are automatically adjusted according to lighting, proximity, and subject matter. Advanced photographers also have the ability to produce stunning pictures via full manual control. When it comes to photography even one second can mean the difference between capturing the perfect moment and missing a shot all together. Luckily Sony endowed the Alpha Nex5N with the world's shortest shutter lag. This means that one will have the ability to point, focus, and capture an image in 20 milliseconds. Needless to say, with the Alpha Nex5n - what you see is what you get.

The standard affair on your typical camera is a face detection feature which indiscriminately focuses on to an object the software deems to look like a face. Sony takes this one step further and allows you to lock on to particular subject using a simple tap on the screen. The camera then tracks the subject, even when in motion - all the while keeping the intended target in focus. As an added bonus the AlphaNex5N can store a "preferred" face into memory so one can automatically pick out the face of a loved one in a sea of strangers. The typical scenario for a novice and professional photographer alike is a background with multiple lighting sources. This would normally ruin a picture especially when adding an overbearing flash into the equation. Luckily the AlphaNex5N comes equipped with HDR mode or High Dynamic Range. This setting uses the software to balance out the inopportune lighting creating an amazing shot. There is however a little niggle in regards to the HDR canceling on occasion and having to retake the shot.

In essence the AlphaNex5N was designed with simplicity in mind. The end game is to be able to shoot like a professional without the comprehensive knowledge of imagery and camera control. For example, the prototypical photograph which exudes professionalism consists of an object sharply in focus with a background that is out of focus. This camera has a setting aptly named background defocus to allow for taking such an ideal image. The amount defocus can easily be controlled with the scroll wheel. In order to drive home this point about ease of use, we would like to mention the dedicated hardware key which guides users in to choosing the appropriate mode.

SAMPLE IMAGES

VIDEO

The Alpha Nex 5N records stunning full HD video in AVCHD/MP4 format. The high resolution video captures at a smooth 60 and 24 fps (frames per second) for that desired cinimatic effect. The highlight is the continuous auto focus when locked on to a particular subject. Once again the sensor allows for unparalleled low light capture. Just make sure you have ample space on your memory card as video capture will guzzle memory at an alarming 28 Mbps.

BATTERY

Sony claims that supplied lithium ion battery will allow the user to take 430 shots on a single charge. Our tests indicated a more pragmatic number of 300 give or take a few shots. Of course battery performance is dependent on so many factors with the sensor, display, and flash all coming into play. Nevertheless - the InfoLITHIUM W-series battery which has a capacity of 1080 mAh does a commendable job. We would hope that sometime in the near future a higher capacity battery is made available. Until this happens we would recommend purchasing a spare battery.

CONLUSION

Ultimately, Sony has done a wonderful job of reimagining the physical attributes of a DSLR Camera. Congruently, the needs of the novice have been prioritized thus allowing for a new breed of photographers to take the scene. With the Alpha Nex5N in hand photographers will get the benefits of a full sized APC sensor while retaining the size of an ultra-compact camera. The robust magnesium alloy body promises longevity while the Sony brand delivers on providing truly astonishing images. The ease of use is perfect for any novice which is in stark contrast to other DSLRs, where it is easy to get lost in the detail of full manual control. There is also the added bonus of versatility as one can snap on a lens from another manufacturer via appropriate converter. For a more detailed look into the many modes mentioned in this review be sure to check out our video review.

IN THE BOX

-ALPHA NEX 5N BODY
-18-55 mm LENS
-BATTERY CHARGER
-SHOULDER STRAP
-BATTERY
-LENS CAP
-FLASH
-CD

Review by: Rehan Asi