Sony NEX-5

The original compact mirrorless interchangeable lens camera

Sony NEX-5
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 15
Performance 16
Durability 15
Price 16
Usability 17
Brand Sony
Model NEX-5

Key Features

SENSOR 14.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
PROCESSOR BIONZ image processor
AUTOFOCUS 25-point contrast-detection AF system
PHASE DETECTION None
VIDEO 1080i AVCHD at 60fps
STABILIZATION Lens-based Optical SteadyShot (OSS)
BURST RATE Up to 7 frames per second
VIEWFINDER None (optional external EVF available)
DISPLAY 3.0-inch 921k-dot tilting Xtra Fine LCD
CONNECTIVITY USB 2.0, HDMI Type C
MEMORY CARD Single slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo
WEATHER SEALING None; magnesium alloy body construction
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 330 shots per charge (NP-FW50)

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Sony NEX-5

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✗ Not Present Accessed via menu
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ~ Limited Via soft key
Dedicated ISO Button ✗ Not Present Via menu
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ✗ Not Present
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ✗ Not Present
AF-ON Button ✗ Not Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present Rear control wheel
Sub-Command Dial ✗ Not Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present Soft keys
Joystick / Multi-selector ✗ Not Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✓ Present
Drive Mode Control ~ Limited Via soft key

How-to Use Sony NEX-5

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Sony NEX-5 Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Sony NEX-5

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor APS-C CMOS
Resolution 14.2 MP
ISO Range 200-12800
Autofocus 25-point Contrast-detect
Shutter Speed 1/4000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 7 fps
Video 1080i AVCHD
Stabilization Lens-based
Viewfinder None
LCD 3.0-inch Tilting LCD
Memory Card SD/MS Duo
Connectivity USB 2.0, HDMI
Battery Life 330 shots
Weight 287g
Dimensions 111 x 59 x 38 mm