Sony NEX-5N

Compact mirrorless performance with touchscreen versatility

Sony NEX-5N
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 14
Price 16
Usability 17
Brand Sony
Model NEX-5N

Key Features

SENSOR 16.1 megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor
PROCESSOR BIONZ image processor for high-speed processing
AUTOFOCUS 25-point contrast-detection AF system
PHASE DETECTION None, relies on contrast detection
VIDEO 1080p Full HD at 60p/24p, AVCHD format
STABILIZATION Lens-based Optical SteadyShot (OSS)
BURST RATE Up to 10 frames per second
VIEWFINDER Optional external electronic viewfinder (FDA-EV1S)
DISPLAY 3.0-inch tilting Xtra Fine LCD, 921k dots
CONNECTIVITY USB 2.0, HDMI Type C, no built-in Wi-Fi
MEMORY CARD Single slot for SD/SDHC/SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo
WEATHER SEALING Magnesium alloy chassis, no formal weather sealing
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 410 shots per charge, NP-FW50

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Sony NEX-5N

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

How-to Use Sony NEX-5N

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-5N 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-5N

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 16.1 MP
ISO Range 100-25600
Autofocus 25-point Contrast Detect
Shutter Speed 1/4000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 10 fps
Video 1920x1080 60p
Stabilization Lens-based
Viewfinder Optional external
LCD 3.0-inch Tilting Touchscreen
Memory Card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity USB 2.0, HDMI
Battery Life 410 shots
Weight 269g
Dimensions 111 x 59 x 38 mm