So back at PMA we caught a glimpse of some rather strange-looking Alpha prototypes. Some time afterwards, we saw some interesting interface concepts. And now — well, now we’re seeing Sony’s entry into the big-sensor/no-mirror semi-EVIL camera category. If that’s even a category. I don’t even care what category it is, because this thing looks awesome.
Updated with more info on lenses and the NEX-3’s big brother, the NEX-5.
It’s called the NEX-3 and it has a nice big sensor and E-series lens mount. That lens on there is an Alpha f3.5-5.6/18-55mm, but of course you could put a nice, compact prime on there when they come out with one and make it a more maneuverable package. Update on lenses: there will also be a 16mm f/2.8 (~24mm equivalent) shipping at the same time, and an 18-200 f3.5-5.6. There will also be an adapter for your already-purchased Alpha lenses (G-series, I think).
The LCD is not a touchscreen, though. I thought it was going to be, but it’s all managed via a wheel and a few buttons. Good news, though: it flips up like crazy and lets you shoot from weird angles. I like the look of the flash, too, with its adjustable height and angle. Very smart. There’s an electronic viewfinder for around $300.
I must say, I really love the whole look they’ve got here. It’s agreeably simple, elegant even. The reviewer is bullish about the camera in general, though it’s hard to get a good idea of its performance without some serious technical comparisons. Here are the relevant specs:
- 14 megapixels
- APS-C CMOS sensor (same as in many consumer-level DSLRs; bigger than M4/3)
- Sony E-series lens mount
- Shutter speed: 1/30th to 1/4000th of a second (no long exposures?)
- 1920×1080 video shooting (no framerates mentioned)
7FPS2.7FPS burst shooting, 7 in special mode- Memory Stick and SD card slots (SDXC supported)
- 3″ LCD (921,600 pixels reportedly, could that be? Not 921k dots?)
- ISO 200-12800
- Price: $550 (with kit lens) – $650 for NEX-5
Sample shots and more pics of the camera over at Digital Photography School.
Update: Oops! Looks like that stuff wasn’t supposed to go live yet. DPS has taken it down. However, Quesabesde has even more info, including stuff on the NEX-5 as well. The 5 will be chunkier and will actually shoot at… 1080i? Wait, that can’t be right.
Yes, it seems there is some conflicting information. But rumored specs put the NEX-3 with 720p and the NEX-5 with 1080… something. Also, burst speed is actually pegged at 2.7FPS at full resolution it seems that 7 is a special mode, probably with reduced resolution (still handy). The pricing is a little confusing, too, but all will soon be made clear, I’m sure. The leaks suggest these were supposed to go live tonight or tomorrow around the same time. Publishing errors like this do happen. In the meantime, here are the NEX-5 pics:
and the NEX-3 from the top for comparison:
[via Photo Rumors]