The Sony NEX-5N is a new compact system camera with a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, responsive auto focus, world’s shortest shutter lag and 1080p/50fps video recording capability. Doubled signal readout speeds and more efficient processing have resulted in an AF that is significantly faster than the current NEX-5 model, Sony claims. Maximum sensitivity is also boosted to ISO 25600, the highest among mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers wind noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes. Like the also-new Sony NEX-7, the NEX-5N offers a speed priority mode in which the camera can capture full-resolution photographs at up to 10fps. Unlike that camera, the Sony NEX-5N has no eye-level EVF and comes with a Photo Creativity Touch interface rather than the wheel-and-dial-based UI of the higher specified model. Priced at $600, the NEX-5N will be available from September. The camera will also be offered in a kit with the existing Sony E 18-55mm zoom lens, for about $700.

In the UK, the Sony NEX-5N will be available in a bundle with either the Sony E 18-55mm or the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 lens from September, priced at £600 and £700 respectively. A double-zoom kit, comprising the Sony NEX-5N camera body and the 18-55mm as well as the new 55-210mm lens, will be offered from November for £800. Sony UK is not planning to sell the NEX-5N as a body-only option.

Sony Press Release

Ultra-responsive, compact, NEX-5N camera from Sony with 16.1 megapixels and Full HD 50p video

World’s fastest release time lag and quick, responsive autofocus

16.1 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and new BIONZ processor enabling ISO 25600 high sensitivity
Full HD Movie with 50p/25p, manual focus, full P/A/S/M exposure control and improved audio
Tilt-angle 7.5cm (3”) Xtra Fine LCD touch-screen and easy-to-use Photo Creativity interface
10 fps continuous shooting (In Speed Priority Continuous mode)
Styled in magnesium, just 23.3mm slim (Distance from front of body to LCD monitor screen surface)

Drawing on the positive acceptance of the digital camera NEX-5, the new ? NEX-5N from Sony has advanced further and offers the superb responsiveness, image quality, and creative possibilities of a DSLR camera with less to carry.

Styled in tough, light magnesium alloy and just 23.3mm at the slimmest point, the NEX-5N evolves the sleek, minimalist design of the acclaimed NEX-5. It’s also a step forward from its predecessor in terms of still image and HD video quality, powerful creative features and easy operation.

Responses are accelerated further by a release time lag of approx. 0.02 seconds1: the fastest of any interchangeable lens camera in the world. This, combined with an improved AF algorithm which doubled the readout speed from the image sensor and more efficient image processing, results in an AF that is significantly faster than the current NEX-5 model.

The camera’s Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixel resolution is partnered by a specially-optimised version of the powerful BIONZ image processing engine. This combination of sensor and processor ensures exceptionally clean, low noise images. Maximum sensitivity is also boosted to ISO 25600, the highest among mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras, allowing very high quality handheld shooting in low light conditions.

At the touch of a button, the NEX-5N shoots smooth AVCHD ver. 2.0 (Progressive) Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound at 50p - a world first for interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C size sensor. Faster readout from the sensor increases the maximum frame rate to 60 fps over the previous 30 fps. When shooting at the 24p setting, movies achieve a beautifully expressive, artistic feel. As with stills shooting, Tracking Focus allows a target object to be selected via the touch-screen for accurate focusing, even when the subject is moving.

Photographers can also enjoy full control over exposure, when shooting video, with Programme, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (PASM) – just like a DSLR camera. Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers wind noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.

The NEX-5N is the first E-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony that features an intuitive new Photo Creativity Touch interface. Background Defocus, Exposure, Picture Effect and other adjustments can be previewed, applied and combined in an instant via the LCD touch panel and control dial, with no photo jargon to confuse newcomers.

First introduced on the NEX-C3, Picture Effect simplifies the production of sophisticated artistic effects ‘in camera’, with no PC or post-processing needed. There are now 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature, Rich-Tone Monochrome and Soft High-key. A generous palette of other artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.

In Speed Priority Continuous mode, the NEX-5N captures fast-moving action at up to 10 fps (actual speed depends on shooting conditions and memory card performance). This represents the world’s fastest burst shooting speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera2.

The camera’s 7.5 cm (3.0”) Xtra Fine LCD angles up to 80° up or 45º down for easy viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack technology assures superb detail and contrast with dramatically reduces on-screen reflections. Enhanced by the new Photo Creativity Touch interface, the LCD makes composition, shot review and adjustment of camera settings easier and more flexible than ever.

Lenses and accessories
The growing choice of E-mount lenses compatible with all ? NEX cameras now includes the new Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA, E 50mm F1.8 OSS and long-awaited Telephoto zoom E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS.

The world’s first mount adaptor with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology™, the optional Mount Adaptor LA-EA2 allows phase-detection AF with almost all of the A-mount lenses for both still image and video shooting. Also available, the optional Electronic Viewfinder FDA-EV1S, XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ offers high resolution/contrast and wide viewing angle.

Also new in the range of accessories, the stylish Body Case (LCS-EB50) and Lens Jacket (LCS-EL50) protect the camera and lens from scratches, the Shoulder Strap (STP-XS3) fits tightly to body with its quick fit structure and the Soft Carrying Case (LCS-EMF) holds the E-mount camera body with attached lens as well as an additional lens or other accessories.

The ? NEX-5N ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera by Sony is available from September 2011.

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