Purchased an NEX-5 - should I keep it???

[Minnie]

Hi there

On Saturday I pulled the trigger on a Sony NEX-5 w/ two lens bundle. And so far I love the photos that I have been able to capture with the 7sec burst continual shot. My black toy poodle puppy actually looks like a puppy and not a blur on my old P&S Kodak that had very bad delays (10yr old camera).

I walked into Best Buy intending to purchase the Nikon 3100 but the size/weight of this camera caught my attention. And after finding out that the image quality is comparable to the 3100 I made the purchase. The main negative on this camera though is the $800 price tag of the 10x zoom lens - compared to the $250 lens for the Nikon.

So far a beginner that travels often (main use) and is a petite person (3100 is 2x as heavy) would you guys recommend I keep the NEX-5 or return it for the Nikon 3100 or similar Cannon Rebel?

I have about $1000 invested a this point with the 3yr warranties on the camera and lenses, SD card (16 gb class 10 20mb/s), spare battery, and case. This is amount I'm comfortable with at this time if that makes a difference in the recommendation.

Thanks for any help

 

[Lecard]

The first thing I can offer in the way of information is that the $800 lens is probably not too comparable to the $250 lens. If I am thinking of the same lens (NIKKOR DX 55-200) then I actually own that lens myself. It's a fine lens for sure but there are much better lenses that cover that range. They are better made and can deliver a crisper image.

Also when it comes to Nikon, one thing to keep in mind (I believe the D3100 falls into this category) is that the DX series cameras do not have an auto-focus motor on the camera itself and require a different type of lens (DX) that has the motor otherwise you can only manual focus with these lenses.

This does limit some of the lenses you can acquire. For example, you can use one of the 50mm fixed lens ($130) but you cannot auto focus so you need at least the 35mm DX lens ($200). I hope this small bit of information helps!

 

[ukcatfan]

Those lenses are not the same thing. The Sony covers from 18-200mm while the Nikon covers 55-20mm. Look at a Nikon 18-200mm and it will be more expensive than $250.

 

[Khokhonutt]

You can check out some of the discussion on the Sony Alpha thread.

I recently sold my full size DSLR kit and bought a NEX-5. I know a full size DSLR will outperform my NEX in certain situations, but I found myself leaving my DSLR home due to the size and weight. So far I've been more than satisfied with the performance of the NEX. I'll be giving it a full workout later this month at WDW.

Right now the lens selection is limited, but with converters, you can make good use of older lenses in your collection. There is also quite a bit of talk that Sigma and Tamron (among others) are interested in developing an E-Mount line. I'm sticking with my combo of the 16mm/fisheye combo and 18-55mm lenses for now. I've got a Minolta 70-200mm with the converter that I'll hold on to until I see what happens with the lens selection over the next year.

The only things I miss from my old camera is a decent long lens. I'm not ready to pull the trigger on the 200mm Sony lens just yet. I wish I had a wired remote. I did opt for the NEX-5 because it will use a wireless remote. I just wonder how that will work while trying to stand behind the camera. I also miss the view finder/eye piece versus the live view, but I'm getting used to that. Sony has done some real neat stuff in the firmware updates to help with manual focus assistance.

My 2 cents on what you should do is figure out what it is you want out your camera. You're going to get a ton of opinions here, all based on what the posters like. It doesn't make them wrong, but it doesn't necessarily make what they like right for you. Most, if not all, will say, go with what fits well in your hand. From there, you're really going to have to weed through what will really work for you.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The best camera is the one you will take with you and use! If you buy the Nikon and the less expensive lens but don't like the weight and don't carry it around then you haven't gained anything. But if the majority of photos you take are long telephoto then the NEX, if you want that now and want it to autofocus, will probably require you to spend the money on the current lens. Or - some cropping of the photos taken with your current lenses may work too. Although I have an adaptor the cropping is what I did more often with photos taken on our last trip to WDW that I used the 18-55 NEX lens but really wanted more "zoom".

As Khokhonutt talked about there are other current, less expensive options that will involve an adaptor and manual focus. But I too expect more lens options to become available sooner rather than later and that they will include a less expensive telephoto zoom.

I'll add - I have a couple of full size DSLR's but absolutely loved the small NEX on our WDW trip and used it the most. Especially since it was fairly warm while we were at WDW. If I hadn't had it there would have been more than one time that I would only have had a point and shoot - if anything - and wouldn't have been able to get some of the pictures that I did. And I've been using it more than the others since we got back also. I'm with you though on the wait for a less expensive autofocus long telephoto but I do also have other options right now.

 

[zackiedawg]

Already mentioned were some good points about the NEX lenses compared to the Nikon lenses, and the caution on the Nikon lens motor issues when buying the entry level bodies. I personally haven't decided to get the NEX's 18-200mm lens yet - there is pretty strong word that Sony has a 55-200mm version coming down the pike, and I'm waiting for that, to save some money and the fact it should be a wee bit smaller too. Unless you're in a super rush to get at a big zoom, you might just wait for the newer NEX lenses likely within the next year.

However, you might also consider another idea that can hold you over for a bit: If you invest in the LA-EA1 Sony Alpha adapter for around $140, you can then add some Sony Alpha lenses WITH autofocus capabilities. Most adapters on the NEX require manual focus, but with this specific adapter, you can look at any Sony lenses that have the 'SSM' or 'SAM' designations and those will autofocus using this adapter. The autofocus isn't superfast, so it won't work well for sports or action, but for just scenery type shots where you need more zoom, it can autofocus with these types of lenses. Most of the Sony SAM/SSM lenses are either cheap primes, or more expensive upper end zooms...but there is one cheap option...the Sony SA 55-200mm:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-55-200mm-Telephoto-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0029U0X1A

It's a SAM lens, and goes for $200 or less. Combined with the $140 adapter, you could have a 55-200mm autofocusing lens on your NEX for under $350.

At least this might hold you over until more NEX-native lenses become available in that focal range, and you can get more use out of the adapter by getting some nice fast Sony Alpha primes for cheap.

 

[Khokhonutt]

However, you might also consider another idea that can hold you over for a bit: If you invest in the LA-EA1 Sony Alpha adapter for around $140, you can then add some Sony Alpha lenses WITH autofocus capabilities. Most adapters on the NEX require manual focus, but with this specific adapter, you can look at any Sony lenses that have the 'SSM' or 'SAM' designations and those will autofocus using this adapter. The autofocus isn't superfast, so it won't work well for sports or action, but for just scenery type shots where you need more zoom, it can autofocus with these types of lenses. Most of the Sony SAM/SSM lenses are either cheap primes, or more expensive upper end zooms...but there is one cheap option...the Sony SA 55-200mm:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-55-200mm-Telephoto-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0029U0X1A

It's a SAM lens, and goes for $200 or less. Combined with the $140 adapter, you could have a 55-200mm autofocusing lens on your NEX for under $350.

At least this might hold you over until more NEX-native lenses become available in that focal range, and you can get more use out of the adapter by getting some nice fast Sony Alpha primes for cheap.

I've looked at and considered this same option, but thought it might defeat my downsizing goal.

Kat, are there any specific situations you ran into at WDW where you wanted the longer lens? I'm thinking maybe for shows like the Lights, Motors, etc or Indiana Jones. Curious if there was anything else you ran into that you remember.

 

[zackiedawg]

Agreed - but for someone who really wants a telephoto option but wants autofocus, and can't spring for the $800 e-mount lens, it is a nice, cheap option that could get them by. And the 55-200mm lens isn't overly large, even with the adapter - it would be a might heavier than the 18-200, but about the same length compacted and shorter when zoomed.

 

[Khokhonutt]

Agreed - but for someone who really wants a telephoto option but wants autofocus, and can't spring for the $800 e-mount lens, it is a nice, cheap option that could get them by. And the 55-200mm lens isn't overly large, even with the adapter - it would be a might heavier than the 18-200, but about the same length compacted and shorter when zoomed.

Yep. I sway back and forth on the idea almost daily.

 

[zackiedawg]

I've been OK sticking with my manual focus lenses when I need the telephoto - I often use my 135mm F2.8 prime, and occasionally my 70-210mm F3.5 zoom. With the peaking function added, it makes manual focus quite easy for me for walkaround and spontaneous shooting.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I've looked at and considered this same option, but thought it might defeat my downsizing goal.

Kat, are there any specific situations you ran into at WDW where you wanted the longer lens? I'm thinking maybe for shows like the Lights, Motors, etc or Indiana Jones. Curious if there was anything else you ran into that you remember.

The AK safari. That's where I most missed it. The safari was harder to shoot b/c of the moving vehicle and my wish for animal close-ups which I've been able to get previously. The NEX of course was fine for the wider angle and when the giraffe walked right up to the vehicle. I missed getting the kind of shot I really wanted of the elephants playing in the water pool b/c I was on the other side of the vehicle and didn't have enough zoom to really cover the distance. Instead I got an ok shot showing the scene but not the closeup I really would have liked. My own fault for being a bit lazy that day and not bringing the adapter and Sony 70-300 for the safari but I had gotten so enamoured with the compactness of the NEX and the good photos I can get with it.

We did go to the Hoop-de-Doo but that was about it for shows this trip. I took the A55 and my Minolta 135mm which was perfect since we were in the back of the room. I would have been fine with the NEX and that lens too. If we were seated up front I would have been wishing I had the kit lens! Since I've used the 135mm more than once for shows I think I'd still be ok with it on the NEX for shows, in the right seat, even though it would require manual focus. The other lens I need to try on the camera is the Minolta 100-200mm which would still keep it fairly compact and it's a faster lens. I haven't done much with the manual focus since the update but if the peaking helps as much as it seems it should I think that lens will give me the zoom I want while staying compact.

 

[Khokhonutt]

The AK safari. That's where I most missed it. The safari was harder to shoot b/c of the moving vehicle and my wish for animal close-ups which I've been able to get previously. The NEX of course was fine for the wider angle and when the giraffe walked right up to the vehicle. I missed getting the kind of shot I really wanted of the elephants playing in the water pool b/c I was on the other side of the vehicle and didn't have enough zoom to really cover the distance. Instead I got an ok shot showing the scene but not the closeup I really would have liked. My own fault for being a bit lazy that day and not bringing the adapter and Sony 70-300 for the safari but I had gotten so enamoured with the compactness of the NEX and the good photos I can get with it.

Good point. I had forgotten about the safari and trails at AK.

 

[zackiedawg]

AK is one area I am still devoted to my DSLR for at Disney. I can't go to AK without bringing my 300mm F4 and 18-250mm along, mostly because I'm a bird/wildlife photographer anyway, so when I go there, it would be sinful not to take those shots! Using the 300mm F4 on the NEX would be awkward due to the size and weight of the lens - having a big, sturdy DSLR on the end help ergonomically - and having fast autofocus is very helpful for shooting from the moving truck, along with stabilization. So AK is the one place the NEX really won't get much use with me...I'll bring it for the occasional scenics, but for the animals, DSLR will rule!

 

[Minnie]

Wow you guys are wonderfully helpful to a newbie

Kat4Disney - One of my main concerns of moving to a DSRL camera was size and the Sony NEX definitely takes care of that Very good point that I need to consider the will I use it aspect and this size/weight I'd be more likely to take it with me....

Thank you Justin for the possibility of lenses other than the e-mount which would provide the zoom I want with a much lower investment!

Lecard & Ukcatfan - thank you for pointing out that I was comparing apples to oranges on the lenses - I have so much to learn but I'm excited about the possibilities of learning

Khokhonutt - Thank you for pointing out the Sony thread - lots of great information

One action shot of my black toy poodle pup and a shot of the town fireworks from our cabin give me hope that with a lot of patience and work I just might be able to take some (good to me) shots

 

[Minnie]

I purchased the NEX-5 bundle at Best Buy and purchased the 3yr warranty for both pieces cost of apx $200.

Do you normally warranty camera and lens purchases? Was this the correct thing to do or would you have purchased without?

Thanks

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I purchased the NEX-5 bundle at Best Buy and purchased the 3yr warranty for both pieces cost of apx $200.

Do you normally warranty camera and lens purchases? Was this the correct thing to do or would you have purchased without?

Thanks

I do not warranty any electronics beyond what it comes with from the manufacturer. For myself I know that I treat things decently although far from using kid gloves. I know there can always be the lemon here or there or an accident could happen but I just "warranty" things myself and over the years what I could have paid in electronic warranties has far outpaced what I would have spent to replace an item or two. Also, personally I'd rather have the $200 to put towards another piece of equipment or an upgrade to new technology in 2-3 years.