Sony NEX users: which is better?

[Poohs100AcreWood]

For those of you who shoot with Sony NEX, what are the major differences between the 3 and 5?

From what I've read, it just seems to be the video quality, the 5 is lighter, and the grip. The 3 is more in my price range, and since I won't be shooting video much at all, would I benefit from getting the 5 at all? Has anyone noticed if the picture quality is the same?

I was already talked out of the Nikon 1, mostly because of lower mp for that type of camera, and the fact that the NEX is better in low light. Now, I just need to decide which NEX to get.

A bit of info about my shooting: I am an AP at Disneyland and have a WDW trip coming up, so I obviously shoot Disney frequently over anything else. I already have a fairly older DSLR that is beginning to go downhill quickly and am looking to downsize, but still retain the picture quality I'm used to.

Thanks for any input!

 

[havoc315]

I assume you are talking about the 5R vs the F3.
The 5R has some nice consumer features... I believe it has a touch screen and WiFi, which I believe the F3 lacks.
The big difference is the auto-focus -- The 5R has a newer AF system, which is better at tracking moving objects. The 5R can also shoot at a faster burst rate.

I wouldn't personally care about the touchscreen, WiFi may be nice. But I would care about the superior AF and burst shooting. Especially if you are going to shoot active kids, etc. The downside of the 5R, is it lacks a built-in flash. Personally, I never really use a pop-up flash. I use available lighting, or go with an external flash anyway.

In terms of using a camera in low light --- That partially comes down to the camera, but also partially comes down to the lens. If you really want to get the most out of low light pictures, you'd want to add a prime lens. There are a few 2.8 and 1.8 aperture prime lenses made specifically for the Nex. Beware, they can cost about as much as the camera.

 

[hakepb]

Or are you talking about the 3N?

The F3 was crippled with no ISO 100. (So you were stuck with the slightly lower dynamic range of ISO 200)
Both 3series are missing a super high ISO vs the 5, but that's fairly inconsequential.

I've heard the touch is great for selecting a spot for focus peaking (especially if you use manual glass)

But the 3N can come with the very compact power zoom lens which is an advantage or disadvantage based on your shooting style.

Otherwise both have a very nice Sony 16mp APSc sensor.

 

[nvtsallo]

I have the nex 6. I tried the 3n and while nice and compact. It felt small, missed the phase detect af and had no viewfinder. I liked the 5r but could not see having a dslr like quality camera with a screw on flash. Too much work. It led me to the nex 6. Coming from a dslr it really satisfies most of that feel while being compact and you could add the 55-210 and their 50mm prime for a full setup. It will cost a total near $1200 but you could start with the nex 6 and kit lens usually on sale for $899. For me it has better features for stills like the view finder and a nicer to hold grip. I have it in a tight lens coat case and it fits in my wifes purse like a p and s.

 

[Poohs100AcreWood]

Thanks for the feedback.

Looking back at the ones I have been considering, it was between the 5n and f3. The lack of flash doesn't bother me, as I rarely stay at DL past dark, and I don't use it inside. I will be doing night photography this trip, but I'm bringing my tripod for the first time, and no "fast" photos are needed, as it will mostly be scenic pictures. I may pick up an external flash before the trip, but it may not even be necessary.

The touch screen is definitely a selling point, as I like being able to select where the camera will focus, as is the AF. I shoot parades and shows on a regular basis, and that will be helpful.

Have any of you used the adapters to fit lenses from DSLRs? I have a 50mm 1.4 from my Nikon and was wondering it is will work with the adapter.

 

[HPS3]

I have shot with the 7 for a year and now currently have the 6. Buy the 6 because you will spend the same amount of money once you add the EVF. It's sometimes near impossible to shot in bright daylight without it. If you're going to shoot with a tripod, i don't think the 3 series accepts remote shutter release.

I have used the 7 and 6 primarily with legacy lenses, usually a Minolta Rokkor 45 f2 and Nikon 100 f2.8. The only downside is the AF if you're used to a dslr. The tracking and speed are no where near as good. Maybe the 7's replacement will have a better AF.

Huge pluses for the 6 are:
Standard hot shoe
EVF
Much better grip

You can look at my Flickr acct, most of my photos are with the Nex 7.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hps3/

 

[hakepb]

Thanks for the feedback.

Looking back at the ones I have been considering, it was between the 5n and f3. The lack of flash doesn't bother me, as I rarely stay at DL past dark, and I don't use it inside. I will be doing night photography this trip, but I'm bringing my tripod for the first time, and no "fast" photos are needed, as it will mostly be scenic pictures. I may pick up an external flash before the trip, but it may not even be necessary.

The touch screen is definitely a selling point, as I like being able to select where the camera will focus, as is the AF. I shoot parades and shows on a regular basis, and that will be helpful.

Have any of you used the adapters to fit lenses from DSLRs? I have a 50mm 1.4 from my Nikon and was wondering it is will work with the adapter.

Of the F3 and the 5N, I would want the 5N especially if you do not need the flash. The touch screen and focus peaking of the 5N seems to be very helpful with other lenses.

The more I read, it seems there are adaptors that convert any brand to any brand.. The biggest limitation usually is any function that cannot be manually controlled on the lens (ie is there a manual aperature ring?). That's part of the reason old Minolta glass is popular.

There are some adaptors that may allow additional control for Nikon:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3162120

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have the 5N and would choose it again over the F3 - in good part because of the touch screen which is very handy.

 

[Poohs100AcreWood]

I have shot with the 7 for a year and now currently have the 6. Buy the 6 because you will spend the same amount of money once you add the EVF. It's sometimes near impossible to shot in bright daylight without it. If you're going to shoot with a tripod, i don't think the 3 series accepts remote shutter release.

So the 6 is the only one with an EVF? I knew I would be giving that up with any NEX and figured I would just get used to not having one, but I didn't know any of them had one.

Of the F3 and the 5N, I would want the 5N especially if you do not need the flash. The touch screen and focus peaking of the 5N seems to be very helpful with other lenses.

The more I read, it seems there are adaptors that convert any brand to any brand.. The biggest limitation usually is any function that cannot be manually controlled on the lens (ie is there a manual aperature ring?). That's part of the reason old Minolta glass is popular.

There are some adaptors that may allow additional control for Nikon:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3162120

Flash is not a necessity. In fact, I have a Nikon D40 and even on manual, I had the flash popping up when it wasn't supposed to and sometimes ruining shots. If it's not there, it can't malfunction.

I have the 5N and would choose it again over the F3 - in good part because of the touch screen which is very handy.

That's what I keep hearing. Although I've never owned a camera with one, I think I may grow to love it. The 5n is beginning to win out, even though it costs a little more, but I feel like it'll be worth it with what it can do.

 

[HPS3]

The 6 and 7 have a built in EVF and its excellent. You can purchase the EVF for the 5 series but by the time you spend the extra money you might as well buy the 6. When I was shooting with the 5n I bought the EVF because I was tired of trying to see the lcd in bright sunlight. The EVF is also awesome for reviewing your shot.

 

[nvtsallo]

The 6 and 7 have a built in EVF and its excellent. You can purchase the EVF for the 5 series but by the time you spend the extra money you might as well buy the 6. When I was shooting with the 5n I bought the EVF because I was tired of trying to see the lcd in bright sunlight. The EVF is also awesome for reviewing your shot.

I second the nex 6 otherwise get something like the canon sl1 if your looking for a small light dslr. It will retain the speed your used to from a true dslr. The sony is great but as previously stated can lag a bit in af tracking. Also with the canon there are many more lenses to choose from. Just an option.

 

[havoc315]

With the NEX series, you pay a slight premium for miniaturization of the technology. If size isn't a major issue, you get better performance at a better price with some dslrs. There are often more lenses that are more affordable with dslrs. (For example, for Sony dslrs, you can pick up a used Minolta 50/1.7 prime lens for $50-$100. The Nex 6 is pretty comparable to the Sony A65, but the A65 is a little cheaper and gives better performance in some ways. )

 

[stitchnj]

I just got a 5R for Mother's Day.

FYI regarding the flash - the kit flash can stay mounted. You can flip it down and it will not go off at all, it only goes on if it's flipped up.

 

[redboxcar]

I have the NEX-6 and love it, but out of your two choices, I would go with the 5N as well.

 

[Poohs100AcreWood]

I just purchased a 5n. I wanted to thanks again for all the help and pointers that were given!

 

[HPS3]

Melissa, congrats on the purchase. You're gonna love it. Once you get it, if you have any questions just ask.

 

[Poohs100AcreWood]

Thank you very much!