Over the past year, compact interchangeable-lens cameras without a reflex mirror or pentaprism have been rapidly gaining popularity. Sony is the fourth manufacturer to introduce cameras of this type, two tiny 14.2-megapixel models. The polycarbonate NEX-3 (in white, silver, red or black) and the slightly more petite magnesium-alloy NEX-5 (in black or silver) are the smallest by far in the category. In spite of their size, both employ the same large sensor as one of Sony's Alpha DSLR. This allows for larger pixels for better high-ISO quality, and for a wider dynamic range.

Because of space restrictions, Sony did not install an image stabilizer in the bodies. Instead, most of the new E-mount lenses are equipped with an Optical SteadyShot system. They also feature a fast/silent autofocus motor and a gorgeous aluminum barrel. Granted, the lenses are relatively large. That's because they must project an image circle that will fill the full-size 23.4x15.6mm Exmor HD CMOS sensor.

But the optional 16mm f/2.8mm "pancake" lens is certainly slim. It also accepts an optional wide-angle adapter and a fisheye adapter for extra versatility. In spite of the fully electronic lens mount, these NEX cameras are marketed under the Alpha brand. Two zooms are now available in addition to the "pancake" lens: the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and the 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 models. Others will be announced in the future. In a kit with the 18-55mm standard-zoom lens, the NEX-3 retails in Canada for $700; and the NEX-5 for $800.

Note that the NEX cameras also accept any Alpha A-mount DSLR lenses with an optional adapter (LA-EA1). However, because there is no mechanical linkage to the lens, autofocus is not available. Frankly, I believe that most NEX buyers will not want to use the even larger DSLR lenses and the others will be satisfied with manual focus.

Features and Technology

Resembling point-and-shoot models, the NEX-5 and NEX-3 boast DSLR-class specs. They're nearly identical except for resolution in Movie mode: 720p and 1080i, respectively. Neither is equipped with an eye-level viewfinder, but the three-inch Xtra Fine LCD, with 921,600-dot resolution and Tru Black technology, provides great clarity and contrast. The screen can be tilted too, useful for composing shots when the camera is held at a high level or low level. There's no built-in flash, but a slot at the top of the body allows for adding the small external flash unit (included).

Great versatility: The NEX models were designed to attract digicam owners who are ready to upgrade to an interchangeable-lens camera without the size/complexity of a DSLR. So they include many automatic modes, but their menus also provide a wide range of features to satisfy experienced shooters. These include RAW capture; program, aperture- and shutter-priority and manual modes; the usual flash modes; and six Creative Style options with contrast, sharpness, saturation adjustment and overrides for other aspects of an image. Sony has also added the best high-tech features from their DSLRs and Cyber-shot digicams plus some entirely new amenities.

Sony's NEX cameras include an HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature that causes the camera to capture three JPEGs, at different exposure levels; the processor then merges them into a single image with great highlight and shadow detail. Images (c) 2010 Peter K. Burian

Composite images: The Dynamic Range Optimizer is useful for images made in high-contrast light, for more shadow detail. Auto HDR mode is even more impressive, especially at the high-level setting. It will quickly fire three shots at varying exposure levels, and combine them into one with more detail in both shadow and highlight areas. The Anti-Motion-Blur and Hand-Held Twilight modes are similar in concept. They fire six JPEGs in a quick burst and combine them into one image. The first feature minimizes blurring caused by camera shake; it's moderately effective. The second minimizes digital noise in low light photos and it's remarkably effective.

The NEX-5 and NEX-3 can produce impressive panororamic images made up ofnumerous single shots taken in a burst. Image (c) 2010 Peter K. Burian

A cool feature: Sweep Panorama mode is also available. This allows for taking a high-speed burst of up to 100 shots while panning the camera. Automatic alignment and stitching of the JPEGs produces a single long image. Depending on the lens focal length that's used, the photo can cover a horizontal angle of 149 to 226 degrees. This feature is quite easy to use, although image capture will stop if you pan too quickly or slowly. The final very large JPEG is usually excellent. The camera can also produce a 3D panorama photo intended for viewing with the special glasses available with a new Bravia 3D TV.

Camera Operation

To avoid scaring off novices, the designers specified only two buttons and an input dial that is also a four-way controller. Basic operation is very simple using a graphical interface with icons, a short description of each feature plus a full Help guide. Novices will also appreciate the very intuitive Defocus feature that automatically sets the best aperture for the user-designated effect: a blurred or sharp background.

Sony's NEX cameras include many capabilities that experienced photographers appreciate, but they primarily target the snapshooter. Image (c) 2010 Peter K. Burian

Menu navigation: The cameras are perfect for quick snapshooting, but not as convenient when advanced features are used. That requires a lot of menu navigation, scrolling and clicking. Initially the process can be confusing or frustrating. And yet after a couple of days of testing (without an Owner's Manual which was not yet available), I became quite adept with the operating sequences. Even so, I wish that Sony had added an [Fn] button for quick access to the functions often used for serious photography.

Movie mode: The cameras provide no control over aperture or shutter speed for video capture, but several functions can be preset: exposure compensation, White Balance, and a Creative Style. That allows for controlling the brightness, colour and tone of a video clip. Autofocus works well in movie mode. Continuous AF is surprisingly effective in tracking a moving subject. The in-camera stereo mic provides very good audio; add the optional external stereo mic (ECM-SST1) and sound quality is excellent.

Speed and Quality

Both NEX models powered up in 1.5 seconds, and they focused and fired quickly outdoors, so I rarely missed a photo opp. Autofocus did slow noticeably in dark locations and Continuous AF struggled with the fast/unpredictable motion of cycle race competitors. These are typical issues with all non-reflex cameras, as they all employ contrast-detection AF. A DSLR provides faster/more reliable performance (when Live View is not used) thanks to phase-detection AF, but the NEX models are roughly average in their category.

Speed options: The cameras' new BIONZ processor is fast however. It allows for shooting many photos at 2.3 frames per second, or at a blazing seven frames per second in Speed Priority mode. When the latter is selected, focus and exposure are locked for the first frame; the exposure is usually fine for all of the photos, but the camera cannot provide tracking focus for a moving subject. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are slow in only one respect. When auto review is on (to display a photo after it's taken) in Single Shot Mode, there's a two-second delay before you can take the next photo.

ISO tests: My ISO 200 to 800 JPEGs made excellent 13x19-inch prints after a bit of sharpening in Photoshop; larger prints should look great too. And that's not a typo; ISO 800 quality is amazing. There's a slight loss of detail by ISO 1600, but saturation is maintained; after some sharpening in Photoshop Elements 8, my best shots were fine for very nice 11x15-inch prints. Even ISO 3200 was suitable for very good letter-size prints. This is the calibre that we usually expect with a DSLR, and it's impressive when produced by a tiny NEX camera.

Movie quality: Because the cameras' CMOS sensor is 13 times larger than the chips used in most camcorders, the 720p movies in MP4 format are excellent, even if made in low light. For the best viewing experience connect the camera to an HDTV using an optional HDMI Type C cable. The NEX-5 also allows for shooting full HD videos at 1080i resolution in AVCHD format, although the difference is not dramatic.

The Bottom Line

Aside from the tedious operating sequence with advanced features, there are only a few drawbacks to the NEX system. The flash unit is a bit weak (with a guide number of 7 in metres) and there's no built-in eye-level viewfinder. An optional optical viewfinder (FDA-SV1) is available, but it's suitable only with the 16mm lens. Fortunately, the tilting LCD screen is much better than average ,and it's fine in all but very bright conditions. I also noticed a tendency to overexpose midtone scenes and a slightly cool (bluish) White Balance, both easily prevented with basic overrides.

All my nitpicking was quickly forgotten while viewing the outstanding 13x19-inch prints. In fact, these tiny cameras set the benchmark for image quality, especially at high ISO levels, in the non-reflex category. The NEX system has many other positive aspects of course: stylish bodies, excellent build quality (especially the NEX-5), lenses with metal barrels, great versatility and many useful high tech features.

While the cameras would be even more desirable if the zoom lenses were smaller, they're ideal for families that include novices and more experienced shooters. In fact, they would also be a fine choice for DSLR owners who want a second, smaller camera for hiking or for vacation trips. Combined with the high-grade 16mm f/2.8 lens, a NEX model will fit nicely into a jacket pocket and holds the potential for images of splendid quality.