Pros
- Solid image quality
- Accepts both SD/SDHC and Memory Stick cards
- Innovative modes, including Sweep Panorama
- HD movie recording with stereo audio
- Compact design with DSLR capabilities
- Excellent burst mode
Cons
- No built-in flash
- Proprietary accessory mount and new lens mount
Bottom Line
Sony's first interchangeable-lens compact camera, the NEX-5 offers image and video quality on a par with a DSLR and has unique modes that go beyond anything else in its class. The only thing missing is a built-in flash.
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Sony's Alpha NEX-5 Digital Camera: DSLR Capability Without DSLR Complexity
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- Top DSLR and Interchangeable-Lens Cameras for Image Quality These DSLRs and interchangeable-lens cameras earned top scores for image quality in our tests. See also: Best DSLRs for Video | Best DSLRs for Beginners | Best DSLRs Under $1000
- Best DSLRs and Interchangeable-Lens Cameras for Video These video-capable DSLRs and compact interchangeable-lens cameras earned the top scores for video quality in our subjective tests, and some of them offer full manual controls and continuous autofocus for video.
- Top 10 DSLR and Interchangeable-Lens Cameras for Sharpness Want to capture tack-sharp photos? These top-rated DSLRs and compact interchangeable-lens cameras, all tested with their standard-issue kit lens, led the pack in our subjective tests for image sharpness.
- Top-Rated Compact Interchangeable-Lens Cameras They lack the mirror boxes and through-the-lens viewfinders of a true DSLR, but these compact interchangeable-lens cameras shoot top-notch photos and video despite their smaller sizes.
- Best DSLR Cameras for Beginners These digital SLR and compact interchangeable-lens cameras each have something for the first-time photographer. All are reasonably priced and offer easy-to-learn controls (or help modes that teach beginners the basics).
- Top High-End Cameras Here's our list of top rated entry-level DSLRs, compact interchangeable-lens cameras, megazooms, and advanced point-and-shoots, as ranked by the PCWorld Labs.
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