new firmware for nex is coming... custom buttons!!!

[luuca]

Available from mid-October, a firmware update adds fresh functionality to the NEX-5/NEX-3. Autofocus operation is now supported when using A-mount SAM and SSM lenses with the optional LA-EA1 Mount Adaptor. There’s also a new custom function that allows assignment to buttons of frequently-used functions, plus a new function to record movies with setup aperture.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10092114sonyatphotokina.asp

iso buttooooonnnn!!!

 

[douglasf13]

So awesome!

 

[Bruin]

From day 1 I knew that the NEX firmware could be improved on, so the "bad" reviews didn't keep me from preordering mine. If enough people want it, Sony will listen. This is from Imaging-Resource...

• 
  [*] Adds a user-selectable option to drop you back into whatever menu item you had last selected, vs. always taking you to the top of the menu system when you hit the Menu button. (A huge improvement in usability; one that frequently had us gnashing our teeth as we fiddled with the cameras many options while testing the prototypes.)
  [*] Adds a user-selectable option to make the NEX menus wrap so scrolling off the bottom will take you back to the top entry again. (Not quite as important as the first change above, but this still removes an enormous annoyance.)Adds customizable buttons: A gigantic improvement for experienced users. The center button and lower-left button on the camera's back (see illustration above) can now have a wide range of camera functions assigned to them. Sony reps at the press event didn't have an exact number for how many functions could be assigned, but said it was "a whole passel" -- potentially 20 or more. Configurable options include things like white balance, ISO, exposure mode, etc. The center button can have up to three functions assigned to it simultaneously, which can be selected by pressing multiple times or pressing and scrolling with the rear control dial. The lower left button supports just one function at once. Bottom line, you'll be able to have up to four camera functions close at hand, rather than having to delve into the menu system.
  [*] Aperture control in Movie mode: Probably the biggest single request from video shooters, the new firmware will let you control the aperture used during video shooting in two different ways. In Auto mode, whatever amount of "background defocus" you select in still-image mode will apply to video recording as well. Likewise, if you've selected Aperture Priority mode for still shooting, the same aperture setting will apply when you switch to movie recording.
  [*] Support for A-mount Sony lenses with internal motors. Initially, the NEX cameras only supported the older A-mount lenses in manual focusing mode. The update will support autofocus operation with A-mount lenses that have internal focus motors. (We didn't take time to do a full count, but we think that's a total of about 12 lens models.) NOTE, though, that you actually have to upgrade the firmware in the lens adapter, as well as in the camera itself. (We were surprised to learn that the A-mount to E-mount adapter actually has a chip in it, to translate data between the lens and the camera body. As part of the update process, then, you'll need to attach your Sony A-mount adapter to the camera, so the camera can update the adapter's firmware.)

 

[PCB_RF]

This is all really good news both for current NEX users and for those thinking about NEX---some very positive steps forward in usability.

I still think dedicated _and labeled_ buttons/dials are the best button solution, but that will have to wait for NEX 7, 3.x, 5.x, or whatever the next-gen cams are called.

The menu recall feature will be a big help, this was one of my biggest NEX frustrations. Menu wrap will make menu navigation faster and easier.

I'm not ready to plunk down cash for NEX yet, I still need an EVF, but I'm glad to see Sony making progress. I am pro-mirrorless, but try very hard to be non-partisan. All mirrorless progress is good.

 

[stefan_dinu]

With an ISO button easy to operate, my nex 3 will be a even meaner beast. I put the CV 21mm with a cheapo adapter and it works wonders. I bought it only to make digital image files (i don't call them pohotographs) with my son. But it is most fun. I have two Epson also, which are now obsolete. I will keep just one, because it is beautiful, but as for the convenience, my Sony is next to nothing these days.

 

[Mark D.]

I'm thinking about getting a NEX and this is great news. I was hoping they would release the NEX 7 at photokina, but that didn't happen.

 

[douglasf13]

Using this camera at waist level is a joy, and this firmware will be great. All we need now is an EVF option.