Nex...3, 5 and 7 as a digital back?

[Corto]

So I decided to break down and get me a Nex for all my Minolta MC/MD glass.

Seems like a fun way to extend the use of my collection.

Now I have not bought a digital camera in +/- 10 years so.....

IQ-wise, How decent is the Nex 3? The price seems right for sure...
On the Nex-5, How much do I really gain?

Edit: I really like and am very comfortable with tilting LCD's, I have used the old Nikon Coolpix cameras since day one, And still do.
So EVF is really not a huge thing for me.

On the Nex-7, besides the built in EVF, is there anything
Significantly better over the 5 (or even 3)?

I most likely would use the Nex as a carry everywhere with the kit lens and a No Film option in the Minolta kit.

 

[Austerby]

I have the original Nex-3, which I picked up cheap (manufacturer reconditioned) on an internet auction site. I can't compare it to any other Nex, but I've been exceedingly impressed with its performance and useability. I don't have any Sony lenses for it, just using my M-mount and Nikon lenses via adaptors.

I wouldn't see that the 5 or 7 would offer significant enhancements over the 3 - the basics were right from the start - certainly not enough for me to consider upgrading.

 

[FPjohn]

The Nex 3/C3 are excellent universal backs. I've found a lcd hood useful.

yours
FPJ

 

[JHenry]

I've played with the C3 and 5n, but ended up buying the -7. I'm still getting used to it, and was out walking around with it for a couple of hours yesterday which went a long way in getting used to it and its quirks.

In general I like it. Not to the "its the best camera ever" level, but it is very good. I'm sure the C3 and 5n will be equally as good image quality wise. I wanted the -7 for the built in viewfinder (not necessary, but nice) and the slightly bigger size. I wasn't interested in the 24 MP, as 16 would have been enough.

Starting to hear interesting things about the Fuji X Pro-1, so maybe worth waiting for if that interests you. I'm sure someone will come up with an adapter for that camera and your lenses.

Cheers

 

[Adanac]

A NEX-5N makes for a terrific back for SLR glass. There are a ton of folks using them in this manner and lots of posts and sample images here and elsewhere to view.

If you use a third party flash and want a standard hot shoe, the only camera for you in the NEX family is a NEX-7. If flash isn't very important, the NEX-5N (or maybe the C3) may be all you need. The 5N is the only current camera that will accept the optional Sony EVF - that's one of the meaningful differences between the C3 and 5N. Some find focusing adapted manual focus lenses with the EVF is easier. You won't know until you try it.

You can buy two or three C3's or 5N's for the cost of one lens-less X-Pro 1.

 

[mugent]

An interesting difference between the 3 and the 5, other than the metal body, is that the 5 can use a remote release, the 3 cannot. It's a little infrared thing, great for tripod use.

 

[kossi008]

Yes, but other than that and the better Video capabilities (which I don't care about), the only thing that made me chose the Nex-5 over the 3 was that it simply felt better in my hand...

If you have only SLR glass and don't care for an EVF, the old Nexes (3 or 5) are all you need (their sensors are identical). I personally would nowadays chose the 5N over the 5, but that's only because it handles my Biogons better wrt color casts in the corners...

 

[douglasf13]

The 5N also has improved detail in the corners with many symmetrical wides, compared to the 5.

 

[Jockos]

IQ-wise, How decent is the Nex 3? The price seems right for sure...
On the Nex-5, How much do I really gain?

THe Nex 3 and Nex 5 uses the same sensor, so you won't gain one tiny bit in the IQ department. They are both very advanced 14Mpx aps-c sensor cameras tough.
I have a Nex 3, picked up cheap, but no Sony Nex glass. I use it mainly for product photography, when I sell gear, where it's great to have the live view.
On occations I try to take real photos with it, but the images get kinda 'meh' compared to when I use TriX or FP4+ instead.

You didn't list the 5N in you post, which is an interesting option. It's got some kind of microprism thingy on the sensor, which improves corner performance when using wide angle lenses.

On the Nex-7, besides the built in EVF, is there anything Significantly better over the 5 (or even 3)?

Uh yeah, there's this brand new 24 Mpx sensor, which works great at both high and low ISO.

 

[Teuthida]

5n is really nice. IQ is superb, on par or better than my M8. The only thing I dont like is that its too small.

 

[edodo]

Nex 3 is really cheap but you get a better sensor with C3 and 5n. Personnaly the 7 is the way to go as I really miss a viewfinder, and seeing the cost of 5n plus one, the 7 is the best choice here, including one of the best sensor for the price ration of the moment! 24mp is gonna last a long long time for a regular photog who don't do fashion nor wall posters!

 

[Hatch]

+1

I'm using my 7 as a digital back for my Rokkors already.
The EVF is great to have if you can adjust your expectations.
It's not an OVF and never will be.
But those have their pro's/ cons too.

Just one advice, get a good adapter.

I use a Novoflex now, end of irritation with my sloppy cheaper ones.

 

[Corto]

Ok, I have narrowed it down to either the C3 or the 5N.

And some photodiox adapters ( Konica AR and Minolta MC/MD)

I just need to decide what kit lens to get, The 16 or the 18-55 zoom.....
I love the size of the 16 but the zoom could be more useful for my kids sporting events etc.....

 

[Ariefb]

at some point you will miss the EVF. Especially during strong daylight (your kid's sporting event, perhaps?) because you won't be able to see anything on C3/5N LCD. It glares too much.

if you don't wanna spend extra $ on proprietary EVF, get a 3rd party LCD hood or a $25 magnetic clip viewfinder like this one:

this viewfinder is a Godsend. it also add stability for handheld shooting (i shoot video mostly)

Use vintage glasses with aperture ring. And also use good adapter. Cheaper no-brand adapter tend to stuck really hard on the body mounting. It happened to me once. Drove me nuts all night trying to take it off.

enjoy your new camera configuration. at some point it feels like shooting analog again. Manual focus, aperture ring, taking time to focus, use one of the customizable button as a dedicated magnify/focus assist shortcut.

 

[Corto]

What brand is that finder? Looks interesting.

 

[Ariefb]

mine is Capa Vfinder. There are plenty options around. it magnifies 2x and give you better focusing. try look at some reviews here http://cheesycam.com/gear/

 

[cosmonaut]

If you prefer shooting in manual you won't like the 3 or the 5n both are a PITA. If AE is your thing you will like them. If that is an issue get a 7.

 

[Corto]

If you prefer shooting in manual you won't like the 3 or the 5n both are a PITA. If AE is your thing you will like them. If that is an issue get a 7.

How come?

I read reviews and it seems simple enough, Compared to me having done full manual with a Nikon 995 for the last 10 years.

 

[douglasf13]

If you prefer shooting in manual you won't like the 3 or the 5n both are a PITA. If AE is your thing you will like them. If that is an issue get a 7.

I would have to completely disagree. With your aperture control on the lens, shutter speed on the big dial, and ISO on the big C button, shooting in M mode on the C3 and 5N is the ideal way to shoot those cameras. If anything, shooting in AE is SLIGHTLY more difficult, since you have to press a button to use exposure comp. (still easy, though.)

 

[douglasf13]

5n is really nice. IQ is superb, on par or better than my M8. The only thing I dont like is that its too small.

You should try a leather half case from Gariz or Ciesta. It makes the camera NEX-7'ish in size and bulks up the grip.