NEX5N ergonomics problem

I spent some time looking at the NEX-5 when it first came out and several people here were singing it's praises, but I just didn't care for the ergonomics (and other things, too). I now own a NEX-7, and it's amazing what a little extra height and slight button layout tweaks have done for the ergos - the only complaint I have is that @%@$ video button.
 
Ken Ford said:
I spent some time looking at the NEX-5 when it first came out and several people here were singing it's praises, but I just didn't care for the ergonomics (and other things, too). I now own a NEX-7, and it's amazing what a little extra height and slight button layout tweaks have done for the ergos - the only complaint I have is that @%@$ video button.
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You and nearly everybody else! 🙂
 
vidgamer said:
Everyone has trouble with that movie button! That aside, I think the ergonomics are fine.
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Well, we are pretty much the complete opposite then. 🙂 The UI, the button layout, and the overall ergonomics of the NEX-5N simply do not work for me. The fact that it produces good video quality (in addition to good still image quality) is what saves it for me. However, having direct access to video recording is really mandatory to use the camera in the field. Otherwise, I would have sold it by now.
 
There is supposedly a firmware update due for the NEX-7 - if this isn't addressed at that point, I have a few nonpermanent mechanical ideas to fix the problem. I have zero interest in video with the NEX at the moment, so totally disabling it wouldn't be an issue.

In the ideal world I'd like to see an option to move the video start over to the shutter release after you select video mode and be able to remap the video button to something else - MF assist would be my first choice. I'm constantly diving into setup to change the assignment for the AF/MF button between AF/MF for use with AF lenses and MF assist for MF lenses. It's a pain.
 
sevo said:
Well, it should be possible to disable that button - by now I must have lost a dozen or two shots because video was running when it should not...
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I have had zero such issues myself, but I am all for more programmable buttons. I would actually like to switch the functions of the video and playback buttons.
 
I've been through the 5n menus more than a few times and I don't think the record, picture review, and center control wheel buttons can be deactivated.

That would be way too simple............
 
I e-mailed Sony Support yesterday on both the issue of the deactivating the movie button through the menu and the need to incorporate raised ring around the wheel to prevent accidental activation on any of the functions. I received a prompt reply this morning with thanks. I suggest to all who are like minded to do the same. They are evidently sensitive to customer comments.
 
I just went to a Best Buy so I could handle a NEX 5N because I was seriously thinking of buying one. Yuck! Just awful! I hate the fiddly little control wheel and menu diving. Nice concept, but a complete fail for what I want.

I'll add a comment on Best Buy - they didn't have a single micro 4/3 camera in stock. he salesman directed me to their web site. So what's the point of bricks and mortar if I can't try out gear? If I'm buying online, I'll look for he best price from a reputable dealer.
 
Best Buy merchandizes to the general buying public. Their stock in cameras is heavily weighted in favor of small sensor pocket-able cameras. They sell a lot of Sony, Nikon and Canon point and shoots, and I feel that they carry the small stock of APSC cameras as an accommodation. Their stock of Panny and Oly point and shoots is small and I'm sure they see no point in carrying what is probably in their mind an odd ball 4/3's camera. Now I happen to like 4/3's and love my GF1, but then again, I am a camera nut. If you want a 4/3's, go to a real camera store or order on-line from B&H, Adorama, or Samy's. Both the Oly and Lumix lines are superb.
 
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Jim Evidon said:
Best Buy merchandizes to the general buying public. Their stock in cameras is heavily weighted in favor of small sensor pocket-able cameras. They sell a lot of Sony, Nikon and Canon point and shoots, and I feel that they carry the small stock of APSC cameras as an accommodation. Their stock of Panny and Oly point and shoots is small and I'm sure they see no point in carrying what is probably in their mind an odd ball 4/3's camera. Now I happen to like 4/3's and love my GF1, but then again, I am a camera nut. If you want a 4/3's, go to a real camera store or order on-line from B&H, Adorama, or Samy's. Both the Oly and Lumix lines are superb.
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It's difficult to find real brick and mortar camera stores in Boston these days. So I guess I'll need to order from an online company that has a decent return period.
 
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