Understanding the different nex versions

[Dralowid]

Hi

I think I have a grasp of the difference between 6 and 7 but can anyone tell me the key difference between 3 and 5 and their various versions?

Some of these are starting to look like bargains and may be the best way for me to dip my toe in the digital M compatible world.

Thanks in advance

Michael

 

[Godfrey]

..
I think I have a grasp of the difference between 6 and 7 but can anyone tell me the key difference between 3 and 5 and their various versions?

Some of these are starting to look like bargains and may be the best way for me to dip my toe in the digital M compatible world. ..

I don't know all the differences between the NEX models. However, the key thing you should know for M-bayonet lens adaptation is that the sensors in the NEX 5n and NEX 6 are the most compatible in the NEX lineup for use with short focal length M-bayonet mount lenses. The other details I'm aware of:

The NEX 5n has a high quality clip-on EVF which swivels.

The NEX 6 has a built-in EVF of comparable quality and a standard ISO compatible hot shoe.

If I didn't already have the Ricoh GXR with M-mount camera unit and there were no more available, I'd buy a NEX 6. (There are some bargains to be had in the Ricoh GXR at Henry's, if they've got any left.)

G

 

[jpfisher]

Michael,

There are a few different 3 models now -- NEX-3, NEX-C3, NEX-F3, and NEX-3N.

The NEX-3 and NEX-C3 are very similar, entry-level, and do not support the EVF accessory, and do not have a have a built-in flash.

The NEX-F3 has a built-in flash (same as on the NEX-6/7) and has an accessory port that supports the external EVF. Its screen flips all the way forward, but downward tilt is compromised.

The recently-announced NEX-3N is a new body design, very small, has a built-in flash but no longer has an accessory port, so no EVF. Its LCD flips all the way forward, but there isn't any tilt in the other direction; eg, waist-level is easy, but shooting with the camera above your head is compromised.

The NEX-5 series progresses from the 5, to the 5N, to the current 5R. The 5N and 5R both support the EVF accessory. The 5R adds a faster autofocus system, Wi-Fi support, and increases the LCD tilt range to face forward, but doesn't sacrifice tilt in the other direction.

I own a 5N at the moment, but if I were buying a new NEX today I'd go with the NEX-6. This comes from the point-of-view of someone who rarely uses NEX native lenses. For me the camera is an APS-C back for M-mount and other legacy lenses.

Whatever version you get, I highly recommend the Hawk close-focus M adapter (http://www.daguerreotyping.com/?p=2112) if you want to use it with M lenses. Adds some versatility to the lenses that you don't get with a traditional rangefinder.

 

[sevo]

The NEX-3 and NEX-C3 are very similar, entry-level, and do not support the EVF accessory, and do not have a have a built-in flash.

Beware: The 3 and 5 share a older sensor, with some issues with adapted lenses. The C3 has the same sensor as the 5N (and the other mid level models) - the sensor generally considered best for adapted lenses.

If you plan to buy new for use as a alien lens carrier only, the C3 or 6 might be the most sane decision - the intermediate models don't really offer that much extra for that purpose, other than being EVF compatible, but with that thrown in you don't save anything over the 6.

 

[kbg32]

You can compare the various models via the Sony site - http://store.sony.com/c/Sony-Alpha-NEX-Cameras-Accessories/en/c/S_NEX

 

[jpfisher]

Beware: The 3 and 5 share a older sensor, with some issues with adapted lenses. The C3 has the same sensor as the 5N (and the other mid level models) - the sensor generally considered best for adapted lenses.

Good point--also should be noted that the NEX-7's 24-megapixel sensor doesn't play well with some adapted ultra-wide lenses.

If you shoot JPG, the 5N is preferred to the C3. There's a bit less noise reduction, so you get a bit more detail (and a bit more noise) at ISO 3200/6400. Also, the 5N starts at ISO 100, where the C3 starts at 200.

 

[pvdhaar]

If you plan to buy new for use as a alien lens carrier only, the C3 or 6 might be the most sane decision - the intermediate models don't really offer that much extra for that purpose, other than being EVF compatible, but with that thrown in you don't save anything over the 6.

That's pretty much what I was thinking as well; either one of the NEX-3 models or a NEX-6 for M-mount lenses. And between them, it's all about whether you want the EVF or not. For manual focus lenses, that depends a lot on their focal lengths.. For wides, using the rear LCD works perfectly fine. But for longer lenses, the EVF rules. Without image stabilization, focusing/framing/shooting longer glass at arms length is a challenge..

 

[Dralowid]

Thanks folks. I'll be using wides but since I also want to use 50mm and maybe longer it sounds like the NEX-6 with its EVF really is the one.

Michael