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Sony NEX-5
49
SCORE
Sony · Mirrorless · 14.16 MP · APS-C

Sony NEX-5

General 49Optics 55Features and Benefits 41Storage and Battery 21
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KEY FACTS
BrandSony
ModelNEX-5
Released2010
Announcement date01/05/2010
Camera typeMirrorless

General 49

Brand
Sony
Model
NEX-5
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2010
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
01/05/2010
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
111 x 59 x 38 mm
Camera weight
287 g

Optics 55

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
14.16 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4592 x 3056
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15.6 x 23.4
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
7 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony E
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
20030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
128003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
20030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
128003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
1870300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
None
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Sony NEX-5 earns a score of 49/100 in our evaluation. This mirrorless camera, announced on May 1, 2010, and released the same year, entered the market with a launch price of $650. Measuring 111 x 59 x 38mm and weighing 287g (0.63lbs), the NEX-5 offers a compact and lightweight design. However, considering the advancements in camera technology since its release, the NEX-5’s specifications may not be as competitive in today’s market.

Sony NEX-5 Overview and Optics

The Sony NEX-5 receives a score of 55/100 for its optics. This camera has a 14.16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a Bionz processor, providing a DXOMARK sensor score of 69. Equipped with a Sony E lens mount and image stabilisation, it offers a shooting speed of 7 frames per second and a 3:2 aspect ratio.

Comparing these specifications to current market standards, the NEX-5’s 14.16-megapixel resolution is lower than many contemporary cameras. However, its APS-C sensor size remains popular and widely used. The camera’s shooting speed of 7 frames per second is adequate for casual photography but may be insufficient for capturing fast-paced action or sports.

The Sony NEX-5 may not be a leader in today’s market, but it still offers decent optics for casual photographers. Its image stabilisation and Sony E lens mount compatibility are valuable features. However, those seeking higher resolution and faster shooting speeds should consider alternative options.

Sony NEX-5 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
N/A
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
N/A
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
N/A
Read our notes on sony nex-5 video performance

The Sony NEX-5 lacks video functionality. This camera does not record videos.

Sony NEX-5 Features and Benefits 41

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9200001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on sony nex-5 features and benefits

The feature score for the Sony NEX-5 stands at 41 out of 100. Among its specifications, it boasts a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 920,000 dots. Although it lacks a touchscreen, it compensates with a flip screen that allows for versatile shooting angles. However, the camera does not include modern connectivity options such as GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth.

In today’s market, the Sony NEX-5’s specifications may not be as competitive as newer models. The absence of wireless connectivity and GPS may limit its appeal to those who prioritize convenience and connectivity. The flip screen is a useful feature, but the lack of a touchscreen may not satisfy users accustomed to intuitive touch controls.

Despite its limitations, the Sony NEX-5 still offers a solid performance in its class. While it may not be the top choice for those seeking the latest features, it remains a reliable option for photographers who value simplicity and ease of use.

Sony NEX-5 Storage and Battery 21

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
NP-FW50
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
330 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on sony nex-5 storage and battery

The Sony NEX-5 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. This camera has only one memory card slot and accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. In today’s market, multiple memory card slots are preferred for more storage capacity and flexibility.

The battery life of the NEX-5 is 330 shots, which is lower than the average battery life of modern cameras. The camera uses an NP-FW50 battery type, which is common among Sony cameras. However, it lacks USB charging, a feature that is increasingly important for on-the-go photographers.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony NEX-5’s storage and battery capabilities fall short when compared to contemporary camera models.