“If you turn this dial, it will make the image blurrier” lol The nex5 was the 1st camera I ever purchased And yes, the child like interface helped a lot.
I was using this camera as a little street photography camera for a long time. Someone stole it out of my car (it was in the glove box) back in 2018. I was devastated. They were a little too expensive to replace as a hobby camera, but looking at eBay now, I might just have to grab one of these again...
My first digital camera I bought was the NEX-6 with its kit lens. Great little camera with mode dial, EVF, and a much better menu system than the previous iteration imo. It’s a great way to get into the E Mount, and mirrorless in general!
I recommend the Nex 5T, it have two advantages: a dial on the top right corner that makes using the camera much easier, and a early attempt to phase detect autofocus that is far better than the contrast autofocus from earlier Sony cameras. It have better video too.
nex 5R and nex 5N have same function too. Nex 5R even have flip up screen to seft filming or seft take picture. I had 5R. I lost and bought C3 with same sensor but less function but good enough for me. I dont recomend for filming on these camera. they have bad video quality
My first interchangeable lens mirrorless camrera was a ZV-E10 that I got as an 18th birthday present at the end of 2022, my parents split the cost after looking into options from Sony and Canon, asking for my input, considering my dad's own experience as a photographer, and my needs as a film student. It's a solid video camera, and a solid photography camera too, I went all in on E-mount lenses, used it for college productions that I am really proud of, as well as photos I'm equally proud of. My next camera was an a5000 modded to full spectrum, which I use with various IR filters for infrared photography, and I love it. After that I spent my student loan (where I live this is not generally used to fund attending the college itself) on an FX30, which I'm not using for photography, but the video out of it is incredible and I couldn't be happier. All in all, 3 different Sony cameras, 1 lens mount, 3 very different use cases. My ZV-E10 is now my main workhorse for visible spectrum digital photograpy, my FX30 is what I'm using for almost all my video needs, and my a5000 is my IR workhorse.
cool man! do you have an instagram handle or some other portfolio profile where you upload your work? am especially interested in the IR capable a5000 results!
For years I was the main photographer and in charge of all the kayak Pilots here in San Francisco for a lot of our big Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge swims... early on, I got the Sony nex-5n and a very expensive underwater housing to shoot the swimmers from my kayak. Moved on in later years to big dslrs and also big underwater housings. I was forced to keep the Sony and it's underwater housing because of unbelievable price drop. I still have it, and dragged it out of its pouch the other day. Works great, I still have the kit lens that goes with underwater housing and an inexpensive Chinese lens that I bought years ago. As you noted in your RUclips article it WAS a stepping stone to becoming a professional at least for me... These days I shoot the Nikon Z system (Z7) and Fuji X system ... ( XH2- Xe3 - Xt30)... thank you Sony!
I have an NEX3 and can confirm that the image quality is really good with the 16-50 kit lens. The menu is a little quirky but you soon get used to where the important stuff is. Surprisingly good even now :)
Still have mine, bought it as a compact camera that offered good value for money for travel back in 2013; it fits just fine in a small messenger bag. What I'd change on it is the very limited video functionality and going from Micro USB to USB-C (obviously the tech wasn't there at the time).
I still own a NEX5 what I bought back in 2012 used. Took approx 20000 pictures with it, and still use many times nowdays. What I like in it is its small size, and relatively good picture quality. I use an Yongnuo 50F18 or a Sony 16F28 lens on it. My advise on this camera is that forget the kit lens, use a prime lens on it (with this camera the lens matters the most), and with a relative ease you can learn basics of photography and can shot beautiful pictures.
Yes I use those custom buttons and it totally changes the workflow to something quite adept and useful beyond the more sophisticated cameras. It’s totally worth the extra effort to get it setup properly for your photography style
I made a conscious decision to sell all my high tech /spec cameras and dial my photography back a decade or more. Photography has become fun again and I still use them for images for my work. I use a Sony NEX5n, Sony NEX6n and a Sony A5000. I only own 2 Sony lenses all the others are legacy lenses.
I had the Nex 5n with the optional viewfinder and was amazing to work with, the only issue I had was the overheating because I used it mainly for video. Using fast Nikon glasses I did two music videos and four TV commercials, cheap type of course :)
I bought a Nex-5R relatively soon after it came out, and did my first wedding video with it. Later I moved up to the A6300 when it released. The only reason I don't use the 5R today is the battery hold down and door broke after a cheap battery swole up and stretched/bent everything. Loved the form factor, I might just buy another one now!
I got my Nex-5 way back when it came out, and it's still the only camera I have, I've just bought a variety of lenses over the years to augment its now rather archaic specs. I didn't mind the UI when I got it because I was only just learning DSLRs and the principles of photography, and seeing the myriad of buttons on other cameras of the time was a bit daunting to my untrained eyes, so having a more simplified menu system that explained what each thing did was rather helpful as I learned the ropes. The latest/last firmware update for this camera helps mitigate some of its UI quirks, like allowing you to customize the buttons on the back, which has helped its utility immensely over the years for me. That said, I am finally seriously entertaining the notion of upgrading (bouncing between the A7C and the ZV-E10), but I have no intention of getting rid of my Nex-5, because 1) They sell for so little now it just wouldn't be worth it in my eyes, and 2) It's always helpful to have a backup.
I was doing quite a lot of hiking and biking and needed a small camera that provided great results. If you’re out for 2-3 days you can’t use a phone. You turn it off and save it for emergencies. A camera that use batteries is a good option. Turns out to be great when I spent a month in Paris. Small; unobtrusive with good lenses meant being in the moment when using the camera. The larger and more complex the photo kit is means the users has to step out of the experience.
I have the NEX F3 I use it now as my daily driver. I use it in superior auto setting and shoot in raw.... It never stops to amaze me, Love this little camera and I got it for a little over 125 € Click and shoot, always good! Raw treatment I do in LRC, just suites me the best even with all the critics its the best solution for me! Great Video!
When I wanted to get a smallish APS-C I bought a NEX-5 (about 3- or 4 years ago, for £50). For some reason I just didn't really like using it. It took perfectly good images and it felt solid and well made but I think it was the lack viewfinder that bugged me. So if that's not an issue for you this is probably a really good camera. I was subsequently much much happier when I discovered the Fujifilm X-E1 (which was a lot cheaper back then).
I bought a Nex 5N many years ago for my underwater setup. Cheap underwater housings, cheap lenses. lightweight, huge image sensor, and really good at low light (good for cave diving and wrecks). Years later I took it on a few trips out of the country so I didn't have to lug my big DSLR gear with me, and it took amazing photos. Great camera! I figured if I ever flooded it from diving, I could get an endless supply of replacements for under $100.
I randomly found this in a pawn shop sometime in 2015, some how even to this day the 5n/5r is my favourite camera to this day. Something about the sensor produces such a warm nostalgic colour and the video mode is soft but in a pleasing way. If this had an audio input it wouldve been the perfect camera for a long time for video.
The NEX line was how I got introduced to Sony and ultimately left Canon. I LOVED my little cameras. They took my vlogs to the next level back in the early/mid 2010s
I wanted a small camera to go with my full frame wildlife camera outfit, just in case I came upon a nice landscape view in my travels. I bought a used NEX7, which had two dials. I customised those to change aperture and shutter speed and the wheel on the back controlled iso, so I had full manual control. I was really happy with that aspect of my plan. The problem was, finding a small wide angle lens with low distortion. I tried a Sigma 19mm, but was unsatisfied with its flare control and nothing else fitted the concept of a pocketable size, high quality system and gave up in the end. I still have the camera, but just use it on my Celestron C8 telescope.
I still use my NEX7 and yes they are good ASTRO sensor platforms as they are much lighter than most dslrs bodies. As far wide angle use goes, the sensor in the nex7 had different micro lens compared to later a6000 (gapless) so wasnt as sharp on some lens due to final element to sensor distances and incident angle.
I was about to buy this camera but the price set by the seller was too high for this specific model, I found another used Sony A6000 in super great condition on december, and even when it was just a little bit more expensive, I decided to get the A6000. I bought a 7 artisans 25mm f/1.8mm (a manual lens) and I loved the combination, it's super small, it's discrete, I can use it on the street or the beach and people won't feel stressed, not to mention how great it feels in the hands, compared to my Canon 6D (which is super bulky and heavy), the A6000 just feels so comfortable. When you use it, you are not distracted by the weight, or if other people are going to be looking at you, you just take it out and start shooting, it's super fun to use, like if it was an old Leica/Fuji. I want to get the Sony 16mm f/2.8, but the used ones are still pricey here in Mexico, I hope to find a good price soon.
I did the same kinda, got the 6300 and two lenses + a Kit lens for super cheap, like around 500USD, and the body had a shutter count of 2500. Gotr a 50mm 1,8F Sony FE mount lense which is 85mm on the APC and a 35mm Manuel E mount lens from Meike. So I'm i actually got a pretty good setup for street, portraits, landscape and many other scenes with these prime lenses.
Honestly these days they could sell this with a higher res sensor for $2k as an “ultimate pocketable street photography camera” and people wouldn’t bat an eye
I have 3 of those NEX, they're perfect for a B cam and street photography. They are so simple and easy to disassemble that I converted one of them to full spectrum.
Never purchased a new camera. Traded used ones along the way. Had Nex 5 and loved it. Have an Nex 5n that came with 400 clicks. The 18-55mm lens is way better than the 16-50. Can come with either. Only ever use the latter if storage space is limited.
I had the original black NEX-5 bought on release. Not sure how I found out about it, but I didn't really take photos at the time (so 2:19 I was basically the perfect audience). I was quite a loyal Sony Ericsson camera phone user at the time, so maybe that's what sold me on it? Could barely afford it, but was so over the moon when I got it in time for a family trip of a lifetime. In Vegas and San Fran several people stopped to ask what I was shooting with - it felt for the first time I had a proper bit of cutting edge tech. Then we flew to Hawaii for the last leg of the trip and suddenly EVERYONE around me had one. It was like a parallel universe. Until I discovered Sony Japan were having annual company achievers trip at our hotel, and everyone in attendance had had been gifted one.
Had a NEX 5N for years, got it second hand and used it with manual lenses (m42 adapters are cheap too), and have since upgraded to a second hand a6000. They are unbeatable price/performance-wise.
I had a Sony nex3... and I now (very) occasionally sell prints. Soooo your logic holds up 😁. Went from that camera to an a5000 to an a6000 to an a7iii, so it was definitely a gateway into the Sony ecosystem.
All I know is In 2023, I kept my Sony NEX 5n with lens kit in the mix. That small body with a pancake lens is impossibly small, crazy capable, and fits in my hoodie pocket! Also @ 1:25 - I totally made money off that camera, but eventually I needed a couple dslr key features like a hot shoe and tether abilities, still didn't retire even after buying my Canon 70d, 80d. The nex 5n eventually led me to pull the trigger on a sony fx3 when it became time to take on video...
I'm holding my first Sony - a NEX-C3, purchased in May of 2012 - which was my first interchangeable lens camera (I grew up learning how to work with film cameras). I only just now decided to upgrade to the A6400 (don't have it yet!), but I still love my NEX-C3. It has its limitations, for sure, so I'm excited about the upgrade, but it really was/is such a great little camera for what it is. ...One thing to note is that it is looking like my SEL1855 lens (the kit lens that came with the C3) is not going to be compatible with the A4600 without a firmware update (and you can't do it with the C3). So, it's likely I'll get the SEL E 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 OSS lens for the A6400 and just keep the SEL1855 as a dedicated C3 lens.
I've been using my mother's old nex-3 for almost a year now and I have to say that I've taken some good photos with it. The only reason they are not incredible pictures is my own skill, as I'm not very good yet. I truly believe these are still very good cameras to this day.
i bought a NEX-5 new and it still works! I bought 3 other sony APS-C cameras since then. I totally didn't understand photography so "background defocus" was perfectly fine to me. I sometimes still use my original 18-55 kitlens (which is far superiour to that 16-50 pancake POS you get on newer cameras) on my A6700
For a while over the last year I was watching eBay and got two NEX5’s and one NEXF3 for $45-$60 each. You just gotta watch. I use those three cameras in combination with my main 6400 for video podcasting and live concert videos 😎 If you already have a camera with E Mount lenses these make great B and C cameras
I must ask does your nex5 overheat recording long for podcasts and concerts? Or do you use like a dummy battery with an open door to resolve that problem?
@@azolaun dummy battery, open door, plus it’s plugged into and HDMI switch board so it’s not recording onto the camera, and I crop it in to cut away the menu info
@@BrandonEvansArt Thank you so very much for the help and clarification! I use my a6000 similar for recording church services/plays with a hdmi to capture card in a computer/laptop. I wasn't sure if it was possible with my NEX 5 but I will definitely do what you said next time! I appreciate ya
Even though I have and have had, professional level Cannons and Sony a6100, a6000, a6400, etc. I bought this camera on purpose! It's the only camera that can always be on my person. I use its limitations as an advantage!
My first camera was an used Nex 3n, the display broke after a fall and getting it fixed basically was the same as buying another used sony Nex 3F, so I did that. I've been using those two + another used sony Nex 5 for most of my work and it gets really good results. It doesnt have the best low light performance but if you use some fast lenses, its all good. I mostly still stick with these cameras + old manual glass because I live in a poor country, and buying a 1000usd camera is out of the question when you earn 150usd a month.
my first camera was the NEX 5r which i bought in 2013 with the motorized kit lens for 330 usd. And oh my it has been a true work horse for the past 10 years doing everything and traveling around the globe. I never really felt the need to buy any other lense since that retractable 16-50mm f3,5 made it fit into my pocket (barely) allthough i would have liked som faster and wider glas but for me it didn't make sense to get new lenses for doubble what i paid for the camera. It produced some top of the line 1080/50p video at the time. But eventually the time came for me to upgrade to something newer mostly for better low light and 4k/60p video and i managed to get an amazing deal on a new from store Sony a7 iv with the kit lense and a tamaron 70-300 f4,5 for only 920 usd 2 months ago since the store made a huge pricing error. but i think i will still use the nex 5r for struff that i need to have a smaller more stealthy setup that i don't need to be affraid of breaking.
the OG Nex5! My first mirrorless! Still working today and I still shoot with it when I want to go "home" in photography. I learned a lot from with lil bastard.
Started out with point-and-shoot cameras. Loved the portability and versatility. The Sony HX99 and Olympus TG were the last until the jump to APS-C cameras - Sony a6400 and Fujifilm X-S10. Even though APS-C bodies and lenses were supposed to be svelte, they can't match the compactness of the HX99. Even the Sony ZV-E10 wasn't compact enough. Stumbled upon NEX cameras and a5100 and bought the latter. Man, the a5100 reminds me so much of point-and-shooters. I wish the a5000 series lived on - imagine if it had a version that could shoot 4K...
Have this camera and love it. With the pancake wide-angle on you can put it in your pocket. I can throw it in a bag if I'm going somewhere, just in case I see a possible photo. And the pictures are great.
I make street photography with a Sony NEX 3N with a 16mm f2.8 lens, it's very small and you will get unnoticed most of the time for such small size camera.
Interesting that they have implemented the nature of the menu into the new(ish) Zv-Ev1 full frame vlogging camera. From the aspect of not having to understand photographic ideas around depth of field, brightness, warmth etc. You can just use onscreen sliders in this fashion for aperture, shutter speed, white balance etc. You can however exit this and go to the traditional sony text menu. I had a couple of NEX cameras back when the came out. Bodies were tiny but decent lenses seemed very large by comparison and the 16-50 kit lens wasn’t great. We didn’t have that many lens choices on launch. Different now of course. Great video; thankyou.
i started with this one, it produced amazing pics. autofocus is slow, so not really usable for any fast action, but for everything else it's amazing. i used it with sony 16 pancake and then got the sigma 30 1.4. easily fits in your pocket. if you're on a budget, deffo get this. btw, these go for almost double the price in my country, which sucks, but i doubt you could get anything better for that money.
I used one on a drone. I much prefer cameras with viewfinders. LCDs are useless on bright light. And an eye level finder helps a lot for studying expressions and shooting... when timing matters.
In my country, the price of this camera is very cheap, because people in my region do not like the color of original Sony nex, they choose a canon m10 for 1.5 higher price than the nex series but the quality is worse than Sony sensor. All in all, thank you for recommending this camera system to everyone watching this video, and this will help people choose the right and affordable camera for beginning photography career
my first camera was a Sony NEX 3 I bought it in 2011. I've been mirrorless ever since. at first I was scared that they weren't going to make lenses for the body but I would have never expected it to be what it is now. It didn't even have a standard hotshoe I just took a gamble with the tech and it worked out
I have the NEX 5N. Since I bought an iPhone, I tend to use that for my photography. But I feel like I want to reconnect back with the NEX 5N...just to see what videos I can produce with it compared with the iPhone. I'm just a hobbyist by the way.
Hello. I think that in the "NEX" range, the Nex 6 is a better choice than the Nex 5 and more valuable, with better menus and direct access, as well as a more flexible and discreet EVF. Regards
Sony Nex 5n was the first mirrorless camera I owned. And I have never regretted the purchase. I still use it sometimes. The image quality is great for it's price tag. Especially when you ditch the kit lens and buy some prime lenses.
Well, this is/was/whatever still my one and only "expensive dedicated camera" as an amateur, and I have to say that it did indeed take fairly decent shots for a time. I say that, because over the years the dial buttons have stopped responding, the LCD screen is half dead, and the camera can't focus well on what I need photographed anymore, so I can't even use it (I could push it as an idiot-proof point-and-shoot on auto mode, but this means I can't). So, I have to use my iphone 7 instead, and the camera is half-dead on that one too. At least, it works part of the time. I didn't even use the Sony Nex much and stored it back in its dedicated soft carry bag once I was done. No ill treatment here. That's all for my two cents' worth regarding this camera.
I use EF lenses and just get different lenses adapters depending on the mount my mirrorless camera uses I have a eos m running magic lantern and a Sony nex 5 I run a canon 2000d a canon 5ds nex 5 and canon m camera all with the same lenses
great video, reminded me of my Nex 5n that I haven't used but since I am going for a dumb phone now let's get to real pictures without all the artifical colors and 'smart' settings.. Thanks for reminding me!
A vintage 24mm or 35mm lens on this camera would make a great walk around camera. But the lens adapter will add a lot to the size in most cases. A modern Brightin Star 23mm F5.6 pancake lens would be a native mount and offer an effective 35mm-ish focal length on the NEX.
How fitting would this camera be for vintage shenanigans? Being mirrorless, it is easy to adapt anything to it. However, I do not know if it has manual mode which allows to shoot without "lens".
Hi. Txs for your video and the test. I am looking for a camera for my 14 years old son. He wants to start macro to shoot nature and animals. I have choice between Sony alpha 350 with 2 lenses included a macro Lens or Sony nex 5 with original lens (no macro) What would you advise me? Thanks you!
I still have my NEX5n biggest knock on the system is the lack of hot shoe for decent flash solutions. Both the included tiny flipup flash and the larger sony flash with the NEX5n screw thread accessory port is a real weakness to the system. But it did take stunning good 16mp photos during the day
Great camera, I got it new years ago with the kit lens, and later bought the pancake and the 18x200 lens too with the bigger flash unit, all you need really. put the latest software in it that Sony released for it, and your good to go.
I had Sony NEX, don't remember exactly which model it was. And also I had a set of prime lenses like sigma 30/2.8, 19/2.8 (or like that), a fisheye lens. It's a nice travel camera, nice street camera, but definitely not a Pro: slow AF, lack of controls (!!!), lack of lenses etc. I'm sure now it's possible to find for that money a really professional old camera.
Bought the NEX-5 when it first came out, I still wish it had an EVF(I really thought they would come out with an EVF accessory) My biggest problem with this camera is that it still works perfectly 13 years later and it's too good to justify replacing it.
I still regularly use my Sony Nex 7. I recently purchased the TTArtisan 27mm because I love the 40-45mm focal length. I have a Samyang 45mm for my A7RIII that rarely gets set aside.
Only if you like Sony old color or if you are willing to spend tons of time editing. Rather than this I'd recommend MFT system more, they are as cheap, more pleasing jpeg color, tons of fun due to smaller lens
the best camera to get you started as a professional is the canon 5d mark ii. bar none. best lens selection, best bang for your buck. ive shot multiple magazine covers and editorials using that camera.
Hey George! Nice Vid! I just got this one and I am pleased with it. BUT: Which MFT with interchangeable lens by Lumix would you recommend for bargain? What about the GFxx i.e. GF6??? Is that same level quality as your shown Olympus or whatever??? Thanks for your help:)
Try sony nex5 R or T series. I have one and i m still using it more often than my sony A7RII due to the small size factor. Hope sony can come with new camera in the same size with view finder.
I've had a few of the nex cameras. They are fantastic. I ended up with an slt just because it has more features and an ibis. But if you want a good hiking buddy, those little cameras are fantastic. Great for outdoors and with a light. Low light isn't that great, so if you need to shoot in the dark, buy a new camera xD
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3x price increase incoming
Every time one of these "cheap but awesome" reviews comes out, it drives the price up like crazy
Doubt it Sony made so many its never been hard to get. At least for those that still work not exactly made for reliability.
Great alternative is the a5100: same form factor, better sensor
DSLR prices on the other hand are plummeting due to photographers transitioning to mirrorless.
@@slr7075 I use MFT, it's more the irony of how these types of videos always cause the price to skyrocket
“If you turn this dial, it will make the image blurrier” lol
The nex5 was the 1st camera I ever purchased
And yes, the child like interface helped a lot.
I was using this camera as a little street photography camera for a long time. Someone stole it out of my car (it was in the glove box) back in 2018. I was devastated. They were a little too expensive to replace as a hobby camera, but looking at eBay now, I might just have to grab one of these again...
My first digital camera I bought was the NEX-6 with its kit lens. Great little camera with mode dial, EVF, and a much better menu system than the previous iteration imo. It’s a great way to get into the E Mount, and mirrorless in general!
Thanks for sharing!
NEX-6 was Sony's best camera.
I'm still using my NEX-6 I got 10 years ago today. Still a fantastic camera!
I recommend the Nex 5T, it have two advantages: a dial on the top right corner that makes using the camera much easier, and a early attempt to phase detect autofocus that is far better than the contrast autofocus from earlier Sony cameras. It have better video too.
nex 5R and nex 5N have same function too. Nex 5R even have flip up screen to seft filming or seft take picture. I had 5R. I lost and bought C3 with same sensor but less function but good enough for me.
I dont recomend for filming on these camera. they have bad video quality
Thanks for sharing!
And wifi too. This is my first digital camera and what makes me professional.
My wife is still using the Nex-5n I bought on release year. We have the 18-55 and the 55-210 lenses and it's still an excellent performer.
My first interchangeable lens mirrorless camrera was a ZV-E10 that I got as an 18th birthday present at the end of 2022, my parents split the cost after looking into options from Sony and Canon, asking for my input, considering my dad's own experience as a photographer, and my needs as a film student. It's a solid video camera, and a solid photography camera too, I went all in on E-mount lenses, used it for college productions that I am really proud of, as well as photos I'm equally proud of. My next camera was an a5000 modded to full spectrum, which I use with various IR filters for infrared photography, and I love it. After that I spent my student loan (where I live this is not generally used to fund attending the college itself) on an FX30, which I'm not using for photography, but the video out of it is incredible and I couldn't be happier. All in all, 3 different Sony cameras, 1 lens mount, 3 very different use cases. My ZV-E10 is now my main workhorse for visible spectrum digital photograpy, my FX30 is what I'm using for almost all my video needs, and my a5000 is my IR workhorse.
cool man! do you have an instagram handle or some other portfolio profile where you upload your work? am especially interested in the IR capable a5000 results!
For years I was the main photographer and in charge of all the kayak Pilots here in San Francisco for a lot of our big Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge swims... early on, I got the Sony nex-5n and a very expensive underwater housing to shoot the swimmers from my kayak. Moved on in later years to big dslrs and also big underwater housings. I was forced to keep the Sony and it's underwater housing because of unbelievable price drop. I still have it, and dragged it out of its pouch the other day. Works great, I still have the kit lens that goes with underwater housing and an inexpensive Chinese lens that I bought years ago. As you noted in your RUclips article it WAS a stepping stone to becoming a professional at least for me...
These days I shoot the Nikon Z system (Z7) and Fuji X system ... ( XH2- Xe3 - Xt30)... thank you Sony!
I have an NEX3 and can confirm that the image quality is really good with the 16-50 kit lens. The menu is a little quirky but you soon get used to where the important stuff is. Surprisingly good even now :)
Thanks for sharing!
Still have mine, bought it as a compact camera that offered good value for money for travel back in 2013; it fits just fine in a small messenger bag.
What I'd change on it is the very limited video functionality and going from Micro USB to USB-C (obviously the tech wasn't there at the time).
I still own a NEX5 what I bought back in 2012 used. Took approx 20000 pictures with it, and still use many times nowdays. What I like in it is its small size, and relatively good picture quality. I use an Yongnuo 50F18 or a Sony 16F28 lens on it. My advise on this camera is that forget the kit lens, use a prime lens on it (with this camera the lens matters the most), and with a relative ease you can learn basics of photography and can shot beautiful pictures.
Yes I use those custom buttons and it totally changes the workflow to something quite adept and useful beyond the more sophisticated cameras. It’s totally worth the extra effort to get it setup properly for your photography style
I made a conscious decision to sell all my high tech /spec cameras and dial my photography back a decade or more. Photography has become fun again and I still use them for images for my work. I use a Sony NEX5n, Sony NEX6n and a Sony A5000. I only own 2 Sony lenses all the others are legacy lenses.
I had the Nex 5n with the optional viewfinder and was amazing to work with, the only issue I had was the overheating because I used it mainly for video. Using fast Nikon glasses I did two music videos and four TV commercials, cheap type of course :)
Thanks for sharing!
I bought a Nex-5R relatively soon after it came out, and did my first wedding video with it. Later I moved up to the A6300 when it released. The only reason I don't use the 5R today is the battery hold down and door broke after a cheap battery swole up and stretched/bent everything. Loved the form factor, I might just buy another one now!
Thanks for sharing!
I got my Nex-5 way back when it came out, and it's still the only camera I have, I've just bought a variety of lenses over the years to augment its now rather archaic specs.
I didn't mind the UI when I got it because I was only just learning DSLRs and the principles of photography, and seeing the myriad of buttons on other cameras of the time was a bit daunting to my untrained eyes, so having a more simplified menu system that explained what each thing did was rather helpful as I learned the ropes.
The latest/last firmware update for this camera helps mitigate some of its UI quirks, like allowing you to customize the buttons on the back, which has helped its utility immensely over the years for me.
That said, I am finally seriously entertaining the notion of upgrading (bouncing between the A7C and the ZV-E10), but I have no intention of getting rid of my Nex-5, because 1) They sell for so little now it just wouldn't be worth it in my eyes, and 2) It's always helpful to have a backup.
I was doing quite a lot of hiking and biking and needed a small camera that provided great results. If you’re out for 2-3 days you can’t use a phone. You turn it off and save it for emergencies. A camera that use batteries is a good option. Turns out to be great when I spent a month in Paris. Small; unobtrusive with good lenses meant being in the moment when using the camera. The larger and more complex the photo kit is means the users has to step out of the experience.
Had the NEX 5 and i loved this thing, sent me on my whole alpha journey. I AM ALPHA because of that camera.
Thanks for sharing!
I have the NEX F3 I use it now as my daily driver. I use it in superior auto setting and shoot in raw.... It never stops to amaze me, Love this little camera and I got it for a little over 125 €
Click and shoot, always good! Raw treatment I do in LRC, just suites me the best even with all the critics its the best solution for me! Great Video!
When I wanted to get a smallish APS-C I bought a NEX-5 (about 3- or 4 years ago, for £50). For some reason I just didn't really like using it. It took perfectly good images and it felt solid and well made but I think it was the lack viewfinder that bugged me. So if that's not an issue for you this is probably a really good camera. I was subsequently much much happier when I discovered the Fujifilm X-E1 (which was a lot cheaper back then).
Thanks for sharing!
I bought a Nex 5N many years ago for my underwater setup. Cheap underwater housings, cheap lenses. lightweight, huge image sensor, and really good at low light (good for cave diving and wrecks). Years later I took it on a few trips out of the country so I didn't have to lug my big DSLR gear with me, and it took amazing photos. Great camera! I figured if I ever flooded it from diving, I could get an endless supply of replacements for under $100.
I randomly found this in a pawn shop sometime in 2015, some how even to this day the 5n/5r is my favourite camera to this day. Something about the sensor produces such a warm nostalgic colour and the video mode is soft but in a pleasing way. If this had an audio input it wouldve been the perfect camera for a long time for video.
The NEX line was how I got introduced to Sony and ultimately left Canon. I LOVED my little cameras. They took my vlogs to the next level back in the early/mid 2010s
That's awesome!
I wanted a small camera to go with my full frame wildlife camera outfit, just in case I came upon a nice landscape view in my travels. I bought a used NEX7, which had two dials. I customised those to change aperture and shutter speed and the wheel on the back controlled iso, so I had full manual control. I was really happy with that aspect of my plan. The problem was, finding a small wide angle lens with low distortion. I tried a Sigma 19mm, but was unsatisfied with its flare control and nothing else fitted the concept of a pocketable size, high quality system and gave up in the end. I still have the camera, but just use it on my Celestron C8 telescope.
Thanks for sharing!
I still use my NEX7 and yes they are good ASTRO sensor platforms as they are much lighter than most dslrs bodies. As far wide angle use goes, the sensor in the nex7 had different micro lens compared to later a6000 (gapless) so wasnt as sharp on some lens due to final element to sensor distances and incident angle.
Yes that's the biggest problem with Sony APS-C cameras. The ultra wide lenses suck. The 35mm and 50mm prime lenses take great photos.
I was about to buy this camera but the price set by the seller was too high for this specific model, I found another used Sony A6000 in super great condition on december, and even when it was just a little bit more expensive, I decided to get the A6000. I bought a 7 artisans 25mm f/1.8mm (a manual lens) and I loved the combination, it's super small, it's discrete, I can use it on the street or the beach and people won't feel stressed, not to mention how great it feels in the hands, compared to my Canon 6D (which is super bulky and heavy), the A6000 just feels so comfortable. When you use it, you are not distracted by the weight, or if other people are going to be looking at you, you just take it out and start shooting, it's super fun to use, like if it was an old Leica/Fuji. I want to get the Sony 16mm f/2.8, but the used ones are still pricey here in Mexico, I hope to find a good price soon.
I did the same kinda, got the 6300 and two lenses + a Kit lens for super cheap, like around 500USD, and the body had a shutter count of 2500. Gotr a 50mm 1,8F Sony FE mount lense which is 85mm on the APC and a 35mm Manuel E mount lens from Meike. So I'm i actually got a pretty good setup for street, portraits, landscape and many other scenes with these prime lenses.
Thanks for sharing!
Honestly these days they could sell this with a higher res sensor for $2k as an “ultimate pocketable street photography camera” and people wouldn’t bat an eye
Oh year, add a shutter dial and we are IN BUSINESS
I have 3 of those NEX, they're perfect for a B cam and street photography. They are so simple and easy to disassemble that I converted one of them to full spectrum.
That's great to hear!
wdym by _full spectrum_ ? can you explain please 🤔
Never purchased a new camera. Traded used ones along the way. Had Nex 5 and loved it. Have an Nex 5n that came with 400 clicks. The 18-55mm lens is way better than the 16-50. Can come with either. Only ever use the latter if storage space is limited.
Thanks for sharing!
I worked at a camera store (part of the Ritz camera family) during 2010 and I bought one of these and still use it to this day.
Thank you for the memories
I had the original black NEX-5 bought on release. Not sure how I found out about it, but I didn't really take photos at the time (so 2:19 I was basically the perfect audience). I was quite a loyal Sony Ericsson camera phone user at the time, so maybe that's what sold me on it? Could barely afford it, but was so over the moon when I got it in time for a family trip of a lifetime. In Vegas and San Fran several people stopped to ask what I was shooting with - it felt for the first time I had a proper bit of cutting edge tech. Then we flew to Hawaii for the last leg of the trip and suddenly EVERYONE around me had one. It was like a parallel universe. Until I discovered Sony Japan were having annual company achievers trip at our hotel, and everyone in attendance had had been gifted one.
Had a NEX 5N for years, got it second hand and used it with manual lenses (m42 adapters are cheap too), and have since upgraded to a second hand a6000. They are unbeatable price/performance-wise.
I had a Sony nex3... and I now (very) occasionally sell prints. Soooo your logic holds up 😁.
Went from that camera to an a5000 to an a6000 to an a7iii, so it was definitely a gateway into the Sony ecosystem.
Thanks for sharing!
I bought a NEX-6 I guess in 2013 and I'm still using it. A very capable stills camera.
Thanks for sharing!
I use an NEX 5r to this day and have shot Indy film projects with NEX cameras. And the low light on these are pretty good.
All I know is In 2023, I kept my Sony NEX 5n with lens kit in the mix. That small body with a pancake lens is impossibly small, crazy capable, and fits in my hoodie pocket! Also @ 1:25 - I totally made money off that camera, but eventually I needed a couple dslr key features like a hot shoe and tether abilities, still didn't retire even after buying my Canon 70d, 80d. The nex 5n eventually led me to pull the trigger on a sony fx3 when it became time to take on video...
Thanks for sharing!
I'm holding my first Sony - a NEX-C3, purchased in May of 2012 - which was my first interchangeable lens camera (I grew up learning how to work with film cameras). I only just now decided to upgrade to the A6400 (don't have it yet!), but I still love my NEX-C3. It has its limitations, for sure, so I'm excited about the upgrade, but it really was/is such a great little camera for what it is. ...One thing to note is that it is looking like my SEL1855 lens (the kit lens that came with the C3) is not going to be compatible with the A4600 without a firmware update (and you can't do it with the C3). So, it's likely I'll get the SEL E 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 OSS lens for the A6400 and just keep the SEL1855 as a dedicated C3 lens.
the Sony Nex 5 is my first dabble on dedicated cameras. bought mine on ebay for $60 body only
Thanks for sharing!
Nice video! I've had an NEX 7 for years and have shot many of my favorite photographs on it. Those are also very affordable these days.
I've been using my mother's old nex-3 for almost a year now and I have to say that I've taken some good photos with it. The only reason they are not incredible pictures is my own skill, as I'm not very good yet. I truly believe these are still very good cameras to this day.
this was my first camera ever, i loved it, and i loved to use it with some vintage lens
i bought a NEX-5 new and it still works! I bought 3 other sony APS-C cameras since then. I totally didn't understand photography so "background defocus" was perfectly fine to me. I sometimes still use my original 18-55 kitlens (which is far superiour to that 16-50 pancake POS you get on newer cameras) on my A6700
Found exactly the same thing with the 2 lenses
Thanks for sharing!
The old kit lens with manual focal length adjustment is definitely better than the power zoom pancake kit lens. I have tried both. 👍👍
For a while over the last year I was watching eBay and got two NEX5’s and one NEXF3 for $45-$60 each. You just gotta watch. I use those three cameras in combination with my main 6400 for video podcasting and live concert videos 😎 If you already have a camera with E Mount lenses these make great B and C cameras
Thanks for sharing!
In terms of image quality only , how does nex5 compare to the a6400 ?
I must ask does your nex5 overheat recording long for podcasts and concerts? Or do you use like a dummy battery with an open door to resolve that problem?
@@azolaun dummy battery, open door, plus it’s plugged into and HDMI switch board so it’s not recording onto the camera, and I crop it in to cut away the menu info
@@BrandonEvansArt Thank you so very much for the help and clarification! I use my a6000 similar for recording church services/plays with a hdmi to capture card in a computer/laptop. I wasn't sure if it was possible with my NEX 5 but I will definitely do what you said next time! I appreciate ya
Just saw one today at my local photography store...This will be my vacation camera with my neewer 35mm 1.7 manual...just gonna have fun with it.
Spend a little more and get the Nex 6 if only for the EVF which is actually quite good.
Thanks for sharing!
2:00 Ahh, so that's what it was, aperture... I always thought it's some digital filter and tuned it to crisp to keep it off. 🤯
I shook on this camera. It’s so good for how cheap it is
NEX-5 was my first mirrorless!
Lemme guess, it’s $500 now
Just got mine for 150 on ebay with the lens
Even though I have and have had, professional level Cannons and Sony a6100, a6000, a6400, etc. I bought this camera on purpose! It's the only camera that can always be on my person. I use its limitations as an advantage!
My first camera was an used Nex 3n, the display broke after a fall and getting it fixed basically was the same as buying another used sony Nex 3F, so I did that. I've been using those two + another used sony Nex 5 for most of my work and it gets really good results. It doesnt have the best low light performance but if you use some fast lenses, its all good. I mostly still stick with these cameras + old manual glass because I live in a poor country, and buying a 1000usd camera is out of the question when you earn 150usd a month.
Thanks for sharing, sorry to hear you have trouble finding affordable kit
my first camera was the NEX 5r which i bought in 2013 with the motorized kit lens for 330 usd.
And oh my it has been a true work horse for the past 10 years doing everything and traveling around the globe. I never really felt the need to buy any other lense since that retractable 16-50mm f3,5 made it fit into my pocket (barely) allthough i would have liked som faster and wider glas but for me it didn't make sense to get new lenses for doubble what i paid for the camera.
It produced some top of the line 1080/50p video at the time.
But eventually the time came for me to upgrade to something newer mostly for better low light and 4k/60p video and i managed to get an amazing deal on a new from store Sony a7 iv with the kit lense and a tamaron 70-300 f4,5 for only 920 usd 2 months ago since the store made a huge pricing error.
but i think i will still use the nex 5r for struff that i need to have a smaller more stealthy setup that i don't need to be affraid of breaking.
I get a pillow cushion effect using big lenses on my Nex5.
do you know if i can get rid of this upgrading the firmware?
the OG Nex5! My first mirrorless! Still working today and I still shoot with it when I want to go "home" in photography. I learned a lot from with lil bastard.
the nex-6 was my first camera, kindled my lifetime camera obsession
Started out with point-and-shoot cameras. Loved the portability and versatility. The Sony HX99 and Olympus TG were the last until the jump to APS-C cameras - Sony a6400 and Fujifilm X-S10. Even though APS-C bodies and lenses were supposed to be svelte, they can't match the compactness of the HX99. Even the Sony ZV-E10 wasn't compact enough.
Stumbled upon NEX cameras and a5100 and bought the latter. Man, the a5100 reminds me so much of point-and-shooters. I wish the a5000 series lived on - imagine if it had a version that could shoot 4K...
Have this camera and love it. With the pancake wide-angle on you can put it in your pocket. I can throw it in a bag if I'm going somewhere, just in case I see a possible photo. And the pictures are great.
Nice video. I picked up a used NEX3N, A5100, A6000, and GX85. Love them all.
Thanks for sharing!
I make street photography with a Sony NEX 3N with a 16mm f2.8 lens, it's very small and you will get unnoticed most of the time for such small size camera.
Got NEX 3 from EBay a month back for $132( $89 plus shipping). Absolutely love the images❤❤❤
The camera with the kit lens got me through my college art school photography class without a hitch!
Thanks for sharing!
Ive just purchased the NEX -3 for doing street photography
After all these years I'm still using my Nex5, with the 16-200 lens kit and also a 30mm Macro and a 50mm/1.8f Portrait lens.
Thanks for sharing!
Interesting that they have implemented the nature of the menu into the new(ish) Zv-Ev1 full frame vlogging camera. From the aspect of not having to understand photographic ideas around depth of field, brightness, warmth etc. You can just use onscreen sliders in this fashion for aperture, shutter speed, white balance etc. You can however exit this and go to the traditional sony text menu.
I had a couple of NEX cameras back when the came out. Bodies were tiny but decent lenses seemed very large by comparison and the 16-50 kit lens wasn’t great. We didn’t have that many lens choices on launch. Different now of course.
Great video; thankyou.
Yeah very interesting!
i started with this one, it produced amazing pics. autofocus is slow, so not really usable for any fast action, but for everything else it's amazing. i used it with sony 16 pancake and then got the sigma 30 1.4. easily fits in your pocket. if you're on a budget, deffo get this. btw, these go for almost double the price in my country, which sucks, but i doubt you could get anything better for that money.
NEX-5r was my gateway
I used one on a drone. I much prefer cameras with viewfinders. LCDs are useless on bright light. And an eye level finder helps a lot for studying expressions and shooting... when timing matters.
In my country, the price of this camera is very cheap, because people in my region do not like the color of original Sony nex, they choose a canon m10 for 1.5 higher price than the nex series but the quality is worse than Sony sensor. All in all, thank you for recommending this camera system to everyone watching this video, and this will help people choose the right and affordable camera for beginning photography career
Thanks for sharing!
was early adopter of Sony NEX-5n, was a good camera to learn on, there was an issue with recording video with some clicking noises.
I had some great results with the NEX 5 especially in street photography
Nice!
my first camera was a Sony NEX 3 I bought it in 2011. I've been mirrorless ever since. at first I was scared that they weren't going to make lenses for the body but I would have never expected it to be what it is now. It didn't even have a standard hotshoe I just took a gamble with the tech and it worked out
I got the Nex 3N with kit lens and bag for 100 euros.
Paired w/ sigma 30mm f1.4 is an absurd little machine for street and daily use.
Thanks for sharing!
NEX 5 has served my photography needs well. You just have to get over the design language of the UI
I have the NEX 5N. Since I bought an iPhone, I tend to use that for my photography. But I feel like I want to reconnect back with the NEX 5N...just to see what videos I can produce with it compared with the iPhone. I'm just a hobbyist by the way.
Hello. I think that in the "NEX" range, the Nex 6 is a better choice than the Nex 5 and more valuable, with better menus and direct access, as well as a more flexible and discreet EVF. Regards
Sony Nex 5n was the first mirrorless camera I owned. And I have never regretted the purchase. I still use it sometimes. The image quality is great for it's price tag. Especially when you ditch the kit lens and buy some prime lenses.
That's awesome!
how’s the shutter sound? i plan on using this for recitals and theatre performances
@@carlahau698 the shutter sound was pretty clear to us the photographer, but I doubt it's loud enough to disturb performances
Again love the video! Interesting, fun to watch and nice editing! It was quite relaxing to watch!
Keep up the good work!
Thank you for watching and the feedback!
Well, this is/was/whatever still my one and only "expensive dedicated camera" as an amateur, and I have to say that it did indeed take fairly decent shots for a time.
I say that, because over the years the dial buttons have stopped responding, the LCD screen is half dead, and the camera can't focus well on what I need photographed anymore, so I can't even use it (I could push it as an idiot-proof point-and-shoot on auto mode, but this means I can't).
So, I have to use my iphone 7 instead, and the camera is half-dead on that one too. At least, it works part of the time. I didn't even use the Sony Nex much and stored it back in its dedicated soft carry bag once I was done. No ill treatment here.
That's all for my two cents' worth regarding this camera.
My first non-Point-to-Shoot was the NEX 3. I've kept it even after getting the Sony A7ii.
Awesome!
I use EF lenses and just get different lenses adapters depending on the mount my mirrorless camera uses I have a eos m running magic lantern and a Sony nex 5 I run a canon 2000d a canon 5ds nex 5 and canon m camera all with the same lenses
great video, reminded me of my Nex 5n that I haven't used but since I am going for a dumb phone now let's get to real pictures without all the artifical colors and 'smart' settings.. Thanks for reminding me!
I had the NEX-6, but rapidely sold it to buy my first Fuji : the X100s.
It’s day and night.
The Nex-3N was the first camera I converted to full spectrum.
This was a awesome review 🎉
A vintage 24mm or 35mm lens on this camera would make a great walk around camera. But the lens adapter will add a lot to the size in most cases. A modern Brightin Star 23mm F5.6 pancake lens would be a native mount and offer an effective 35mm-ish focal length on the NEX.
How fitting would this camera be for vintage shenanigans? Being mirrorless, it is easy to adapt anything to it. However, I do not know if it has manual mode which allows to shoot without "lens".
Hi. Txs for your video and the test. I am looking for a camera for my 14 years old son. He wants to start macro to shoot nature and animals. I have choice between Sony alpha 350 with 2 lenses included a macro Lens or Sony nex 5 with original lens (no macro) What would you advise me? Thanks you!
I still have my NEX5n biggest knock on the system is the lack of hot shoe for decent flash solutions. Both the included tiny flipup flash and the larger sony flash with the NEX5n screw thread accessory port is a real weakness to the system. But it did take stunning good 16mp photos during the day
Great camera, I got it new years ago with the kit lens, and later bought the pancake and the 18x200 lens too with the bigger flash unit, all you need really. put the latest software in it that Sony released for it, and your good to go.
It was my first interchangeable lens camera!, very nice to use the lens was very crisp
I had Sony NEX, don't remember exactly which model it was. And also I had a set of prime lenses like sigma 30/2.8, 19/2.8 (or like that), a fisheye lens.
It's a nice travel camera, nice street camera, but definitely not a Pro: slow AF, lack of controls (!!!), lack of lenses etc. I'm sure now it's possible to find for that money a really professional old camera.
Thanks for sharing and yes you're right for the same money some great pro bodies are available now!
Bought the NEX-5 when it first came out, I still wish it had an EVF(I really thought they would come out with an EVF accessory) My biggest problem with this camera is that it still works perfectly 13 years later and it's too good to justify replacing it.
Same here. I pull out the NEX5 whenever I want to shoot really nice pictures for things like a bicycle photoshoot.
I had one but hated that it didn't have a viewfinder. Ended up finding a nex-7 and havent looked back
I still regularly use my Sony Nex 7. I recently purchased the TTArtisan 27mm because I love the 40-45mm focal length. I have a Samyang 45mm for my A7RIII that rarely gets set aside.
That's great!
Only if you like Sony old color or if you are willing to spend tons of time editing.
Rather than this I'd recommend MFT system more, they are as cheap, more pleasing jpeg color, tons of fun due to smaller lens
Or not much time editing...
Sony needs to make an interchangeable lens body with this profile again.
the best camera to get you started as a professional is the canon 5d mark ii. bar none. best lens selection, best bang for your buck. ive shot multiple magazine covers and editorials using that camera.
Thanks for sharing!
I started a successful real estate photography business with this camera.
Hey George! Nice Vid! I just got this one and I am pleased with it. BUT: Which MFT with interchangeable lens by Lumix would you recommend for bargain? What about the GFxx i.e. GF6??? Is that same level quality as your shown Olympus or whatever??? Thanks for your help:)
Thanks for watching, GX1!
Try sony nex5 R or T series. I have one and i m still using it more often than my sony A7RII due to the small size factor. Hope sony can come with new camera in the same size with view finder.
I've had a few of the nex cameras. They are fantastic. I ended up with an slt just because it has more features and an ibis. But if you want a good hiking buddy, those little cameras are fantastic. Great for outdoors and with a light. Low light isn't that great, so if you need to shoot in the dark, buy a new camera xD