the price of a reflex of entrance of range

Until last year, the digital camera buyers had a choice between three sizes: small (compact), means (bridges) or large (reflex). Only the latter were entitled to interchangeable objectives and larger sensors, hallmarks of good quality photographs. But their complexity and their overweight were alienating the owners of two other families of devices. The manufacturers were thus invented a new family: compact devices, but whose purpose can be changed, also called "hybrid".

Panasonic has launched the movement at the end of 2008, followed by Olympus and Samsung. The approach of the summer, it is the turn of Sony propose its models, the Nex-3 and the Nex-5, accompanied by two goals to the choice: a wide angle (16 mm) and zoom (18-55 mm). Other zoom, more powerful (18-200 mm), was announced for the month of August. Price, it has not been reduced to the passage: at least 500 euros for the Nex-3 with a wide angle, and 650 euros for the Nex-5 with a zoom... the price of a reflex of entrance of range. But it should be noted that competitors are located in the same scale of prices.

Design. At the takeover, the Nex-5 surprise to at the outset, in particular with the zoom. Housing, metal, is excellent invoice but seems a bit too small relative to the size of its objective, giving a first impression of imbalance, which fades to use: the left hand comes naturally serve as support for the objective. It also serves to zoom, and possibly to refine the development. Result: found pleased to refine a framing hand, non-existent on the compact and the bridges. Small regret: as on the majority of small appliances, there is no viewfinder, all through the screen, which is not ideal in full sun. Fortunately, it is large, good quality and can be inclined towards the top or bottom.

Another originality, much more debatable: flash, however small, is not integrated with the casing, but just to screw with a small claw over the goal - the manoeuvre is difficult, and it take station do not misplace it. Finally, the casing surprised by the small number of buttons: only a trigger and a switch above, and four just to the rear. Be less than on most compact and bridges of the market!

The interface. This is the explanation for the low number of buttons, and the main bias of Sony: play on the interface to reassure the neophytes, promising them photos more creative with a small compact. From this point of view, is a success. Six very clear icons are sufficient to access all the settings and, if in doubt, advice adapted to the situation (low brightness, backlighting, speed, etc.) just appear in one click. To play on the depth of field, no need to understand the concept of opening: the wheel allows tuning of very intuitive for a background more or less fuzzy way. Another strong point: If you prefer manual development to autofocus, simply turn the goal ring displayed on the screen a higher view of the subject is targeted.

Images. The sensor, manufactured by Sony, is size identical to that of a reflex, thus much greater than that of a compact or a bridge. It is one of the main advantages of this new family of devices: and sharp images without "noise", even if the light is low (the sensor is broad, it received light), and a well-run better depth of field. 14.2 Million pixels resolution, the device offers, in addition to Classic format JPEG, Raw (without compression) of the SLR equipment mode recording, and saves the video in high definition (AVCHD).