Upgrade to 5N or 7

[Laksaman]

It really depends on whats more important to you, High ISO capabilities or High Resolution Images.

After spending some time shooting with a 5N, I must say that the shooting style is totally different with the 5N, where everyone else is reaching for their flash gun, you'll be cranking up your ISO instead, when everyone is reaching for their faster lens, you'll again be cranking up your ISO and where everyone has given up getting a usable picture, again there you are cranking up your ISO ! :bsmilie:
The EVF is permanently screwed into my 5N, ...so far have not encounter a situation for use of the included flash unit (maybe in a very strong backlighting condition).

I am sure the NEX 7 has a different shooting style and I'm eagerly looking forward to testing/playing with it, the 24mp, Tri-Navi, handling and CZ prime is something to die for ...But I'm certain the results would be bad if one were to shoot with it in the same style of the 5N.

i am shooting this way to....Crank it up.

 

[kei1309]

Isn't dat considered as ONE possibility? Wat else was I expecting? I was hoping u'd tell me!

you didn't even bother to read the posts at the top:

i) 24MP is great for landscape shooters especially when on holiday and the bulk of a DSLR is too much

ii) the tri-navi navigation system will make it a breeze to navigate the menu and make changes quickly

iii) the EVF will make make it easier for us who are used to traditional view-finders to adapt, and along with the 2.4MP resolution, it'll be really awesome

iv) i'm sure many have talked about the strobing capabilities.... which also include:
- using wireless triggers for studio shooting
- mounting the vari-angle flashlights like the F58 and F43
- with the F58 and F43, you get the capabilities of ratio flashing
- and many many more


you're not reading are you?

 

[Ghostfit]

I believe what tsammyc meant is that the flash is more important than the EVF when taking macro.

Yeah ? ...so you take off the EVF, put on the FOC flash on the 5N and together with your 30mm macro, makes awards winning photos !
That's how I'll shoot macro anyway, how would the NEX 7 do it better ?

i am shooting this way to....Crank it up.

LOL !:bsmilie: ...you can say the 5N has "opened-up" my eyes and "changed" my shooting style.

Previously, the exposure triangle (Aperture/Shutter/ISO) for me is a 2-way compromise between Aperture and Shutter as the ISO offers too little leeway to be effective, now with the 5N the wide usable range of the ISO has made it possible to have an option which wasn't there before.

Example:

Previous system: you're indoor shooting your kids playing with their cousins, you need 1/250 to freeze their movements, the camera automatically opens up the aperture to f 2.8 to allow sufficient light at ISO 200. You end up with good photos of your kids but the shallow DOF renders their cousins OOF and they serve just to show how good or bad the bokeh is.

5N system: you're indoor shooting your kids playing with their cousins, you need 1/250 to freeze their movements, the camera automatically opens up the aperture to f-2.8 to allow sufficient light at ISO 200. But now, you got the choice to crank up the ISO to 3200 and the aperture closes to f-8. Your photos are great now because they show your kids as well as their cousins in sharp focus, thanks to the extended DOF.

I admit I am spoilt by the 5N ISO capabilities but it does have it's flaws, I keep accidentally pressing the video record button and before I had familarise myself with its menu, I got lost trying to find certain features hidden in it's menu.
It was only at the recent Orchid Conference Show 2011 that I truely felt the huge gap between the previous (A55) and current (5N) system as I lugged both cameras along.

I am eagerly awaiting feedback from the early adopters after the NEX 7 launch to see if there are any "issues" before getting one and posting comments on how good or bad it is.
But what I'm really looking forward to is either an A60 (5N sensor in the A65 body) or NEX 6 (5N sensor in the Nex 7 body) judging by the way SONY releases several new bodies every 6 months, I wouldn't be surprise if that materialise.

 

[p3l3r]

i was 99 percent positive getting the nex 7
but after looking at the review and stuff......

i need cleaner high iso file and man 24mpg is just HUGE.....
so i endup getting the 5n and very happy about it....
and calculating 5n dual kit lenses + evf is still cheaper then getting a nex 7 kit
i dont do strobing ( and if i do i have my d700 ready anyway) i shoot street photography most of the time

 

[sje4182]

you didn't even bother to read the posts at the top:

i) 24MP is great for landscape shooters especially when on holiday and the bulk of a DSLR is too much

ii) the tri-navi navigation system will make it a breeze to navigate the menu and make changes quickly

iii) the EVF will make make it easier for us who are used to traditional view-finders to adapt, and along with the 2.4MP resolution, it'll be really awesome

iv) i'm sure many have talked about the strobing capabilities.... which also include:
- using wireless triggers for studio shooting
- mounting the vari-angle flashlights like the F58 and F43
- with the F58 and F43, you get the capabilities of ratio flashing
- and many many more

you're not reading are you?

Yes I did. But he said de *hotshoe* opens *lots* of possibilities. So I just asked other than de using "a mount" flash (and all associated uses), what other possibilities are there. I really thought there were other non-flash related possibilities. Yes, I know abt de tri navi and evf which is attractive. Dats de reason I have not bought de evf for my 5N - cos de price of 5N + evf might be close to (if not more than) de 7 in which case I might as well buy de 7 and get de tri navi for "free".

 

[sje4182]

and calculating 5n dual kit lenses + evf is still cheaper then getting a nex 7 kit

Are u sure? Based on srp, 5N + evf would be just shy of $1.8k. De 7 kit lens is de normal 18-55. If it is above 1.8k, it means body alone, its pretty close to de price of an a77.

 

[p3l3r]

ermm yes....
single kit lense is around 700 bucks + 300 evf ( all prices in USD)

according to BnH single kit nex7 is about 1349 USD

 

[kei1309]

that alone, with the design and styling, is enough for me to make the decision to get the NEX-7 over the NEX-5N. i'd rather have more control over the settings than get stuck with that scroll wheel and one actual customizable button.

 

[tsammyc]

Yeah ? ...so you take off the EVF, put on the FOC flash on the 5N and together with your 30mm macro, makes awards winning photos !
That's how I'll shoot macro anyway, how would the NEX 7 do it better ?

If you're using the 30mm macro, that's what you will do. However, I prefer longer macros like the Tamron 90mm or Sigma 150mm macro because the 30mm macro often scares off insects when you get too close. With those, you can use the EVF because you don't need to get that close. However, shake is an issue, so best get the EA2 adapter and a Sigma macro lens that has optical stabilisation.

You can fit a long macro to the 5N, but the little flash is so short, it will cast a shadow. Even the larger flash is an issue I've found. I've managed to get a Metz Ring Flash to sync with the smaller flash, but it doesn't do TTL metering. So the Nex 7 should be better for macro generally having hopefully proper Sony remote flash capability.

 

[Ghostfit]

that alone, with the design and styling, is enough for me to make the decision to get the NEX-7 over the NEX-5N. i'd rather have more control over the settings than get stuck with that scroll wheel and one actual customizable button.

Thats what I thought too initially, but you're wrong, it has 3 user customisable buttons, (B, C and the left arrow button) it's not that bad after you're familiarise with the menus, thanks to the customisable buttons but I'm sure the Tri-Navi system would be better.

If you're using the 30mm macro, that's what you will do. However, I prefer longer macros like the Tamron 90mm or Sigma 150mm macro because the 30mm macro often scares off insects when you get too close. With those, you can use the EVF because you don't need to get that close. However, shake is an issue, so best get the EA2 adapter and a Sigma macro lens that has optical stabilisation.

You can fit a long macro to the 5N, but the little flash is so short, it will cast a shadow. Even the larger flash is an issue I've found. I've managed to get a Metz Ring Flash to sync with the smaller flash, but it doesn't do TTL metering. So the Nex 7 should be better for macro generally having hopefully proper Sony remote flash capability.

hmmm ...I see your point of view. ...have you tried "cranking" instead of "flashing" ?

 

[kei1309]

you mean the right arrow button grandpa? :bsmilie:

ok ok i won't diss your baby anymore. total of 7 customizable options: top button, large center button (5 shortcuts) and right navi key.

you win!

but it's still a pain to use IMO :bsmilie:

 

[nsng]

Steve Huff, Sony NEX-7 with wide angle Leica lenses – A quick test and Ricoh GXR A12 Comparison! | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS in his review of the NEX 7 has shown there is colour shift, usually magenta or red with rf type wide angle lenses. It appears the NEX 5N has offset microlenses to resolve this issue with these type of lenses. If the NEX 7 did not incorporate these offset microlenses, then it is an oversight by Sony. Steve's review is not exhaustive but as I am interested in using my wide angle rf lenses, I will wait for further tests. Cornerfix can be used to eliminate this colour shift, but it just add an additional step in post processing. The Leica M8/M9 and even the earlier Leica DMR all have offset microlenses and in camera firmware to deal with this colour shift and vignetting issue.

I downloaded NEX 7, A850 and NEX 5N Raw files from Imaging Resources. I processed these files with Capture One and I found the NEX 7 IQ is comparable to the A850. The A850's 24mpx sensor might resolve finer details better, but this is really pixel peeping. I expect, A2 prints from both NEX 7 and A850/A900 will look the same. The NEX 5N is still very good, but I am beginning to see some artifacts at 100% when uprez to NEX 7 file size. Bear in mind at 100%, the equivalent printed size is over 60" wide!


N.S. Ng

 

[rasdeep]

Steve Huff, Sony NEX-7 with wide angle Leica lenses – A quick test and Ricoh GXR A12 Comparison! | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS in his review of the NEX 7 has shown there is colour shift, usually magenta or red with rf type wide angle lenses. It appears the NEX 5N has offset microlenses to resolve this issue with these type of lenses. If the NEX 7 did not incorporate these offset microlenses, then it is an oversight by Sony. Steve's review is not exhaustive but as I am interested in using my wide angle rf lenses, I will wait for further tests. Cornerfix can be used to eliminate this colour shift, but it just add an additional step in post processing. The Leica M8/M9 and even the earlier Leica DMR all have offset microlenses and in camera firmware to deal with this colour shift and vignetting issue.

I downloaded NEX 7, A850 and NEX 5N Raw files from Imaging Resources. I processed these files with Capture One and I found the NEX 7 IQ is comparable to the A850. The A850's 24mpx sensor might resolve finer details better, but this is really pixel peeping. I expect, A2 prints from both NEX 7 and A850/A900 will look the same. The NEX 5N is still very good, but I am beginning to see some artifacts at 100% when uprez to NEX 7 file size. Bear in mind at 100%, the equivalent printed size is over 60" wide!


N.S. Ng

The other thing you need to consider is lens diffraction, on 24mp aps-c cams, diffraction comes in as early as f6.3-f8.. so unless you dont plan on doing much landscapes, diffraction alone negate the advantage of having more details.

Not forgetting normal lenses especially the longer zoom have f5.6-f6 as the lowest f number and wont be sharp until stop down to f8-f11 or higher, this is a lose lose situation but many failed to consider. I've seen quite a few posts about the 24mp sensor not living up to their standard and can only laugh about them not understanding the physics behind this. Given all the hype on the 24mp, I shall just keep my mouth shut and let the pictures do the talking.

 

[naynoy]

in all honesty..

nex 5 isn't considered an old camera..

i would rather built up a good lens collection before embarking on a body upgrade.

 

[Ghostfit]

you mean the right arrow button grandpa? :bsmilie:

ok ok i won't diss your baby anymore. total of 7 customizable options: top button, large center button (5 shortcuts) and right navi key.

you win!

but it's still a pain to use IMO :bsmilie:

You can diss it all you want, sweetie ! ...All the cameras I have are just simply tools to me, nothing to win or lose.

But my point is that you dun hold hold a Durian, get pricked and then complain that its bad and stinks. You got to try eating it to know what its all about.

...frankly, because of the 5N, I'm really looking forward to "eating" the NEX 7 ! :bsmilie:

 

[kei1309]

You can diss it all you want, sweetie ! ...All the cameras I have are just simply tools to me, nothing to win or lose.

But my point is that you dun hold hold a Durian, get pricked and then complain that its bad and stinks. You got to try eating it to know what its all about.

...frankly, because of the 5N, I'm really looking forward to "eating" the NEX 7 ! :bsmilie:

the only thing i dislike about the 3s and 5s is the UI.

used all before. so i'm looking forward to the NEX-7!

 

[b-a-k]

Why not jus buy wat u like or wat looks nice? There is no perfect camera and no perfect shot. 100 mega pixels? Quad core?

 

[snowc]

Yes I did. But he said de *hotshoe* opens *lots* of possibilities. So I just asked other than de using "a mount" flash (and all associated uses), what other possibilities are there. I really thought there were other non-flash related possibilities. Yes, I know abt de tri navi and evf which is attractive. Dats de reason I have not bought de evf for my 5N - cos de price of 5N + evf might be close to (if not more than) de 7 in which case I might as well buy de 7 and get de tri navi for "free".

Hi sje4182, my apologies if my statement had mislead you. As kawaii kei1309 mentioned, I'm just referring to the possibilities a hot-shoe will bring for flash photography. Personally, the flash system is important to me especially when I shooting macro.

 

[snowc]

If you're using the 30mm macro, that's what you will do. However, I prefer longer macros like the Tamron 90mm or Sigma 150mm macro because the 30mm macro often scares off insects when you get too close. With those, you can use the EVF because you don't need to get that close. However, shake is an issue, so best get the EA2 adapter and a Sigma macro lens that has optical stabilisation.

You can fit a long macro to the 5N, but the little flash is so short, it will cast a shadow. Even the larger flash is an issue I've found. I've managed to get a Metz Ring Flash to sync with the smaller flash, but it doesn't do TTL metering. So the Nex 7 should be better for macro generally having hopefully proper Sony remote flash capability.

Hi tsammyc, can share where do you bought your Metz Ring Flash? Also, how do you manage to get it to sync with the smaller flash? Currently, I'm sourcing for a better lighting setup.

 

[tsammyc]

Hi tsammyc, can share where do you bought your Metz Ring Flash? Also, how do you manage to get it to sync with the smaller flash? Currently, I'm sourcing for a better lighting setup.

I bought it from B&H in the U.S. However, I saw a set at Max Photo in Centerpoint the other day and one in the Metz boutique in Ngee Ann City. The Metz functions as a slave flash and syncs with a variety of cameras e.g., Canikon, Pentax, Sony Alpha in remote mode. However, the NEX 5N doesn't have the Sony Alpha flash remote control modes, so you have to use it as a slave flash in manual mode i.e., the little flash triggers the slave. Many people have had problems with this on other flashes because NEX has a preflash that confuses slave flashes (and which cannot be turned off). However, the Metz syncs fine as it can learn to avoid the preflash. I've not managed to get TTL to work. However, you can vary flash power manually and I've learned the different power levels for different object distances through trial and error and it works fine now. The flash mounts onto the front of the lens.