| SLR-class image quality | HD movie recording | Intuitive creative control | Advanced digital functions | Other features | HDMI connectivity |
With SEL1855 (E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS), 1/40 sec., F5, ISO 200, Auto white balance
These cameras also make the power of interchangeable-lens photography more accessible with an exceptionally easy-to-operate new control wheel and two context-sensitive soft keys. Pressing and rotating the control wheel lets you access shooting, drive, and flash modes, as well as exposure compensation and other camera settings. Used in combination with the context-sensitive soft keys, it lets you scroll through menu items and make your selections quickly, with intuitive ease.
In iAuto mode, the NEX-5 and NEX-3 automatically apply exposure values and Scene Selection modes that are optimized to suit each scene. What's more, they combine this full-auto convenience with a Background Defocus Control function that lets you enjoy one of the biggest creative advantages of interchangeable lens photography – the ability to defocus the background to make your main subject stand out from the scene. Just press and rotate the control wheel to set the level of background defocusing you want – it's easy and intuitive because you can confirm the level of defocusing on the LCD monitor in real-time.
Low background defocusing
High background defocusing
Preprogrammed Scene Selection modes automatically adjust aperture, shutter speed, white balance and other image parameters to suit a variety of specialized shooting situations. With a wide range of modes to choose from (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, and Hand-held Twilight), it's easy to get beautiful results in virtually any situation.
The main menu features six clearly labeled icons that can be selected simply by rotating and pressing the control wheel. Inside, standard scrolling menus provide quick access to settings for shooting and playback functions, as well as a host of other user preferences and camera settings. The wide-screen format of the LCD monitor also contributes to enhanced menu legibility, so text and icons are always easy to see and select.
The Help Guide displays a popup window with a brief description of each item or function when selecting modes or scrolling through menu items with the control wheel. It also displays easy-to-understand error messages if you attempt to perform an invalid operation, so you're never left wondering if something unexpected occurs.
In addition to basic Help Guide information, these cameras are also equipped with built-in shooting tips. The tips provide information relevant to the current shooting situation or mode selection, and are designed with both beginners and more advanced users in mind. Two types of tip are offered: 1) tips about particular types of subject and scene, and 2) tips on general photographic technique. Since the entire library of shooting tips can also be accessed via the Camera menu and viewed as a single guidebook, it's like having a complete photography tutorial built right into your camera.
Copyright 2010 Sony Corporation
