News & Reviews:   Sony Alpha NEX-5

While Sony's E-mount system works quite well with their Sony Alpha NEX-3 and NEX-5 mirrorless cameras, it doesn't work very well with full frame cameras due to short flange-back distance, which is why most photogs don't use it for that form factor. This may change as reports indicate Sony may release 2 full-frame mirrorless digital cameras with E-mounts that may be called the Sony Alpha A7 and Sony Alpha A7R. Tech specs and features for the A7 include a 24MP camera sensor, on-sensor phase-detection AF and an anti-aliasing filter. The higher-end A7R ups it to a 36MP camera sensor but doesn't pack in the other features of the on-sensor phase-detection AF and anti-aliasing filter. While they don't do in-body, sensor-shift image stabilization, they are weather-sealed and offer eye-tracking AF, focus peaking, WiFi and NFC connectivity. Since they are about medium sized, you can use them with a vertical grip and they also have tiltable LCD monitors with built-in high resolution OLED electronic viewfinders. The A7 may be priced at $1698 (RM5397) for just the body along with a $1998 (RM6350) price tag for an additional  28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. The A7R on the other hand may cost $2198 (RM6986) for just the body. No Malaysia release dates for now so stay tuned for more information.

Sony has added the NEX-C3 to its range of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The C3 features the same 16.2MP seen in the SLT A35, again promising improved battery life. The latest model is directly aimed at offering a compact-camera-like experience to users looking to upgrade to a large-sensor camera. It also features the 'Picture Effects' processing filters that will be available to NEX-3 and NEX-5 owners as a firmware update.

Sony NEX-C3 specification highlights:

• Revised 16.2MP CMOS sensor
• ISO 100-12800
• Creative Control results-orientated user interface
• Picture Effects processing options
• 720p30 HD movies in MPEG-4 format
• 921k-dot, tilt-angle LCD
• Detachable flash unit included
• 25-area AF system
• 49-segment metering
• 1/4000th - 30 sec exposure
• ‘Peaking' function for manual focus assist
• Manual, Auto+ and Photo Creativity control
• Enhanced battery life (400 shots per charge)