News: Sony Unveils Slim Interchangable Lens Alpha

Sony has unveiled the Alpha NEX series, an EVIL* mirrorless compact camera with a 14.2 APS-C HD CMOS sensor and an interchangeable lens, a camera Sony says is the smallest and lightest ever.

Sony’s been hinting at its intention to give Micro Four-Thirds cameras a run for their money for a couple of months now, and on first impressions the NEX series appears as though it’s a serious contender.

Two cameras, the Alpha NEX-3 and the NEX-5, will be released, both of which are capable of shooting 1080i Full HD video. The NEX system will be compatible with a range of Alpha E-mount lenses, though an optional adapter will allow Sony’s existing A-mount lenses to be used.

The 3-inch LCD screen on the back of the camera can be titled 80° up and 45° down to allow users to view their subjects and shoot even at awkward angles.

Both cameras also offer continuous shooting up to 7 frames per second. ISO sensitivity reaches highs of 12800, full manual control along with all the automatic bells and whistles point-and-shoot owners have come to expect, along with Sony’s snazzy ‘sweep panorama’ technology.

The NEX-3 will be available in black, red, silver and white while the NEX-5 will be available in black and silver. Pricing is yet to be confirmed but the two cameras will go on sale in New Zealand this June.

*Electronic Viewfinder Interchangable Lens. It’s not a moral judgement.