An update: I made the transition to the NEX-7 and haven't rued it for a moment!
More about our camera collection
_ So now there's a new kid on the block, the NEX-7, which I got as the Overseas version with the smaller SEL1855, 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens. Now I get to utilize all the lenses including those from the older NEX-5. The NEX-7 has cured nearly all the caveats of the previous model and placed three useful controls on the camera top and also unlocked main menu Auto & PASM selection to allow simple access to them without having to dive into the multitude of menu choices that remain. The hi-res viewfinder is the other missing link that the NEX-5 really needed and this viewfinder has all the features one could wish for, including level & tilt indicators that are easy and quick to see.
There is also a Canon EOS60D with a Tamron 18-270 mm Di-II f3.5-6.3 lens in our arsenal. That camera has settings that are easily accessed and understood. I really wish Sony would emulate them in this respect – no, not copy, but find a way, à la Dieter Rams' 10 design principles, to sensibly access the current sets of adjustments without having to delve into a labyrinth of menus. Sony took a leap at the “less” but not the “better” of his design philosophy. A great pity.
The Canon is a classic camera with all the functions where you'd expect them in a quite large body. The Sony NEX-5 body on the other hand is unexpectedly small and powerful with the caveat of menu maze with little or no hope of escape, whereby the Sony 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 lens underlies the laws of physics and is necessarily large.
On a practical level I like both cameras for different reasons; the EOS60D for its ease of use, quick action-shot settings and its speed of operation, the NEX-5 for its lightness, small size and general handiness and constant live view – except of course the setting labyrinth which does spoil the overall functionality. If I'm going to take a series of action shots I prefer the biggish EOS60D as the settings are so much easier, and especially quicker, to see and manipulate. I love carrying the NEX-5 around as it's light, but even after some time with it I'm never quite sure if I have the right settings for the shot about to be taken, especially on the spur of the moment...
My conclusions are: NEX-5 makes good shots, but an insecure shooter. The EOS60D ensures good shots and shooter confidence, but tired arms and neck. I don't think getting a bigger bag, finding a suitable a binocular harness and lifting some weights is the real answer here.
There is also a Canon EOS60D with a Tamron 18-270 mm Di-II f3.5-6.3 lens in our arsenal. That camera has settings that are easily accessed and understood. I really wish Sony would emulate them in this respect – no, not copy, but find a way, à la Dieter Rams' 10 design principles, to sensibly access the current sets of adjustments without having to delve into a labyrinth of menus. Sony took a leap at the “less” but not the “better” of his design philosophy. A great pity.
The Canon is a classic camera with all the functions where you'd expect them in a quite large body. The Sony NEX-5 body on the other hand is unexpectedly small and powerful with the caveat of menu maze with little or no hope of escape, whereby the Sony 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 lens underlies the laws of physics and is necessarily large.
On a practical level I like both cameras for different reasons; the EOS60D for its ease of use, quick action-shot settings and its speed of operation, the NEX-5 for its lightness, small size and general handiness and constant live view – except of course the setting labyrinth which does spoil the overall functionality. If I'm going to take a series of action shots I prefer the biggish EOS60D as the settings are so much easier, and especially quicker, to see and manipulate. I love carrying the NEX-5 around as it's light, but even after some time with it I'm never quite sure if I have the right settings for the shot about to be taken, especially on the spur of the moment...
My conclusions are: NEX-5 makes good shots, but an insecure shooter. The EOS60D ensures good shots and shooter confidence, but tired arms and neck. I don't think getting a bigger bag, finding a suitable a binocular harness and lifting some weights is the real answer here.
Cameras
I've used a number of cameras over the years from the first motor driven Konica 35 mm way back when, right up to the current Sony NEX5. The one I seem to use the most though is a Panasonic Lumix LX3, now upgraded to LX5. Although it is quite small, the wide angle very bright f2 Leica lens and relatively good sensor make carrying and using it a pleasure. Firmware 2 is now available so I'll have a look and see what's what.
The camera on the right, the Sony NEX5 with SEL18200 lens, makes great photos - once you've found your way through the menu maze and discovered how to set up the camera. It's challenging to say the least!
The camera on the right, the Sony NEX5 with SEL18200 lens, makes great photos - once you've found your way through the menu maze and discovered how to set up the camera. It's challenging to say the least!
Lumix DMC-LX5 Firmware Update 2
The major firmware update for the Panasonic LX5 which was announced on 26th August is now available for download. Version 2.0 speeds up the auto-focus to achieve best-in-class performance at the wide end of the zoom range, adds a High ISO NR function and improves AWB performance in low light situations. Additionally, the new firmware upgrade adds an Active mode to the image stabiliser during movie capture, expands the available My Colour modes with a Miniature Effect, and extends the maximum exposure time to 250 seconds (i.e. more than 4 minutes) for shooting fireworks, night scenes and starry skies. Shutter release operation is improved so that the camera can perform continuous auto-focus while the shutter release is depressed halfway, as with a system camera. The combined use of AF/MF is now easier even in situations where maximum focusing accuracy is demanded. The camera can now remember the size and position of the active AF point, which is convenient for shooting with the camera mounted on a tripod. The brightness, contrast and colour balance of the LCD screen and the optional external EVF can now be adjusted manually. The firmware update is available through the website below.
Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Firmware Update Service
Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Firmware Update Service
_After the firmware Ver.2 update... maybe a 1" sensor version of the little camera as PopPhoto reports here.
After this firmware update comes... maybe a 1" sensor version of the little camera