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Archive 2013 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

jim bennett
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

I was on the verge of ordering a Nex-3n, however after doing a bit of research, it almost seems like I am better off going with a used 5n. I looked at the comparison at snapsort linked below, and it seems the 5N has significant advantages over the 3n and very few disadvantages. Checking randomly on ebay, I see 5N's in the $325 to $400 range even with the kit lens included in some cases. A new 3N with kit is $399. Just wanted to do a quick sanity check here to see if I am missing something obvious since I am not well versed in the NEX system.

Thanks in advance!

http://snapsort.com/compare/Sony-Alpha-NEX-3N-vs-Sony-NEX-5N

Aug 21, 2013 at 05:54 PM

stevez32
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

A more expensive camera has more features than a less expensive camera? Doesn't seem so shocking and I don't know anything about the NEX system.

You may find the NEX 7 also has significant advantages too. Where does it end

I agree, buying used is usually a good idea with camera bodies. More stuff for less dough.

I will add, if the additional features are not useful to you, maybe just go for a used NEX 3N?

Aug 21, 2013 at 07:03 PM

SoulNibbler
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

It depends... if you want to do night exposures in bulb setting then yes it is. On the other hand, the ergonomics ARE different and I really liked the feel of the 3 over the 5 so it might be worth trying out. If you buy new you should wait until they are pushing them off the shelves, I scored a new nex3 for about 300 a few years ago. Yes used is better but it depends on how easily ebay works in your country.

Aug 22, 2013 at 06:28 AM

Peire
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

NEX5N has a nice,quality feeling to it,not plasticky like NEX3N,but the major flaw for me is drastically reduced LCD resolution (920k vs 460k dots).You want have remote release as well.All in all NEX5N is a better choice.

NEX3 series is gradually going to the dogs clearly aiming at beginners.The last good NEX3 was the NEX3C - same sensor and LCD resolution as the NEX5N.You may consider that option.

Aug 22, 2013 at 07:16 AM

riotshield
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

5N - higher res screen, capacitive touchscreen (much better IMO than the resistive one in the 5R). To me touchscreen is important for CDAF cameras where it takes forever to scroll AF points with the D-pad.
3N - pop-up flash, more compact

I think the 18-55 vs. 16-50 is a wash

Aug 22, 2013 at 07:54 AM

mawz
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

The biggest difference is the 5 series supports the external EVF and the 3 series does not.

Aug 22, 2013 at 08:03 AM

Mescalamba
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

5N is better..

Aug 22, 2013 at 08:34 AM

jim bennett
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

Appreciate all the replies! I think I will go for the 5N, as I need bulb, having touchscreen is important to me, and the LCD res is way higher. I like the possibility of adding the EVF later on as well.

Aug 22, 2013 at 11:35 AM

riotshield
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

Adorama has the 3N today for $329. I ordered one as a backup/casual camera.

Aug 23, 2013 at 10:18 AM

Jman13
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

There's a refurbished 5N on eBay right now for $329...thought about it for a second, then remembered I don't really like the NEX cameras and don't want to start a 3rd system, though I have been contemplating a 5N just to have a body to review NEX lenses as well and expand the review capability.

Aug 23, 2013 at 10:35 AM

philber
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

NEX 5N has a significant IQ advantage over its sibling C3. It does ISO 100, whereas c3 does not. It has a nice touchscreen and supports the external VF. In all, considering how fast Sony introduces noew bodies, and, thus, how fast they drop in value I would choose 5N without thinking twice.

Aug 23, 2013 at 10:52 AM

asbalyan
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

snapsort.com gives bad name to comedy...

Aug 23, 2013 at 10:45 PM

sorney1
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

riotshield wrote:
Adorama has the 3N today for $329. I ordered one as a backup/casual camera.

just checked and couldn't find any 3s at adorama. wanted to buy the 16-50 but it was $350. for $450 I can get 3nl with lens/battery/charger, etc. seems like a no-brainer
sorney1

Sep 30, 2013 at 10:28 AM

sorney1
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

just bought a 3N with 16-50 lens at best buy for $389.00
sorney1

Oct 01, 2013 at 03:57 PM

h00ligan
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

Best buy has the 5r for under $400 with the non power zoom lens. Fwiw

Oct 01, 2013 at 09:42 PM

Jeff Kott
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

Jman13 wrote:
There's a refurbished 5N on eBay right now for $329...thought about it for a second, then remembered I don't really like the NEX cameras ........

There you go again. You just never miss an opportunity to jump into a Nex thread and let everyone know that you don't like Nex.

Oct 02, 2013 at 12:02 AM

branhamj
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

I got the 5R for $350 on ebay with the lens. $400 on ebay?

Apr 16, 2014 at 09:22 PM

Daan B
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

I have used the NEX3n for about year now. Great little camera with very excellent IQ. I use it in Aperture mode (A) most of the time. ISO adjustment is one click (back button). Focus is pretty snappy and face detection works really well. Nothing gets in the way of shooting. The only thing that annoys me is that I really can't use the LCD in bright sunlight (missing EVF). The 16-50 kit lens is ok.

Apr 22, 2014 at 08:00 AM

JPtheOG
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

the feature set is worth the upgrade

Apr 22, 2014 at 12:57 PM

123_Repeater
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Sony NEX-5N vs 3N a no brainer?

I don't mean to trudge up old memories but I was looking at people gush about the 5n (back in the day) and I recently picked one up on craiglist for $48. I have to say for daylight shooting the quality for stills compared to my A7s isn't 1/50th the quality, as the price would suggest. Made me think sometimes the gear lust is a real problem, it's not about the gear it's what you do with it, and I should just get out and shoot more

Oct 12, 2017 at 10:38 PM

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