I remember way back (like 1999 or 2000) Sony made a camera that looked remarkably similar to this. Sony DSC-F505. Big lens, small body. Not the same, but design-wise, not too terribly different.
It looks like some of our dreams MAY be answered. User "albnok" is investigating the mount size, and it looks like it's more or less the same size as Alpha mount, but with a registration distance less than 19mm!
They're cute, but one of the more appealing aspects of the µ4/3 format, sensor size notwithstanding, is the fact that the lenses for the system are puny. The 20mm f/1.7 is ridiculously small, and the wide angle 7-14 is quite compact given its capability. These NEX cameras look to have a lot of cool features and the larger sensor, but we are back in the world or fairly large SLR-type lenses. And making fast lenses will not only be costly, but may very well be a Sony-only game. At least µ4/3 system cameras currently have two major contributors of optics, both of whom have strong reputations for good lenses (Panasonic more recently, Olympus for a very long time).
That said, one of these with a good fast 35 designed for APS-C would be a very nice camera.
I see a Sony Alpha adapter in the price list.
But rumors have it it does not yet support AF...
Size comparison on Imaging Resource is surprising; it is really smaller than the GF-1, I did not expect that. The 16mm is roughly same size ass Oly 17, looks are deceiving; the Sony looks bigger but is same size.
Overall footprint of the NEX is very small, although it looks quite awkward with the kit zoom it is no larger than Oly with collapsed kit zoom overall.
I hope to find one in Canada, I doubt I will get my hands on one before end of May.
It looks pretty cool, if nothing else for the price in comparison to the µ4/3 offerings. I could see myself using the camera with a 16mm as my wide, and adding in maybe a 35mm prime and some kind of telephoto. This would be amazing for travel
"A mount adapter will be available, giving the ability to use Sony and Minolta Alpha-mount lenses. The LA-EA1 adapter will have a motor to control the lens aperture but no way of driving the autofocus (even for SSM and SAM lenses with built-in focus motors)."
I must admit I am baffled by this, and disappointed. After all, I can have MF if I mount it on MFT as well. All this to get automatic aperture control? I hope Canon will make an adapter that will enable both AF and IS in EF/EF-S lenses.
I agree that the NEX3 looks more comfortable to hold. The NEX5 is too tiny imo. However, let's not forget that these are entry level models. I would expect the NEX7 or whatever it is called to be a bit larger and heavier, with more physical buttons and knobs. Anyway the IQ seems to be there and quite promising judging from the imaging-resource review.
