Cant figure out if I like the camera or not (5N). I am no friend of the menus. And is it really a fact that you cannot exposure bracket photos in RAW format!? Moreover, I feel very limited with the screen as a composition tool in daylight, I do not get a feel for the edges. All those tiny useless symbols litter the screen. I probably have to read the manual...
Still fiddling with weird and slow compact-type AF (with added touch-screen "functionality") and stuck with the kitlens. But as such Sony should not be embarrassed compared to the counterparts in the DSLR thoroughbred league. It's actually quite good.
I think your thoughts accurately describe why I am not sold on the NEX concept (yet?). I have tried NEX-5, NEX-C3 and NEX-5N, and just didn't enjoy operating the cameras, even with fantastic alt glass on them. The peaking is neat, but sometimes it just doesn't do what it is supposed to do, and what then? Focusing at 10x is very difficult, because every little movement shifts the frame a lot.
Maybe the NEX-7 will change this. For now I am happy to watch from the sidelines.
I was able to put on Kipon adapter...
But, the focus ring seems to move only to a certain point .
I will share the some test shots later tonight.
philber wrote:
Congrats on your new camera and lenses, wstam! Nice work with the ZM 18mm. I am getting close to convincing myself that I need one...
And, no, I did not need to cut off the legs off my Contax G 28mm. The 21 protudes more, and that one is a very tight fit. The one that doesn't fit at all is the G 35-70 zoom, and apparently (according to Conurus), simply cannot be made to work on a NEX
carstenw wrote:
I think your thoughts accurately describe why I am not sold on the NEX concept (yet?). I have tried NEX-5, NEX-C3 and NEX-5N, and just didn't enjoy operating the cameras, even with fantastic alt glass on them. The peaking is neat, but sometimes it just doesn't do what it is supposed to do, and what then? Focusing at 10x is very difficult, because every little movement shifts the frame a lot.
Maybe the NEX-7 will change this. For now I am happy to watch from the sidelines.
Ok. I had the 7D before the 5DMkII. 7D have exceptional AF, but the NEX 5N sensor is better in every aspect. But I dont think Adobes default settings (in eg Camera Raw) shows that. We need to do more basic steps before we're happy. The 5DMkII sensor is better still, and keenly looked-after by Adobe. Yes, it's an unfair comparison, but that was my reason to switch from APS-C to FF.
But size is worth a lot. I've never liked the bulkyness of great image machines such as the 5DMkII (or Nikon D700 for that matter). NEX gives a chance not only to challenge current FFs IQ, but also to introduce a massively enlarged universe of lenses with all those adapters.
I have a couple of adapters incoming, and I will surely try a bunch of lenses on the tiny little camera - and migrate from AF to MF. Going to be interesting - right now it comes down how focus peaking works in reality for the focal ranges I like. I am pretty sure I will litter this thread with Zeiss, Jena, ISO Göttingen, Samyang and even EF-lens shots in a week or two
carstenw wrote:
The peaking is neat, but sometimes it just doesn't do what it is supposed to do, and what then? Focusing at 10x is very difficult, because every little movement shifts the frame a lot.
Maybe the NEX-7 will change this. For now I am happy to watch from the sidelines.
Peaking unreliable on fast glass wide open, that's for sure.
You are right, focus is the weakest link in actual use with MF glass.
God knows how many shots I have missed in the act of focusing or because the shot was OOF.
That's just a given with the nex---well I have not used the evf, and that may be better.
It's worse than an SLR because you have to also focus infinity with many lenses.
There are many technical solutions to the problem, peaking being a fairly primitive attempt. I favor an RF like viewing option with split image, either multiple or single circles.
But even with the focusing issues, for me, the possiblites for glass and portablity make it a must own.
As far as OOF shots are concerned, my rate on my NEX is lower than on my 5DII. Framing, however, is another matter. I am looking forward to trying the EVF and/or NEX 7.
I will receive my Hawk's Leica M to NEX adapter any day now. I haven't got a NEX for it yet though... I am eyeballing the NEX 7 but it will be a while. The Hawk's adapter allows for closer focus than you get with the other adapters. I see the adapter as a minor investment as I can always pick up a NEX... ...or not.
I was hoping I could play some with the Zeiss ZM 18, 25 and 50mm lenses ona NEX5N before the NEX 7 ships.
Yes, there are definitely interesting lenses to try on the NEX cameras, I am not denying that. It is a very interesting system, but my personal feeling so far is that the combination of the crop factor of 1.5x and the too-light body makes many lenses feel unbalanced, and castrated (the wonderful outer regions for lenses like the Contax 35/1.4 are lost, for example).
I think Luka's experience with the 50 Lux ASPH vs. the 75 Cron ASPH demonstrates why I have trouble with a 1.5x crop factor. Those two lenses are strongly based on the same design, but could hardly be more different in the end (apart from both being tremendously competent in their respective areas).
If I ever bought a NEX, it would have to have a built-in viewfinder (NEX-7), or the add-on. Jonas' idea of adding the shade, and a loupe to the shade, would be perfect for me, were it not for the obvious resolution deficiency when looking at the screen in this manner. I hope the next NEX has a 300dpi screen.
It is somewhat disheartening to read about focus issues with the NEX cameras.
Does it only feature peaking mode or does it also have a user controlled image magnification other than a 10X little square?
On the Rixoh GXR I have a decent peaking mode and a one press screen magnification to go with that if necessary and it does a really good job at that. Not perfect, but at least reasonably fast in operation.
Also, it toggles between a magnification of your choice, with the possibility of shifting the enlarged portion with or w/o peaking and the full image by pressing the shutter button.
The Contax G90 renders the same way in the first image as it does on film. Not that I expected anything else, but it is nice to see that it works just as well on digital.
kosmoskatten wrote:
Wilhelm, where in Svedala are you based?
I will receive my Hawk's Leica M to NEX adapter any day now. I haven't got a NEX for it yet though... I am eyeballing the NEX 7 but it will be a while. The Hawk's adapter allows for closer focus than you get with the other adapters. I see the adapter as a minor investment as I can always pick up a NEX... ...or not.
I was hoping I could play some with the Zeiss ZM 18, 25 and 50mm lenses ona NEX5N before the NEX 7 ships.
/ Henrik
For me (...still dry-swimming a lot...) the advantage of the NEX 7 has nothing to do with IQ, low level noise performance or anything like that. 5N is as good or better. The only (possible) advantage I see is the two "mechanical" controls (benefit doubtful) and of course the built in EVF. But then it's not swivable as the 300€ accessory for 5D - I think.
I'm in Stockholm (Södermalm), where are you? If you're close you can for sure test the 5N, seem like you have interesting glass
AhamB wrote:
I can see why you like it but the SA are a bit too much for me, making me feel like I can't see straight and need to rub something out of my eyes.
yeah, i do like the dreamy/hazy look for certain shots. if you put the subject in the center at f/1.2 or anywhere at f/2 or smaller it's gone and you've got a very sharp lens with a bit of barel distortion.
kosmoskatten wrote:
It is somewhat disheartening to read about focus issues with the NEX cameras.
Does it only feature peaking mode or does it also have a user controlled image magnification other than a 10X little square?
On the Rixoh GXR I have a decent peaking mode and a one press screen magnification to go with that if necessary and it does a really good job at that. Not perfect, but at least reasonably fast in operation.
Also, it toggles between a magnification of your choice, with the possibility of shifting the enlarged portion with or w/o peaking and the full image by pressing the shutter button.
Does the NEX operate in a similar fashion? ...Show more →
focus magnification is one touch and you can switch betwee 5x and 10x (or 7x and 14x on older models) half pressing the shutter returns to the full image. i just use the smaller manification, 10x is unnecessary.
with regard to manual focus, it is much easier to manual focus zoomed out or in on moving people with the a55's evf than the NEX lcd, so i imagine the NEX-7 with the new lcd will be better still.
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