Sony NEX F3 or 5N?

[minttychoco]

Any advise which to get? Main use to take babies and kids photos indoor / outdoor.

[tsammyc]

I think the F3 should be better as it has the built in flash, whereas the 5N, you have to screw one in.

[hengkg]

For the same reason or purpose as you, I bought the Sony NEX-5N. Not really a bad choice if you don't mind the price.

[metranquility]

Hi, I bought the NEX 5 to take kiddo shots too.. it's actually very good for static shots and when kiddo was just playing or sitting or somewhat in one position... esp in lousy lighting conditions. And for babies, you want to avoid using flash, as you dont want to scare them, and some pple say that flash not good for their eyes.. not sure if medically verified, but as a parent, I dont take chances. The NEX system is able to shoot very well in low-light conditions, so is good without using flash. My flash module is still pretty brand new, and I can count the number of times I use it with one hand.

but kiddos being kiddos, once they start to walk and run, they are all over the place. I was disappointed when I first tried to use my Nex-5 to take my kiddo pushing a cart across the room diagonally towards me... the Contrast-Detection Autofocus (CDAF) just couldnt cope with the movement, and out of 5 continuous shots, four were OOF, only one got somewhat close. So did I give up on NEX? Well, strangely, I got hooked onto manual lenses and have even upgraded to a 5N... it's actually more difficult to use manual lens to focus, but at least once I learnt how to control aperture and with the focus peaking feature, I could improve my hit rate of shooting kiddo running w manual focus... still not fantastic, but I reckon, in certain lighting conditions, still better than the CDAF.

So my advice is this: if you are really into shooting prancing monkeying kids, get a DSLR or DSLT (Sony A55, A57, A77, etc) with PDAF (Phase Detect Autofocus), or if you really want a NEX, get the LAE2 adapter with Sony alpha lens. I am sure you will be able to get the focus spot on at most times, but you have to live with the size of the package.

Otherwise, if you really like the NEX for the small package, then learn to live within the limitations, and be happy with it like me. As for F3 or 5N, I cant really advise, cuz I have not really looked at the F3, but if you are into self-portraits, F3 with the 180 deg screen seem pretty good for self-hand-held family shots.. haha !

[Atarandas]

The F3 is useful for self portrait and comes with built in flash. To shoot fast moving motion, it requires more than just quick AF from applying the correct shooting techniques and posture to adjusting to the appropriate shutter speed. I am not sure if the F3 sensor is the same as the 5n. If it is, then F3 would perform similarly to 5n in low lighting conditions.

[hengkg]

I also realise that NEX-5N is not good in shooting fast moving objects, like kids running around. So I usually switch to movie mode and record a video instead.

I think if you are getting a camera for family outing, you will appreciate the light weight and small package, which will lessen the weight and free up the room for milk bottles and others.

[minttychoco]

Thanks for all the advise. I read reviews saying the processor of F3 is better than 5n. Does it means faster focus speed?

Do agree the F3 is really good for hand held family shots. There's 1 thing about F3 is the charging of battery. It has to be charged with battery inside the body. Kind of troublesome. I can't use it when charging. Unless I get a spare battery and extra battery charger...

[minttychoco]

Hi metranquility, can u enlighten me whats the diff between LAE1 and 2? The price diff is alot...

I foresee running kids shots is a problem. But dslr is too bulky for me.

[minttychoco]

Hengkg, thanks for pointing out 5n not good in shooting running kids.
Recording seems like good idea too.

[TWmilkteaTW]

Hi metranquility, can u enlighten me whats the diff between LAE1 and 2? The price diff is alot...

I foresee running kids shots is a problem. But dslr is too bulky for me.

Both are adapters for you to mount on your Nex camera before you can mount a A mount lens.

The La-EA1 dosent have a motor in it. It will take between 3-5 second (Timing is the same on SAM/SSM) before you can get focus. (Only SAM and SSM lenses)

Whereas the LA-EA2 comes with a motor in-built(thus its bigger and more expensive) It basically transform your NEX into a SLT.. thus you can now achieve focus instantly. (Any lens also can achieve focus now as long its A mount).

[minttychoco]

Hi TWmilkteaTW, thanks for the explanation!!!

[metranquility]

however, if you concerned abt big packages, then having the LA-EA2 adapter with alpha lenses on ur NEX will also result in a relatively large package. See: Sony Alpha NEX-5N Mirrorless First Look Review

There's always some tradeoffs. Hope u understand

[metranquility]

Thanks for all the advise. I read reviews saying the processor of F3 is better than 5n. Does it means faster focus speed?

Do agree the F3 is really good for hand held family shots. There's 1 thing about F3 is the charging of battery. It has to be charged with battery inside the body. Kind of troublesome. I can't use it when charging. Unless I get a spare battery and extra battery charger...

dunno abt the AF speed... google ?

As for the batt, I think it is the same as all NEX cameras.. they come with a separate charging accessory. If you intend to bring it for travel, it is strongly recommended to get a spare batt, so that you can charge one, while using the other in the batt.

[minttychoco]

Yup understand. If with adapter and the a mount lens might as well get dslr or dslt.

But does dslt perform better than nex? If using just kit lens and shooting running kids? Thats the part where PDAF comes in right?

[nedy77]

The built in lens of the F3 does come in handy, it's always there whether you need it or not

[metranquility]

yeah... Sony DSLT's PDAF is blazing fast and accurate ! Actually, they can be considered as pretty small DSLRs too... go check them out at the nearest camera or sony shops. I tested them before and they are super good... but haha, I still stick to my NEX.

[TWmilkteaTW]

well if you more for family photo...candid/self photo etc etc..the F3 180 degree screen should be very handy as compared to 5N.
It also has built in flash..

[kei1309]

The built in lens of the F3 does come in handy, it's always there whether you need it or not

you mean "FLASH" or "LENS"? honestly after reading through your posts in 3 different threads, i have trouble understanding what the blazes you're talking about.

[Rashkae]

Yup understand. If with adapter and the a mount lens might as well get dslr or dslt.

But does dslt perform better than nex? If using just kit lens and shooting running kids? Thats the part where PDAF comes in right?

Remember that the kit lens has a limited focal length too.

But yes, SLT will whip any mirrorless for af speed and accuracy, especially in tracking running kids.

[tsammyc]

Here is a picture of the LA-EA1 & A-mount 35mm (left) next to the E-mount CZ 24mm (right). You can see that they are about the same size. The LA-EA2 is slightly larger and a bit heavier, but if you want fast focusing of kids indoors, it is the best combo. The NEX is flexible in that you can put on the heavier adapter indoors (which most don't mind) and when you shoot outdoors, just put on an E-mount lens since the extra light outdoors gives the NEX fast focus.