NEX-3/NEX-5/NEX-5C

The new functions provided by this firmware update and their respective operations are described here. Please refer to the Instruction Manual, and the Handbook contained on the supplied CD-ROM.

2010 Sony Corporation

A-DTQ-100-11(1)

Soft key Settings

[Soft key Settings] has been added to [Setup] on the menu. This item allows you to customize the function of soft keys B and C.
Soft key A Soft key C Soft key B
You cannot customize soft key A.

Customizing soft key B

Pressing soft key B will activate [Shoot. Tips] in the default setting. You can assign one of the following functions instead to use it by pressing soft key B. Shoot Mode/Shoot. Tips/PrecisionDig. Zoom/ISO/White Balance/Metering Mode/ FlashCompensation/DRO/Auto HDR/Creative Style/MF Assist
1 [Menu] t [Setup] t [Soft key B Setting] t desired function.

Continued r

Customizing soft key C
Pressing soft key C will activate [Shoot Mode] in the default setting. You can assign either 3 of the following functions instead to use them by pressing soft key C. Autofocus Area/ISO/White Balance/Metering Mode/FlashCompensation/DRO/Auto HDR/Creative Style
1 [Menu] t [Setup] t [Soft key C Setting] t [Custom]. 2 [Menu] t [Setup] t Assign a function to [Custom 1], [Custom 2], or [Custom 3].
You do not need to set functions for 1, 2, and 3 all at once. In the default setting, [Custom 1] is assigned to [ISO], [Custom 2] to [White Balance], and [Custom 3] to [DRO/Auto HDR].
Using the newly assigned function
You can use the function you just assigned to soft key B or C as follows.

Soft key B:

1 When the assigned function is displayed at the lower right corner of the screen, press soft key B.

Soft key C:

1 When [Custom] is displayed, press soft key C. 2 Select [Custom 1/2 /3] by pressing the right or left side of the control wheel.

Soft key C

Soft key B
You can use the assigned function only in P (Program Auto), A (Aperture Priority), S (Shutter Priority), and M (Manual Exposure) shooting modes.

Menu start

The [Menu start] function is added to the menu. This item allows you to select whether to always display the first screen of the menu or to display the screen of the item you set the last time.
1 [Menu] t [Setup] t [Menu start] t desired setting.
Top Previous Always displays the first screen of the menu. Displays the last item set. This will make it easier to quickly reset the last item you set previously.

MF Assist

There used to be only 2 settings, [On] (2 seconds) and [Off], in the [MF Assist] function. However, you can set the duration for which the image is to be enlarged when an E-mount lens is attached.
1 [Menu] t [Setup] t [MF Assist] t desired setting.
No Limit 5 Sec 2 Sec Off Note
When an A-mount lens is attached, the display is enlarged until you select [Exit] as in the same way as [No Limit], even if you select [2 Sec] or [5 Sec]. Enlarges the display until [Exit] is selected.
Enlarges the image for 5 seconds. Enlarges the image for 2 seconds. Does not enlarge the image.
Enlarged position of [MF Assist] is maintained
With [MF Assist], previously, the image was enlarged from the center. However, the upgraded firmware maintains the position from which the image is to be enlarged until the camera is turned off in manual focus mode.
The image is enlarged from the position in focus in Direct Manual Focus mode.
Other improvements in operation
The upgraded firmware will make following improvements as well.
Changing the selected menu item
If you turn counterclockwise or press the top of the control wheel when the first item of the list is selected, your selection moves to the last item. If you turn clockwise or press the bottom of the control wheel at the last item of the list, your selection moves to the first item.
Aperture setting is maintained in movie recording mode
If you start recording movies, the camera used to adjust the aperture automatically. However, the aperture setting is maintained even after you start recording movies in Background Defocus Control mode and A (Aperture Priority) mode. The following information will be displayed. - Shoot mode (Bkground Defocus or A) - F-value
You cannot adjust the aperture during movie recording.
Autofocus function with A-mount lenses
Upgrading Mount Adaptor LA-EA1 (sold separately) makes autofocus (Single-shot AF) possible when an A-mount SAM or SSM lens is attached to the camera. You can also use autofocus (Single-shot AF) in movie recording mode by pressing the shutter button halfway down. For information on upgrading the Mount Adaptor, please visit the Sony Support web site. http://www.sony.net/

You cannot use the AF illuminator when using an A-mount lens. The autofocus speed will be slower compared to when an E-mount lens is attached. The sound of the lens and the camera in operation may be recorded during movie recording. You can avoid this by selecting [Menu] t [Setup] t [Movie Audio Rec] t [Off]. It may take a long time or may be difficult for the camera to focus, depending on the lens used or the subject.

REVIEW Head-to-head 4

Samsung NX10 vs Sony NEX-5

HEAD -TO-HEAD

Samsung NX10 Vs Sony NEX-5
Josie Reavely trials two petite powerhouses to see which delivers the most punch

How we test the cameras

The growing trend for producing ever-smaller digital cameras without scrimping on functionality is at the forefront of many manufacturers minds at the moment, resulting in a glut of cameras that lack the traditional DSLR innerworkings, but still retain a similar level of versatility. In this issues group test, weve taken two of the leading small-yetpowerful mirrorless, interchangeable lens digital cameras and put them through their paces, to see which represents the best overall purchase. Weve tested each model in low light and high ISOs, in sunshine and under stormy skies, investigating each of their unique feature sets and innovative scene modes to aid our final decision. Read on to discover which of these diminutive cameras leaves the biggest impression.
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4/10/10 11:42:36

Camera build and handling
The Samsung NX10 is the larger of our two contenders, with distinctly DSLR-like styling. A faux viewfinder hump houses its powerful pop-up flash and electronic viewfinder, with a smattering of controls and a well-stocked Mode dial flanking it on either side. On said Mode dial theres a good selection of scene modes and a Smart Auto mode, which decides what your subject is and adjusts the camera settings to deliver the best possible results a feature with a very high success rate. A number of icons appear at the bottom of the cameras clear and bright AMOLED screen point the lens at a moving subject and the Sports mode will engage, or direct it at a flower and its Macro mode is highlighted accordingly a feature that improves functionality for beginners. Advanced users are also well catered for, with the full set of partial and full manual shooting modes. All the controls are small, but logically positioned, with plenty of dedicated buttons as well as softkey access to important functions and a user-programmable Fn (Function) button. The result is a camera thats easy to navigate and can respond quickly to impromptu photo opportunities. The NEX-5 offers a completely different design and handling experience. With its boxy, robust metal body, it makes no attempt to emulate the DSLR shape, nor does it offer the same range of controls on its outer surface. Instead, the Sonys large articulated screen takes precedence on the back, offering the ability to be hinged out from the back panel to make for a more comfortable shooting experience. This feature is great when recording HD movies and is also particularly useful for shooting subjects low down or from higher vantage points. The interface takes a little bit of getting used to, with a virtual Mode dial being displayed on the screen, controlled by the scrolling wheel that rotates around an anonymous central silver button. Two further unlabelled silver buttons offer access to other features, with the lower accessing the Shooting Tips menu, while the function of the upper button changes according to the mode you are shooting in, which can cause some mild confusion to start with.
Special features on board
The Samsung NX10s headline feature is its superb 14.6MP APS-sized CMOS sensor, which does an excellent job of recording detailed, colourful images. This little camera is also capable of recording richly detailed 720p HD movies, selectable via the Mode dial on the top panel. For us, however, its the NX10s 3 AMOLED screen around the back that really steals the show. It may be fixed (unlike some of its articulated competitors offerings) but its beautifully bright and detailed with a high refresh rate that keeps images looking smoother when panning, compared to an LCD. To make up for the fact it cant be angled away from the body, this screen also boasts a wide viewing angle and an excellent anti-reflective coating that greatly enhances the act of shooting in Live View mode. In really bright conditions, or if you just prefer not to shoot with a screen, the NX10 also provides an EVF (electronic viewfinder). Granted, its not as colour-accurate or detailed as the AMOLED screen and it cant compare to a DSLRs optical viewfinder, but as built-in EVFs go, its a very good offering on Samsungs part. Add to these features a good set of scene modes and the previously mentioned innovative Smart Auto mode, and youve got an impressive overall package. The Sony NEX-5 doesnt offer a built-in EVF (an external one is available at extra cost) but it does boast a very good 3 LCD instead. With a high resolution of 921,000 dots, the NEX-5s screen is wonderfully crisp and displays subjects in plenty of detail. The fact that the screen is also hinged (to tilt forwards and up) makes shooting at awkward angles and shooting HD video all the easier. We also love its highly inventive Sweep Panorama mode. Theres no need for specialist tripod heads or additional hours of post-processing: simply select the Sweep Panorama mode and pan the camera across the scene you wish to capture. The NEX-5 will automatically fire off a quick succession of frames, stitching them together in-camera and presenting the final pano on the LCD in moments. Similarly, the cameras Auto HDR and DRO (dynamic range optimiser) features increase functionality.

summary of head-to-head so far
Ease of use, quality of interface

Samsung NX10 Sony NEX-5

Lots of controls to keep the shooting experience slick Robust, but complicated to operate at first
Advanced features increase this cameras versatility Some exciting innovations add to the Sonys appeal

14.6MP:

The size of the Samsungs APS-C CMOS sensor

SRP: 650 (kit)

MEGAPIXELS SLEXIPAGEM

9/10 7/10

The rate at which the Sony can shoot at in Speed Priority mode

SRP: 549 (Kit)

9/10 9/10

Samsung NX10

123mm 111mm

39.8mm

The 3 AMOLED screen offers a high-resolution, clear and detailed display for easy Live View shooting and playback

back plate

This sensor detects when you raise the EVF to your eye, automatically deactivating the 3 screen

EVF sensor

The user interface comprises a good range of buttons and controls that keep you out of the main system
The NEX-5s articulated screen is useful when shooting HD movies and photographing at odd angles
The interface is minimalist in design, with the functions of some buttons changing according to the shooting mode
A dedicated Movie button provides quick access to one of this cameras top features

top plate

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EGNAR OSI

NEERCS HCNI
First compact interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C-sized sensor

By lens

INCH SCREEN

1003200

ISO RANGE

Sony NEX-5

Powerful functionality in a petite camera body

287g 3

20012,800

4/10/10 11:43:25

Quality of results
Our two contenders are pretty evenly matched when it comes to sensor size and resolution, with both offering 14MP+ APS-C CMOS sensors. Yet the images each camera produces proves there are differences. Under tungsten lighting, both cameras produce warm results when left with Auto white balance switched on, with the NX10 faring slightly better. In daylight, both cameras produce pleasing colours and sharp results, again with the NX10 delivering slightly better results in the form of sharper JPEGs. Both contenders handle noise well, as seen in our ISO test, with the Sony pushing a little ahead of the Samsung in this respect, although the Samsung wins out when it comes to native dynamic range (boosted further by its smart range option). Of course, the Sony can turn the tables with its excellent in-camera Auto HDR mode, shooting several frames and combining them automatically to produce an image with a wider dynamic range. Results are good in most instances, although its possible to push things too far when playing around with the settings available. To mention the Sonys other big shooting feature, Sweep Panorama, we couldnt get enough of this mode! Its a little noisy to use in confined spaces with other people present, but out in the wilderness its perfect for capturing sweeping vistas in a hassle-free manner. The lenses you use obviously have an impact on the quality each of these cameras can generate. The NX10s 30mm pancake lens is excellent, producing crisp images that make the most of the sensors capabilities. The bulkier 70-300mm also supplied hampers the handling somewhat and produces softer, yet detailed shots. The metal-barrelled 18-55mm provided with the Sony NEX-5 features image stabilisation (rather than being in-body) and also produces fairly crisp results. However, there is some distortion at both the wide and telephoto ends of the zoom range in images shot with this lens. Although we didnt have it for this test, we have previously used Sonys 16mm pancake lens, and results are superb. Overall a good performance from both, but with the Samsung just taking the lead.

Value for money

Comparing RRPs, the cheaper of our two models by some margin is the Sony NEX-5. With a suggested price of just over 100 less than its rivals, the fact that you get a 16mm f2.8 lens and an external flash gun thrown in makes this camera look like a bargain. Thats not to say that the Samsung NX10 doesnt earn its price tag particularly when you take into account that its 650 RRP is reduced to roughly the same street price as its rivals with a bit of shopping around. So, for about the same amount of cash you can pick up the excellent 30mm pancake lens we mainly used for this test and the camera already has a built-in pop-up flash, unlike the Sony. On top of that, the Samsung packs in an APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, excellent dynamic range, plenty of detail, faithful colours and controlled noise. Factor in the NX10s HD movie recording capabilities, superb handling and top build quality, and wed say the street price its currently settling at is pretty reasonable. The Sony NEX-5 has a lot to offer too however, and its lower original RRP isnt really reflected in its features or build quality all aspects in which it is capable of competing. It too offers an APS-C-sized sensor thats roughly the same resolution as its rival, an expanded ISO range, 1080i HD movie feature and fast Continuous Drive mode (5-7fps, compared to the Samsungs 3fps). They are roughly even in terms in specs and street price, but the NX10 comes out looking like the slightly better deal.

quality of image results

Crisp, detailed and colourful images impress Innovative features enhance the NEX-5s performance
The field of view offered by the Samsung NX10s EVF

9/10 8/10

Interested in some alternatives to the two contenders featured? Here are three similar models that could be for you
Other contenders to consider

best results for value

Olympus E-PL1
This entry-level model boasts a good selection of scene modes and Art filters, with a handy Live Guide for beginners 8/10

Panasonic GF1

Pop-up flash, iAuto mode, face recognition, HD movies and full Manual mode this is great for more advanced users 9/10

Nikon D5000

A pedigree DSLR with a APS-C sensor, optical viewfinder, vari-angle LCD and 720p movie recording 9/10
The NX10 more than earns its street price tag
Very reasonably priced considering its feature set

ISO Performance

How the two cameras stack up in terms of noise
Starting at ISO 200, both sets of images are clean and detailed, with the Samsungs shot looking crisper when viewed at 100%, a trend that continues throughout its ISO sensitivity range. At ISO 400, both cameras still put in a really clean performance, with very little visible from either contender up to around ISO 800. At this point there is a bit of noise visible in the shadow areas of the NX10s shots, but nothing too detrimental. The NEX-5s shots are a bit noisier, but still perfectly usable. At ISO 3200 the top of the NX10s range both cameras produce predictably noisy images, though the Samsungs tendency to flatten colours at this point gives the Sony the edge. The NEX-5 does offer two further settings of 6400 and 12800. While this is far beyond the scope of the NX10s range we wouldnt recommend either of the settings, as noise really starts to take over, robbing images of detail.
How do the two cameras stack up in terms of noise?
This is a close-run contest. The Sony NEX-5 impresses with its highly useful Sweep Panorama and HDR modes in particular. It delivers the speed and versatility to meet the demands of the modern digital photographer at a great price point, but it doesnt quite match up when it comes to handling. The Samsung NX10 may not offer 1080i HD movie recording (delivering 720p instead) or innovations to match Sonys previously mentioned automatic shooting features, but it does boast a comprehensive set of shooting modes for beginners and advanced enthusiasts, in a robust, stylish-looking body. Its AMOLED screen is wonderfully clear and bright, and its built-in EVF is one of the most usable weve come across in a long while. Its user interface is much simpler to interpret, making the NX10 a dream to handle. If youre a fan of automatic modes and would find a built-in user guide useful with your camera, the Sony NEX-5 is an excellent option. However, if you want something that handles like a proper DSLR without added bulk the Samsung NX10 is our first choice.

THE WINNER

ISO 200

ISO 400

ISO 800

ISO 3200

MAIN POINTS FROM THE GRAPH:
Below ISO 800, both contenders produce clean shots, with usable results up to ISO 3200 from each camera. At top whack (for the NX10) both sets of images are noisy, but the Sony does a better job of retaining colour. Note the difference in the way our contenders Auto WB setting fares too, with the Sony producing warmer colours throughout. Although the colours in the Sonys shots arent unpleasant, we find the more neutral results from the Samsung more palatable and faithful to the original scene.

editors choice

how the Samsung NX10 won
The NX10 offers top features and great build, making it the best overall package
BUILD QUALITY FEATURES QUALITY OF RESULTS VALUE
A superb, compact alternative to a full-sized DSLR

4/10/10 11:43:59

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