The Sony Alpha NEX-5N Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens is not a point-and-shoot and not a DSLR, but it holds its place in the market, intriguing those who want the flexibility that interchangeable lenses and numerous manual and creative features can give them, without having to lug around a huge DSLR body. The body is packaged along with an 18-55mm Sony lens, allowing you to start shooting right from day one.

Size aside, the Alpha NEX-5N embodies a number of features that make it a worthy option for any connoisseur of digital cameras. First and foremost would be the 16.1Mp APS-C CMOS sensor. With 16.1Mp your images will have lush color and impressive detail. Your options for making enlarged prints are boundless as well. Sony's Exmor APS HD CMOS technology works together with the BIONZ image processor for excellent low light sensitivity and a distinct lack of sensor noise. On the back of the body is a 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD that boasts Sony's TruBlack screen which suppresses internal reflections. This LCD also tilts down 45° and up 80° for framing hard-to-get shots.

In addition to capturing still images, every Sony NEX junkie longs to let their filmmaker persona out. Sony's NEX-5N does not disappoint this class of aspiring Spielbergs. The long standing camera company knows that in addition to versatility in lens options, along with a small form-factor, the HD video capture is right up there in importance. Video can be recorded at 1920 x 1080 in a number of frame rates, including 60p and 24p. The camera also uses the AVCHD codec for high-quality capture, and the MP4 codec for easy upload to the Internet. The camera also sports an HDMI output for one-cable sharing of your favorite videos on the big screen (AKA: your HDTV).

When it comes to what lenses the NEX-5N takes, Sony made it compatible with their E-Mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for Alpha compact interchangeable lens cameras. Using optional LA-EA1 and EA2 adapters you can also attach A-Mount lenses to the camera as well. The LA-EA2 also provides Phase Detection AF as well. The mirror built-in between the two mounts directs a small portion of light to the phase detection AF sensor in the bottom of the unit, making this feature available to you when the adapter is connected.

As for shooting options and modes, the NEX-5N has a number of them. First up is 10 frames per second shooting, at the camera's full 16.1Mp resolution. This mode enables great sports and kids photos. Another notable feature is Photo Creativity Touch. This mode allows you to be creative with your photos in-camera, right on the LCD screen, in real time. Sweep Panorama and 3D Sweep Panorama modes allow for capture of scenic vistas and 16:9 (wide angle) shots as panoramas and in wondrous 3D, respectively. Among the other features you'll find Object Tracking AF, Auto HDR, Intelligent Auto Focus, iAUTO mode, and many others.

DSLR Quality in Your Pocket

This is the world's smallest interchangeable lens digital still camera using a large APS-C size sensor (as of Aug 2011). The removal of the conventional mirror box and viewfinder results in a camera body that is about half the size and weight of a standard DSLR camera

Up to 10 Frames Per Second Shooting

Capture the decisive moment in sports and get the ideal baby photo. Up to 10 fps continuous shooting at full 16.1Mp resolution. Standard continuous shooting speeds vary based upon shooting conditions and memory card speeds

16.1Mp Exmor APS-C CMOS Image Sensor

You get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. Thanks to the APS-C sensor size and Sony Exmor APS HD CMOS technology, the camera achieves high resolution with no penalty in low-light sensitivity or sensor noise

HD Movie Shooting 60p/24p

Record Full HD 1920 x 1080 video in a variety of frame rates from 60p for super smooth action to 24p for a more cinematic feel. The NEX-5N utilizes the AVCHD codec, the industry standard for high quality HD video capture, as well as the MP4 codec for easy upload to the web due to it's smaller file size

Photo Creativity Touch

The Photo Creativity interface enables you to easily enjoy the creative expression through direct photographic control in an easy to use interface. Changes can be combined/removed and viewed in real time on the LCD making it a breeze to make adjustments

Tiltable 3.0" Touch LCD

Sony's 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD monitor has 921K dots for superb resolution. The TruBlack screen includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increasing contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further in bright sunlight. Tilts down 45° and up 80° to frame high and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss

Object Tracking AF Via Touch LCD

Object Tracking AF can lock onto a specified object and maintain focus even as the subject moves. This hassle-free mode allows unpredictable subjects to stay in focus even while zooming. Letting you concentrate on the scene and composition without having to worry about focus. The subject on which to lock focus is easily selected via the touch screen or the center button of the control wheel

World's Shortest Release Time Lag

In photography, shutter lag, or release time, is the delay between triggering the shutter by fully depressing the shutter button and when the photograph is actually recorded. By initiating the exposure electronically instead of with the traditional shutter mechanism, release time on the NEX-5N is reduced to just 20 milliseconds - helping you to capture the decisive moment

Optional XGA OLED Viewfinder

The optional FDA-EV1S OLED Tru-Finder offers a large, bright and wide-view of the scene. With high resolution 2.395K dot, and unprecedented speed, contrast and color accuracy, the FDA-EV1S provides an extraordinary view

11 Picture Effect Modes

There are 11 picture effects modes to choose from: Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow), Soft High-key, High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal, Cool, Warm, Green, Magenta), Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, and Miniature. Each is unique and each gives you a new and exciting way to make your images and videos pop

Peaking AF Display

The Peaking AF display makes precise manual focusing much easier by highlighting the edges that are in focus in your choice of three colors (white, red, or yellow). This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where your focal plane can make or break your shot

3D Sweep Panorama Mode

Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television4. Records both JPEG and MPO file formats

Sweep Panorama Mode

Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23Mp image size. Up to 202 degrees maximum sweep angle (16mm focal length)

6-Image Layering

The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. The camera then combines the data from the 6 different images to create a single image. This method is used to control blur in Anti-Motion Blur mode or to get cleaner, sharper nighttime pictures in Hand-held Twilight mode

Auto HDR

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail from another for one incredible shot. Until recently, you needed a computer and editing software. Sony builds HDR in. Handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes. Captures in a split second

P/A/S/M Operating Modes

The NEX-5N offers a full range of controls for video and still shooting from the beginner's iAUTO mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control

Intelligent Auto Focus

Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing focusing time to a bare minimum

iAUTO Mode

Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies. Takes advantage of Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization without leaving auto mode so you always get the best shot

BIONZ Image Processor

The brain of the camera is a refined version of Sony's BIONZ image processor. Its chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 25600 sensitivity. Also enables fast processing for up to 10 fps continuous shooting of data-intensive 16.1 megapixel images, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama modes and 6 image layering

Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO)

Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off

Accepts Sony E-Mount Lenses

Compatible with Sony's E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for Alpha compact interchangeable lens cameras. Opens up a world of creative options

Phase Detect AF for E-Mount Bodies with Adapter

Both the LA-EA1 and EA2 adapters (sold separately) allow you to attach A-mount lenses to your E-mount camera. However, the LA-EA2 is the world's first adapter to leverage Sony's exclusive Translucent Mirror Technology to provide super fast and accurate Phase Detection AF as well. The LA-EA2 adapter has a translucent mirror built-in between the two mounts that directs a small portion of the light to the phase detection AF sensor in the bottom of the unit

25-Point Auto Focus

25 sensors cover a very wide area of the scene, for accurate focusing even when the subject is far from the center of the frame

HDMI Output

Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an HDMI output

Stamina Battery Power for Up to 430 Shots

Take up to 430 shots on a single charge with Sony lithium ion Stamina battery power. Sony's InfoLITHIUM battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence

• E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver)
• NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1080mAh)
• Lens Cap
• Shoulder Strap
• USB Cable (Mini B)
• Alpha AC Charger for W Series Battery
• HVL-F7 Flash
• CD-ROM