Want To Be A Photographer? Get This $90 Camera

Summary

The video discusses the Sony NEX-5, the first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera released by Sony in 2010 alongside the NEX-3. Despite its small size, minimalist design, and toy-like appearance, the NEX-5 packs impressive specs like an APS-C sensor found in DSLRs. It offers auto and manual shooting modes, can evolve with the user, and produces professional-looking images, especially when paired with an inexpensive 50mm f/1.8 'nifty fifty' lens. While the NEX-5 lacks some features like an EVF, its low price point around $200 used makes it an ideal first camera to start a photography career since acquired lenses can carry over to more advanced Sony mirrorless cameras.

Takeaways

• 😊 The Sony NX5 was the first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera released by Sony in 2010
• 👀 Its small size made it appear like a toy camera compared to DSLRs at the time
• 📸 It has a 14.2MP APS-C sensor, shooting modes similar to a DSLR, and auto modes for beginners
• 🌄 Lack of EVF means composing shots on the screen, no hot shoe or ports for accessories
• 🎯 Contrast detect AF system capable for most scenarios but not as advanced as newer cameras
• 💰 Full setup with 50mm lens can be found used for around $200-250 total
• 🔂 Sony E-mount used since 2010 so lenses will work on newer Sony mirrorless cameras
• 🤩 'Nifty Fifty' 50mm f/1.8 lenses offer fast aperture for low light and blurry backgrounds
• 📈 Newer 5N, 5R, 5T versions add touchscreen, more MPs, faster burst - minor upgrades
• 🎓 A cheap starter camera to learn on and invest in lenses to carry into the future

Q & A

What was the initial perception of the Sony NEX-5 camera when it was first released?

When the Sony NEX-5 was first released in 2010, it was not taken very seriously by many people. Its small size and minimalist design made it appear more like a toy camera, especially when compared to larger, more professional-looking DSLR cameras that dominated the market.

What are some of the other names that were used to refer to mirrorless cameras early on?

Some of the other terms used early on for mirrorless cameras include: CSC (Compact System Camera), DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless), and EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens).

How does the sensor size in the Sony NEX-5 compare to Micro Four Thirds cameras released around the same time?

The Sony NEX-5 features a larger APS-C sized 14.2MP sensor, compared to smaller Micro Four Thirds sensors found in competing mirrorless cameras from companies like Panasonic and Olympus that were released around the same time.

What capabilities did Sony remove from the NEX-5 to help shrink its size down?

To help shrink down the size of the NEX-5, Sony removed many physical buttons and dials, as well as not including amenities like a built-in viewfinder, hot shoe connector, mic input or headphone jack.

How can more experienced photographers customize and evolve the usability of the Sony NEX-5 over time?

More experienced NEX-5 shooters can evolve its usability by deactivating beginner pop-up tips, and by reassigning button controls to better suit their personal shooting style.

Why does the author stress that used camera prices vary significantly depending on location?

The author stresses that used camera prices can vary hugely depending on factors like country and buying source. So while he quotes USD prices as a general guide, prices in other markets could differ.

What is the benefit of buying Sony E-mount compatible lenses for the NEX-5?

Buying Sony E-mount lenses means they will be compatible for the long term - they can carry over to newer Sony mirrorless cameras like the A7 series that also use the E-mount, maximizing the lens value over time.

Why does the author recommend a nifty fifty or 35mm prime lens for the NEX-5?

The author recommends an affordable fast prime like the 50mm 1.8 or 35mm 1.8 lens because they offer professional looking images with blurred backgrounds, and remain small and appropriate for the camera body size.

What file capabilities help provide editing flexibility with the NEX-5?

The NEX-5 can shoot RAW image files which provide more editing flexibility, as you can pull back details in highlights and shadows if needed after initial shooting.

Why does the author think the NEX-5 may only be part of one's early photography journey?

The author reflects that while the NEX-5 itself may only be part of early photography learning, the skills and opportunities it provides can support a photographer for their whole career.

Outlines

00:00

📷 Overview of the Sony NEX-5 camera, its capabilities, price, and appeal as an entry-level model

The Sony NEX-5 was one of the first mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras released in 2010. Its small size made it appear toy-like compared to DSLRs. But it packs an APS-C sensor, shooting modes similar to a DSLR, and beginner-friendly features. At $250 with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, it's an affordable way to start photography.

05:02

🌄 Benefits of the Sony NEX system for growing skills and retaining lenses

While the NEX-5 lacks some features like an EVF, its tilt screen, autofocus, and image quality allow it to still meet most needs. As an entry model, it lets you start small in Sony's ecosystem while retaining the ability to use E-Mount lenses if you upgrade bodies later on.

Keywords

💡mirrorless camera

A type of digital camera that does not use a reflex mirror or optical viewfinder like a DSLR, allowing for a more compact size. This camera's small, minimalist design makes it appear like a 'toy camera', but it has many powerful features like interchangeable lenses, large sensor, and manual controls.

💡sensor size

A key factor determining image quality and camera behavior. This camera has an APS-C sized sensor, larger than micro 4/3 cameras, which appeals to DSLR users used to that size and allows for shallower depth of field.

💡used market

Buying used or secondhand cameras can provide great value. Prices vary hugely between countries and over time, but this full setup cost the narrator only $250 in the UK and US.

💡e-mount

Sony's proprietary lens mount system. A key benefit of this camera is that the e-mount remains consistent across Sony mirrorless models, so lenses will be compatible with newer cameras.

💡nifty fifty

A popular type of low-cost 50mm f/1.8 lens, offering fast aperture for blurry backgrounds and low light shooting. On this APS-C camera it behaves like a 75mm lens on full frame.

💡RAW image

A file format capturing unprocessed sensor data for higher quality editing control. This camera can shoot RAW images with good dynamic range to adjust exposure.

💡tilt screen

The rear LCD screen tilts up and down for flexible viewing angles. Useful since there is no viewfinder, and can help when shooting low angles.

💡beginner friendly

Has auto modes, tips, and guides to help new users learn photography. The camera can 'evolve' by disabling aids and customizing controls as skills improve.

💡contrast detect AF

The autofocus system relies on sensor data rather than faster phase detect pixels. Still capable for most scenarios, but not as advanced as newer cameras.

💡value

Despite limitations, this camera offers incredible value as a starter option, allowing you to enter the mirrorless system at low cost and reuse lenses even if the body is upgraded.

Highlights

The Sony NX5 was the first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera released by Sony in 2010 alongside the NX3

The small size and minimalist design of the NX5 made it appear like a toy camera compared to professional DSLRs at the time

The NX5 packs a larger APS-C size sensor compared to micro 4/3 cameras, appealing to DSLR users used to that sensor size

The NX5 has beginner-friendly auto modes and pop-up tips to help new photographers understand settings and functions

You can tailor the NX5 by reassigning buttons and deactivating pop-ups as you become a more advanced photographer

Drawbacks of the NX5 include no EVF, hot shoe, mic input or headphone jack for attaching accessories

Later NX5 models (NEX) offered improved specs like higher resolution and better AF, but cost more

The NX5 and lenses cost about $200-$250 secondhand in the US, making it very affordable to get started

Lenses can be carried throughout your photography career, so choose wisely to maximize value

"Nifty fifty" lenses like the 50mm f/1.8 offer fast aperture for low light shooting and blurred backgrounds

The 35mm f/1.8 TT Artisan lens is another good option, providing a 50mm full frame equivalent field of view

The NX5 can shoot RAW images with surprising dynamic range to recover details in post

The reality is the NX5 may only be with you for a small part of your photography journey

The skills and opportunities the NX5 provides will last a lifetime

The NX5 is an affordable way to start your photography career and take the first step

Transcripts

at first glance you may not believe that

this rather unsuspecting looking camera

has all of the attributes required to

get your photography career started and

what's more when paired with this simple

50mm lens this combo cost me just

$250 this is the Sony nx5 and it was the

very first mirrorless interchangeable

lens camera released by Sony well

technically it was joint first because

it was actually released alongside its

little brother the nx3 when this camera

was first brought to Market all the way

back in 2010 nobody really seemed to

take it all that seriously that's not

because it's a bad camera or because it

received bad reviews but mainly because

its small size and very minimalist

design made it appear more like a toy

camera particularly when you place it

next to a more professional looking DSLR

which at the time certainly ruled the

camera Kingdom the phrase mirrorless

camera wasn't even the greed upon

terminology most of the people that I

knew refer to them as csc's or compact

system cameras others like to call them

dslm or digital single lens mirrorless

cameras and those who were less fond of

this type of camera called them

electronic viewfinder interchangeable

lens cameras or evil for sure truthfully

I think the only thing manufacturers at

the time like Sony did know about this

type of camera is that without the need

to add a big bulky mirror box like on a

DSLR they could make these mirrorless

cameras much smaller and I mean much

smaller so they clearly just went all in

and play to the strength by making

cameras like the nx5 as small as

physically possible and they did this by

simply removing as many dials and

buttons whilst maintaining the internal

components which were very similar to

that found in a DSLR and that made this

camera incred r l small but pretty

Mighty unlike competing micro 4/3

cameras from Panasonic and Olympus that

were released around the same time this

camera packs in a larger 14.2 mapel apsc

size sensor and that made it appealing

to DSLR users who are used to that size

sensor in their camera and despite it

not having the physical mode dial that

you would expect on a DSLR it does still

have all of the masp shooting modes that

you would expect to see on a DSLR as

well as a bunch of beginner friendly

auto modes in fact by default this

camera has a bunch of these handy pop-up

tips to to help newbies better

understand some of the camera settings

how they work and what they're used for

there's even a surprisingly detailed 85

page beginnner guide to photography

built into the camera but obviously as

you get more experienced and you need

less of these features this camera also

has the rather unique ability to evolve

with you you can start by deactivating

the pop-up tips and then tailor this

camera further by reassigning some of

the button controls to suit your own

shooting style now obviously there are

going to be some downsides to owning a

camera this old and this small and the

biggest thing is obviously a lack of an

evf this means composing all of your

shots has to be done via this screen but

luckily it is fairly large and pretty

bright and also is able to tilt and pull

away from the camera aiding you with

shooting at lower angles there's also no

hot shoe mic P or headphone jack either

so attaching peripheral devices is not

really an option albeit for this tiny

little clip on flash which is helpful

the AF system uses contrast detect

rather than the faster and more accurate

face detect AF systems that we're used

to on more modern cameras but honestly

this is still more than capable of

getting the job done in most scenarios

but the main thing that arguably makes

this such an appealing option is most

likely the reason why you even clicked

on this video in the first place and

that's the low price well before I start

on that I do have to stress once again

that the price of secondhand cameras

will vary hugely depending on where you

buy them from and which country you

happen to live in and that's important

to mention because in the past a number

of you have been quick to mention that

the prices that I've quoted for the used

cameras that I review did not match you

up with the prices found in your own

country now unfortunately it would be

almost impossible for me to list the

going rate of all the cameras that I buy

for every single country let alone make

them future proof because as we've

already seen with Fujifilm cameras this

year prices can fluctuate dramatically

over time but seeing as the majority of

you are watching this from the US I have

also checked out the prices for this

combination in the states and the good

news is that the $250 price tag does

still check out so starting with here in

the UK I managed to buy this camera for

£70 or just under $90 this lens is the

Yong noo 50mm f1.8 Mark 2 autofocus lens

which costs around £130 brand new though

if you are lucky and you manag to find

one secondhand you can get them for

significantly cheaper but worst case

this setup costs around £200 or $250 as

I've mentioned in the US on eBay I found

a number of these cameras for sale all

under $100 and some going for as low as

$7 this lens happens to sell for $130

too making it totally plausible to grab

this entire combo for somewhere between

$200 and $250 depending on your bargain

hunting skills now this point is also

worth mentioning that there were several

incarnations of this nx5 that were

released over the years obviously

starting with the vanilla nx5 then there

was the nexx 5n then the 5r and finally

the 5T now all of the versions that end

with a letter have slightly improved

specs over this vanilla version

including the screen being upgraded to

include a touchscreen functionality they

also offer a slight jump upin resolution

going from 14.2 megapixels on this one

to 16 megapixels the burst rate was

increased from 7 frames per second to 10

frames per second and the iso ceiling

was also made slightly higher which

could be expanded to 25,600 as opposed

to 12,800 on this early model in terms

of design they're all pretty much the

same as this original nx5 with the

exception of the later 5r and 5T models

which also saw the addition of a command

dial and an extra function button on the

top play but these newer versions

expectedly do tend to sell for a little

more so unless you are desperately in

need of any of the features I just

mentioned here please do not stress too

much about which model you buy it's also

really important to remember that this

is not going to be your Forever camera

really this camera should just be viewed

as an investment and the first step on

the road to becoming a photographer

because if you set that first step Too

High by aiming for a super expensive

modern camera then the chances are you

may never even reach it past the first

step something I remember hearing once

was that you date your camera but you

marry your lenses and honestly I think

there is a lot of Truth to that

statement which also brings us nicely

onto another big benefit of owning this

camera which is the lens mount although

Sony mirrorless cameras may have evolved

quite significantly over the last decade

or so though thankfully one thing has

remained a constant and that's Sony's

e-mount this camera made in 2010 and

this camera my Sony A7 Mark 4 released

in 2021 both use the same Sony e-mount

which means that any lens I buy for this

camera will also work on this much newer

model whether it's apsc or fullframe so

if you pick your lenses correctly you

could in theory carry them all the way

throughout your career and maximize the

value you get from them and on that note

why am I then recommending this Yung noo

50mm f1.8 lens it costs only $130 well

you may have heard of the term nifty50

before and if you haven't it simply

refers to these cheap 50mm lenses and

there's at least one of these things

available for just about every lens

mount going what makes these lenses so

Nifty is that they offer a fast maximum

aperture of f1.8 which means it's great

for shooting in lowlight conditions but

also using this wide maximum aperture

will create a super thick and defocused

background which typically is the effect

that most clients will associate with

professional photography now these

lenses are relatively small like weight

and this size and weight aspect is

certainly something you need to consider

when buying a camera like this that is

just so small because strapping on a

huge monster of a lens to the front is

not only going to be pretty and wieldly

it's also going to look slightly

ridiculous I should also add that

because this camera has an APS C- size

sensor this nifty50 will create images

that appear closer to something like a

75 mm lens on a full-frame camera

alternatively if you wanted to shoot

with something slightly wider then you

could opt for something like this TT

Artisan 35 mm f1.8 autofocus lens which

has only just recently been released and

costs around $150 once you factor in the

one and A2 times crop this lens provides

a look that is closer to a fullframe 50

mm allowing you to pack more into the

frame plus it also features a stronger

metal build and isn't that much bigger

or heavier than this young newo 50 mm so

it still feels reasonably comfortable to

use on this much smaller body but in

either case these lenses combined with

this camera are more than capable of

capturing professional looking images

with bags of detail just like most of

the mirrorless cameras this nx5 can

shoot in raw 2 and the files it creates

offer a surprising amount of dynamic

range allowing you to pull back details

in the highlights and shadows should you

accidentally over or underexpose an

image I think the saddest thing about

owning a camera like this is that the

reality is it may only share a very

small portion of your entire photography

Journey with you but the skills and

opportunities that it provides you with

they'll last a lifetime