I bought the new Sony NEX-5 from 42nd Street Photo and it is a GREAT camera (photos, video and ""looks"") so far! I wanted a simple, but “professional” camera for my wife, and this camera is perfect.\r
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I choose 42nd Street Photo because their price for the NEX-5 was much cheaper than anywhere else and a friend told me they were a good business. 42nd Street Photo's internet site was easy to use and make my purchase and a sales rep called me the next day to confirm the purchase and answer any questions I had. The sales rep suggested a UV Filter because it would help prevent scratches on the lens and keep dust out. It is much cheaper to replace the UV Filter vs. the lens, so I’m glad he suggested that. He patiently answered all of my questions (10 minutes worth!) and told me I was getting a free lens cleaning kit with my order! \r
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As soon I received the camera, I upgraded the firmware to version 3 (it was shipped out as 2) and had no problems (version 3 helps extend the battery’s life and makes the controls easier).\r
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The photos we have taken so far have been great. You don't even need to use the included flash (low light shots are amazing and no flash going off and “washing out” our picts) and the depth of field looks so much better (of course) than our “old” ~$350 point and shoot.\r
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The NEX-5 has HD video (1080i) and I am very particular about the way video looks (resolution, lag, etc.) and have the best equipment (50 inch Plasma, HDMI cable, AVCHD capability on my PS3) and the video on the NEX-5 is great (low light is AMAZING!)... The only negative about his camera is that it was a 50i (“i” version is imprinted on the bottom of the camera) vs. a 60i (meaning this NEX-5 was the European version, not North American version) and the battery charger was the European version, so there was a cord vs. being able to plug the charger straight into an outlet)…But I don’t see any lag with the 10i difference).\r
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Note: I am using two SanDisk Extreme (Class 10) 4GB SDHC cards (~1000 picts on fine and 30 minutes of HD video) and they are FAST (can handle the 7 fps and the 1080 video well)! I also went ahead and purchased an additional battery (same as the one that was sent with the battery (lasts ~300 shots) and a screen protector (other reviewers said that the screen scratches easily).\r
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I am so happy with 42nd Street Photo and our new Sony NEX-5! \r
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