We're under attack!!!!! Sony NEX-7, A77, A65, NEX5N

[Cory Braun]

Just tried a really right stuff plate, no problem. Sounds like the thread has been stripped, return it. I recommend attaching via the lens adapter because the camera body is so tiny. I'm using this one for EOS mount which seems pretty good- http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/23066294...NX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_3116wt_944 You should be able to find similar adapters for just about every lens mount.

Alright cool, thanks for testing. I don't think the thread is stripped though, because the screw itself tightens all the way, it's the plate that can still move. I think the mounting hole is to short.

 

[shorty15]

So I just purchased the Sony NEX 5n after reading some very positive reviews and seeing some footage and now I find out that EVERY Sony NEX 5n shipped is DEFECTIVE. That's right, Sony has blessed us with another boat anchor. The cam emits a clicking noise that shows up in audio when recording video. People have a pretty good idea that it is the orientation sensor in the camera. See the links below:

http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2011/09/sony-nex-5n-plagued-bizarre-clicking-sounds
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20107451-1/sony-alpha-nex-5n-review-will-it-click-for-you/
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1042&thread=39395824

At this point, my head is about to explode. There are literally NO cameras that do not have flaws that remove them from my consideration. I was excited about the A77 but then I found out that it adds a sensor crop during video which essentially turns it into a M4/3 chip. I hate the 2X crop on the GH2 which renders my wide angle lenses useless. The Nikon D7000 has manual control issues in Live View.

The Sony NEX 5n seemed just about perfect so I bought one. BIG MISTAKE. How could Sony miss something like this? Are they going to provide refunds? Recall the cameras? Nope, they will just release the NEX 5NII in a year and hope the bad press goes away. Who designs these cameras? I want to punch a hole in the wall. From what I have read, the sound is loud enough for external mics to pick it up as well so there is literally no fix except a product redesign. And if it is the orientation sensor, why the hell don't they just take it out? They serve no purpose for photographers of videographers.

 

[ryan brown]

Are they going to provide refunds? Recall the cameras? Nope, they will just release the NEX 5NII in a year and hope the bad press goes away.

I understand your frustration, but where are you getting this info from? I skimmed through the links you presented, but all I saw was that sony acknowledge's the problem and are figuring it out. ?

 

[shorty15]

I understand your frustration, but where are you getting this info from? I skimmed through the links you presented, but all I saw was that sony acknowledge's the problem and are figuring it out. ?

Just because Sony recognizes the problem does not mean they are going to do anything about it. One of the DPreview members tested the camera as a prototype and told Sony about the issue, a month or so before the camera was released. Yet, they still went ahead and released it with the problem. You really think they are going to do anything about it now that thouands of cameras are in the wild? Recall's are expensive. It is easier for them to just fix the problem for the next gen camera.

 

[Fruity Purple]

@ Shorty15:
At this point, my head is about to explode. There are literally NO cameras that do not have flaws that remove them from my consideration. I was excited about the A77 but then I found out that it adds a sensor crop during video which essentially turns it into a M4/3 chip. I hate the 2X crop on the GH2 which renders my wide angle lenses useless. The Nikon D7000 has manual control issues in Live View.


I'll offer you $500 shipped to Los Angeles for your Nex5N... PM me if you want to sell it.

 

[ryan brown]

Just because Sony recognizes the problem does not mean they are going to do anything about it.

You really think they are going to do anything about it now that thouands of cameras are in the wild? Recall's are expensive. It is easier for them to just fix the problem for the next gen camera.

Yes, that is one scenario, but I was trying to see if you had any definitive info stating Sony wasn't prepared to do anything about it. You do not, correct?

And to answer your question, yes, I would think there would be a high chance that Sony would fix the problem. From the clips in the links, the problem does indeed seem to be to the point of a "defective" cam. A giant like Sony coming out with an entire line of groundbreaking new cameras tells me they mean business. I can't see them just abandoning one of the models after all the work they've put into it to make it "perfect"...

 

[squig]

Clicking or no clicking the sound recording on the NEX-5N is pretty much unusable. There's no manual level control, no recording level display, and no headphone monitoring. I would never even consider recording sound with it.

 

[ryan brown]

Clicking or no clicking the sound recording on the NEX-5N is pretty much unusable. There's no manual level control, no recording level display, and no headphone monitoring. I would never even consider recording sound with it.

Yeah, I agree completely, but for the "soccer moms/dads", which is where this camera could also be very popular, that could be a deal breaker.

 

[shorty15]

Clicking or no clicking the sound recording on the NEX-5N is pretty much unusable. There's no manual level control, no recording level display, and no headphone monitoring. I would never even consider recording sound with it.

I would not use the onboard mic either but some have reported that super sensitive external mics pick it up as well. Using an external mic certainly seems to help but it does not completely eliminate the problem. If your ears can hear it, mics can hear it as well.

My options are as follows:

1. Return it now and wait for Sony to come out with a revised version or the current version minus the problem.

2. Keep it and hope that Sony recalls it or offers some kind of firmware or software fix.

3. Buy an external recorder like a Zoom H4n (which I planned on doing anyways) and hope that it can not hear the clicking

4. Build some kind of DIY sound blimp (similar to the ones that stills photographers on movie sets use) Like this: http://www.soundblimp.com/canon.htm

The last one seems quite extreme but if it is the only solution and Sony has no planned fix, I am willing to give it a try.

I still can't believe that Sony let the cameras hit the shelves without solving this problem. If the testers are telling the truth, Sony knew about this problem and chose to do nothing. Yes, they put a lot of effort into adding new features but postponing the release could have cost them millions and when it comes time to choose between doing something right and making a buck, I would not put it past Sony to skip the fix in order to meet the promised release date. They are probably hoping that people won't read about this. Besides, the target customer base are not the kinds of people who frequent photography forums, they are people who are looking to upgrade from point and shoots but don't have the coin for DSLR's.

What do you think I should do?

 

[HHL]

Yeah, I agree completely, but for the "soccer moms/dads", which is where this camera could also be very popular, that could be a deal breaker.

THAT PERSON needs to get the HX9 or the upcoming Canon S100. The IS, zoom, 1080/60P, photo features of the HX9....the S100 with its STELLAR photo quality, RAW photos, walk-around lens, 1080/24P, IS, low light ability......these cams were BORN for soccer moms/dads. I wouldn't want to fight against the NEX5N in "family" situations. (I'm NOT saying that people won't, or that YOU will....I'm just saying that's a lack of product knowledge right there...) I'm ordering my NEX5N tonight and I can't WAIT to get it!!! But....when I hit the woods for a family hike and just need a cam "just in case" (and I can only carry one in my pocket)....it will be the HX9. When I shoot a short film and need the best image with most manual control and flexibility in a "near" pocketable package....NEX5N ALL THE WAY!!!

Edit: I'll wait another 17hrs it looks like (I don't normally do that sort of thing, but another day won't KILL ME). Here's why:

http://iamcomings.com/

 

[shorty15]

So you are purchasing a defective product on purpose? Crazy. I bought mine before I knew about the clicking but If I were you, I would at least wait until Sony has officially spoken about the clicking problem. Engadget stated that Sony is aware of the problem and is "looking in to it" but we have yet to hear anything official from Sony.

If I were head of Sony, I would have the tech elves working 24/7 to isolate the problem and brainstorm solutions. I would have already released a statement regarding the matter and the company's plan to fix the flaw. People began reporting this problem over a week ago and still no word from Sony. Most of the major tech websites including Cnet, Gizmodo and Engadget have already reported the issue. The DPreview forums have five or six threads discussing the matter. One of the biggest photography magazines Popular Photography has reported it. Example clips are all over youtube and Vimeo. Prominent video production blogs like Philip Bloom's have reported it. The S#$% has hit the fan and the news is spreading fast. Sony better have answers and a fix real soon it it will be like the iphone 4 release all over again.

 

[shorty15]

THAT PERSON needs to get the HX9 or the upcoming Canon S100. The IS, zoom, 1080/60P, photo features of the HX9....the S100 with its STELLAR photo quality, RAW photos, walk-around lens, 1080/24P, IS, low light ability......these cams were BORN for soccer moms/dads. I wouldn't want to fight against the NEX5N in "family" situations. (I'm NOT saying that people won't, or that YOU will....I'm just saying that's a lack of product knowledge right there...) I'm ordering my NEX5N tonight and I can't WAIT to get it!!! But....when I hit the woods for a family hike and just need a cam "just in case" (and I can only carry one in my pocket)....it will be the HX9. When I shoot a short film and need the best image with most manual control and flexibility in a "near" pocketable package....NEX5N ALL THE WAY!!!

Edit: I'll wait another 17hrs it looks like (I don't normally do that sort of thing, but another day won't KILL ME). Here's why:

http://iamcomings.com/

If that is the new Nikon mirrorless, don't hold your breath, it is supposed to have a 2/3" sensor. If it is the next Nikon full frame, it will probably be out of most of our price ranges.

 

[HHL]

If that is the new Nikon mirrorless, don't hold your breath, it is supposed to have a 2/3" sensor. If it is the next Nikon full frame, it will probably be out of most of our price ranges.

Yep. Not holding my breath. Just holding off for appx 17hrs. (Even if the rumors say that it's a 2/3 sensor)

 

[shorty15]

Yep. Not holding my breath. Just holding off for appx 17hrs. (Even if the rumors say that it's a 2/3 sensor)

Not a rumor, it is confirmed: http://nikonrumors.com/2011/09/20/nikon-mirrorless-camera-will-have-a-cmos-sensor.aspx/

The Nikon's sensor is 13.2mm x 8.8mm

By comparison, M4/3 is 17.3mm x 13mm and the Sony NEX 5n's sensor is 23.6mm x 15.7mm.

What does this mean?

It means that Nikon has also give us a paper weight. At this point, I am simply disgusted with camera companies. There is such a display of incompetence, it is shocking.

I simply don't understand what is so difficult about building a stills motion hybrid. It is simple, APS-C sensor, relatively clean iso performance at ASA 3200, mirrorless design, 24p and 60p, decent bit rate, clean HDMI out. Sony got close, painfully close but they had to f#$% it up with this click problem. I have now learned never to get my hopes up for a new product or buy one without first waiting for all the problems to come out of the woodwork.

 

[HHL]

Not a rumor, it is confirmed: http://nikonrumors.com/2011/09/20/nikon-mirrorless-camera-will-have-a-cmos-sensor.aspx/

The Nikon's sensor is 13.2mm x 8.8mm

By comparison, M4/3 is 17.3mm x 13mm and the Sony NEX 5n's sensor is 23.6mm x 15.7mm.

What does this mean?

It means that Nikon has also give us a paper weight. At this point, I am simply disgusted with camera companies. There is such a display of incompetence, it is shocking.

Hi Shorty15. Sorry that you are disappointed. (Honestly) And I'm sure that no-one here minds your frustration. As a member of a GREAT online community (and as a welcome to you here with us). Try not to "spew venom" at every turn. It's OK that you are displeased with your NEX5N. Fair enough. Just bring it down a few notches. I'm not the "positive energy police" or something, but....you may not know that you are RANTING pretty hard right now. (Which is fine...) Just try to chill a bit. Cool? (No sarcasm, no bad blood, honest harmony here Bro/Sis)

Cool. So....I'll take a look into that for sure. Like I say, 1 day won't kill me. Cheers Shorty15! Thanks for the link.

 

[squig]

So you are purchasing a defective product on purpose? Crazy.

Yep...I knew about it but I only use the onboard audio to sync to the audio from my PCM-50 recorder in post so it doesn't bother me. This thing is even smaller than the PCM-D50...that's crazy!

If you call Sony or the reseller you should be able to get a DOA refund. If you want professional onboard audio get an FS100. If you want semi pro get a VG-20. You can't expect decent audio from something that's $600 and so tiny. Yes you should expect that it doesn't click and Sony will have to address that in a firmware update or a product recall. I won't be sending mine back because the images it produces are on par with or possibly even better than my 5D. I paid $600 for a SUPER 35 sensor to connect to my vintage glass, that's it. If it overheats I'll get another one and swap them like a roll of film.

 

[shorty15]

Hi Shorty15. Sorry that you are disappointed. (Honestly) And I'm sure that no-one here minds your frustration. As a member of a GREAT online community (and as a welcome to you here with us). Try not to "spew venom" at every turn. It's OK that you are displeased with your NEX5N. Fair enough. Just bring it down a few notches. I'm not the "positive energy police" or something, but....you may not know that you are RANTING pretty hard right now. (Which is fine...) Just try to chill a bit. Cool? (No sarcasm, no bad blood, honest harmony here Bro/Sis)

Cool. So....I'll take a look into that for sure. Like I say, 1 day won't kill me. Cheers Shorty15! Thanks for the link.

I apologize for the anger and yes, I am just venting but this is seriously upsetting. All I want is a Super 35 sensor, 1080p 24p/60p video, good low light, decent AVCHD codec, improved rolling shutter, aliasing, moire, clean HDMI out for a price somewhere south of $1200. Is that asking too much. I have wanted that since 2009 and not a single company has offered that. Every time, someone gets close and then they mess it up somehow. Panasonic got close but messed up with a sensor that makes it almost impossible to use wide angle lenses. Nikon finally improves on the D90 but leaves out 60p and cripples the video mode with functionality restrictions. Canon builds some decent video DSLR's but then sit on their butts and do nothing. Samsung makes a good mirrorless cam but leaves out 24p. The Sony NEX camera has almost everything I am looking for at a price that is almost half of what I am willing to pay but it is defective out of the box and a fix is unlikely considering the fact that it is a hardware issue. The new Sony DSLR's have great video specs but they forget to mention the video crop which practically turns a APS-C sensor into a M4/3 sensor.

Sorry for the rant but I just wish for once a camera company other than Red or Arri would actually pay attention to the things that customers want instead of cramming their products full of crap like sweep panorama, GPS, touchscreen and orientation sensors which render audio useless. Not bashing Nikon but they seriously missed the boat with that microscopic sensor.

 

[ade4all]

why does the sensor of the panasonics make it impossible to use wide angles? be hard pressed to get anything wider than the lumix 7-14mm for an s35 sensor....then theres the tokina 11-16mm 2.8...how wide do you need to go?

 

[shorty15]

Just be careful, some people on DPreview commented that their external mics picked up the clicking. Test and let us know if the click can be heard with your external. Actually I really want the FS100 but alas, I don't have $6000 to blow. The NEX should not have this problem. This is not one of those "oh well, you bought a $600 dollar camera, what did you expect?" kind of problems. I never expected to get useable audio out of the camera but the clicking noise is stupid and should not be there in the first place. I really hope that Sony fixes this problem because I really want to like this camera and the specs are just about perfect but I can't justify keeping a defective product so I think I am going to return it and wait for Sony's move.

 

[shorty15]

why does the sensor of the panasonics make it impossible to use wide angles? be hard pressed to get anything wider than the lumix 7-14mm for an s35 sensor....then theres the tokina 11-16mm 2.8...how wide do you need to go?

Yes, those lenses do exist but they are quite expensive, the Tokina is like $700 and the Panasonic is over a grand and it is slow to boot. There are plenty of fast wide angle lenses for vintage full frame cameras but those lenses are practically useless on the GH2. I have lots of Nikon and Canon MF lenses and I can't stand the thought of putting those on a 2X crop cam. Still the GH2 is a great cam, probably the best stills video hybrid. I just hate the sensor.