Sony Alpha NEX-5

1. Imaging-Resource.com

Sony's NEX cameras are truly innovative, editors at Imaging-Resources.com say. Importantly, they're the only interchangeable-lens cameras that offer continuous autofocus and exposure adjustment in an integrated way while shooting video. Their photo quality leads the category, testers here say, making them both top picks.

Review: Sony Alpha NEX-5, Dave Etchells, Shawn Barnett, Zig Weidelich and Mike Tomkins, Updated June 8, 2010

2. PhotographyBlog.com

"Lacking the charm of the Olympus PEN series" and "the usability of the Panasonic G range and Samsung NX10," editors say the Sony NEX-5 is still a recommended camera here -- but not as highly as other brands. Although the image quality is reasonably consistent, "we weren't blown away."

Review: Sony NEX-5 Review, Gavin Stoker, July 5, 2010

3. DPReview.com

The Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 represent "a brave and interesting attempt to redefine the camera," DPReview.com says. Image quality is good -- not fantastic -- but Sony has shown the world that it is indeed possible to make a tiny camera with a really big image sensor.

Review: Sony NEX-3/NEX-5 Review, Richard Butler and Andy Westlake, Updated Oct. 2010

4. CNET

Lori Grunin finds "quirks and operational annoyances" with the Sony Alpha NEX-5, including a scroll wheel that keeps flying past the menu setting she wants. But for a lot of buyers, Grunin says its excellent photo quality and small size will make up for those shortcomings.

Review: Sony Alpha NEX-5 (Black, with 18-55 mm Lens), Lori Grunin, May 11, 2010

5. PC World

The Sony NEX-5 "offers image and video quality on par with a DSLR and unique modes that go beyond anything in its class," Derrick Story concludes after testing it in the lab and in the challenging light at a basketball game. Its biggest drawback is the lack of an on-board flash.

Review: Sony Alpha NEX-5, Derrick Story, July 13, 2010

6. Amazon.com

The Sony Alpha NEX-5 has amassed more than 50 owner reviews at Amazon, with an overall rating of 4 stars out of 5. A few of the reviews go into quite a bit of detail.

Review: Sony Alpha NEX NEX5K/B, Contributors to Amazon.com