Revolutionary Sony NEX-5 that proved compact mirrorless was viable, launching the E-mount ecosystem in 2010.
The Sony NEX-5 is the original compact mirrorless camera from 2010 that proved APS-C quality could fit in a body smaller than most compact cameras. The NEX-5 was revolutionary in demonstrating that mirrorless cameras could match DSLR image quality at a fraction of the size.
The 14.2-megapixel APS-C sensor provides genuine interchangeable lens quality in an ultra-compact body. The Sony E-mount launched with the NEX series and grew into the world's most popular mirrorless mount. Full HD 1080p video was advanced for 2010 at this size.
Build quality is ultra-compact magnesium alloy with quality that belied the small dimensions. The tilting LCD provides creative angles, and the compact body handles well with small E-mount lenses — though larger lenses create an unbalanced combination.
The NEX-5 holds historical significance as the camera that proved compact mirrorless was viable, launching Sony's incredibly successful mirrorless journey. On the used market it provides APS-C quality at minimal cost with access to the vast Sony E-mount lens ecosystem.