Sony NEX Camera {NYC Photo Review}

I am back from NYC in one piece, with sore shins and oodles of memories.

I have so many things to share with you all, but first I have to give major props to Sony for creating the NEX camera and for providing a free one to me for my NYC trip. It was such a surprise at breakfast on Tuesday in NYC to be handed such a lovely gift from Sony. I was like, “It’s Christmas in February! I may cry.”

Seriously, that’s what I said.

That’s me inside Bergdorf’s where I could afford nothing. However, they did have a snazzy antiqued mirror that screamed photo op.

Now, at first glance I wasn’t too sure what the NEX was in terms of camera class. Is it a DSLR? Is it a point-and-shoot? Well, it’s a pint size version of a DSLR with features that make it as easy to use as a point-and-shoot. But it does have lenses you can buy (I want them all!), and the lens that comes with the camera is phenomenal for most photos a normal person takes.

I’ve had 2 different point-and-shoot cameras and I have a DSLR. My first ever P&S camera was a Sony that my then-boyfriend/now-husband gave to me in 2004. I loved that camera and it lasted me many years. Then I upgraded to a Kodak P&S that sucked. A lot. Never again will I buy a Kodak. Then with my Etsy biz taking off and my blog growing, I bought a Nikon D5000 almost 2 years ago. And now I was given the NEX by Sony.

And it’s quickly become my BFF of cameras. It feels like I went full circle and ended up in the arms of a loving friend who isn’t complicated but rather makes everything look it’s best and is easy to get along with. Aren’t those kind of friends the best?

NEX…I love you. First of all, I didn’t have much time to get acquainted with the camera. I basically was given the camera, and we started touring NYC right away. However, due to it’s easy to use interface and fabulous shoot modes, I didn’t miss a beat nor any fabulous photos. Here are some shots I took within minutes of getting my camera up and running. Notice the clear/sharpness of the photos as well as the vivid and true colors. Also keep in mind these are all straight out of the camera with minimal adjustment to any of the automatic settings on the camera.

This picture below (carriage) was taken when I was inside a cab…can ya tell? I can’t!

 

And it is even impressive in low-light conditions, such as those at the M&M’S Museum of Chocolate Art or inside a restaurant/store/library. I didn’t use a flash EVER on any of these photos.

It was very dark in the restaurant, yet look at how clear Matt and Lauren look in the photo below:

The famous NYC Public Library staircase where Sex & the City was filmed (first movie).

I am blown away. Honestly? I like these pictures better than the ones I take with my Nikon D5000. And I paid A LOT OF MONEY for that camera. I’ll still use my Nikon, but the Sony NEX camera is coming with me for travel, special occasions and life’s everyday moments.

Sony’s NEX is a fabulous choice for people who travel or love to snap photos wherever they are. It is not bulky at all. I had it around my neck the entire NYC trip, and never once was I annoyed or weighed down. My Nikon D5000 doesn’t afford me the same luxury. I wasn’t spending time with settings (though like DSLR’s, it does have a manual mode), instead I was spending time taking photos. Lots and lots of gorgeous photos. I do want to point out one more feature I love- it can take panoramic photos. I used that feature in Times Square, and I love how my panorama turned out (it looks small here, but it is HUGE, trust me). The panorama shoot mode is fool proof. I can’t wait to print these out and have them framed for my office wall at home. If you have a Sony 3D TV, you can also shoot 3D panorama’s. We recently upgraded our home theater system to a Sony 3D blu-ray player, and because of this camera I am going to try to push DH to get a Sony 3D TV like now. Can you imagine? We love Sony. My DH adores his Sony Vaio laptop.

So there’s my quick, non-technical review of the Sony NEX. At under $500, it’s a economical and great choice for those wanting a DSLR-type that is easy to use, understand and get great results with. There are tons of scene modes to help ensure great photos with no need to fiddle with complicated settings. And it also shoots HD video. I could go on all day about this camera. In. Love.

I will be back tomorrow with a full recap of the M&M’S Museum of Chocolate art, my run in with Vanessa Williams, a wonderful Sex & the City bus tour and the oh-so-fab people I met from the Collective Bias community. Oh and of course lots more NYC photos. See ya tomorrow!