Sony NEX-5N Digital Camera Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Sony NEX-5N is a compact interchangeable lens camera designed to deliver DSLR-quality images and videos in a smaller, lighter form factor. It features a 16.1 MP Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor, capable of capturing stunning low-light pictures and continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second. The camera also supports Full HD 1080/60p or 24p movie recording and includes a 3.0-inch tiltable Live View touchscreen LCD for flexible shooting angles and intuitive control. Its mirrorless technology allows for a significantly reduced size and weight compared to traditional DSLRs, making it highly portable.

Image: Front view of the Sony NEX-5N camera with the 18-55mm lens mounted.

What's in the Box

• Sony Alpha NEX-5N Digital Camera Body
• E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens
• NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1080mAh)
• Lens Cap
• Shoulder Strap
• USB Cable (Mini B)
• Alpha AC Charger for W Series Battery
• HVL-F7 Flash
• CD-ROM
• Instruction Manual

Setup

1. Charging and Inserting the Battery

1. Insert the battery pack into the supplied battery charger.
2. Connect the battery charger to a wall outlet. The charge lamp will light up.
3. When charging is complete (approximately 210 minutes), the charge lamp will turn off.
4. Open the battery cover on the bottom of the camera.
5. Insert the charged battery pack into the camera, ensuring the correct orientation, until it locks into place.
6. Close the battery cover.

2. Inserting a Memory Card

1. Open the memory card cover on the side of the camera.
2. Insert a compatible SD/SDHC/SDXC or Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card with the notched corner facing the correct direction, until it clicks.
3. Close the memory card cover.

3. Attaching the Lens

1. Remove the body cap from the camera and the rear lens cap from the lens.
2. Align the white index mark on the lens with the white index mark on the camera body.
3. Mount the lens by rotating it clockwise until it clicks into place.
4. Remove the front lens cap.

Image: Angled view of the Sony NEX-5N camera with the lens attached, showing the compact body.

4. Attaching the External Flash (HVL-F7)

1. Slide the external flash unit into the Smart Accessory Terminal on top of the camera until it locks.
2. Ensure the flash is securely attached before use.

5. Attaching the Shoulder Strap

Thread the shoulder strap through the strap lugs on both sides of the camera and secure it as shown in the strap attachment diagram in the full manual. Ensure it is firmly attached to prevent accidental drops.

6. Initial Settings

Upon first power-on, the camera will prompt you to set the language, date, time, and time zone. Follow the on-screen instructions using the control dial and touchscreen.

Operating the Camera

1. Power On/Off

Slide the ON/OFF switch located on the top of the camera to power it on or off.

2. Basic Photography

1. Select a Shooting Mode: Use the MENU button and the control dial/touchscreen to select your desired shooting mode (e.g., Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, Scene Selection, Sweep Panorama).
2. Focus: Point the camera at your subject. The camera will automatically focus in most modes. For manual focus, refer to the 'Focusing' section below.
3. Shoot: Press the shutter button halfway down to focus, then press it fully to take a picture.

3. Focusing

• Autofocus (AF): The camera offers Continuous AF, Contrast Detection AF, Live View AF, Multi-area AF, Selective single-point AF, and Single AF. Select your preferred AF mode via the camera menu.
• Manual Focus (MF): Switch the lens to MF mode (if available) or select MF in the camera menu. Use the focus ring on the lens to adjust focus. The camera features Focus Peaking to highlight in-focus areas, aiding precise manual focusing.

4. Exposure Control

The NEX-5N provides various exposure control options:

• Program Auto (P): Camera sets aperture and shutter speed automatically.
• Aperture Priority (A): You set the aperture, camera sets shutter speed.
• Shutter Priority (S): You set the shutter speed, camera sets aperture.
• Manual (M): You set both aperture and shutter speed.
• Automatic (Auto): Camera handles all settings for ease of use.

5. Shooting Modes and Features

• Continuous Shooting: Capture fast-moving subjects at up to 10 frames per second. Activate this mode via the drive mode settings.
• Panorama: Use the Sweep Panorama mode to create wide panoramic images by simply sweeping the camera across the scene.
• Photo Creativity Touch: Access image adjustments like background defocus, brightness, color, and vividness directly on the touchscreen LCD.

6. Video Recording

1. To start recording a movie, press the dedicated MOVIE button on the back of the camera.
2. Press the MOVIE button again to stop recording.
3. The NEX-5N records Full HD 1080/60p or 24p videos in AVC/MPEG-4 format.

Image: Rear view of the Sony NEX-5N camera, highlighting the touchscreen LCD and the MOVIE button.

7. Image Playback

Press the Playback button (usually indicated by a triangle icon) to view your captured photos and videos. Use the control dial or touchscreen to navigate through your media.

Image: The Sony NEX-5N with its tiltable LCD screen, useful for reviewing images from various angles.

Maintenance

• Cleaning the Camera Body: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the camera body. For stubborn dirt, slightly dampen the cloth with water. Avoid using organic solvents.
• Cleaning the Lens: Use a lens blower to remove dust, then gently wipe with a lens cleaning cloth. Do not touch the lens surface with your fingers.
• Battery Care: Store batteries in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid fully discharging lithium-ion batteries for extended periods.
• Storage: When storing the camera for a long time, remove the battery pack and memory card. Store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Troubleshooting

• Camera does not turn on: Ensure the battery is charged and correctly inserted. Try using a different charged battery if available.
• Images are blurry: Check if the lens is clean. Ensure the correct focus mode is selected and the camera has successfully focused on the subject. Use a higher shutter speed in low light or for moving subjects.
• Memory card error: Ensure the memory card is inserted correctly. Try reformatting the card (this will erase all data). If the error persists, try a different compatible memory card.
• Flash does not fire: Check if the external flash is securely attached and powered on. Ensure the flash mode is not set to 'Off'.
• Touchscreen unresponsive: Power off the camera, remove the battery, wait a few seconds, then reinsert the battery and power on.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

The Sony NEX-5N camera comes with a 1-year limited warranty. For detailed warranty information, service, or technical support, please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging or visit the official Sony support website. You can also find additional resources, FAQs, and software updates online.

Note: Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.