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The Sony Alpha NEX-5N delivers a lot of performance from its compact body, packing a sensor as large as those found in most digital SLRs and recording video in full 1080p HD.

The 5N provides an addictive combination of familiar, hassle-free handling with truly excellent image quality which we think will appeal to a very broad base of users - not only those who want a 'compact' system camera.

An especially good option for people who want a relatively inexpensive ILC for shooting video, the Sony Alpha NEX-5N's photo quality's about the same as its cheaper sibling's.

Sony's thin and light NEX-5N has the same basic form as its predecessor, but sports a new 16.1-megapixel sensor that's capable of capturing up to 10 frames per second and Full HD video at 60p. A new touchscreen adds a few new functions, and the NEX-5N continues the line's excellent image quality.

But for image obsessives looking for top quality, look no further: the NEX-5N outputs stunning shots. It’s a worthy step forward for the NEX system.

By introducing a touch screen, enhancing Creative Control, extending Picture Effects and adding new HDR modes it's made the NEX-5 more consumer friendly. That's no easy feat to manage, but Sony has pulled it off and produced one of the most compelling mirrorless ILC models on the market.

Those looking for a small, portable and well-built CSC with the image quality benefits of an APS-C sensor will find the little NEX-5n ticks all the right boxes.

Yes, this is more than an entry-level digital SLR, but the NEX is going for a different market, and in that respect delivers most of what it sets out to do.

The bottom line is that Sony improved the 5 series and the 5n is an easy recommend as well as the best bang for the buck in the NEX line. At $699 with lens, I have to ask myself..” For the money does it get any better than this? The answer to that is NO!”

The new NEX-5N is an excellent all-round compact system camera that successfully appeals to beginners and more experience users alike.