Well something to consider is that originally the NX5 was announced at $4,490, then in only a few days the price was reduced by $500. Then it went back up again a few hundred dollars and in under a day back down again to $3,990.
So it seems that Sony never really came up with a price point for the camera and is trying to gauge and adjust on the fly.

It's really simple, the more affordable any product is, the more they will sell. This economy or any economy doesn't make a difference. People always respond better to bargains and affordable products, over expensive ones.

What I am curious about is if/when the price point will drop on the AX2000, as with only a $500 price difference between it and the NX5 will drive many people to the NX5. Realistically, if there's a $1,000 difference, then many will opt for the AX2000 or like myself one or a few, NX5's and one AX2000's.

I don't think the Sony list price changed at all. You can't blame Sony for dealer price changes.

Ron Evans

Sony hasn't changed the pricing as MSRP is still intact. Unlike the EX1 where resellers had to stick to a minimum selling price, it's the dealers who are constantly changing their prices right now, all, I'm sure, based on the unknown as well as pre-order demand. It's like with anything in our industry....buy a tiny little three-cent bracket from a certain company for $500 or buy a complete lighting truss for $200, whereby the metal can be melted to make 100 of those three-cent brackets. If demand warrants the price, then there ya' go.

Nx5
 

Does anybody bought the camera (NX5) yet?
There are some confusing details on the internet about this camera. I was hoping that it will have all the options from the Z5, as anybody says is they are practically the same. But the reviews of the prototypes showed that some functions are missing. When I read the manual from NXCAM microsite I was surprised that those functions didn't actually appear (shot transition, histogram, Extended Clear Scan, copy Color Profiles from/to memory cards, interval recording, Color Correct function on Picture Profile settings). I found also the manual in multiple languages and for PAL region, it says the same thing.

BUT...

I looked at the AX2000 web page. And there I saw some of the functions missing from NX5 (histogram, shot transition, interval recording). On bhphotovideo AX2000's page, Features tab, it clearly states the Histogram function. So, does anybody know more details that clarify the mystery? Clearly there is a mistake somewhere. I don't see how only the AX2000 would have the Histogram, or the interval recording.
Sony says that NX5 don't replace the Z5, maybe they really ripped off those functions to make a difference between the two. I don't know, I just hope that the final NX5 product will include ALL the functions/options from Z5, it doesn't seem fair to be otherwise.
I watched the 'Open Box' clip for the NX5 on Vimeo This guy is from Taiwan and he said it's the final product, but didn't answer to my questions about the functions on NX5.

If you know some additional information, please share with us.

Cristi

the NX5 does have the histogram function and everything Cristian mentioned. I meddled with the prototype about 3 weeks ago. I'm getting the production model this Friday for another test run.

He's saying the AX2000 is uncertain to have the histogram. Not the NX5.

See? "I looked at the AX2000 web page. And there I saw some of the functions missing from NX5"

Please excuse my English, it's not native for me. Sean understood what I was trying to say.
I will try to explain it differently:
NX5 should have all the functions/options from Z5.
Here is the NX5 operating manual:
http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/f...Ops_Manual.pdf
If you compare to the Z5's operating manual, you will notice some differences.
The NX5 manual doesn't say anything about the following functions: shot transition, histogram, Extended Clear Scan, copy Color Profiles from/to memory cards, interval recording, Color Correct function on Picture Profile settings. And there are more.
AX2000 shouldn't have these functions either because it's the stripped version of the NX5. But on AX2000 official web page I found this information: "ASSIGNABLE BUTTONS - This feature allows you to assign features ... Marker / Peaking / Pict. Profile / Shot Transition." Also, on bhphotovideo - AX2000 page, you will see this: "Histogram Display - When the histogram feature is turned on, a graph of the image's brightness..." And finally, in the official press release, AX2000 product specification there is specified somewhere: "Interval Rec. - YES"
So if AX2000 has this functions, then NX5 should have them too. But obviously somewhere is a mistake. There are two options:
1. the manual is wrong because it's not the final version or
2. the press release and the web pages mentioned are wrong and they should be corrected.

According to Sean, the histogram and other functions I mentioned are present on NX5. I just wish that he is right. AX2000 doesn't concern me.

I had a few hours of hands on with the NX camera at an event in Austin earlier this week. My overall impressions were very positive and that 128gb flash drive is very nice. Only two things that I noticed which were of concern.

1. The scroll wheel on the side of the camera doesn't give enough traction for your finger. I found that I needed to use the edge of my fingernail to reliably scroll through the menus. If I used enough finger pressure to 'grab' the wheel, I would end up with inadvertent pushes of the scroll wheel, causing me to 'select' things that I didn't want to select.

2. Could have been just THIS camera, but the optical stabilization when turned on resulted in a lot of noise emanating from the camera body. Sounded like my coffee pot when it's heating water. (Note: If the NX camera does serve hot coffee, then I'll forgive the noise.)

The LCD screen is very sharp, but you get the option of having peaking turned on in 3 levels of sensitivity and a choice of colors, making focus very easy.

The camera's power button is on the zoom handle where your right hand thumb rests and has a record button in the middle of it. I found that it was too easy to inadvertently press record with that button. Having a bit more recess would help eliminate that issue.

All in all, a nice little camera package.

-gb-

Was that with the new Active Stabilization, or even with the regular stabilization?

From the manual, the power button arrangement appears to be the same as every other Sony cam. Did you find it somehow different?

nx5
 

Sean, are you sure that NX5 does have the options I talked about?
I wrote an e-mail to Sony concerning my questions and somebody replied and kindly gave me some answers:
-Histogram and shot transition are not supported in either the NX5 or the AX2000
-Interval recording is not actually supported in the AX2000
-The NX5 features the ability to change the gamma curves in a similar way to the HVR-Z5E. It does not go to the same level of picture profile settings as the XDCAM EX cameras

He gave me a link with the manual, and is the same i found on the internet. No extra options.
I admit I am a bit disappointed. Still, I will buy it, I don't see an alternative.
So, when you got the production model, please give us your impressions about the camcorder, and maybe some (raw) footage, if you have the time.

@ Michael - That's was with either of the two modes. A bit noisier with Active Stabilization as the servo was working harder.

@ Adam - I only pointed out the power switch because it was the record button within it that I was truly speaking of. Sorry for any confusion on that.

BTW, one other little titbit just came to mind. The battery looks like the other Sony L series batteries, but is different. The contacts are different and require a different charger.

-gb-

Hmmm... AX2000 is shown as "In Stock" at B&H?

The manual and all the other data I have seen says that the batteries are the same. The charger is new though. The NP-F570 which is the stock for the AX2000, NP-F770 stock for the NX5 and the NP-F970. All have been around since the FX1 that I have which came stock with the NP-F570 ( just like the AX2000, typical cost cutting from Pro to Prosumer model) and I bought a NP-F970. I have the AC-VQ850 charger which will charge L and M series batteries. The investment in batteries and charger, LANC controllers is one reason that I have stayed with Sony as buying a whole other set of chargers and batteries really adds to the cost of a new camera. I just hope they really are the same as the NX5 is likely my next camera to replace the FX1 which is starting to not look so good next to the video from the XR500.

Ron Evans

Sony has used the NP-F series for a LONG time, without changes in their pro/prosumer cams, I'd be surprised to see that change.

OTOH, on the "consumer" side, they change model #'s and fiddle with compatibility - the NP-FP series that fit the HC3 wasn't compatible with cameras that use the NP-FH series, and the newest top of the line XR/CX550V seem to be using a NP-FV battery that's "new" - looks physically compatible with the NP-FH (the NP-FP was "close", but they changed the tabs slightly so they wouldn't quite fit the FH cavity - you could alter the tabs on the battery, it would start the cam but give an error message - something like "go buy all new batteries you cheapskate"...). I'm suspecting they are going to do something to electronically (and perhaps play with the tabs again) lock out the FH series from working in the newest cams.

I was comparing the battery and charger for the NX camera to those used in the EX cameras. They look similar, but are different.

-gb-

No, I got that part. What I'm curious about is that this seems to be the exact same REC button/POWER arrangement as every Sony I've had for the past 20 years or so. I guess I'm curious as to whether you find the generic arrangement too easy to inadvertently push the REC button, or if this particular execution is somehow different from all the other Sonys in this class? I see that it is a completely different arrangement from the EXes, but appears to be identical to everything with a Z (V, FX, AX, VX, PD) in the name.

A minor point but puzzling.

My apologies Cristian, you were right! There is no histogram function. Only peaking and one zebra. I'm disappointed too but looking at the price position, that is something they did not include to differenciate the gap.

I didnt find any interval recording except for a smooth slow rec function which is like slow motion/overcranking.

The video is being uploaded now and I will release it here once its up. I did not manage to pit it against the z5 as I had no access. It is not fair to compare it to an EX1 so there was no comparison this time.

I'll readily admit that I don't have a lot of knowledge regarding the other Sony camera lines you pointed out. I'm only saying what happened as I was handling the camera and noticed that I had started recording. Whether there is more or less thumb pressure required on this cam than the ones you mentioned is something I'm not qualified to answer. It might be a non issue to someone who has used any of the other camera models that you mentioned.

All that aside, I would still like the record button to require more pressure to operate, and/or be more recessed in the power switch ring.

-gb-

Got it. Thanks for the clarification.

As much as I love Sony cameras, one thing I learned a few years ago when I started the 7U recall was that no matter what requests Sony has regarding customization of their cameras, or heeding the advice and suggestions by users of their equipment, they are still oblivious to any standardization.

For instance, there were enough inquires about the power button being on the hand grip of the VX/PD/FX/Z1 cameras that with the Z7U series, the power button was placed on the left top. The reason for this was to minimize the accidental turning off of the camera.

Of course it wouldn't make any sense for Sony to continue this, as with the NX5U, it's gone back to the very place that they clearly stated they were moving away from in the first place.

More over, the IRIS button on a few generations ago was changed from a button to a dial as per owner recommendations and while, unlike the Z7U this would not apply as that camera has a removeable lens and separate iris controls, the NX5U is going back to the button selection (even though the ring on the lens will operate it).

I can't state that I'm thrilled that there's no histogram - why would this be excluded?

I have a few of these on order so we shall see what happens. I just can't understand the logic to things sometimes.

Nx5
 

Sean, I agree. Sony wanted to keep the price at the same level with Z5. I think they will release a newer camera, NX7 or something like that, which will have all the goodies included. Unfortunately I can't wait any longer, the NX5 it will have to do.
I'm waiting too see your video, until then I found another test... it sould be called "how bad NX5 can do"
YouTube - NX5 ????

Finally managed to get this up to Youtube. Vimeo failed 4x after 2hrs of uploading time!!!
Video is still being processed, tune back later..

YouTube - HWM Sony NX5 Review

Thank you, Sean. You're the first to give a review for the final product.
I hope not to upset you, maybe you can upload for us a few seconds of raw material somewhere. The video on Youtube is awfully compressed.

The video looks bad as it is still under compression.

Is there a service in dvinfonet that I can host the raw files?

Nx5
 

Yes, I see now that the video has better quality.

dvinfo supports zip files under 3 megs. I suggest MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service or RapidShare: 1-CLICK Web hosting - Easy Filehosting

FYI to ALL:::

As of this post...

Sony financing does NOT apply to the NX5U or the reader, or any other accessories of this camera, but it does apply to the Lens Kit.

I'm stating this as I know so many people who have ordered and are in the process of ordering this camera based on the 0% terms for 12 months. As it stands, they want 7.9% plus sales tax and a $75 app fee. My guess is that the qualifications list has not been updated yet....

I have a few calls into Sony Corporate so we shall see what happens.

Yes. Please contact me privately by email (chris at dv info dot net) and we'll set it up for you.

Now that we've opened a dedicated forum for these camcorders, please post new threads or reply to existing ones that are relevant to your desired topic. Thanks all,