Taken straight from today’s press release.

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Take a glimpse into the future with  NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras from Sony
True DSLR quality
Full HD movie recording
3D Sweep Panorama mode

Sydney – 11 May 2010 – Sony Australia today announced a new product category under its flagship  range with the launch of its first ultra-compact, interchangeable lens system digital cameras – the  NEX-3 and NEX-5.

Featuring the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera body[1], the  NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras allow users to effortlessly capture stunning, DSLR quality photos with a new 14.2 megapixel Exmor™ APS HD CMOS  image sensor and Full HD 1080i videos in AVCHD or MP4 format. Both models incorporate a unique 3D panoramic mode, allowing users to capture high quality 3D panoramic photos which can then be viewed on a BRAVIA 3D TV.

“Designed for every consumer, be it novice photo enthusiasts or seasoned professionals, the new NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras offer a glimpse into the future of digital imaging. With their unique, compact design and innovative features, these cameras have now made it simpler to capture DSLR quality images, stunning Full High Definition footage and 3D panoramic photos,” said Maurice Satya, Product Manager for  cameras at Sony Australia.

“If you’ve outgrown a point and shoot camera or are just looking to upgrade, the NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras offer a natural transition for your digital imaging needs. With their user friendly settings, such as Background Defocus Control and iAuto mode, they allow amateur photographers to effortlessly capture the highest quality photos. For experienced photographers, these stylish, lightweight and compact cameras offer serious DSLR performance in a camera that can easily be carried around, anywhere and at any time.”

Capture revolutionary 3D panoramic photos
The  NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras will soon be able to capture high quality 3D panoramic photos with the new 3D Sweep Panorama mode, which will be available through a firmware update later this year. Based on the same Sweep Panorama technology used in existing Cyber-shot TX series models along with Multi Picture Format (MPF) storage, the NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras can snap realistic 3D panoramic still images that will, quite literally, jump out of the frame.

DSLR quality anywhere, anytime
Equipped with the latest Exmor™ APS HD CMOS image sensor and high speed BIONZ processor, the NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras deliver DSLR image quality and HD movie recording with richer tonal gradation and lower noise. They also offer higher ISO sensitivity of up to 12800, up to 14.2 megapixel resolution and defocusing to achieve beautiful images even in low light environments without having to use a tripod or flash. Users can also record movies in stunning Full HD 1080i[2] resolution in either AVCHD or MPEG4 formats.

Making the most of their interchangeable lens system, the NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras allow photographers to swap between lenses for greater flexibility and precision. They can also achieve creative photo effects such as wide-angle, macro and fisheye with the  range of E-mount lenses. In addition, with the optional LA-EA1 Mount Adapter, photographers can use the existing wide range of  A-mount lenses with the NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras[3], expanding imaging possibilities even further.

Compact and intuitive design offers everyday functionality
Integrating a mirrorless design, the NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras weigh a mere 229g and measure just 24.3mm thick[4]. They also provide an intuitive user experience with their useful help guide and simplified control layout, featuring a control wheel and two customisable soft keys.

A new Graphic User Interface features six clearly labelled icons that can be selected by rotating and then pressing the control wheel to access shoot settings. This is a user interface common in compact cameras that make the NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras perfect for photographers new to extensive manual controls. In addition, built-in shooting tips provide information relevant to the current shooting or mode selection, giving users quick tips on photographic techniques as well as various types of scenes and subjects.

User friendly operation makes shooting more fun
A Background Defocus Control is featured so that photographers can intuitively adjust background defocusing and depth of field to their desired level by simply rotating the control wheel. This allows users to easily control depth of field and make their subjects stand out dramatically from a blurred background. With the addition of the new iAuto (Intelligent Auto) mode, the scene recognition function automatically analyses the scene to determine the correct exposure values and selects the optimum scene for true point-and-shoot simplicity.

Making shooting more fun and convenient, the three inch Xtra fine LCD monitor can be tilted 80° up and 45° down to allow users to view their subjects and shoot even at awkward angles. The screen also features a high 920,000 dot resolution with its 16:9 widescreen display and integrates TruBlack technology, allowing subject details and subtle tonal gradations to be displayed with deep blacks and high contrast, even on the brightest of days.

Simple controls with intelligent features
In addition to Speed Priority Continuous mode shooting at up to 7fps, the NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras also feature the Handheld Twilight mode, allowing users to easily capture impressive, high resolution images in low light conditions without having to use a tripod or flash.

Both cameras sport dual memory card slots which enable the use of both Memory Stick and SD media. The NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras are also compatible with the latest Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX media, as well as SDHC and SDXC card formats.

The  NEX-5 camera comes in black and silver and is available in Australia from June 2010. The  NEX-3 camera comes in four colour options of silver, black, red and white and is available in Australia from July 2010.

[1] Refers to NEX-5 model when compared with other interchangeable lens digital cameras as of 11 May 2010; Sony research.

[2] NEX-5 only. NEX-3 can record HD video up to 720p resolution in MP4 format.

[3] Adapter provides automatic aperture function, manual focus only.

[4] Distance from front of body to camera’s LCD screen surface

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Some interesting additions. The panorama function sounds interesting. And 14MP out of such a small body. It will be interesting to see some results.

More to come.