Sony NEX-5N Review: Is This Budget Mirrorless Camera Still Worth It?
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The quick verdict
The Sony NEX-5N can still be a fun budget camera for learning video, especially if you find a good used deal and want to experiment with interchangeable lenses. I liked its Full HD footage and tilting screen when I tested it, but the lack of a standard microphone input is a serious limitation for filmmaking and YouTube.
Browse used Sony NEX cameras at KEH. The search includes other models and accessories, so check the listing carefully for NEX-5N.
Watch the full NEX-5N review and sample footage.
Sony NEX-5N specs at a glance
| Feature | NEX-5N |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 16.1-megapixel APS-C |
| Lens mount | Sony E-mount |
| Video | Full HD AVCHD, 24p and 60p on NTSC models; 25p and 50p on PAL models |
| Screen | 3-inch tilting touchscreen |
| Microphone input | No standard 3.5mm mic input |
| Viewfinder | Optional external viewfinder |
Sony's NEX-5N specifications distinguish the regional video formats. Check the exact camera you're buying, particularly if you need a specific frame rate.
Why I liked the NEX-5N for video
In my 2019 test, the Full HD video looked great for such an inexpensive camera. My camera offered 24p and 60p, so I could shoot at a conventional frame rate or use 60p footage for slow motion in a slower timeline. It isn't the highest-bitrate or highest-quality 1080p camera, but the footage impressed me for the price.
The video above includes the sequence I shot with it. Watch those examples to decide if the image works for you, rather than expecting a modern 4K camera from an old budget body.
The biggest downside: audio
There is no standard 3.5mm microphone jack. I wasn't impressed with the built-in microphones, and being unable to plug in my usual mic was my biggest complaint. For a project where sound matters, you can record audio separately and sync it in editing, but that adds equipment and work.
The camera also lacks a standard hot shoe. A compatible cold-shoe adapter can give you a place to mount an accessory, but it does not add a microphone input. The camera has a proprietary accessory connection, so check compatibility if you're considering a dedicated accessory microphone or flash.
E-mount and vintage lenses
Interchangeable lenses are one of my favorite things about the NEX-5N. You can use compatible Sony E-mount lenses, or use a suitable adapter to experiment with vintage manual lenses. That flexibility can be a lot of fun on an inexpensive camera.
Match the adapter to both the lens's original mount and Sony E-mount, and check which functions it supports. A simple mechanical adapter doesn't automatically provide autofocus or electronic aperture control. If you're comparing native lenses, my Sony APS-C lens guide is a useful starting point, but check compatibility with the older 5N before buying.
A useful screen with one limitation
I liked the tilting touchscreen for low and high angles. It is more flexible than a fixed screen, but it doesn't swing to the side or flip forward to face you. If you film yourself, plan for a way to frame the shot without relying on a front-facing display.
Is the Sony NEX-5N still worth buying used?
I paid $60 for mine when I filmed the review in 2019, and at that price I thought it was a great inexpensive video camera and second body. That was my deal at the time, not a price to expect today.
When I checked KEH on October 30, 2026, its NEX search showed a black NEX-5N body at $242 to $263 and a silver body at $258. Those were body-only listings, and availability, condition and prices can change. At those prices, compare a complete kit and newer alternatives before deciding. A body, lens, battery, charger and memory card can add up.
Check the exact model and condition, screen, controls, sensor, battery and whether a charger or lens is included. If you want to compare the 5N with the rest of the family, see my Sony NEX camera comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Sony NEX-5N shoot 4K?
No. Its movie recording tops out at Full HD, with available frame rates depending on the regional model and recording format.
Can you connect a microphone to the Sony NEX-5N?
It has no standard 3.5mm microphone input. A compatible proprietary accessory microphone or separately recorded audio is a different solution; check compatibility before buying.
Does the NEX-5N screen flip forward?
No. It tilts up and down, but it doesn't face forward for monitoring yourself.
Can you use vintage lenses on the NEX-5N?
Yes, with an adapter designed for the particular lens mount and Sony E-mount. Many vintage lenses and simple adapters require manual focus and aperture control.
Keep reading
Watch more camera reviews on FoxTailWhipz.