Reddit reviews Sony NEX-5N 16.1 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with Touchscreen - Body Only (Black)

Not really. An NEX 5N goes for right under $300
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-5N-Mirrorless-Digital-Touchscreen/dp/B005IHAIMA

I got my NEX-5N (body only) a month or so ago (first camera, so I'm still a beginner), along with the Sony 30mm f/3.5 macro lens and the Sigma 30mm f/2.8 prime lens.

1. It's small, but gives superb IQ for it's size. It shoots comparable photos to entry DSLRs like the D3100 and T2i. Although irrelevant, people you meet/encounter will underestimate the pictures it can take because it doesn't look like a DSLR.
   
   
2. Lack of an optical viewfinder is a huge annoyance if you're shooting in sunlight. I've found myself wanting an optical viewfinder (built in) simply because the screen can sometimes look off, especially when it has smudges and stuff on it; but the screen does serve its purpose well. There's also that add on OLED EVF, looks nice but kind of expensive... If you plan on getting a 5N and the OLED EVF, might as well get the 7.
   
   
3. Lens ecosystem is sort of small, but not really. You can also use old manual lenses, etc. I also don't know why, but the Sony 50mm f/1.8 prime lens was in extremely limited availability for the past few months, which pissed me off. And if you look now, the Sigma 30mm is in low availability at Amazon... But Sony does have a 16mm wide angle, fisheye converter, extreme wide angle converter, 18-55mm, 50mm, 30mm macro, 18-200mm, 55-210mm, and a Zeiss 24mm.
   
   
4. Not too many buttons on the actual camera itself. It has a dial with a center click, and 2 buttons on the top and bottom of the dial. You can customize the buttons to do what you want, which I have set to the focus point, ISO, WB, focus option, metering mode, and creative style. I'm learning in manual mode, so it would be nice if there was more physical buttons on the camera so I could quickly change settings.
   
   
5. Autofocus feels slightly slow (for the 30mm macro it's a given) on the Sigma 30mm f/2.8. If I'm walking down the street and try to snap a photo real fast at maybe ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/1000+, I can, but it doesn't seem too fast.
   
   
6. The swivel LCD screen is a very nice feature.
   
   Like everyone says about these cameras, if you're looking for excellent IQ in a small package, the NEX 5N / 7 fulfills that request. If you're looking to invest into the NEX system, I'd go for the NEX-7. Also, don't even bother with the C3; the 5N is much better for ~$100.

> I really hate posts like this

I think it is great that you have upgraded to a hexa-copter design and try to do it on a shoestring budget, but I really dislike your answer here, because you are not answering his question are not explaining about the real problems.

> home camera

The Sony NEX-5N is a so called system-camera, a semi-professional camera well suited for microcopters, but it costs 750 USD, so not something you want to lose when you crash with the cheapest multirotor contraption.

You said your microcopter "It can lift a DSLR without issue". Which DSLR camera model have you flown with on your hexa-copter and how did you do shutter release?

> He just wants to know how to take a photo in the sky.

That is not what the head line of this thread says: "~what the best multicopter is for filming with my NEX-5n?"

> You can get a camera mount with servos for under $30.

I would not recommend to take that gimbal for a camera that weigh 500+ g and cost 750 USD.

You should take a look at the NEX-5N too. I've had both, and if you can live without the fast phase detection the NEX-5N is a fantastic deal. You can pick up a used one in new condition for less than $400.

I went with a http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSC-RX100-Sensor-Digital-Camera/dp/B00889ST2G

It's very small, does low light well, and can do pretty decent zoom. It's what I'm bringing to con

This thing fits in a pocket so easily.

Unfortunately, it plus a large memory card is going to way bust your budget. Then again, since getting it, I've taken it many places I'd not have done so beforehand.

I recommend this book on it if you do get one:

http://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Guide-DSC-RX100-Alexander-White/dp/193798608X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376431070&sr=1-1&keywords=RX100+book


You might be able to find a used 5N and some cheap lenses of Ebay, but that's going to take some work:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005IHAIMA/ref=sr_1_3_olp?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1376431152&sr=1-3&keywords=5N&condition=used

and will be a bit of an issue to lug about.


Now, if this is really more of a hard budget than a "trying to save money on a hobby", something like a http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-X-5-silver-Digital-Stabilized/dp/B0091TC3OC will get you the zoom shots (it's not a DSLR, but looks like one), but I have no idea on any of the rest of your requirements.

Perhaps visit a camera store near you that stocks both, and check them out?

That said, read a book about shutter speeds, etc, so you learn how to eek out every little bit out of your camera. A little knowledge will make your camera considerably better than it's 'mode' settings may do for your condition. Practice before the con.