The NEX range of cameras have gotten a lot of people very excited. They combine the small size of a compact camera with the interchangeable lenses such as you would find on a DSLR. Imagine using a zoom lens on a compact camera then switching it for something wider to take in a stunning scenic view. You get the ability to swap lenses quickly and easily which allows you to take your photos to a whole new level.A large sensor is paramount to great quality images. Typically in compact cameras this is rather small so they dont have the same quality like youd find in a DSLR which uses an APSC sensor. While the NEX cameras use a completely new lens mounting system, the E mount, there will be an adapter from Sony that allows you to use their Alpha range and Minolta lenses.Partially as a result of their small size the NEX cameras have no builtin flash and so a small external unit comes supplied with the camera. It draws its power from the camera itself so no batteries are needed. Also the LCD screen can be hinged upwards by 80 degrees or downwards by 45 degrees which allows you to get very creative with the camera. Its also particuarly useful when recording movies.One of the really cool things is the Sweep Panorama mode. Just hold the shutter down and move the camera left or right. The camera automatically takes several images that are stitched together to give breathtaking panormaic photos. With the latest firmware you can even take 3D panoramic photos which can be viewed on a 3D Sony Bravia television.FeaturesSmall and light with DSLRlike picture quality14.2 Megapixel sensorSimple operation plus sophisticated creative controlShoot HD movies and amazing Sweep PanoramasUse Sony Alpha and Minolta lenses with an optional adapterMetalbodied lenses and Magnesium alloy constructionShoots JPEG and RAW file formatsOptical SteadyShot built into selected lensesFull manual control as well as an excellent builtin guideSupplied with an external flash unitAuto HDR function