UK photographic retailer Jessops have now got the new Sony compact system camera (CSC) in stock and ready for sale.

The NEX-5 is the smallest and lightest CSC in the world and it features:

* Impressive 14.2 MP EXMOR APS-HD CMOS (DSLR sized image sensor)
* Tilting 3” Tru black LCD screen for crystal clear framing at any angle
* Magnesium metal body
* E-Mount interchangeable lenses/ Alpha mount VIA adapter (sold separately)
* Full HD Movie mode 1080i AVCHD
* High Resolution Sweep Panorama mode for stunning landscapes
* High ISO performance for superior results in low light
* High Speed Shooting up to 7fps
* Background de-focus control for perfect portraits
* Auto HDR for creative exposure control options
* 3D panorama for playback on Sony’s 3D TVs (to follow via firmware upgrade)

Jessops are selling the NEX-5 ahead of other retailers who expect to have the camera in stock from tomorrow, with a 16mm pancake lens at £549 or with a 18-55mm zoom lens at £589. The NEX-5 with both of those lenses is available as a package at £679.

Sony has launched a wide range of accessories for the NEX (E-mount) interchangeable lens cameras including stylish body cases, external optical viewfinder for easier subject framing, stereo microphone for video shooting, and rechargeable battery packs.

An all encompassing Accessory Kit (ACC-FWCA) allows you to carry your camera along with a battery, wrapping cloth, cross-body style shoulder strap and lens cap holder.

The wide range of accessories includes an AC Adapter (AC-PW20) which provides your camera with an uninterrupted power, and it can be used worldwide (100-240V, 50/60Hz). There are also additional rechargeable batteries (W series, NP-FW50, 1080mAh) which are compact and lightweight.

Sony have unveiled its two latest models of performance compact cameras, the NEX-3 and NEX-5.  The NEX-3 and NEX-5 are the world’s first cameras with an interchangeable lens and they come with an APS-C sensor to continuously adjust focus and exposure while recording video. The two models differ from each other in video recording, price and material of construction.

The NEX series of cameras are smaller and lighter when compared to Sony’s lightest and smallest D-SLR, the Sony A230. The NEX-5 is just 1.56 inches thick while the NEX-3 is 1.38 inches thick.

The NEX-3, with a polycarbonate casing, shoots 720p HD videos using the MP4 codec which enables sharing in HD on You Tube. On the other hand, the NEX-5 which is constructed from Magnesium alloy offers much larger 1080i video capture with the higher quality AVCHD codec.

The NEX-3 and NEX-5 are expected to release in the market sometime in July. The NEX-5 comes in silver and black colors while the NEX-3 will also be available in Red color. The price of  the NEX series is expected to range between  $549 – $699.