Sony has finally anounced it’s new interchangeable lens compact system (you know, like Olympus & Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds system). They’re getting in the claim of having the smallest interchangeable lens compacts going, which does quite seem to be the case, with these two bodies carving out some out some of the already diminutive mass of even the Panasonic GF1.

The two bodies, the NEX-3 and NEX-5, are upgrade differentiated more-so than being actually different models. They both feature the new “E” mount (different from the Alpha series “A” mount inherited from Minolta). In true EVIL fashion, there will be an E to A mount adapter for slapping your Alpha lenses on these beasties.

The core of both bodies is a 14.2 megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, like you’d find in the Alpha bodies (which means it’s sporting quite a nice sensor, I’ve been rather pleased with Sony’s DSLR’s output quality every time I’ve used them). They’ve got 3″ tiltable LCDs with 921,000 dots and “TrueBlack” for better outdoor viewing. Over which you’ll of course have the full-time live view with face detection and a 25-point contrast-detect AF array.

They’ll have an ISO range of 200-12,800, and will support RAW with a buffer of up to 8 RAW files at 7 FPS (unlimited JPGs at this rate). And, dual memory card slots for SD/SDHC/SDXC (nice!) or Memory Stick, if you’re stuck with their older proprietary cards. They’ll both have a mounting spot for an optional external flash (none built-in, kiddies. Smallest body, remember?), and a spot to mount an EVF designed for use with the default pancake prime (any of this sounding familiar? Just maybe?)

The NEX-3 is a polycarbonate body, available in black, silver, or red, and records 720p video.

The NEX-5 is a metal body, available in black or silver, and can shoot 720p and 1080p video.

They’ll both be available in kits with either a new 16mm f2.8 pancake or a new 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 zoom. There’s apparently also an 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 zoom planned and a wide-angle converter for the prime (curious to see how well that option works for them).

For more details and purported pricing, hit the external link to the wonderful DC Resource. Some pictures of the new system below.