Our editor Shawn has written a lot about mirrorless cameras, particularly the Olympus E-PL5 and its siblings. I think the Olympus cameras are great, but I’ve always figured that if I had the money, I might opt for something from the Sony NEX lineup instead. I just like the way they look, and I’ve seen them produce some incredible shots.

But it seems that Sony is moving away from the NEX line, because they just announced the upcoming Alpha A5000 camera, an apparent successor to the NEX-5 line of cameras. It sure sports a very similar design anyway (including the signature right-hand grip), albeit in a smaller package.

It has a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, a max ISO of 16,000, Wi-Fi connectivity with smartphones via NFC, and it boasts to be the ‘world’s lightest interchangeable lens camera’ (the body weighs 7.4oz with nothing attached or inserted). It also uses the same processor as Sony’s new A7 and A7R full-frame cameras. When released, it will include a compact, 16-50mm motorized zoom as the kit lens.

The Sony A5000 is available for pre-order for $600, and is expected to be available on March 23, 2014.