Sections
- Page 1 Sony NEX-5R Review
- Page 2 Design and Performance Review
- Page 3 Image Quality and Verdict Review
- Page 4 ISO Peformance Review
Verdict
Pros
- Various well-placed and useful buttons
- Good image quality
- Flip-out LCD screen
Cons
- Lacking both a built-in flash and mode dial
- Touch screen buttons somewhat undersized
- Poorly though-out menu system
Key Specifications
- 16.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor; 3-inch, 921k-dot vari-angle LCD screen; Sony NEX lens mount; ISO 100 – 25,600; 1920 x 1080, 50p / 50i video capture
What is the Sony NEX-5R?
The Sony NEX-5R is the third iteration of the growing ‘5’ strand of the NEX series. Although it takes a host of its design cues from its predecessor – the Sony NEX-5N – it is in fact a complete different camera, featuring a specification that is aimed at bringing the ‘5’ range right up to date. Like all the Sony NEX range, it aims to combine DSLR photo quality with a compact format that still appeals to enthusiasts. It’s become a very popular range of cameras, so the Sony NEX-5R has much to live up to.
Sony NEX-5R : Features
One of the headline features of the Sony NEX-5R brings it in line with the current state of the compact system camera market. It now has Wi-Fi that supports a host of wireless controls and features through the simple installation of the Sony PlayMemories app on either iOS or Android.
This apps lets you control the camera through a direct Wi-Fi connection the smart, while the app also supports the wireless transfer of images for either storage or review. This wireless transfer is also possible between the NEX-5R and any networked PC or Mac.
The Sony NEX-5R’s auto-focus system is improved, too. It combines both a phase and contrast-detect AF system with a view towards switching between the two and providing an optimised, and therefore faster, AF system.
The screen found on the rear of the Sony NEX-5R is the same as that found on the rear of the Sony NEX-5N. It measures in at 3-inches and features a resolution of 921k-dots, while it’s also hinged so it can be viewed from a variety of angles.
The LCD is also a touch screen unit and thus supports touch focus amongst other functions. Added to this list on the NEX-5R for the first time is touch shutter functionality that allows image capture from simply touching the screen.
In terms of core imaging functionality, the Sony NEX-5R features an APS-C CMOS chip, as did its NEX-5 predecessors. The sensor itself, however, is redeveloped according to Sony and now features a 16.1MP resolution.
The sensor is paired with Sony’s BIONZ processor, a chip that offers some impressive shooting figures. These include an extensive ISO range of 100-25,600, continuous shooting speed of 10fps and the promise of noise-free images at the higher ISO settings.
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Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
