Sony NEX-5R Hands-on Preview

August 2012 | By Lars Rehm and Richard Butler

Preview based on a pre-production NEX-5R with firmware 01

The Alpha NEX-5R is Sony's seventh NEX camera and the third in its '5' series that aims to appeal to a more demanding customer than the point-and-shoot-upgrader-friendly '3' cameras. The 5R is a subtle upgrade over the existing 5N but the changes wrought suggests Sony has a clearer idea of who each camera is aimed at.

The NEX-5R isn't a NEX-7 by any means, but it's finally added a couple of features that make it more attractive to keen photographers - namely a dedicated function button and control dial. These may essentially be an extension of the level of control that the 5N already offered, but devoting more space to external controls shows that Sony expects the users to actually use these functions.

The biggest technology advance on the NEX-5R is the addition of a modified sensor with pixels devoted to performing phase-detection to provide a hybrid autofocus system. The phase-detection pixels are used to determine depth information about the focus target, which means the camera has to perform less hunting. Sony is the fourth manufacturer (following Fujifilm, Nikon and Canon) to go down this route, with the potential of faster focus, improved continuous focus performance and better autofocus in movie shooting. How well these advantages might be realised in practice, though, is unclear from the pre-production example we've used for this preview.

The other big advance on the 5R is the addition of DNLA-compliant Wi-Fi and on-camera apps. Unlike Nikon's recently-announced Coolpix 800c, the NEX can only run Sony-made apps, but the couple included on the camera do increase its capabilities. The Wi-Fi and apps combine to mean that the 5R can push images to an iOS or Android smartphone, push images straight to Facebook or Sony's own PlayMemories site across a Wi-Fi network, or allow the use of a smartphone as a remote viewfinder/trigger.

Sony NEX-5R specification highlights

16.1MP CMOS sensor
ISO 100-25600
Top-plate control dial
Dedicated Fn button
Wi-Fi for connection via Wi-Fi networks or to smartphones
Proprietary in-camera apps
Touch-screen display
Electronic First Curtain shutter
1080p 60p HD movies in AVCHD (50p on PAL region models)

Compared to the NEX-5N

The NEX-5R's design shares a constancy with its predecessors that's becoming something of a tradition for the mid-range NEXs. Which is to say it looks essentially the same as the 5N and the 5 before it. The space taken up by the dial and the Fn button on the top plate mean the power switch now encircles the shutter button, NEX-7 style, but that's about all you get in terms of external clues.

Compared to NEX-5N

The NEX-5R is visually almost identical to its predecessor, the NEX-5N. There's no difference from the front...


...and on the back of the camera only the color of the buttons has changed from silver to black. The displays shown here also hint at another difference - the addition of proprietary camera apps.

However, when viewing the cameras from the top you can see that a new control dial has been added to the NEX-5R. The NEX-5N's on/off switch had to make space for it and has now been placed as a ring around the shutter button. The play and movie buttons had to be moved around a little as well to adapt to the new layout.

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

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Comments

Total comments: 136

Will a complete review of the NEX-5R ever be posted by DP Review, or are the owners of the NEX-5R going to simply have to be content w/ only the preview posted, and simply assume that the aspects not covered in depth there are to be taken as simply exact duplicates of the results obtained in the NEX-6 in-depth complete review?

0 upvotes

Since camera has both Phase and Contrast detect, is it usable with LA-EA2 adapter? anyone?

0 upvotes

Yes useable with LAEA2. In sensor phase good for tracking moving objects, LAEA2 uses SLT mirror system for superior continous autofocus while tracking moving objects.

0 upvotes

C'mon, DP Review, can you give us a full review, please?

4 upvotes

DPReview please add to Spec Charts and Comparisons, under HDMI Connectivity, mention of whether Display Info can be toggled off completely during Video Record. this would help buyers.

SONY ALPHA NEX Menu's CAMERA > DISP BUTTON (MONITOR) option called NO DISP. INFO *should* do precisely what an NEX 5n, 5r, 6 & 7 user would expect the setting to do:
-> Clear the viewscreen's picture area, and any HDMI-connected monitor of ALL display data during a video and photo shoot.

Despite Pop-up Help box's assuring us otherwise, CAMERA > DISPLAY BUTTON (MONITOR) > NO DISP. INFO selected in Menu, leaves display data onscreen and at HDMI OUTPUT during video shoots.

"NO DISP. INFO:
TURNS OFF DISPLAY INFORMATION FOR THE SHOOTING SCREEN."

Providing readers pertinent info re: whether or not HDMI OUT can be made "clean" may encourage Sony and others to stop game hobbling the live video HDMI output on these cams. Thank you.

Peter G.
NEX5n & NEX5r

0 upvotes

DPReview please add CLEAN PHOTO & VIDEO DISPLAY OPTION DURING ON HDMI OUT: Yes or No in cam evaluations?

CAMERA > DISPLAY BUTTON (MONITOR) > NO DISP. INFO, indeed leaves display data onscreen and HDMI OUT during a video shoot despite what the enduser reads in the help guide that will pop-up for the selection:

"NO DISP. INFO:
TURNS OFF DISPLAY INFORMATION FOR THE SHOOTING SCREEN."

How do reviewers let Sony get away with this? If NO DISPLAY INFO AT HDMI OUT option Y or N? is adopted by industry reviewers and pundits, in their product evaluations, this deceptive game of hobbling the live video output, might have hope of fading away by Sony and other camera makers.

Peter G.
NEX5n & NEX5r

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 7 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I am usually a dedicated Canon user, as such my main unit was the Canon T3i. Problem is that I need to be able to record 1080p 60p (60fps). Almost all Canon DSLR's are incapable of doing this simple task, as well as Nikon's.

I've found that most Sony DSLR's do... but I also travel to Tokyo often, and needed something a little more portable. I originally planned to get this cam for my fiance'.. but once I tested it out for myself, it was perfect.

The stills are awesome, and the camera is very compatible with my Mac, and editing software such as Aperture, Final Cut, and Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Also Lightroom.

The articulated touch screen is a HUGE plus. With the fact that I can also mount Sony DSLR lens to this unit with optional adapter was a huge selling point for me. The auto focus on this thing is phenomenal!

I've actually uploaded a video of 1080p 60p on YouTube... check it out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8z8HXJxBcE

0 upvotes

just wanted to give everyone my 2 cents, I loved the 5N that I got 4 months ago. once I heard about the 5R with some new features, i couldn't wait to try it. after getting it, this is what I have discovered.
1. the LCD is not the same, 5N is a capacitive touch screen (like iPhone), but 5R is a resistive.
2. the Camera sensor is different as well. i took pix with 5N and 5R side by side, with exact same settings, the 5N is more vivid in color, and 5R is a shade washed out.
3. when u have 5N set on single shot drive w/ 2 second review, at any time if you press the shutter, the review will stop, and allow you to take the next shot. but not with the 5N, you actually have to wait for the review to end, before you can take the next image.
4. 5N has the auto brightness setting for the LCD, but with 5R its all manual.

so far that's what I have found, its very disappointing to find a newer model and more expensive model, loss some of the very basic setting. Kinda sad!

2 upvotes

My comment pertains to NEX and the best of other mirrorless compacts using APS-C or similar. I write here because this is a recent thread.

I can get weary lugging around my Nikon D300 plus three heavy zoom lenses where a good mirrorless with 2 or 3 lenses would be far more compact and only weigh about 40%. But I do like an accurate viewfinder I can see through in all light and being able to steady the camera against my body.

So finally I had a look at the NEX-7 as I am sure that if lenses were
available for it equal to those I already have, the results would be as good. However, one serious concern is excessive barrel distortion which from RAW would not be corrected in SONY lenses when I use my chosen RAW developer which I insist upon because of the quality of its tone-mapping.

However, as I expected, the EVF on the NEX is quite dreadful compared to a DSLR and no viewfinder on other models just is not on. Finally, any interest I had in mirrorless or Four-Thirds is dead and buried.

0 upvotes

How the display on this camera tilts down (for overhead shooting)?

0 upvotes

GPS uses a lot of battery to function. There are apps for smartphones that allow you to tag your photos, or you can purchase a small unit to accomplish the same purpose. In an ideal world there would be no cost (battery life, bulk, monetary) to having GPS in a camera, but there are practical workarounds today and I wouldn't let the lack of GPS put me off of a camera.

1 upvote

Interesting, as I am looking to replace my oversized Canon Gear.

However, I bought a Nokia 808 with GPS, and the convenience of GPS tagging has really sold me on this feature: No more "Where was this picture taken".... And, displaying the pictures on a Map adds a new dimension to the joy of photography

Thus, I am amazed at all the new gear with all kinds of bells and whistles, but NO GPS ???

I will NOT buy any camera in the future that does NOT include a GPS !

Geir Ove

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

1 upvote

You can get an Eye-Fi card for less than $100 that will mostly do the same thing and work in a variety of cameras. Personally, I'd rather not have WiFi, apps or GPS in my camera - I'd rather Sony focus on releasing new lenses, particular on a very good (Zeiss?) wide fast prime.

I can already take geo-tagged photos through a crappy lens with my phone, as well as upload them and 'app' them... I don't need another expensive device to do these things.

Personally, I'd also like to see Sony release a cheaper rangefinder format NEX, a $500 (body) competitor to the new Fuji X-E1 with some great new prime lenses....

1 upvote

Erikson din't need GPS. Amundsen didn't either. They wouldn't have liked camera GPS anyway. It takes too long to lock in, sometimes several minutes, which wears down the battery. If you want to shoot a quick shot, it gets stamped with a stale coordinate.

0 upvotes

My Sony A55 has geotagging and it's a brilliant feature for travel. If they included it on Sony's mirrorless cameras i would "upgrade".

Someone mentioned you can do the same thing if you get an Eye-Fi Pro X2 memory card. This is not true because you have to be near a wifi hotspot for geotagging to work with the Eye-Fi, so totally crap unless you only take photos in cities.

Comment edited 13 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Good, this means Olympus PDAF m43 is on the way and that's interesting, not this Sony :)

0 upvotes

This is a nice follow up to the 5N. Can the flash accessory port be used with external flash, or any wireless flash controllers (other than Sony) ? For video purposes it's too bad there is no 720p video resolution, and of course we're all hoping that the hybrid focus system lives up to our expectations.

0 upvotes

It still seems like with such a powerful camera they could allow for some kind of external flash mount - I know the camera is so thin... I guess you could add something to the tripod mount.
My other peeve is no external mic connection - really makes a difference. The camera has some great video capabilities.
So much of the conversation here is crap - disappointing, let's talk about the camera, plus/minus - minus the ego - it's a freaking camera and there are many others - and will be many more and none will work for all.

4 upvotes

What a wonderful summary :D

0 upvotes

The Nex-5N is a marvelous small camera, easy to use and handle. Can make excellent pictures, but not with its standard 18-55mm kitlens. That lens adds an gray haze to all pictures I made with it, and that haze appears very difficult to remove. Therefor I bought a FD-Nex lens adaptor from a china site and now have my first Canon 50mm F1.8 (!) kitlens, a prime from 1976, mounted on the Nex-5N body. The Nex-5N is very well equipped to manually focus this odd combination, which I call my Casonyon camera. The resulting pictures are marvelous and more important: without a haze!
Sony should learn how to make quality lenzes for its Nex camera's!

1 upvote

Take a Canon FD 50/1.4 which is much better than the f /1.8.

The haze you say is not normal, something in your Sony lens is defective.
Take a look if there is haze in the optic using the narrow beam of a strong flashlight.
Look from the front, put the light on the back, close to the lens mount.

Surely Sony will soon learn to make quality lenses, because Zeiss will ask for your precious consultation.

0 upvotes

The kit lens is absolute pants. I used it once and was horrified by the results... Fortunately, Sigma stepped in with their cheap, cheerful and rather good 19mm and 30mm primes. How embarrassing though, that it took a third party to realise the potential of the NEX system...

0 upvotes

There must be a bit of variation in this lens, as the copy I have is very good and at its optimum focal length it's the equal in resolution, colour and contrast to a variety of Minolta, Canon and Olympus lenses I've tried, with the result that I now only use longer focal length manual focus lenses on my C-3, and a 50mm f1.4 for when I need to make differential focus effects.

1 upvote

Why do people always recommend those god awful breach mount Canon FD lenses (some require toothpick hacks to get the apeture to work) that are obsolete on most other cameras instead of proper AIS Nikkors which are better optically and can be used on a variety of cameras? The Nikkors are not much more expensive and worlds more versatile.

0 upvotes

I purchased a nex3 when they first came out, and small is good. It is the perfect second camera, and when I walk the dog I take the nex3 instead of the dslr. It's the highest image quality in the smallest package--the new leica.

And after a year and a half of use, the controls have grown on me and are actually fun to use. Saving my pennies for a nex7.

2 upvotes

You could leave your dog at home and just walk your 2 cameras!
Yes I have a NEX-3 which I am selling because I just bought a NEX-5R yesterday! So far so good, and a far cry from the 3.
I used my NEX mainly to hang manual lenses from. Focus-peaking is the ideal camera feature for doing this. Some of the better older lenses available very cheaply are Minolta MD or MC lenses, I have found. The Canon FD mount is too fiddly.

0 upvotes

The designer of Nex cameras should be fired. Really silly and unbalanced form!

0 upvotes

Well, call me silly and unbalanced, but I like the looks of this camera very much. I think of it as of a sticker at the bottom of the lens, so it doesn't bother me that the lens is bigger than the camera. I like that the design is not "retro" (I'm pretty much fed up with retro looks, instagram and such hipsteria). Ergonomics is also very good for such a small object (i have relatively meaty fingers). Anyway, much better than all the p&s cameras that I had before. Also, I can put this camera and 4 lenses in my bag, and I think that I could put no more than 2 lenses if I had d5100 or similar dslr.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

8 upvotes

I have used it for a year (after owning a D90) and the form works ok. Sony do a lot of things wrong, but I am glad to see they kept the shape.

2 upvotes

I bought a C-3 because it was so small and eventually sold my DSLR. Being brought up on older style SLRs without grips, I learnt to hold a camera by the lens in my left hand for focusing and aperture control, so that my right hand was free to fire the shutter release and wind on the film. With hand grips and built-in autowinders, people have got into the habit of holding a camera by gripping it tightly in the right hand. With NEX cameras it's just a matter of re-learning to hold the camera by the lens, leaving the right hand free to squeeze the shutter release and work the controls.

2 upvotes

How silly you are. Use it before you judge.

0 upvotes

Way too disproportional dimensions/shapes.

1 upvote

But when I used my D90, I always held the lens as well. So in practice, it works ok.

1 upvote

stanislaff change is good. embrace change or go the way of the dinosaurs.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 3 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

Great to see the wheel added, that's a big step up without changing the dimensions.
The review didn't mention the EVF (or show it fitted).
Does this take the EVF or not?

0 upvotes

Misleading Specs;
Built in Flash: No
Flash Range: 12m
Typo or my eyes, not sure

1 upvote

Built-in flash - No
Flash range - 12 m

Some error here.

0 upvotes

It comes with a small attachable flash, like previous models.

0 upvotes

Any errors??

0 upvotes

So many new cameras and many of them without IS.
Oly OM D was more thoughtful to its customers and put 5-axis Image stabilization apart from IS in lens.

Comment edited 7 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I thought 5N has nothing to improve, but I was wrong.

Good job, SONY.

4 upvotes

Has Sony solved the overheating problem?
Do they still have the worldwide 30 minute recording limit?
No 1080P30.
How long is it going to take Sony to make NEX viable (for video users)?

Comment edited 34 seconds after posting

1 upvote

There is nothing to solve. The limit is there for tax reasons.

3 upvotes

Buy a video camera if you want good video! This camera ROCKS and I have laid my Canon EOS 60D to rest. Anyone want it?

2 upvotes

As above; it is an International Trade / tax issue. The 30 minutes defines what is taxed as a "video' camera. There is talk of changing this some day.

0 upvotes

I don't know why Sony cameras get so much credit than Samsung's. The RAW images from the Samsung would be comparable to the NEX and the best m4/3 cameras, and perhaps the JPEGs as well (if you tweak the settings).

And Samsung has lenses, even small ones.

0 upvotes

The Samsung has lenses??? That is the only reason I have not bought one yet. Show me a 17-35mm (FF equiv.) f2.8 lens for Samsung NX and I will buy one.

0 upvotes

If they had two sharp f2.8 pancakes: 24mm and 35mm (FF equiv), then I'd be very interested. So far only the Samsung NX20 and maybe the soon-to-be released Panasonic GH3 are the most hopeful small and light travel packages for me.

Sony really needs a couple of cracking-good small and light wide angle lenses to make these worth while.

In the meantime I'll continue to carry my 5DII package.

0 upvotes

Almost perfect- but no Mic-In jack??

3 upvotes

No, but there is "ECMSST1 Microphone" for $90 (street prices) that can use the top accessory port.

0 upvotes

One thing I like about the NEX is the the grip. The thing that makes little sense is the small thin body, yet you need relatively large lenses unless you stick to pancakes exclusively. Lens size is where u4/3rds makes sense.

0 upvotes

I still can't see the point of these cameras. Still far to big to fit in ones pocket. Shame it doesn't have a smaller sensor and hence small light lenses. Thank goodness for M4/3.

0 upvotes

For me, getting the biggest possible sensor in the smallest possible package was the priority, and the NEX family fits that bill. I get uncompromising DSLR image quality in a much smaller package. My only complaint thus far has been a lack of lens selection.

7 upvotes

I guess the point is the IQ of the DSLR in a smaller body and lower weight.

1 upvote

For each, what he likes... Since technology and physics link image quality to sensor size, micro-4/3 cameras will always have slightly worst image than DX cameras of the same generation of technology. On the other hand, as a proud former owner of the original Olympus Pen-F FILM camera, which used half-frame film format of the same size as DX format, and was smaller than the current micro-4/3 digital "Pen" CAMERAS, I would expect mirrorless DX cameras to be much smaller.

PS: The old Rollie-35 and Minox-35 pocket-able cameras, both full frame (=FX) FILM cameras were still much smaller - if you accept collapsible non-zoom lenses,there is lots of room for miniaturization without sacrificing image quality.

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

And m4/3 fits in your pocket? I use an E-PM1, and it doesn't fit in my pocket either. But I still appreciate that it's a light, compact ILC. The same applies to these Sony NEX cameras: they don't fit in your pocket, but any rational person should be able to appreciate that they give you an APS-C ILC in a very light, compact package.

2 upvotes

Buy military style jeans with large leg pockets, they fit in there with a pancake.

0 upvotes

The Sony NEX 5n produces fantastic images with excellent dynamic range. The images of M4/3 cameras are nowhere near as good. Raw files are available from various websites, so people can see for themselves. The range of lenses is too limited but then, Sony have previous for messing up good ideas. M4/3 has more lenses but most offer mediocre quality.

0 upvotes

i have a nex-3 and e-pl2. the nex is smaller with a pancake than the e-pl2 with a pancake.

0 upvotes

Come on Dpreview can't you give us a spoiler and tell us up front if the NEX hybrid Autofocus is lightning fast and effective or not?

A lot of us are dying to know

5 upvotes

When, At last DPReview stops writing "Rangefinder-style"

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

5 upvotes

If it's indeed true that the wi-fi feature allows for a smartphone app that gives you a wireless remote viewfinder and shutter release, it's a revolutionary breakthrough. That would instantly make this the most amazing street photography camera ever.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 5 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

Assuming it works well.

2 upvotes

Not quite original. Samsung has had this feature on their wi-fi phones. Apparently it works well on those, though it has limitations. About all you can do is see, specify focus point, and shoot. I hope the Sony app gives control over more parameters. Having these as apps should let Sony (or someone else) write an app that gives full control over the camera. That would be sweet.

This is a subtle upgrade? Wi-fi, apps, hybrid af, fancy flip screen, and improved controls is way beyond subtle, even if they kept the appearance the same. Nice camera, and now a significant upgrade from the F3.

0 upvotes

I meant cameras, not phones. Several of their current models. It will be a very nice feature eventually.

0 upvotes

How would a remote viewfinder/shutter make a camera an amazing street photography camera...?

2 upvotes

Simple. It would enable you to take photographs of people without appearing to be taking their photograph. Your camera could be slung over your shoulder, pointed in one direction, while you're looking at your smartphone in another direction. If you've ever done street photography, you'd know what an advantage that would be.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

1 upvote

So does anyone has the duration info on video recording? Will the 5R has the same 29min 30sec limitation like on the 5N? Also any click sound while video recording without an external mic? Many thanks!

1 upvote

Technically they can go beyond but manufacturers are bounded by trade regulations. If they want to sell it as a "photo camera', they have to cap the limit of the video capabilitiy.
I hope they will remove this limitation one day because it's not benefitting the consumers.

1 upvote

Add 5.4% to the price if you want , which adds around €35 for the body.

0 upvotes

I would say that the topside wheel is a welcome addition. I find that in using the wheel on my 5N, it is all too easy to activate one of the cursor buttons; the wheel and cursor buttons being entirely too small and tightly packed. I have large hands and the NEX controls are entirely too small. I'll not buy the 5R because buying a new camera every year, while making the companies happy, really doesn't do much for me as the consumer. Nevertheless, kudos to Sony.

Comment edited 15 seconds after posting

1 upvote

Where are the good quality lenses that would make me want to buy an NEX. Sony, stop making bodies for a while and concentrate on quality (optical) lenses!!!

6 upvotes

I agree - but I wonder exactly what lenses would make me happy. How about an 18-105mm f/2-2.8 OSS?

Comment edited 21 seconds after posting

1 upvote

2.8 at 105mm would be even a bigger package...

Comment edited 41 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Even a 16-50mm f/2,8 OSS would be a big lens ...
But one I would like to see for the NEX

0 upvotes

I just bought my 5N less than a year ago, and this is already a very compelling upgrade.

I came from a Nikon D70 before this. The addition of a further dial and a function button, combined with the existing dial with 4-way direction pad, and 2 highly-programmable buttons mean a whole ridiculous mess (in a good way) of direct controls, without having to fiddle with extraneous menus.

If they've managed to maintain or improve on their excellent noise-free 16 MP sensor, that'd be great. If they manage to dramatically improve or eliminate the issue with the sensor overheating, I'm ready to lay down some plastic.

Wifi, at this point, is really just a toy. I don't expect it to be a significant contribution at this point of the technology unless the camera can send out images via wifi as quickly as it can shoot (i.e. not going to happen at this point).

I do wish they'd popped in a GPS though.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

They didn't put more megapixels in it. Finally!

7 upvotes

> The Wi-Fi and apps combine to mean that the 5R can [...] allow the use of a smartphone as a remote viewfinder/trigger

That might be an interesting and a useful feature.

3 upvotes

Just to clarify - *can allow* or *allows*? Anyone at DPR can clear that up? Is that functionality in the 5R, or is this a speculation on what might be in the future?

1 upvote

> Just to clarify - *can allow* or *allows*? Anyone at DPR can clear that up? Is that functionality in the 5R, or is this a speculation on what might be in the future?

According to Sony - "allows" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=WDIUO4B8wL4#t=194s

0 upvotes

does it support live view over wifi?

0 upvotes

From IR (imaging-resource) preview,

"Fast Hybrid AF requires a compatible lens, and firmware updates will expand support to existing models, says Sony. If not supported, the NEX-5R uses contrast detection alone.

"At launch, only the SEL1855, SEL55210, SEL18200LE, and SEL24F18Z models will be compatible with the faster autofocus system; support should be expanded over time through firmware updates, but it isn't yet clear if this will eventually encompass all Sony's E-mount lens models or not."

I don't think that info was present in DPR's preview

3 upvotes

Can someone explain to me why is this camera 200 dollars more than Nex F3?

0 upvotes

It's not $200 more. It's $100 more, just like all 5 series were always $100 more than all 3 series.

0 upvotes

Well, F3 is 550 and proposed price for the5R kit is 750. F3 has an integrated flash, which in my opinion is an advantage.

0 upvotes

Yes you are right, but the difference $150. F3 (with the lens) was originally $600 (when it was launched). 5R with the lens is $750 (body only $650).

That's then different from previous 3 vs 5 series where the difference was $100

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I see Thanks ET2. still don't really see what advantages 5r has over F3, except wifi. I really couldn't care about wifi :))

0 upvotes

The differences are easily worth $150 -- the PDAF AF, wifi, build quality, extra dial, app support, etc

2 upvotes

And the F3 is MUCH bigger and 45g heavier. Unless you really need the integrated flash, this is a no-brainer.
http://camerasize.com/compare/#325,34

0 upvotes

- newer sensor (we'll see if better)
- phase detection (we'll see if it makes the AF faster)
- screen can tilt downwards 45° - much more than iF3's
- higher ISO available (25k)
- magnesium alloy body
- TOUCH SCREEN
(- IR remote receiver)

-not too excited about the wi-fi here too, we'll see if the sensor make a big difference. I don't like the tilt mechanism of the F3's screen too much though.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Also better video with a 1920x1080 60p modem, The Wi-Fi will bring some cool features like smart phone control, and I believe the 3F is also lacking the touchscreen LCD.

0 upvotes

can the f3 accomodate an evf?

0 upvotes

Absolutely disappointing!
No hot shoe - still this ridiculous accessory port, enforcing the exclusive use of external viewfinder or microphone/flash, but not of both or all 3 simultaneously (dedicated microphone and flash sockets missing) - video over-heating issue not tackled - no dials/buttons for custom functions
Wi-fi speed is not specified - suspect it to be as slow as the eye-fi cards.
I'm very keen to see a real firmware on this...

Comment edited 46 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Does it allow in body usb-charging like the nex-f3?
I would be surprised of the absence of such a useful feature :-(

1 upvote

I wouldn't say useful. I despise that.

One: It exposes the camera unnecessarily to the fluctuations in electricity current. Your country may or may not have stable electricity, but one thing for sure: it is unnecessary. Same principle as using the data cable vs. pulling the SD card out to copy pictures.

Two: You can't use the camera while charging. More of a nuisance when you have a backup battery (because then your camera would be out of service -not to mention being exposed to electricity directly- for twice as long, when charging).

Nope, the in-camera charging, IMO, is a baaad idea.

2 upvotes

From what I read, yes it does. "Other aspects that make the NEX-5R a great camera are its Creative and Fine-tune settings, Sweep Panorama mode, an optional multi-interface terminal, anti-dust technology and convenient USB charging. "

Source: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/888554-REG/Sony_nex5r_b_NEX_5R_Compact_Interchangeable_Lens.html

1 upvote

Do you think charging your phone directly is a bad idea too? Would you rather carry an extra charger with your phone everywhere you go?

Bad idea? No it isn't. It's a good idea. It means less stuff to carry on a trip.

2 upvotes

actually I don't know. someone could have two batteries.

1 upvote

If you don't like it, just buy an external charger. Third party ones are cheap. I think it's a great feature. Most of the time just plug it in at night or let it charge from your computer while you transfer images or whatnot. Keep a spare battery topped up in an external charger.

The current issue sounds off to me. The charger doesn't just send mains voltage to the camera. It also regulates the current (usually) just like any other wall wart, though this one is quite small, because it's low powered.

0 upvotes

Thanks rockjon for pointing out the info!

And MarkInSF said exactly what I would have answered.
An if anyone doesn't like third party chargers, he might even buy original one.
Not including a separate charger should make the camera even slightly cheaper.

0 upvotes

Does this mean reasonable AF with alpha lenses through the cheaper adapter? I don't think it's possible but that would seem to be the main reason for this. Canon seems to be having mixed results with their attempt. Nikon's mirrorless is so much smaller I don't know if it's even a comparable technology.

0 upvotes

^^ Looks highly possible but yes it remains to be seen if AF does improve.

0 upvotes

Looking forward to some detailed testing. For people with kids, the fast AF is the biggest draw. Having a camera that I can fit in my carry-on luggage is a side benefit.

0 upvotes

When is the 5R going to be available for purchase?

0 upvotes

I think it ships in October

1 upvote

99 phase-detection points!!!

are those all cross-type?

0 upvotes

Where are the lenses?

0 upvotes

I think those are coming with the A99 and Nex 6 release on September 12.

0 upvotes

" Following our rather disappointing experiences with Canon's implementation in the EOS 650D, we are hoping Sony will come closer to realizing the promise of this approach."

I completely agree.....lets hope they dont screw this up.

2 upvotes

It seems like the hybrid AF is faster on the 5R than the original contrast detect AF only on the 5N according to a lot of the previews. The engadget preview says it's around about as fast as the OM-D.

http://www.thephoblographer.com/2012/08/29/first-impressions-sony-nex-5r/
http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/29/sony-announces-nex-5r/

1 upvote

Testing single AF is really pointless, the point of PDAF is for continuous AF, AF during burst shooting, and AF during video.

0 upvotes

^^ Not really. People still use these cameras to shoot still photos most of the time and maybe a little video on the side. Only a few use these primarily to shoot video. So still AF performance is still very important to the majority of people and this is where Olympus had Sony beat.

Now if its as fast as the OMD the Sony has reduced another negative compared to Olympus. Hopefully on Sept 12 more NEX lenses will also be announced to reduce the huge gap between lenses available for m43 and lenses available for NEX.

1 upvote

Continuous AF seems to have also improved. I'm not sure how many they mean by a greater number. http://www.techradar.com/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/sony-nex-5r-1093536/review/page:8#articleContent

0 upvotes

Hopefully one of the new features will be click-free videos.

2 upvotes

The clicks were not audible to people who shot no video, older people with hearing loss, or hear-no-evil buyers, so maybe Sony will still use the same orientation sensor based on a little ball that rocks about.

0 upvotes

It's a little thing, but I'm always struck by how a company can roll out an interface with poor English grammar. It's not as bad as it used to be, but we still get a menu item called "Application." It's a small thing, but it takes away from the attention to detail paid to the other parts of the camera.

2 upvotes

someone needs to make an adapter that allows full electronic coupling with Nikon or canon lenses.

0 upvotes

there is but there's no autofocus

0 upvotes

Give me adapter that allows full electoric coulping with M43 or NX lenses ! ;-)
30/2 is nice...

0 upvotes

Total comments: 136