In some terms, Sony blows NEX-F3. Arranged
as a successor for the amazing C3, it replaces the thin shape of that camera
with bulkier design, but sacrificing basic screen tilted function in order to
the front model. The image quality is fine, but the focus speed is poor.
Luckily, the company has fixed it with the 750USD NEX-5R. The mirrorless camera
you’re going to read now represents everything a successful update should be: comprehensive
improved performance, touch screen that tilts toward every direction and the
design only changes to become better.
The
mirrorless camera you’re going to read now represents everything a successful
update should be
It’s also the first ever mirrorless camera
of Sony having Wi-Fi, along with the new PlayMemories Camera Apps. It’s obvious
that wireless connection is becoming a common addition in the more advanced
models, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a feature users are asking for. With
the forthcoming Galaxy Camera of Samsung, connectivity especially 4G is pretty
perfect, but how does that web experience move to the small 3-inch touch
screen? And does it reduce general usability? Continue your reading to have
more details about the function-rich 16.1MP interchangeable lens camera.
Hardware
NEX series has maintained the basic form
factor since its beginning – the oversized lenses almost equal with the left of
the camera, an outstanding front-facing grip and this trend continues currently.
5R keeps the basic style form the previous 5 and 5N, especially the slightly
square design and the rough plastic grip. But NEX-7 also creates impression
here, with the power switch, shutter button, front functional button showing
up, along with one of 2 dial mounted on the top of that leading model.
NEX
series has maintained the basic form factor since its beginning
The strap mount is also moved to be
suitable for the 7 position, while the microphone stereo is still on the top, sitting
on the exclusive port side of Sony (which you will use to attach built-in flash
or 350USD OLED EVF). This upper mic position is convenient for reporting, but
it’s not ideal for the interviews, where you may want to add a 130-USD microphone
of Sony – unfortunately, there’s no 3.5mm input here, so you’re stuck with the exclusive
version, which luckily provides pretty good performance but is not really heavy.
The company has discarded the outstanding
model brand, by identifying this version with a humble line of text right on
the top of the 3-inch touch screen, 921 thousands dots. Just like its
predecessor, 5R can be completely controlled with the hardware controls, among
which the touch function only supplement for the interface, not complicate it.
The rearward controls will be familiar to any NEX user, including 1 dial with
the center selector and 4-direction switch to access directly the drive mode,
screen, ISO and exposure compensation options.
There are also 2 variable buttons that
change depending on the mode. By default, the top button launches the system
menu while the bottom one can be configured with 1 out of 20 options, such as
qualified settings or white balance. The power dial and the shutter dial on the
top are participated by the playback button and a video recording button – the
latter is hard to press, especially when recording with the LCD screen turning
upward. Unlike the pretty limited screen of F3, this model can rotate 180
degrees to face the front without ruining the upward and downward tilt
function, combining with the enhanced motion range we already have in the
previous generation NEX models with a front-facing option that works well for
the portrait.
There
are also 2 variable buttons that change depending on the mode.
Underneath the camera is the combined
battery/SDXC compartment – unlike some other NEX model, the 5R access panel is
placed away from the tripod socket, so you don’t have to detach the mount before
changing the SD card. Battery is the same NP-FW50 type that Sony included in
the first days, providing 1,800mAh of power. While you may use the old battery
and charger, Sony has selected micro-USB charger this time, with an AC adapter
compact available in the box. The camera seems to charge fast when using this
method, and thanks to the industry standard socket, you can power everything
from laptop to backup USB battery which can put into your pocket.
The
power dial and the shutter dial on the top are participated by the playback
button and a video recording button
On the left, next to the micro-USB slot,
you will also find a HDMI port, right under the Wi-Fi logo. As other makers,
especially for Samsung, Sony has begun to promote wireless connection in the
mirrorless camera line with this 5R and NEX-6 a couple weeks later. On 5R,
802.11b/g compatibility allows you to upload images onto a smartphone, computer,
compatible HDTV or directly to the web. You can also download PlayMemories
Camera Apps which is specially designed directly from Sony, which we will go
into more details at the UI part below.
