CAMERA

Sony Nex-5R – A Camera With Improved Performance And Focusing (Part 1)

6/2/2013 9:19:40 AM

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 mirroless camera you’re going to read now represents everything a successful update should be

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

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.

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

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.

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