Friday, September 7, 2012

Hands on with Sony's new NEX-5R

Hi everyone!

The time has arrived when Sony replaced the popular NEX-5N with its successor, the NEX-5R. In basically, the same form factor, Sony has managed to improve nearly everything and add some unique features in what I think will be a very popular camera.

NEX-5R

The first thing that I wanted to try out was how fast the new hybrid auto-focus speed has improved from its predecessor as it was always my main concern with NEX cameras.. How fast compared to the competition remains to be seen but there is a noticeable improvement from my little hands on session.

NEX-5R side with WIFI logo

NEX-5R Application Menu

Next I was really excited about the WIFI. However, I wasn't able to try it out since PlayMemories (required app to be used with the camera) hasn't been released yet. However, a few of the apps were already installed on the camera and it worked perfectly.

NEX-5R flipped up

NEX-5R tilted down

Amongst its other improvements, the LCD screen can also flip up like the NEX-F3 but can still be tilted down for those overhead shots which the NEX-F3 can't do. The NEX-5R remains to be the only touch screen in the current NEX lineup and it also seems to be more responsive too. Not smartphone responsive but better than the NEX-5N.

NEX-5R Top 

One of the main complaints with the previous NEX-5 cameras was the lack of controls and dials. This appears to have at least helped with resolve the problem without compromising too much on the form factor. The addition of a function button as well as a top dial are of course welcome additions but the lack of a built in flash which is featured on the entry level NEX-F3 may disappoint a few.

NEX-5R Menu Layout

NEX-5R Shooting Layout

Those are the main improvements on the camera. The menu layout is slightly different with the addition of Application (side note: I think it should say 'Applications' instead) and the shooting layout virtually the same but with the addition of the horizon level. Its shaping up to be a good follow up to the '5' series cameras for the NEX line. 

For Australia, the pricing will be as follows:
Body only: $799
Single lens kit: $999
Twin lens kit: $1299

Stay tuned for my full review coming soon!
Happy shooting and thanks for reading!