Sony NEX-5R

amazon Sony NEX-5R reviews

Design

The highlight of the Sony NEX-5R is the entire body with the compact size of the camera almost PnS. Machine weight 276 g and only about when mounting the lens on I feel the machine is not in balance, lens heavier side so if holding with one hand will easily see this. Moreover, because the whole machine has compact size handgrip section is also quite modest, for a moderate hand like I. I see it a little small and a little bit slippery because the outer layer is made of plastic rather than rubber as many DSLRs. General feeling of holding the machine to make sure it than travel camera but uncertainty than DSLR.

NEX-5R sensor is APS-C CMOS type size 23.5×15.6mm, the same type with sensor Sony Alpha SLT A65 and on the A77. The sensor combined with the Bionz image processor exclusively for Sony promises good quality pictures.

The resolution of 16.1 MP image is equivalent to a semi-professional camera.

The ability to focus is a point of interest on this machine, Sony applied ultrafast technology Fast Hybrid AF – this is a combination of technologies including AF phase 99 autofocus points and the contrast AF autofocus technology, including 25 regional contrast detection helps users easily capture the beautiful moments and improve the ability to capture. According to Sony, “First, the AF phase lens extremely fast moving quickly to bring the subject closer to the regional focus and autofocus function high-precision Contrast freeze action”.

The screen size 3-inch, 921,600 pixel resolution. Compared with the current display device, the resolution is just normal, nothing outstanding. The frame joints hold the screen and the camera body is designed sophisticatedly composed of two joints with sliding system makes the screen can pull out to break a 50-degree angle, easily shoot higher when the first jam to shooting. And if you want to shoot in a “take a selfie” you can flip the screen 180 degrees turned toward the front. If put in the chest on the table, you can rotate to a 90 degree angle to view photos or videos comfortably without holding the camera to the horizontal. However, I see this match designed as though neat, help take the area of ​​the screen, but more complex processing and the rotation angle is not flexible like the Canon 60D swivel flip.

Sony NEX-screen 5R but only the resistive touch, insensitive, do not support such multi-point capacitive touch on the current smartphone but still help the driver quickly and more intuitive. Still have touchscreen support but the operation of the computer hardware buttons remain in full control features so familiar to those who use hardware keys and rarely used application screen is still comfortable. In the morning the sun, you do not too annoyed by the screen can rotate flip and good anti-glare.

On the left side on the top of a small trap door to avoid dust and straighten this place beneath the surface with flash slot. Tiny flash comes with foldable legs is a circuit flash exposure for mounting on the chassis, near the lampstand with a swirling rotation to cut plastic from falling when mounting on the camera lights. Note when installing the lights would turn on the small front side to make space vortex of this plastic ring. Flashes open up will have a fixed angle so users should be careful not stop to break more by the screen can break and broken wrong direction.

Regarding the quality of the last flash design and shape I guess it’s only small capacity, with power when not using the flash toad on DSLRs. However, in many cases, you still require small capacity of this lamp.

Looking from the top of the camera, the left side contains flash slots and two small hole next to the audio receiver when filming, pretty much on the right side buttons include trigger shutter button attached swivel turn power off, set button Fn functions quickly, hot button (marked in red) to shoot, playback button and adjusting ring. The system of controls of a DSLR-style machines. Compared to its predecessor, the NEX-5N NEX-5R was added versatile control wheel, and Fn keys quick access hot keys make using the camera becomes more convenient. In addition, mini-USB port is replaced with the more common micro USB port, micro HDMI port along with the compact is placed next to the left under protective plastic cover.

About Sensory button design in this area, I found the shutter button and rotating tumbler big enough turn power off, feeling quite comfortable when you press the button. Three playback buttons, function calls faster and filming it with flat surfaces than the camera body, a bit small so click lack feeling, causing users to click on these buttons to tune into the middle finger and press the power button usually stronger to feel. Especially the movie button with a red dot in the middle, this button is located on the beveled edge down on the press, it is difficult fast. Versatile wheel adjustment (adjustment can rotate different functions depending on the mode selected) is designed to have more rather large area of ​​contact with the wheel. This button design is not very good for uneven surfaces parallel to the lower edge down on that cross on the front, the rear overhang generate higher with beveled edges down over a distance of elevation. In terms of control, it makes thumb contact area more easier to rotate, but in terms of design, the look is not very easy for the eyes.

Underneath, system control buttons are completely right. On the left is the LCD. Rather large control wheel, where the thumb can rotate easily. Features self-timer, continuous shooting, increase or decrease the contrast, adjust the ISO are integrated directly on the wheel. In terms of mechanics, the buttons in this area feels pretty good press. Despite decent use DSLRs but I still feel crestfallen when using buttons and functions of the machine. The functions and how to adjust it looks cumbersome.

On this machine, the thing I find most lacking perhaps it is not integrated optical viewfinder. This is Sony’s intention to make a difference with the more advanced version (Sony NEX 6 was released along with the NEX-5R and optical viewfinder). In terms of features, design features of the machine as well as the price, this machine (NEX-5R) equivalent value with a semi-professional DSLR if you have experienced so little about cameras, you should choose higher (NEX 6 for example) because it has a viewfinder. The camera is better suited to the amateur photographer, shooting just put it on the LCD monitor on the machine like PnS. To further deprivation played probably the stereo jack commonly found from the semi-professional camera upward.

Access to the control functions in the menu is not intuitive, often you have to perform a few steps to install the new operation is desired function. This may cause surprise for new users.

The machine also encounter the phenomenon when the battery is low, the error will not write to the memory card, users are pretty much reflected on the network. In fact, Sony’s support page also confirmed when the battery is low, it can also appear memory card error. However, in time to see the error message appeared, I plug the battery charger is relatively long (about 1 hour) is to clear this error. It supports SD (SDXC, SDHC) instead of just supporting Memory Stick PRO cards-HG common in previous generations Sony machine.

In machine application item allows install some application for use with Wi-Fi or or edit photos. According to Sony, PlayMemories app on this camera is not compatible with iOS 6 or Android 4.1 or newer. Using Android 4.0.3 for not having many problems. Note, this app wants to use for interaction between camera and mobile devices, the mobile device should download this app installed.

E-mount can be compatible with multiple lenses.

Two small round button at the screen surface contains no icons or symbols written anything. If not used, you will be hard to guess its features. According icons and text on the screen, the button above the Menu button to call up the list of settings button below the button also share your photos with the smartphone via Wi-Fi. If you’re in shooting mode, press the share button below the photo with smartphone selection panel will present this image file or all shots today, or all the images on your computer and enable sharing via Wi Fi. If you’re viewing a photo mode, press this button will be asked if you want to delete button does not.

where can you get a Sony NEX-5R online

Sony NEX-5RK/S 16.1 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Silver) (OLD MODEL): Buy it now

Sony NEX-5RK/B 16.1 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lenses (Black): Buy it now

Sony NEX-5R/B 16.1 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD – Body Only (Black): Buy it now

Sony NEX-5R/S 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD – Body Only (Silver): Buy it now

Accessories

Attached is a 16-50mm lens f / 3.5-5.6, this lens is relatively versatile and can be used well in many situations. Function SteadyShot optical image stabilization in the lens works well to help stabilize images when shooting at slow shutter speeds, increasing the ability to shoot in low light and in terms of the shape of the lens is quite compact, being evaluated is rather than the kit lens comes with the camera.

When the retractable lens is compact, pancake lenses look like, when it’s turned up quite a long reach. Motor lens works relatively well, fast and smooth.

NEX-5R is equipped with a 1020 mAh Li-ion battery should be able to take around 330 types of continuous good quality level.

Function

Sony NEX-5R is equipped with ultra-fast technology Fast Hybrid AF AF help users easily save capture beautiful moments.

Machines capable of continuous shooting 10fps – Speed ​​Priority Continuous which retains focus point on the subject and the ability to shoot Full HD 60 frames / sec with AVCHD enables high quality but occupied memory resources to be minimalist greatly.

Touchscreen adjusts easily and intuitively than during use.

ISO sensitivity up to 25600 and noise reduction technology to help capture better in low light conditions without using a flash.

Through photography PlayMemories app, users can share photos directly with other mobile devices by connecting to Wi-Fi.

Visual effects with 11 modes and 15 effects built shooting as Partial Colour, Posterisation, Toy Camera, High Contrast Monochrome, HDR Painting … makes creativity becomes easier.

Sony NEX-5R offer shooting modes and smart filters. For example, Intelligent Auto Mode and Superior Auto mode, sports shooting mode, portrait mode, …

With multiple intelligent shooting modes: iAuto, Superior Auto, Programs …, the machine easily support users to make shots like that.

Fn function button quickly when click can quickly adjust focus mode, metering mode, white balance, and image effects. In these features, there are many small features inside. To select the main features, one click to the left to the rotate button on the back of the machine, while the functional parts inside it, just rotate or swivel wheel rotation versatile top of the camera to the top edge.

Performance

The machine, which pops up losing more than 1 second to boot ready to take pictures. Shutdown to collapse into the lens also lost more than 2 seconds. I am quite impressed with the capabilities of the machine very fast autofocus, you do not have to wait long, but just aim and press the shutter button, AF point will soon be determined. The fact these details are not so important, I paid more attention to the quality of image sensors and systems that support the morning brings.

Noise reduction capabilities: The table below is the photographs in AV mode, 16MB image Fine mode, ISO is adjusted and the image is cropped turn ratio of 100% compared to the original image. The machine supports high ISO range of 100-25600, noise reduction capabilities of the machine is quite good up to ISO 6400 when emerging phenomenon of interference. At lower ISO levels of noise just fine particle images in large format, so if not affected much. The next step in the ISO (ISO 12800) image becomes severe interference and lost detail. Thus, in low light conditions without a lamp or lamps can not support, this camera allows you to use up to 6400 ISO at which the image quality has reached an acceptable level.

Use Sweep Panorama function quite interesting, just activate the function and press the shutter button once the machine quickly capture multiple images and merge them into a single picture, not long waiting time, just over 1 second. Note that the machine requires horizontal panning when shooting with faster speeds common in smartphones a bit, if you will report slightly slower lia need faster panning and incomplete or could not photograph.

The machine uses APS-C crop sensor and 16-50 mm lens equivalent to 25-80 mm lens mounted Fullframe. Therefore, if at widest angle (smallest focal length), then the computer for a little snapshot dìa slightly curved at the sides shots.

Shooting in low light conditions: In a closed room environment, animal eye look quite dark, bottom photo was taken in AV mode, ISO 400, f5.6, flash off. Achieve image quality was quite good.

Shooting with flash: at a distance of 1.3 m place the way from subjects, flash shows the coverage is enough space around the subject that is seeing machine. The brightness of the lights flash across the common toad on many DSLRs.

Snap zoom: the user can zoom by pushing hard or twist rotation button on the lens itself, or can zoom from the control screen. When the highest zoom level (zoom electronic expansion), image quality is normal, it is easy to see by the electronic zoom makes image details broken out.

Sony NEX-5R camera quality good but not perfect. Good vibration resistance technology with ACVHD make films of good quality and does not take up much space. Sound recordings are numerous but quite hiss.

Particularly if rotating continuously at HD resolutions over a period of 25 minutes I found quite hot machine phenomenon, especially on the bottom where it meets the lens. Then a few minutes machine appeared excessive heat warning with the words on the screen and automatically shutdown. This time should be for a while to cool down, the new machine is next used, if after a few minutes to cool not much that your machine is turned on, the computer can boot up but the report card is faulty. For further cooled to normal then pop up normal.

Conclude

NEX-5R is a quite excellent camera market mirrorless camera today, matching people began to look to professional photographers. Despite nearly identical design NEX-5N predecessor model, this camera has some notable improvements, located in the screen 180 ° rotation, fast hybrid autofocus mode, which adds Wi-Fi connectivity, applications can be downloaded and a more refined interface.

PlayMemories Camera Apps is an innovative idea to help expand the functionality of the camera, although not all of the applications are free. The control wheel and function button NEX-5R new help easier to use. Although small body still lacks the charm of the Olympus PEN line or modern designs of Panasonic G, but the NEX-5R camera is still a valuable medium for stills and video quality is quite good.

Towards customers who are interested in the compact sophistication of a camera but the quality still photography, filming well together reasonable price, Sony’s NEX series are pretty good response these factors Sony Alpha NEX-5R and is one of those computers. Considering in the same price range and features, the main rival of the NEX-5R may include Fujifilm X-E1, Nikon 1 J2, Nikon 1 V1, the Olympus E-P3, Olympus E-PL5, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5, Pentax K-01, Samsung NX210, Canon EOS M …

Advantage:
+ Compact Design
+ Pretty good photographic quality
+ Good Lowlight
+ The screen can flip 180 degrees
+ The ability to focus quickly
+ Built-in Wi-Fi to share photos quickly with the mobile device
+ Good quality Cinematography

Disadvantages:
– No viewfinder
– Short battery life, fast out of battery
– Features cumbersome controls, causing surprise