Sony NEX-5R Mirrorless ILC with Hybrid AF

Sony NEX-5R Mirrorless ILC with Hybrid AF

The Sony NEX-5R, announced on August 29, 2012, is the successor to the NEX-5N and Sony's first ILC camera to feature "Fast Hybrid AF," integrated Wi-Fi for sharing, saving and viewing photos; and down-loadable camera apps.
The NEX-5R features a newly-developed 16.1 MP, APS H (23.4 X 15.6mm) Backlit CMOS sensor with 200-12800 ISO range. Its BIONZ processor lets you shoot stills at 3fps in focus priority mode, and 10 fps in speed priority mode.
Sony uses the NX nomenclature for its mirrorless ILC cameras; the NX-5 represents mid-range, the NX-3 targets beginners, and the NX-7, power users.

Focusing

The "Fast Hybrid AF" autofocus technology on the NX-5R utilizes 99 phase-detection AF points arrayed on the image sensor to detect a subject's distance and quickly lock focus on it, and then utilizes contrast-detection AF to confirm extremely fine, precise details.
In Speed Priority Continuous shooting mode, the camera will switch automatically to phase detection tracking AF and can track fast-moving action accurately in each frame up to 10 frames per second.
Tracking Focus continuously tracks a user-designated subject and is now more effective at tracking people. If the subject turns away from the camera, face-detection tracking automatically switches to subject tracking and continues tracking.
Other useful features include Peaking AF display that makes precise manual focusing easy by highlighting the edges that are in focus. This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where your focal plane can make or break your shot.
The Alpha NEX-5R features a 3.0" touchscreen LCD that flips up 180-degrees, ideal for perfect self-portraits.
It supports Full HD, 1920x1080 video capture at 60p, standard 60i or cinematic 24p using AVCHD or MP4 codec.

Quick Access Manual Controls

The new NEX-5R features a new fully programmable control dial and function button for quick direct access to camera settings as an alternative to menu based access.

Sony NEX-5r. Photo Credit: Sony

Wi-Fi Sharing and New Camera Apps

Using the camera's built in Wi-Fi, you can wirelessly transfer photos to a smartphone or tablet running Sony's free PlayMemories Mobile app, available on both Android and Apple iOS platforms. Additionally, you can upload photos to social networking sites such as Facebook using the new "Direct Upload" application, part of Sony's new PlayMemories Camera Apps platform.
This new concept of PlayMemories Camera Apps is the world's first application download service in an interchangeable lens camera that allows consumers to install new functions on demand, tailoring their cameras to fit their personal shooting needs. The service can be accessed over Wi-Fi or when the camera is connected directly to a PC via USB.
Other than "Direct Upload," the initial offering of downloadable applications includes "Picture Effect+"; "Bracket Pro"; "Multi Frame NR"; "Photo Retouch"; and "Smart Remote Control. A variety of other apps including "Time-Lapse" and "Cinematic Photo" are also planned for release.

Pricing and Availability

The NEX-5R will be available this October in silver, black and white for about $750 with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens as well as body-only for about $650.