Pro:
+ Top APS-C image sensor with 16.1 million pixels (excellent images up to ISO 1600)
+ Compact system camera to DSLR-level
+ Hybrid autofocus
+ Simple manual adjustment of aperture and shutter speed (like Sony - control of Live View screen)
+ Excellent intelligent automatic exposure
+ Top processed smooth System lenses without play (as scrapes nothing in mechanics)
+ Wireless image transfer to iOS devices easily
+ Focusing through select an object on the touch screen
+ Full HD video recording up to 30 minutes in length
+ Attachable (small) dedicated flash with guide number 7 (sufficient for backlit subjects to lighten; the built-in flash in the Sony NEX-6 and NEX-7 has only guide number 4)
Cons:
- Wi-Fi should be switched off completely (firmware update?)
- Included USB charger, but battery must be charged in the camera - better would be a supplied battery charger for the battery (see accessories tips)
Overview Review:
- Image sensor
- Housing & Housing color of Sony NEX-5R
- Advantage of a system camera with interchangeable lens
- Practical accessories
Image Sensor
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One reason for choosing the Sony NEX-5R was especially the 16.1 million pixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the large DSLR cameras is equal (comp. Canon EOS 60D or Canon EOS 650D). More than 16.1 million pixels on an APS-C sensor will provide, for me again too much compromise, since at 24 million pixels as the Sony NEX-7 each individual pixel and thus the light output per pixel ever smaller and the noise is greater.
The sensor of a FourThirds system is to me compared to an APS-C sensor just too small (Wikipedia - Image Sensor).
Another advantage of this system camera is very compact, and the ability of the lens changes, what an absolute must for me (more on that later). On an electronic viewfinder like the Sony NEX-6 and Sony NEX-7, I could do without absolutely, as I previously always controlled my pictures via Live View screen and so especially in manual mode speed and aperture can adapt much better.
Since about 6 years I photograph, among other things with my Sony DSC-W1 compact camera that still has a 1 / 1.8-inch image sensor and Zeiss optics, but much better despite the lack of image stabilization pictures supplies (no noise at ISO 100) than any current compact camera that almost exclusively have a 1 / 2.5-inch image sensor and deliver only moderate image quality even in daylight. What I'm saying? There simply is nothing like a great image sensor with pixels not too much - an image stabilizer just can not rip out and a "normal" compact camera was therefore no longer an option for me, although I did not want to give up a compact design.
The Sony NEX-5R here offers the best combination of functionality and quality of a DSLR camera in a compact camera housing with an interchangeable lens.
Housing & Housing color the Sony NEX-5R
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In many forums and on the manufacturing side is written, that the housing of the Sony NEX-5R, as well as that of the Sony NEX-6 and NEX-7 is composed of magnesium. That is only partly true - in the truest sense of the word:
The front housing part of the Sony NEX-5R, the left and right of the bayonet lock (this nice shiny metallic ring) consists of magnesium. The handle and the complete back made of plastic.
Be interesting in this case is likely that the plastic of the black model is completely colored Duch - including scratches that accumulate during camera life, not likely to be noticeable.
The case of silver and white models are painted (the plastic in the battery compartment is light gray). Here, when scratched the thin lacquer layer provides the housing surely after some time no longer as fresh (compare. Demonstrators in the electronics market).
In particular the grip to the battery compartment is secure grip - Otherwise, the housing is quite robust (no cheap plastic) and slip-proof.
Advantage of a system camera with interchangeable lens
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The Sony NEX-5R provides for automatic cleaning of the image sensor - which is not to be underestimated. Every camera with zoom lens "breathes" - ie each zooming air is pumped into the system and out. This is not critical so long as settling dust particles only on the optics. This usually annoys only the owner, but on the pictures to 99% can not be seen (Kurt Munger dirty_lens_article). If the automatic cleaning of the image sensor not even lead to the desired result, it can be assumed cost by a specialist.
Much more problematic is when dust on the image sensor of a compact camera settles, because this is on each image to see mostly as a gray spot or stain. Since the cost of repairs will usually be at the level of a new unit a mostly to get angry about bad pictures or the camera itself disassemble (which is probably for the fewest in question). The only compromise in compact cameras seems to be the acquisition of an encapsulated outdoor model as the Olympus TG-1, etc. be, can not deliver the desired sensor size, zoom focal length and image quality again.
Useful accessories
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- Hoya HMC UV Filter 49mm (UV filter & protect the lens)
- Weiss NP-FW50 Li-Ion battery (7.2 V, 950 mAh) for Sony Alpha Sony A33 / A55 / NEX-3 / NEX-5 / NEX-C3 (designed in Germany)
. - Patona 4in1 Charger for Sony NP-FW50 NEX-3 Sony NEX-5 Alpha 33 55 with 4 inputs: power cable, car adapter, USB and Micro-USB cable (works great - is not necessarily original)
- Lowepro StreamLine 100 shoulder bag for system cameras black (compact bag for the camera; it also fits the Sony SEL-55210 with pure when one puts in the lens cross and the room divider klettet across the lens and the camera then adjusts cross super mood and the display is protected by the super edge bag padding)
- Transcend Extreme Speed SDHC 32GB Class 10 memory card (up to 20MB / s read) [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]
- Housing cover and rear lens cover for Sony NEX (E bayonet)
- AtFoliX screen protector for Sony NEX-5R (3 pieces) - FX-Clear: screen protector crystal clear! Highest Quality - Made in Germany! (Best I know, investment is worth it!)
