Sony have introduced a mid-range member of its NEX enthusiast camera family, in the shape of the Alpha NEX-5R compact system camera, which offers a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor with a new hybrid AF system.
Offering 16.1 effective megapixels, the NEX-5R can shoot up to 10fps, and comes with a handy 180° tiltable LCD touchscreen.
Although the body looks similar to previous NEX releases, this latest release sees the addition of DNLA-compliant Wi-Fi and the ability to use proprietary PlayMemories Camera Apps.
The apps let users shunt images straight to Facebook (or Sony’s own PlayMemories site), and it’s also possible to use a smartphone as a remote viewfinder/trigger for the camera.
The Sony NEX-5R camera is available in the UK from mid-October 2012 in silver, black or white finishes, and sports a premium price tag of round £670 with the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS kit lens.
Sony Press Release
More imaging power, less to carry
NEX-5R compact system camera from Sony debuts “Fast Hybrid AF”, Wi-Fi and PlayMemories Camera Apps
• DLSR-quality images and Full HD video from newly-developed, large 16.1 effective megapixel APS-C image sensor
• New Fast Hybrid AF for fast and precise autofocus in any situation; DSLR-like AF tracking for shooting at up to 10 fps
• Download new features through built-in Wi-Fi with PlayMemories Camera Apps TM , the world’s first application download service*
• 180° tiltable LCD touchscreen for self-portraits with ultra- compact bodySerious picture performance, style and portability are blended beautifully in new NEX-5R compact system camera from Sony.
Combining big-sensor image quality with the freedom of interchangeable lenses, the hybrid mirrorless camera offers all the benefits of DSLR-style imaging with less to carry. A power-packed step-up from your point-and-shoot compact, it’s also a perfect second camera for photo enthusiasts who won’t compromise on image quality or control when they’re travelling light.
With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the DSLR-sized sensor assures richly detailed still photos and crisp Full HD video. It’s teamed with the powerful BIONZ image processor that ensures flawless, low-noise images – even when you’re shooting dimly-lit interiors at sensitivity settings up to ISO 25600.
In a first for interchangeable lens cameras by Sony, Fast Hybrid AF combines phase- and contrast-detection autofocus methods to suit the demands of any shooting situation. First, phase-detection AF quickly detects subject distance; then contrast-detection activates to confirm extremely fine, precise focus.
In Speed Priority Continuous mode, the NEX-5R switches automatically to phase detection tracking AF. You’ll enjoy DSLR-like focusing responses when you’re capturing fast-moving action with high-speed burst shooting at up to 10 frames per second.
From launch, Fast Hybrid AF is supported with these lenses: E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS; E 55-210mm F4-6.3 OSS; E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS; E 24mm F1.8ZA Sonnar T*. Firmware upgrades will steadily expand the range of lenses offering Fast Hybrid AF support.
Framing, adjusting, shooting and viewing images is a pleasure on the intuitive touch-screen LCD. It’s complemented by a fully-featured control dial and function button: a versatile combination for any photographer who’s accustomed to the flexibility of their DSLR camera. There’s also a new touch shutter function that makes it easier than ever to pick your perfect moment.
The clear, bright touchscreen flips through 180 degrees for easy arm’s length self-portraits. Enthusiasts will also welcome the switchable on-screen digital level gauge that helps keep horizons level with landscapes and architectural shots.
Full HD movie shooting has also been enhanced with a new Auto Slow Shutter feature that adds extra sparkle to low-light clips. The camera detects dim interiors ¬¬and night scenes, automatically switching to a slower shutter speed to brighten up your footage.
The NEX-5R is the first α interchangeable-lens digital cameras by Sony with integrated Wi-Fi capabilities for easy image sharing, saving and viewing. Photos and videos can be transferred wirelessly to any smartphone or tablet that’s running the free PlayMemories Mobile app.
Alternatively, transfer all those memories directly to a networked PC, simplifying image back-ups without having to fiddle with memory cards or connecting cables. Photos stored on the NEX-5R can also be enjoyed directly on any DLNA-compatible TV, with no HDMI cable needed. Share via your wireless access point, or bypass your router and send pictures straight from the camera to TVs supporting Wi-Fi Direct.
The NEX-5R even lets you upgrade the camera’s capabilities any time to suit your shooting needs. Brand-new PlayMemories Camera Apps is the world’s first downloadable service1 that lets you install new functions on demand. You just need to connect the camera to your PC via USB or directly over Wi-Fi to do this.
From launch, available apps include “Picture Effect+”; “Bracket Pro”; “Multi Frame NR”; “Photo Retouch”; “Smart Remote Control” and “Direct Upload”. Sony plans to provide more new apps, such as “Time-lapse” and ”Cinematic Photo” in the near future.
New accessories include the slim style Soft Carrying Case LCS-SL10 – which is the ideal camera bag to carry your spare lens and accessories for casual outdoor use – and the Screen Protect Semi Hard Sheet PCK-LM13 with anti-fingerprint coating to beautifully protect your LCD screen. For further details of the full range of lenses and accessories, please visit: http://www.sony.co.uk/nex
The new NEX-5R compact system camera from Sony is available in the UK from mid-October 2012.
* For interchangeable-lens digital cameras as of August 2012
Key specifications
Features NEX-5R
Type Digital compact system camera with interchangeable lenses
Lens Compatibility E-mount lens system. Can also use A-mount lenses with optional adaptor (continuous AF supported with LA-EA2)
Image Sensor APS-C type (23.5 x15.6 mm) Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixels
Processor BIONZ™ image processor
ISO Sensitivity Range ISO 100 – 25600 (still images)
HD movie record Full HD AVCHD Ver. 2.0 compliant / MPEG-4 AVC (H.264); MP4;
up to 1920 x 1080 50p
LCD 7.5cm (3”) wide type TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot resolution; tilts upwards approx. 180 degrees, downwards approx. 50 degrees; pressure-sensitive touch panel
Digital Zoom Clear Image Zoom: approx. 2x (still images)
Smart Zoom: approx. 1.4x/2x (still images)
Digital Zoom: approx. 4x (still images / movies)
SteadyShot™ INSIDE (Optical image stabilisation available with selected E-mount lenses)
Autofocus System Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF/contrast-detection AF); 99 focus points (phase-detection AF) / 25 focus points (contrast-detection AF);
Object Tracking AF
Picture Effect 11 types (15 variations): Posterization (Colour, B/W), Pop Colour, Retro Photo, Partial Colour (R,G,B,Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature
Continuous Burst Shooting Up to 10 frames per second (in Speed Priority mode)
Battery life (still images) Approx. 330 shots (CIPA measurement)
External flash (supplied) GN7 (in metres at ISO 100)
Other features Auto Portrait Framing and Self-Portrait; Face Detection and Smile Shutter; Superior AUTO; Sweep Panorama (2D); Auto HDR; DRO; Hand-held Twilight mode; Creative Styles; Photo Creativity interface; ; Wi-Fi; USB Charge; PlayMemories Camera Apps
Media Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo; SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 110.8 mm × 58.8 mm × 38.9 mm (excluding protrusions)
Weight Approx. 218g (body only)
Approx. 276g (with battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo)
Supplied software PlayMemories Home
Can’t get enough press releases? Here’s the US version:
NEW SONY NEX-5R CAMERA DELIVERS PROFESSIONAL IMAGING POWER AND WI-FI® CONVENIENCE IN LIGHTWEIGHT, STYLISH PACKAGE
New Compact System Camera Introduces Fast Hybrid AF and Downloadable PlayMemories Camera Apps™
SAN DIEGO, August 29, 2012 – Combining a stylish, lightweight design and the freedom of interchangeable lenses with large-sensor image quality, speedy AF and the introduction of Wi-Fi capability, the new Sony α NEX-5R compact system camera offers all the benefits of DSLR-style imaging in a more convenient, portable package with added connectivity.
The NEX-5R camera features a newly-developed 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor – identical in size to sensors found in traditional DSLR cameras – combined with a powerful BIONZ® processor to assure richly detailed still images and crisp Full HD videos in all types of lighting conditions.
In a first for Sony’s line of interchangeable lens cameras, the new NEX-5R model features “Fast Hybrid AF” autofocus technology, combining phase-detection and contrast-detection methods to ensure speedy, accurate autofocus in any shooting situation. It is also Sony’s first interchangeable lens camera with integrated Wi-Fi capabilities for easy image sharing, saving and viewing, and introduces the new concept of downloadable Camera Apps for adding creative, fun features that can be personalized to fit a photographer’s needs.
“With the NEX-5R camera, Sony brings the core strength of our consumer electronics business into play to fully support our digital imaging business. This unique combination of technology and style results in a compelling new product that strikes the ultimate balance between size and performance.” said Mike Kahn, director of the alpha interchangeable lens camera business group at Sony Electronics. “With a host of exciting, innovative new features and the same outstanding image and HD video quality that our E-mount line has become known for, the NEX-5R is an ideal choice for step-up point-and-shoot users or more serious photo enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on image quality and connectivity while traveling light.”
Fast Hybrid AF
The intuitive new “Fast Hybrid AF” autofocus technology 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.Wi-Fi Sharing and New Camera Apps
The added connectivity of the NEX-5R camera allows photos and videos to be transferred wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet running Sony’s free PlayMemories Mobile app, available on both Android™ and Apple iOS platforms. Additionally, content can be directly uploaded from the camera to Facebook® using a Wi-Fi connection and 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.
Available apps at launch, outside of “Direct Upload” as mentioned earlier, will include “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.
Shooters can also utilize the family of PlayMemories applications to transfer content directly to a networked PC, streamlining the image back-up process and avoiding the need to connect cables or transfer memory cards between devices. Additionally, they can transfer photos to any DLNA® compatible TV either through a wireless access point or any TV supporting Wi-Fi.
Added Flexibility and Functionality
Aesthetically, the new NEX-5R features a new fully programmable control dial and function button, a versatile combination for photographers accustomed to the flexibility and direct control of a DSLR camera. It also has a switchable on-screen digital level gauge that helps keep horizons level with landscapes and architectural shots.
Additionally, the new α NEX-5R model features an intuitive touch-screen LCD with a Touch Shutter function for added convenience. The clear, bright touchscreen can also flip upwards 180 degrees for easy arm’s length self-portraits.Full HD (1920×1080@60p) movie shooting is enhanced with a new Auto Slow Shutter feature, adding extra detail to low-light clips. The camera detects dim interiors and night scenes, automatically switching to a slower shutter speed to brighten footage.
New Sony α Accessories
On the α accessories front, the stylish new LCS-SL20/B soft carrying case will be compatible with the new Sony NEX-5R model as well as other E-mount camera bodies. It features four internal dividers for easy storage of camera bodies and lenses, as well as a dedicated space for a tablet. The new LCS-SL10/B soft carrying case offers two internal dividers and multiple storage pockets in a compact size.Also designed for Sony’s E-mount line is the new LCS-EME/BL, a modern, innovative sling bag. With space to accommodate an NEX and two additional lenses, the LCS-EME/BI is a perfect accessory for active photographers. Additionally, a new Screen Protect Semi-Hard sheet (model PCK-LM13) will be available that will help protect both the camera and lens of the new NEX-5R camera.
Pricing and Availability
The NEX-5R compact system camera 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.
The new camera and all compatible accessories will be available at Sony retail stores (http://www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.
Please visit http://www.blog.sony.com/nex5r for a full video preview of the new NEX-5R compact system camera and follow #SonyNEX on twitter for the latest α NEX camera news.
