Sony NEX-5R vs. Sony NEX-5T: An Expert Comparison for Emerging Photographers and Enthusiasts

Choosing your next mirrorless camera can be challenging, especially when models share many core traits but differ in nuanced ways. The Sony NEX-5R and Sony NEX-5T both hail from Sony’s early APS-C mirrorless line, designed as entry-level rangefinder-style cameras to appeal to photographers seeking powerful image quality in a compact package. We’ve spent hours hands-on testing both cameras in varied conditions and genres, dissecting their performance and features to bring you a detailed, practical comparison.

Whether you are beginning your creative journey, upgrading from a smartphone or compact, or need an affordable backup body, understanding how these cameras stack up in real-life situations will help you make an informed choice tailored to your needs. Let’s dig into their capabilities with fresh eyes and expert scrutiny.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Physical Design

Both the NEX-5R and NEX-5T share the same compact, lightweight body style that made Sony’s E-mount rangefinder design so popular for small-system shooters. Measuring approximately 111 x 59 x 39 mm and weighing a mere 276 grams without lens or accessories, these cameras can slip easily into backpacks or large pockets, making them excellent travel companions.

Sony refined ergonomics slightly from the NEX-5R to the NEX-5T, but neither camera boasts extensive physical controls or grip enhancements. They rely heavily on touchscreen operation and menu navigation, which we will discuss further down.

What You Need to Know:

• Both feature tilting 3-inch LCDs with robust 920+ resolution offering excellent clarity for composing and reviewing images.
• The NEX-5T adds a selfie-friendly (flip-up) tilting screen mechanism versus the NEX-5R’s tilt, beneficial for vloggers or front-facing shooting.
• Neither camera offers built-in electronic viewfinders; opting for an external accessory is necessary for eye-level composing, especially outdoors in bright sunlight.
• Buttons and dials are cleanly arranged but minimalistic - perfect for beginners but potentially limiting for speedy manual operation.

The top-view controls are near-identical, with shutter release, mode dial, and zoom lever grouped efficiently. Both lack illuminated or customizable buttons, so getting familiar with menus is essential.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sony equipped both cameras with 16 MP APS-C CMOS sensors measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm - the same sensor size as many mid-range DSLRs - offering a solid balance between resolution and noise control.

Real-World Image Quality:

• The sensors deliver crisp, detailed images ideal for large prints or cropping.
• Both cameras include an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré but may slightly soften micro-detail.
• The maximum native sensitivity stretches to ISO 25600, but usable low-light performance typically maxes out around ISO 1600–3200 before noise becomes intrusive.
• Sony’s Bionz processor handles image rendering with pleasing colors and contrast, especially with RAW format support available.

The NEX-5T exhibits a very slight edge in low-light ISO performance and fast autofocus (addressed below) but the difference is subtle in normal daylight conditions.

Autofocus Systems: Responsiveness and Precision

Fast, reliable autofocus is a key driver for mirrorless systems and often determines a camera’s usefulness in action and candid shooting.

Sony NEX-5R:

• Features a hybrid autofocus system combining contrast and phase-detection points.
• Has 99 focus points, but no phase-detection cross points reported.
• Lacks face or eye detection AF.
• Touchscreen and on-sensor phase detection enable decent speed and accuracy.

Sony NEX-5T:

• Maintains the 99-point hybrid AF but adds 25 cross-type phase-detection points enhancing precision.
• Introduces afface detection, which is a boon for portrait and street photographers.
• Offers continuous AF tracking with improved speed, useful for moving subjects.

In practical tests, the NEX-5T’s autofocus is noticeably snappier when tracking subjects, particularly during video or burst shooting, and its face detection improves subject acquisition in unpredictable settings such as street or event photography.

Video Capabilities: More than Just Stills

As content creators increasingly blend photo and video work, understanding the video specs is vital.

The NEX-5T broadens video format support, adding MPEG-4 and H.264 to the AVCHD standard found in the 5R, providing more flexibility for editing workflows. Frame rate options also increase with progressive and interlaced 60p/60i modes and a 24p cinematic mode. Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, so external audio control requires workarounds.

For vloggers, the NEX-5T’s selfie-flip screen combined with improved autofocus and video codec options make it a more versatile choice, despite the absence of in-body image stabilization.

Connectivity and Storage: Sharing and Capacity

Both cameras support Wi-Fi connectivity built-in, allowing wireless image transfer to smartphones or computers via Sony's proprietary apps, a significant convenience for sharing on the go.

The NEX-5T adds NFC support, making quick wireless connections with compatible Android devices easier. Both cameras require class 10 or faster SD cards to optimize burst shooting and video recording.

Battery Performance and Storage

Both the NEX-5R and NEX-5T use the Sony NPFW50 battery pack, delivering approximately 330 shots per charge under typical conditions, which is modest by today’s standards but typical for compact mirrorless bodies of their era.

You’ll want to carry spare batteries if you plan all-day shoots, especially for burst-intensive or video-heavy use.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged build features.

The compact plastic body construction feels sturdy but is vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions. Handle both with care in inclement weather or rough terrain, especially if you shoot landscapes or wildlife outdoors.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Sony’s E-mount is supported by over 120 native lenses, offering an impressive range from affordable primes to professional zooms (Sony and third-party brands like Sigma, Tamron, etc.).

Both cameras are compatible with the same lens lineup, including:

• Fast primes for portraits and low-light work
• Wide angles for landscapes and street shooting
• Telephoto lenses suited for wildlife and sports

While neither camera provides in-body image stabilization (IBIS), many Sony E lenses feature optical stabilization to counteract handshake.

Putting the Cameras to Work: Use Case Analysis

Let’s explore how these cameras fare across photography disciplines, with expert insights from our extensive hands-on testing.

Portrait Photography

• NEX-5T advantage: Face detection autofocus helps keep eyes sharp, crucial for portraits.
• Both deliver lovely skin tones and subtle bokeh with fast prime lenses.
• Lack of high native ISO limits indoor and dim light portrait capabilities without flash.
• No built-in flash means external help is needed in low light.

Recommendation: NEX-5T is a stronger portrait tool for casual and social photography.

Landscape Photography

• 16 MP resolution and 13 EV dynamic range capture fine detail and broad tonal range.
• APS-C sensor size allows wider lens options than micro 4/3 sensors.
• Neither camera has weatherproofing, so use caution outdoors.
• Tilting screen aids composing from low or awkward angles.

Recommendation: Both cameras perform comparably here; bring a sturdy tripod for best results.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Burst shooting at 10 fps in both cameras aids capturing fast action.
• NEX-5T’s improved AF tracking and phase detection cross points give faster, more reliable focus on moving subjects.
• Lack of built-in EVF and small body size can make tracking tough in bright light.

Recommendation: NEX-5T better suits wildlife and sports shooters on a budget, especially with telephoto lenses.

Street Photography

• Compact size and tilt screen ideal for candid shooting.
• NEX-5T’s selfie-flip screen and face detection assist for discrete, quick shots.
• Silent shutter not supported, potentially limiting stealth in noise-sensitive situations.

Recommendation: Both cameras are well suited, but NEX-5T’s enhancements give street photographers marginal advantages.

Macro Photography

• No specialized macro features or focus stacking, but both support manual focus precision.
• Lack of in-body stabilization means a tripod or lens with OIS is recommended for sharp results.

Recommendation: Good for casual macro; serious macro shooters may need dedicated gear.

Night and Astro Photography

• APS-C sensor offers decent noise performance, but ISO performance is limited; NEX-5T slightly better.
• No long bulb exposure mode natively; 30s max shutter speed.
• Use manual mode and sturdy tripod for astrophotography.

Recommendation: Suitable for entry-level night shots; consider dedicated astro cams for advanced work.

Video Content Creation

• Full HD 60p video provides smooth motion capture.
• NEX-5T supports multiple file formats and has better codec compatibility.
• Selfie-flip screen on 5T perfect for vloggers or YouTubers.
• No microphone port hinders external audio quality.

Recommendation: NEX-5T is clearly the better video camera here.

Travel Photography

• Lightweight, small size, and tilt LCD make both excellent travel companions.
• NEX-5T’s NFC and selfie screen add convenience when traveling solo.
• Battery life limits day-long shooting without swap or charger.

Recommendation: NEX-5T edges out for travel ease and sharing.

Professional Use and Workflow

• RAW image support ensures flexibility in post-processing.
• Fast USB 2.0 transfer is slow by contemporary standards.
• No built-in GPS or ruggedness limits reliability in some professional situations.
• Both capture quality resulting in usable files for client work, especially portraits and landscapes.

Sony NEX 5R front Sony NEX 5R screen back Sony NEX 5T front Sony NEX 5T screen back

In our studio and field comparisons, both deliver appealing images - NEX-5T's slight autofocus improvements give it the edge in dynamic scenes.

Summary Scores and Value Assessment

Below is an overview of numeric ratings reflecting overall performance.

Notably, both share the same DxOMark overall score of 78, confirming their parity in core imaging capabilities despite feature improvements in the newer NEX-5T.

Genre-Specific Rankings for the NEX-5R and NEX-5T

This chart highlights the NEX-5T’s incremental but impactful gains in video, autofocus-reliant genres (wildlife, sports), and ease of use for street and travel photography.

Making the Right Choice: Our Recommendations

Final Thoughts: An Entry-Level Pair that Holds Its Ground

Though nearly identical on paper, the Sony NEX-5T’s incremental improvements in autofocus, video capability, and user interface genuinely enhance your creative experience. For the price, it represents better value for most new users and enthusiasts moving into mirrorless cameras.

The NEX-5R, as its predecessor, remains capable - delivering high-quality images in a pocketable form - but lacks the face detection and video finesse increasingly important today.

No matter which you select, both cameras open doors to Sony’s robust E-mount ecosystem, enabling you to grow your photographic skills and invest for years.

We encourage you to get hands-on with both if possible - feel their balance, test the menus, and imagine your shoots with each. Your optimal pick depends on your shooting style, budget, and which features most inspire your creative vision.

Helpful Links & Accessories to Explore:

• Sony E-mount lenses for portraits and landscapes
• External flashes for improved lighting control
• Tripods and stabilizers for macro and night work
• Wireless SD cards and remote apps for faster sharing

Discover, experiment, create - the Sony NEX-5R and NEX-5T are reliable companions inviting you into the world of mirrorless photography with confidence. Happy shooting!