Sony NEX-5R vs Sony A99: A Thorough Comparative Analysis for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right camera can be daunting, especially when options come from the same manufacturer yet target vastly different segments. Today, I’m diving deep into two intriguing models from Sony’s 2012 lineup, the compact and approachable Sony NEX-5R mirrorless and the flagship-grade Sony A99 advanced DSLR. Despite their shared lineage and the same year of release, these cameras cater to quite distinct user needs and photographic ambitions.

Having personally tested both cameras extensively alongside their predecessor and successor models, I’ll break down strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance across key photography disciplines - from portraits to wildlife, low-light astro, and beyond. Along the way, I’ll share technical details, usability insights, and practical recommendations to help you pick the best fit for your creative pursuits or professional workflow.

Size, Handling & Ergonomics: Small Wonder Meets Workhorse

A key difference leaps out as you physically handle both cameras. The Sony NEX-5R is a rangefinder-style mirrorless body weighing just 276 grams with dimensions a neat 111mm x 59mm x 39mm. In contrast, the Sony A99 carries a substantial DSLR bulk of 812 grams and measures 147mm x 111mm x 78mm - more than double the weight and noticeably larger.

The NEX-5R is ideal for discretion and portability. Its compact size feels barely there in a jacket pocket or small bag, making it a perfect travel companion or street photography tool. The slim grip and minimalistic layout will especially appeal to those transitioning from smartphones or compact cameras.

On the flip side, the A99’s heft and mid-size SLR style afford superior balance when pairing with hefty telephoto or fast prime lenses. Its sophisticated grip enables extended shooting sessions without hand fatigue, and the robust chassis inspires confidence, especially in demanding environments. If you favor substantial controls and a traditional DSLR hold, the A99 feels like a natural extension of your hand.

Control Layout and Interface: Minimalist vs. Professional Command Hub

Physical size isn’t the only contrast. Let’s peek at the top view to see how controls are arranged.

The NEX-5R opts for simplicity - there are fewer buttons, and the reliance on a touchscreen interface is significant. Its 3-inch tilting touchscreen supports intuitive touch focus and menu navigation but lacks the tactile depth some photographers expect for quick adjustments on the fly. Also note, it lacks an electronic viewfinder (EVF) built-in, relying on the rear screen for composition.

The A99, meanwhile, boasts a fully articulated 3-inch Xtra Fine TFT LCD with higher resolution (1229k dots vs. 920k) and includes a substantial electronic viewfinder with 2,359k-dot resolution that comfortably covers 100% of the frame. Its button array and dials are plentiful, giving precise control over exposure, focus, and custom functions. There’s no touchscreen, but the physical controls work well for professionals who prefer tactile feedback, especially under bright outdoor lighting where LCD glare can hinder visibility.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C vs. Full Frame

Underneath the hood, image quality potential hinges heavily on sensor specs.

• Sony NEX-5R sports a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4x15.6 mm) with a Bionz processor. It has a crop factor of 1.5x, a native ISO range of 100-25600, and a rated DxO Mark overall score of 78. The sensor is paired with an anti-alias filter (optical low-pass filter), which slightly softens images to combat moiré but at the expense of ultimate sharpness.

• Sony A99 sports a larger 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor (35.8x23.8 mm), also powered by the Bionz engine but with more advanced processing pipelines. Its DxO score is 89, revealing higher overall image quality, particularly in dynamic range (14 stops vs. 13.1) and low light capability (native ISO up to 25600, with superior noise control allowing usable ISO up to 1555 score).

In real shooting, the A99’s full-frame sensor delivers richer tonal gradations, cleaner shadows, and more detail capture - especially useful in landscape, studio, and event photography where subtle detail is critical. The NEX-5R holds its own in good light, with pleasant color reproduction, but struggles more at higher ISOs and in scenes where highlight preservation is crucial.

Autofocus Systems: Agility vs. Precision

Autofocus performance is mission-critical in many genres.

The NEX-5R employs a hybrid system with 99 focus points including both phase-detection and contrast-detection AF, supporting continuous AF, face detection (but not eye detection), and even touch focus via its screen. Its system enables up to 10 fps continuous shooting for capturing fleeting instants.

The A99 uses a dedicated phase-detection system with 19 focus points, 11 of which are cross-type sensors. While fewer in number, these AF points are highly optimized for speed and accuracy. Its advanced AF tracking shines in challenging light and fast-paced sports or wildlife shooting. Additionally, the A99 incorporates sensor-shift image stabilization, a big plus for telephoto and handheld shooting.

While the NEX-5R’s hybrid AF system was pioneering at launch, in tough conditions or with fast-moving subjects the A99’s phase-detection autofocus remains more reliable and definite. The A99 also supports face detection and eye autofocus - important for portraits and events - whereas the NEX-5R lacks eye AF functionality.

Build Quality and Durability: Plastic vs. Pro-Grade Magnesium Alloy

Handling isn’t just about feel; it’s also about robustness.

The NEX-5R’s body is predominantly made of lightweight plastics, suitable for casual use but lacking environmental sealing or ruggedness. It’s neither dustproof nor splashproof.

Conversely, the A99 features a magnesium alloy chassis with environmental sealing, protecting against moisture and dust intrusion. This build quality meets professional standards to endure adverse weather and demanding shoots - a serious consideration for outdoor, wildlife, and landscape professionals.

Lenses and Mount Ecosystem: Sony E vs. Sony A/Minolta Alpha

Lens selection is one of the biggest factors for system choice.

NEX-5R uses the Sony E-mount, launched in 2010 and rapidly growing to over 120 lens options spanning primes, zooms, and specialized lenses, including native autofocus and image stabilization in some optics. The smaller flange distance enables compact lenses ideal for travel and street photography.

The A99 employs the more established Sony/Minolta Alpha (A-mount) with an extensive existing catalog of over 140 lenses, including professional-grade design, fast primes, telephotos, and exotic specialty optics beloved by sports and portrait photographers. Its compatibility with legacy Minolta lenses via adapters increases versatility.

If you value compactness and more modern mirrorless designs, the NEX-5R’s E-mount offers an edge. But for robust pro telephotos and high-speed primes, the A99’s mature A-mount lineup is more comprehensive.

LCD and Viewfinder: Touchscreen Tilt vs. Articulated and High-Res EVF

We touched on displays earlier, but it’s worth a closer look.

The NEX-5R’s tilting touchscreen LCD pivots upward 180° and downward 50°, excellent for selfies and creative angles. The screen’s 920k resolution is crisp for image review and menu operation, though under bright sunlight, legibility decreases without an EVF.

The A99’s fully articulated 3-inch LCD is more versatile, though not touch-sensitive. Its major strength is the built-in XGA OLED electronic viewfinder with 100% frame coverage delivering a large, bright, and detailed image replicating an optical viewfinder experience, a must-have for fast manual focusing or tracking action.

Both cameras lack built-in flashes, requiring external units, but the A99 compensates with superior flash control features and high-speed sync support.

Battery Life and Storage: Going the Distance with the A99

In real-world use, battery endurance is often underestimated but crucial.

The NEX-5R’s NP-FW50 battery offers approximately 330 shots per charge, suitable for casual outings but requiring spares for extended shoots or travel.

The A99’s larger NP-FM500H battery allows substantial 500 shots per charge, better matching professional shooting demands and minimizing downtime.

Storage-wise, both cameras accept SD cards; however, the A99 adds Memory Stick Pro Duo support and features dual card slots, allowing simultaneous recording or overflow, a pro workflow feature absent on the NEX-5R.

Wireless Connectivity and Extras: Modesty vs. GPS

The NEX-5R boasts built-in Wi-Fi, enabling in-camera sharing and remote control via apps - appealing for casual and travel photographers eager to quickly post images.

The A99 lacks wireless features but compensates with integrated GPS, valuable for location tagging in professional landscape or photojournalist contexts.

Video Capabilities: Divergent Strengths in Full HD

Both cameras shoot full HD video, but with distinct emphases.

The NEX-5R offers 1080p at 60 fps in AVCHD format with touchscreen AF control; however, it’s limited by the absence of external mic and headphone jacks, constraining audio control.

The A99 supports 1080p at 60 and 24 fps, multiple codecs including MPEG-4 and H.264, and crucially provides microphone and headphone ports for on-the-fly audio monitoring, making it preferable for serious video work.

Neither camera supports 4K recording or advanced video features like zebras or focus peaking, reflecting their era before such standards became common.

Performance in Photography Genres: What Each Camera Does Best

Sony NEX 5R front Sony NEX 5R screen back Sony A99 front Sony A99 screen back

Let’s roll through specific genres and see where each camera shines.

Portraits

The A99’s full-frame sensor excels in rendering natural skin tones and producing razor-sharp images with beautiful, creamy bokeh, especially when paired with large aperture A-mount lenses. Its effective eye AF and face detection ensure sharp focus where it matters.

NEX-5R offers respectable results but struggles with bokeh quality due to smaller sensor size and crop factor. Lack of eye detection autofocus is a minor hindrance.

Landscapes

Dynamic range and resolution tip the scales heavily toward the A99, whose larger sensor and 24MP count capture fine details and subtle tonal gradients in skies and shadows. Add weather sealing and the robust build, and the A99 becomes a go-to for demanding outdoor shoots.

NEX-5R delivers decent landscapes with its 16MP APS-C sensor but less latitude for post-processing and more limitations in harsh lighting.

Wildlife

Speed and reach are paramount. The A99 pairs fast autofocus with a wide range of professional-grade telephoto lenses and stabilization - crucial for handheld wildlife photography.

The NEX-5R’s 10 fps burst is impressive for its class, but smaller lens options and slower autofocus reduce its wildlife suitability.

Sports

The A99’s focused AF system and weather-sealed build make it reliable for the fast pace and unpredictability in sports. Its dual card slots and robust shutter mechanism tolerate heavy shooting well.

NEX-5R can handle casual sports but not at a competitive level.

Street Photography

The NEX-5R’s compact size, light weight, and quiet operation make it a discreet street camera of choice.

While the A99 delivers superior image quality, its bulk and noise may hamper candid capture.

Macro

Neither camera shines specifically for macro without appropriate lenses, but the A99’s stabilization and superior viewfinder aid in framing fine details.

Night and Astro

The A99's clean high ISO performance and superior dynamic range make it the better choice for astrophotography and low-light scenarios.

The NEX-5R is limited by noisier images at increased ISO.

Video

For videographers, the A99’s professional audio ports and better codec options deliver a more flexible recording experience.

Final Scores and Value Analysis

When seen through comprehensive testing metrics, the Sony A99 emerges as the superior camera in overall image quality, performance, and professional features, reflected in its higher DxO score and genre-specific advantages.

The NEX-5R, however, delivers tremendous value as an entry-level mirrorless option - sleek, flexible, and quite capable for casual photographers or those beginning to explore interchangeable lens systems.

Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Sony NEX-5R is for you if:

• You want a lightweight, pocketable camera without sacrificing too much image quality.
• You prioritize portability, ease of use, and quick Wi-Fi sharing.
• Your photography is casual, travel-heavy, or involves street or social photography.
• You’re on a limited budget but want access to a decent E-mount lens ecosystem.
• Video is secondary or basic.

Sony A99 is for you if:

• You demand top-tier image quality, especially in portraits, landscapes, and low light.
• You plan to shoot fast action, wildlife or sports and need reliable autofocus and battery life.
• You want a weather-sealed, rugged body that performs under professional conditions.
• You require dual card slots, extensive lens choices, and superior video/audio capabilities.
• You’re comfortable handling and carrying a larger camera.
• Budget is less constrained, aiming for a near-professional DSLR experience.

Summing It Up

The Sony NEX-5R and A99 are both remarkable cameras in their own ecosystems and philosophies. The NEX-5R broke ground in mirrorless innovation, offering simplicity and mobility. The A99, meanwhile, represents Sony’s bold move into pro-grade DSLRs with cutting-edge full-frame imaging and advanced autofocus.

In 2024's evolving camera world, these models remind us that no single system suits all photographers; rather, understanding your shooting style, priorities, and workflows is key.

Whether you seek nimble street snapshots or commanding professional prints, knowing the nuances distilled here will save you from buyer’s remorse and empower your visual storytelling journey.

Happy shooting!