Sony NEX-5R
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 276g - 111 x 59 x 39mm
- Launched August 2012
- Old Model is Sony NEX-5N
- Renewed by Sony NEX-5T
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
89 Imaging
57 Features
76 Overall
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Sony NEX-5R overview
Sony NEX-5R is Sony's Entry-Level Mirrorless camera originally introduced on August of 2012. The camera features a 16MP, CMOS APS-C size sensor with a peak resolution of 4912 x 3264.
Sony released this camera to upgrade the older Sony NEX-5N (Read Full Comparison) and subsequently launched the updated Sony NEX-5T (Read Full Comparison) to upgrade this model.
The NEX-5R is scored #42 out of 117 in Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and all around #250 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. You can try our Smart camera finder to find camera rankings based on your custom criteria.
Here is a diagram of various criteria used in the scoring system.
Sony NEX-5R family
The Sony NEX-5R is part of a family of digital cameras. You can read the full list underneath.
Sony NEX-5R Gallery
You can view the NEX-5R from various angles in the gallery below.
Sony NEX-5R Pros and Cons
Here is a checklist of positives and negatives of the Sony NEX-5R based on features which are usually seen as useful in a camera.
Sony NEX-5R Sensor specs
The Sony NEX-5R houses the Bionz processor. The sensor spec on the Sony NEX-5R is 23.4mm x 15.6mm (APS-C). The 365 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4912 x 3264 pixels with aspect ratios of 3:2 and 16:9.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneThe CMOS sensor boasts 16MP and includes a native ISO range of 100 to 25600. RAW photos are supported so you have more room to maneuver in post.
The image underneath illustrates the NEX-5R's sensor size compared to other common sizes. The NEX-5R sensor comes with a crop factor of 1.5 and is pointed out in green.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthTo get an idea of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.
Sony NEX-5R dimensions
Sony NEX-5R weighs about 0.61 lbs (276 grams / 9.74 oz) and features exterior dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5"). The weight of general Entry-Level Mirrorless camera is 329 grams and the Sony NEX-5R is lighter than other competitors.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsHere is a image of the Sony NEX-5R with a softdrink so you're able to have a feel for its size.
The top view underneath will highlight the button layout on the NEX-5R.
Sony NEX-5R Lens details
The NEX-5R works with the Sony E mount and has 170 lenses available in the market. Here is a small number of the lenses we have in our database that will work with the NEX-5R.
Sony NEX-5R Connectivity
The NEX-5R has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- Wireless Yes
- HDMI Yes
Cameras which have NFC and Bluetooth compatibility are able to be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You are able to copy pictures and in some cases change camera settings with no need to connect straight with the camera.
A few apps also enable a Liveview and press the shutter if you aren't close to the camera. If the camera comes with a HDMI out, it can easily be hooked up to an external screen. A good number of cameras enable you to charge the battery with the USB socket.
Sony NEX-5R Video details
The highest video quality on the Sony NEX-5R is 1920 x 1080 and it can save in AVCHD format. 1080p quality can provide a good balance for quality versus file size but FULL HD will not leave you with much room to crop. The body doesn't include a mic and headphone socket so you have zero control over your audio. It is probably a better idea to look into a different model in case you want better audio in your video clips.
Sony NEX-5R Weather Sealing
Sony NEX-5R doesn't have weather proofing so wet conditions can easily ruin the camera.
Sony NEX-5R Display and Viewfinder
The Sony NEX-5R features a 3 inch tilting display screen with a resolution of 920 thousand dots.
Additionally the display screen is touch friendly so you can easily set focus points as well as adjust settings with your fingers.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsThe ViewFinder specifications regarding Sony NEX-5R are the following:
- ViewFinder Electronic (optional)
Viewfinders are quite handy for sunny outdoor conditions which will make the camera display washed out and very difficult to view.
Sony NEX-5R Shutter details
Sony NEX-5R continuous shooting rate is 10.0 frames per second. The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds.
Sony NEX-5R Flash and Hot shoe details
Sony NEX-5R has got external flash ability but is without built-in flash. The max flash sync is 1/160 seconds.
Sony NEX-5R Autofocusing details
Sony NEX-5R has got both Phase Detect AF along with Contrast Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more faster & precise than Contrast Detect autofocusing.
The Sensor features 99 focus points to choose from. Sony NEX-5R has touch to focus. You can easily use your fingers to adjust focus. It also features Tracking AF for objects on the move. Sony NEX-5R features manual focus when required for low light scenarios or you want more accurate focus control.
Sony NEX-5R Battery life
The battery power (NPFW50) on the Sony NEX-5R is designed to last for 330 shots according to the CIPA standards making it on par with its competitors. The typical Entry-Level Mirrorless camera battery life is 343. Fujifilm X-S20 offers the highest (750) battery life for this class of cameras.
Below is a collection of Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras that have the highest battery life:
Sony NEX-5R for various types of photography
The following illustration gives a summation of the Sony NEX-5R for various types of photography. To see more, scroll to the specific paragraph underneath.
Sony NEX-5R Portrait photography information
The Sony NEX-5R gets a points tally of 74 which is above average, and means the camera is a very decent fit for portrait photos. Shooting portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor resolution, RAW support in addition to the capability to use external flash.
Sony NEX-5R Street photography info
Coming in at a superb score of 80, the Sony NEX-5R is a fantastic fit for street photography. A very good street photography camera features a fine balance of image quality and portability.
Sony NEX-5R Sports photography advice
A above average sports photography points total of 68 indicates the Sony NEX-5R is a fine choice for shooting sports. A camera needs fantastic focusing plus fast shutter speeds for sports photography.
Sony NEX-5R Travel photography advice
Portability is extremely crucial when buying a travel camera. On the whole, the Sony NEX-5R gets a above average 73 as a travel camera which is a fine option to buy for your vacations.
Landscape photography with Sony NEX-5R
For those who are planning to purchase a digital camera for landscape photos, the biggest factor will no doubt be image quality. The Sony NEX-5R and it's nice score of 75 as a landscape camera is a fine choice within the current marketplace.
Sony NEX-5R Vlogging details
A vlogging camera ought to posses a articulating display, mic input and preferably image stabilization. Considering everything, the Sony NEX-5R is not really very good for vlogging as it delivers a terrible score of 31.
Sony NEX-5R Alternatives
If you are trying to find alternatives to the NEX-5R, below is a selection of the highest placed cameras that fall within the family of Entry-Level Mirrorless.
The graph underneath offers you a bird's eye view of the NEX-5R compared to it's highest rated competitors shown previously.
Following are several cameras you may look at as alternatives. To read a comprehensive comparison, click the "compare" link.