Sony NEX-5R

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 28 expert reviews

Excellent:

8
Good:

17
Average:

3
Bad:

0

Pros:

Produces great images, even in low light.
Good (nonmenu) controls.
Tilting touchscreen.

Cons:

Slow autofocus.
Confusing menus.

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Last revision on August 4, 2014

Reviewers Liked

Produces great images, even in low light
Good (nonmenu) controls
Tilting touchscreen
Provides more physical controls than some of its predecessors for a more streamlined shooting design
Tilting, touch-screen LCD
Optional EVF available
Built-in Wi-Fi
Great high ISO performance
9fps burst shooting
Flip out screen
Selftimer function

Reviewers Didn't Like

Slow autofocus
Confusing menus
Silly “app store” concept
Wireless connectivity and apps "ecosystem" implementations are far less than this camera deserves
No built-in flash
So-so kit lens
No hot shoe
No dedicated battery charger
Some camera apps cost money
Small touch screen buttons
Unintuitive menu system
Lack of mode dial

Expert reviews and ratings

The Sony NEX-5R is a solid CSC that impresses with both its image quality and a strong feature-set. It’s about time Sony revisited the touch controls, however, as they’re not as easy to use as they need to be.

By TrustedReviews on September 30, 2013

Overall, the Sony NEX-5R is a very capable interchangeable lens camera. It produces very nice images and overall is thoughtfully designed. There are times that it will totally make you forget about the DSLR you have sitting in your camera bag, and is...

By Digital Trends on May 29, 2013

On paper the NEX-5R may not sound all too different from its 5N predecessor in the core areas, and in many ways it's not. But the addition of a thumbwheel and function button goes a long way to making it a better camera to use and, therefore,...

By Pocket-lint on April 29, 2013

Sony's NEX-5R is overall quite a minor update to the old NEX-5N--but the changes that are there really count. The WiFi transmission feature is really quite cool for photographers, journalists or enthusiasts that need to shoot and share on the spot. The...

By DigitalCameraReview on February 27, 2013

The Sony NEX-5R is the update to the 5N, with the most exciting upgrade being the built-in Wi-Fi which allows you to share and edit images via apps, as well as utilising your smartphone or tablet as a remote release as well. Picture quality is...

By ePHOTOzine on February 06, 2013

The Sony NEX-R5 shows how compact system cameras are really coming into their own. The design doesn't have to rely on retro chic, but instead uses modern research and development to create a compact body shape that both fits the electronics and also...

By TechRadar AU on February 01, 2013

100

An inspired update to its excellent predecessor, and an unequivocal Best Buy...

By Expert Reviews on January 29, 2013

Perhaps that was true last year, when Sony introduced the 5N. This time around, the company has revisited the model and upgraded it with the NEX-5R. The 5R is very similar to the 5N — it has the same photographic capabilities (16-megapixel APS-C sensor,...

By The Verge on December 17, 2012

It's a great camera choice for high-quality stills and a streamlined shooting design under $800, but the Sony Alpha NEX-5R falls short when it comes to sharing your shots...

By CNET Australia on December 11, 2012

The third generation of Sony NEX cameras to feature the same large APS-C sensor as found in its Alpha DSLRs, the brings with it new wireless transfer abilities and compatibility with downloadable Sony ‘apps’, plus not only a back screen that can be...

By Macworld Australia on December 06, 2012

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