Sony NEX-5R

The Sony NEX-5R is a compact mirrorless camera released in 2012. It pairs an APS-C sensor with the Sony E mount, so you can swap lenses to suit the subject while the body stays small at 111 by 59 by 39 millimetres and 276 grams.

That combination suits travellers and everyday photographers who want interchangeable lenses without the bulk of a larger camera. Casual video is also on the cards, with Full HD recording available.

Day to day, you compose on the 3-inch touchscreen, and the camera also carries built-in WiFi.

A 16.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor produces files with enough detail for prints and room to crop. The Bionz processor drives the camera's image pipeline, and the E mount lets you fit lenses to match the subject.

The maximum burst of 10 frames per second is a peak figure rather than a promise of sustained shooting. There are 99 autofocus points for placing focus, and the shutter reaches 1/4000 second, which covers most daylight situations.

Sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to 25600, giving options when light fades. There is no in-body stabilisation, so unless the lens itself stabilises, sharp handheld work in dim conditions depends on your technique or a support. With no viewfinder fitted, composition happens on the rear screen.

Its modest Optics score of 55 places it around the middle of cameras in our database for Optics. Autofocus points and burst rate score well, while the absent in-body stabilisation and a modest maximum ISO hold the total back.

Full HD is the highest recording resolution available, and the maximum frame rate reaches 60 frames per second. There is no 4K option for anyone wanting higher resolution output from their movies.

Footage records in either AVCHD or MP4, so you have a choice of two file formats for your movies.

The tilting screen helps with handheld framing at low or high angles while recording. There is no built-in timelapse mode, so interval sequences are not offered in camera.

The modest Video score of 56 reflects these limits: the resolution ceiling and the absent built-in timelapse cost points, while the 60 fps maximum frame rate scores better. Anyone wanting output beyond Full HD will need to look elsewhere.

Composition and review happen on a 3-inch LCD with 920,000 dots, a reasonably detailed view for checking focus. The screen tilts, which helps at waist level or overhead, and touch input offers a direct way to control the camera.

WiFi is built in for wireless connectivity, but there is no Bluetooth. GPS is also absent, so the camera itself provides no location tagging.

No flash is built into the body, but an external flash can be fitted, which suits anyone happy to carry one. The camera also lacks weather sealing, so keep it away from rain and dust.

The Features score of 54 is modest. The screen, touch input and live view score strongly, while missing weather sealing and Bluetooth cost points.

A single slot accepts SD, SDHC and SDXC cards as well as Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo media. With no second slot, capacity is limited to one card at a time.

The NP-FW50 battery is rated at 330 shots. That figure is a rating rather than a guarantee of real-world endurance, so consider a spare battery for longer days.

There is no USB charging, so the battery cannot be recharged through a USB cable. Plan around mains access between shoots.

The Storage and Battery score of 21 is limited. A modest battery rating, no second card slot and no USB charging all cost points, so plan capacity and power for longer outings.