Sony NEX-5R
Sony · Mirrorless · 16.1 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | NEX-5R |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 29, 2012 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 111 x 59 x 39 mm |
| Camera weight | 276 g |
Optics55/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony NEX-5R, a mirrorless camera, receives a score of 53 out of 100. Measuring 111 x 59 x 39mm and weighing 276g (0.61lbs), the NEX-5R has decent specifications for its time. However, considering today’s market, the camera’s specifications may not be as competitive. Despite its age, the Sony NEX-5R can still be a suitable choice for those seeking a lightweight and compact option. Sony NEX-5R Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony NEX-5R receive a score of 55/100. This camera features a 16.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, paired with a Bionz processor, which results in a DXOMARK score of 78 for the sensor. The shooting speed is 10 frames per second, and the camera has a Sony E lens mount. However, it does not have image stabilization, and its aspect ratio is 3:2. When comparing the optics of the Sony NEX-5R to other cameras in today’s market, it falls short in some areas. The lack of image stabilization can be limiting for photographers, as it may result in shaky images when shooting handheld. Additionally, the 16.1-megapixel resolution is lower than many current cameras, which can offer 24 megapixels or more. Despite these limitations, the Sony NEX-5R is still a viable option for photographers who value a compact camera with a decent sensor and shooting speed. Its optics may not be the best in the market, but it has enough features to satisfy the needs of many users. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4912 x 3264 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 990300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | None |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video56/100 | |
About the VideoThe video capabilities of the Sony NEX-5R score a 56 out of 100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 and a frame rate of 60fps. However, it lacks built-in time-lapse functionality. In today’s market, the Sony NEX-5R’s video specifications are decent, but not outstanding. Many competitors now offer 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse features. The NEX-5R’s Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate are sufficient for casual videographers, but may not meet the demands of professionals or enthusiasts seeking higher quality footage. The Sony NEX-5R is a suitable choice for those who prioritize photography over videography. However, for users seeking advanced video capabilities, other cameras on the market may better meet their needs. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | AVCHD, MP4 |
Features54/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony NEX-5R scores a 54/100 in the features department. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 920,000 dots, this camera offers a decent display. The touchscreen capability and flip screen add to its user-friendliness, making it convenient for capturing images from various angles. However, the camera lacks GPS and Bluetooth connectivity, which are common features in today’s market. The presence of Wi-Fi is a positive aspect, allowing users to transfer images and control the camera remotely. Despite its shortcomings, the Sony NEX-5R still offers a range of useful features. While it may not be the most advanced camera in the market, it serves as a practical option for those seeking a user-friendly and reliable device for capturing memories. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 9200001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe storage and battery score for the Sony NEX-5R is 21/100. This camera has one memory card slot and accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. However, it lacks the convenience of multiple card slots. The battery life of the NEX-5R is 330 shots per charge, with an NPFW50 battery type. Unfortunately, this camera does not support USB charging. In the current market, the Sony NEX-5R’s storage and battery specifications are not impressive. The limited memory card slots and lack of USB charging make it less convenient for users. The 330-shot battery life is also on the lower end compared to other cameras. The NEX-5R’s storage and battery capabilities could be improved to better meet the needs of today’s photographers. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NPFW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 330 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |