#mirror less

More imaging power, less to carry

29 August 2012

NEX-5R compact system camera from Sony debuts “Fast Hybrid AF”, Wi-Fi and PlayMemories Camera Apps

DSLR-quality images and Full HD video from newly-developed, large 16.1 effective megapixelAPS-C image sensor

New Fast Hybrid AF for optimal fast and precise autofocus in any situation; DSLR-like AF tracking for shooting at up to 10 fps

Download new features with PlayMemories Camera Apps TM , the world’s first application download service*

Easy image sharing through Wi-Fi

180° tiltable LCD screen for self-portraits with ultra- compact body

Intuitive touch screen including Touch Shutter function plus intuitive operation with control dial and Fn (function) button

Serious picture performance, style and portability are blended beautifully in new NEX-5R compact system camera from Sony. Combining big-sensor image quality with the freedom of interchangeable lenses, the hybrid mirrorless camera offers all the benefits of DSLR-style imaging with less to carry. A power-packed step-up from your point-and-shoot compact, it’s also a perfect second camera for photo enthusiasts who won’t compromise on image quality or control when they’re travelling light. With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the DSLR-sized sensor assures richly detailed still photos and crisp Full HD video. It’s teamed with the powerful BIONZ image processor that ensures flawless, low-noise images – even when you’re shooting dimly-lit interiors at sensitivity settings up to ISO 25600. In a first for interchangeable lens cameras by Sony, Fast Hybrid AF combines phase- and contrast-detection autofocus methods to suit the demands of any shooting situation. First, phase-detection AF quickly detects subject distance; then contrast-detection activates to confirm extremely fine, precise focus. In Speed Priority Continuous mode, the NEX-5R switches automatically to phase detection tracking AF. You’ll enjoy DSLR-like focusing responses when you’re capturing fast-moving action with high-speed burst shooting at up to 10 frames per second. From launch, Fast Hybrid AF is supported with these lenses: E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS; E 55-210mm F4-6.3 OSS; E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS; E 24mm F1.8ZA Sonnar T*. Firmware upgrades will steadily expand the range of lenses offering Fast Hybrid AF support. Framing, adjusting, shooting and viewing images is a pleasure on the intuitive touch-screen LCD. It’s complemented by a fully-featured control dial and Function button: a versatile combination for any photographer who’s accustomed to the flexibility of their DSLR camera. There’s also a new touch shutter function that makes it easier than ever to pick your perfect moment. The clear, bright touchscreen flips through 180 degrees for easy arm’s length self-portraits. Enthusiasts will also welcome the switchable on-screen digital level gauge that helps keep horizons level with landscapes and architectural shots. Full HD movie shooting has also been enhanced with a new Auto Slow Shutter feature that adds extra sparkle to low-light clips. The camera detects dim interiors ­­and night scenes, automatically switching to a slower shutter speed to brighten up your footage The NEX-5R is the first α interchangeable-lens digital cameras by Sony with integrated Wi-Fi capabilities for easy image sharing, saving and viewing. Photos and videos can be transferred wirelessly to any smartphone or tablet that’s running the free PlayMemories Mobile app. Alternatively, transfer all those memories directly to a networked PC, simplifying image back-ups without having to fiddle with memory cards or connecting cables. Photos stored on the NEX-5R can also be enjoyed directly on any DLNA-compatible TV, with no HDMI cable needed. Share via your wireless access point, or bypass your router and send pictures straight from the camera to TVs supporting Wi-Fi Direct. The NEX-5R even lets you upgrade the camera’s capabilities any time to suit your shooting needs. Brand-new PlayMemories Camera Apps is the world’s first download service1 that lets you install new functions on demand. You just need to connect the camera to your PC via USB or directly over Wi-Fi to do this From launch, available apps include “Picture Effect+”; “Bracket Pro”; “Multi Frame NR”; “Smart Remote Control” and “Direct Upload”. Sony plans to provide more new apps later, such as “Photo Retouch” followed by “Time-lapse” and ”Cinematic Photo”. New accessories include the slim style Soft Carrying Case LCS-SL10 which is the ideal camera bag to carry your spare lens and accessories for casual outdoor use and the Screen Protect Semi Hard Sheet PCK-LM13 with anti-fingerprint coating beautifully protects your LCD screen. The new NEX-5R compact system camera from Sony is available in Europe from mid-October 2012. * For interchangeable-lens digital cameras as of 29 August 2012. Service available in the following European markets: UK, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Spain

Key specifications  

My Week with the Fuji X100S

  The lure of the mirror-less camera…

  Since I began getting pretty serious about my photography, I have collected a few pounds, to say the least, of gear. I guess it finally hit home when I had to make a serious investment in the bag to carry all that weight in gear.

 Needless to say much of the talk about lightweight mirror-less systems has piqued my curiosity. Last month, I finally had an…

Samsung NX300 (shot by Samsung Note 2)

As first-time user of a mirror-less camera…  I’m sharing you the things I like most about the Samsung Smart Camera NX300:

Bright tilting AMOLED touch display screen

Smaller and lighter than DSLR

Interchangeable Lens

EOSM_1027 on Flickr.