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Sony NEX-5R Mirrorless Camera

The Sony NEX-5R is a 16MP APS-C mirrorless camera — with 1080p video. Used copies start from $299 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Sony NEX-5R Mirrorless Camera

Sony NEX-5R Mirrorless Camera

Used Sony NEX-5R Listings on GearFocus

Camera OverviewSony NEX-5R

The Sony NEX-5R is a compact APS-C mirrorless camera built around a 16MP sensor powered by Sony's BIONZ image processor. It covers an ISO range of 100 to 25600, giving photographers meaningful flexibility across a range of lighting conditions. The camera's hybrid autofocus system combines Phase Detection and Contrast Detection, and includes subject tracking for keeping moving subjects sharp.

On the photo side, it supports burst shooting at up to 10 frames per second and a maximum resolution of 4912x3264 pixels, with color profiles including Standard, Vivid, Portrait, and Landscape. Video recording tops out at 1080p with frame rate options of 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps, and the footage is captured in 8-bit color depth. Color profiles for video include Standard and Cinema.

The camera features a 3-inch tiltable touchscreen LCD with 921,600 dots of resolution — a genuinely useful tool for low-angle or overhead shooting. There is no optical viewfinder. Built-in Wi-Fi enables wireless connectivity, though Bluetooth is not included.

The body is constructed from metal and plastic, measures 110.8 x 58.8 x 38.9 mm, weighs 275g, and offers no weather sealing. Storage is handled via SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards, and battery life is rated at approximately 330 shots per charge.

Key FeaturesSony NEX-5R

16MP APS-C Sensor: A 16MP APS-C sensor with a 1.5x crop factor delivers detailed images and solid low-light performance in a compact body.

Hybrid AF System: Combines Phase Detection and Contrast Detection autofocus with subject tracking for reliable focus on both static and moving subjects.

10fps Burst Shooting: Captures up to 10 frames per second, making it practical for photographing fast-moving subjects.

ISO 100–25600: A wide native ISO range gives photographers flexibility to shoot in varied lighting conditions without an external flash.

1080p Video at 60fps: Records Full HD video at up to 60fps with Standard and Cinema color profiles for basic video work.

Tiltable Touchscreen LCD: A 3-inch, 921,600-dot touchscreen tilts to assist with low-angle and overhead framing without needing an external viewfinder.

Camera SpecificationsSony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-5R full specifications
SpecDetail
TypeMirrorless
SensorAPS-C
Resolution16MP
ProcessorBIONZ
ISO Range100 – 25600
AF SystemPhase Detection, Contrast Detection, Hybrid (Phase + Contrast)
AF PointsHybrid AF System
Max Photo Resolution4912x3264
Burst Rate10 fps
Max Video Resolution1080p
Max Frame Rate60fps
Bit Depth8-bit

DescriptionSony NEX-5R

The Sony NEX-5R is a compact mirrorless camera centered on a 16MP APS-C sensor processed by the BIONZ image processor. It delivers a native ISO range of 100 to 25600 and shoots stills at a maximum resolution of 4912x3264 pixels, with a burst rate of up to 10fps. The Hybrid AF system — combining Phase Detection and Contrast Detection — along with subject tracking keeps the camera responsive across a variety of shooting scenarios.

For video, the NEX-5R captures up to 1080p at 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps in 8-bit color, with Standard and Cinema color profiles on offer. Framing is handled through a 3-inch tiltable touchscreen LCD at 921,600 dots — no optical viewfinder is present. Connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi and Mini HDMI output, alongside USB.

The camera stores images to SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards and runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated at approximately 330 shots. At 275g and measuring 110.8 x 58.8 x 38.9 mm, it's a genuinely portable option, though it carries no weather sealing.

ProsSony NEX-5R

  • Hybrid AF system combining Phase Detection, Contrast Detection, and subject tracking for versatile focus performance
  • Fast 10fps burst mode for capturing action sequences
  • ISO range of 100–25600 provides broad sensitivity options

ConsSony NEX-5R

  • No optical viewfinder — display-only shooting in all conditions
  • No weather sealing, limiting use in adverse environments
  • Image stabilization is digital/electronic only, with no in-body optical IS

Resources & DownloadsSony NEX-5R

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked QuestionsSony NEX-5R

What autofocus system does the Sony NEX-5R use?+
The NEX-5R uses a Hybrid AF system that combines Phase Detection and Contrast Detection. It also supports subject tracking, which helps maintain focus on moving subjects during shooting.
Does the Sony NEX-5R have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?+
The NEX-5R has built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity. Bluetooth is not included on this camera.
What video resolutions and frame rates does the NEX-5R support?+
The NEX-5R records video up to 1080p and supports frame rates of 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps. Video is captured in 8-bit color depth, with Standard and Cinema color profiles available.
Is the Sony NEX-5R weather sealed?+
No, the NEX-5R does not have weather sealing. The body is constructed from metal and plastic but is not rated for use in wet or dusty conditions.
What memory cards does the Sony NEX-5R accept?+
The NEX-5R is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.
Does the NEX-5R have an optical viewfinder?+
No, the NEX-5R does not include an optical viewfinder. Composition and review are done through the 3-inch tiltable touchscreen LCD, which has a resolution of 921,600 dots.

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