[jogiba]

The biggest technology advance on the NEX-5R is the addition of a modified sensor with pixels devoted to performing phase-detection to provide a hybrid autofocus system. The phase-detection pixels are used to determine depth information about the focus target, which means the camera has to perform less hunting. Sony is the fourth manufacturer (following Fujifilm, Nikon and Canon) to go down this route, with the potential of faster focus, improved continuous focus performance and better autofocus in movie shooting. How well these advantages might be realised in practice, though, is unclear from the pre-production example we've used for this preview.

The other big advance on the 5R is the addition of DNLA-compliant Wi-Fi and on-camera apps. Unlike Nikon's recently-announced Coolpix 800c, the NEX can only run Sony-made apps, but the couple included on the camera do increase its capabilities. The Wi-Fi and apps combine to mean that the 5R can push images to an iOS or Android smartphone, push images straight to Facebook or Sony's own PlayMemories site across a Wi-Fi network, or allow the use of a smartphone as a remote viewfinder/trigger.

Sony NEX-5R specification highlights
•16.1MP CMOS sensor
•ISO 100-25600
•Top-plate control dial
•Dedicated Fn button
•Wi-Fi for connection via Wi-Fi networks or to smartphones
•Proprietary in-camera apps
•Touch-screen display
•Electronic First Curtain shutter
•1080p 60p HD movies in AVCHD (50p on PAL region models)

Compared to the NEX-5N

The NEX-5R's design shares a constancy with its predecessors that's becoming something of a tradition for the mid-range NEXs. Which is to say it looks essentially the same as the 5N and the 5 before it. The space taken up by the dial and the Fn button on the top plate mean the power switch now encircles the shutter button, NEX-7 style, but that's about all you get in terms of external clues.

Sony NEX-5R Hands-on Preview: Digital Photography Review

[gtl]

Hmm will this new hybrid AF be applicable to new Pentax DSLRs? Or even the K01 successor?

[kenafein]

Using a phone as a remote viewfinder is awesome. Not quite worth the upgrade though. The current AF is fast enough as I usually manual focus.

[JinDesu]

So, are the improvements:

1) Hybrid AF
2) Net/Wifi capabilities?

Same sensor as the NEX5N? I wonder if there's any ISO improvements.

[kenafein]

So, are the improvements:

1) Hybrid AF
2) Net/Wifi capabilities?

Same sensor as the NEX5N? I wonder if there's any ISO improvements.

The extra dial is nice, and the Fn button, potentially.

[JinDesu]

The extra dial is nice, and the Fn button, potentially.

Ah I missed that - was looking at the top view of the 5N and wondering what you were referring to!

[JHD]

They moved the movie / video button!

[kenafein]

Oh and they changed the strap mount. I could use my OPTech strap without buying anything else.

[jogiba]

PlayMemories Camera Apps

Initially supported by the Wi-Fi enabled NEX-5R interchangeable lens camera, the PlayMemories Camera Apps service offers a variety of applications that expand camera functionality, allowing users to personalize their photographic experience and enhance their network connectivity. These include:
•“Picture Effect+” -- expands the range of artistic treatments available in the camera’s standard Picture Effect mode.
•“Bracket Pro” -- automatically shoots a rapid burst of two to three images at different ‘bracketed’ settings – for shutter speed, aperture or focus or flash (flash bracket includes two frames). Users can see the effect of setting changes on the three shots and choose the one that best fits their needs.
•“Multi Frame NR” -- captures a series of images in rapid succession and stitches them together to create one low-noise photo at selected ISO speed. It’s ideal for capturing atmospheric night-time scenes, or shooting in dark conditions without using flash.
•“Photo Retouch” -- adds a generous palette of adjustments like brightness, saturation and contrast plus Soft Skin, re-size and other post-shooting effects. Also available is the Auto Portrait Framing feature which detects the faces in images captured and intelligently applies the recommended composition afterwards.

Sony also plans to introduce several other new apps including:
•“Time-lapse”” -- automatically captures a series of still pictures at adjustable intervals. These images are automatically combined by the camera, and can be replayed like a video clip.
•“Cinematic Photo” captures a series of frames and stitches them together into a fun, animated picture effect where parts of a static image appear to move while others remain static.

Additionally, directly downloadable utilities include:
•“Smart Remote Control” -- tethers the NEX-5R camera to a compatible smartphone or tablet, allowing users to see a live view image on the screen of their connected device, adjust exposure if necessary and release the shutter of the camera. Captured pictures are also sent automatically to the connected device.
•“Direct Upload” -- enables images to be directly uploaded from the connected camera to PlayMemories Online and Facebook™ using Wi-Fi connectivity.

New PlayMemories Camera Apps will be available beginning in October 2012.

Sony announces 'PlayMemories' Camera Apps to extend NEX-5R capabilities: Digital Photography Review

[audiobomber]

"The biggest technology advance on the NEX-5R is the addition of a modified sensor with pixels devoted to performing phase-detection to provide a hybrid autofocus system. The phase-detection pixels are used to determine depth information about the focus target, which means the camera has to perform less hunting. Sony is the fourth manufacturer (following Fujifilm, Nikon and Canon) to go down this route, with the potential of faster focus, improved continuous focus performance and better autofocus in movie shooting."

The K-30 is supposed to have very fast AF in Live View. This could be why?

[JinDesu]

The K-30 is supposed to have very fast AF in Live View. This could be why?

It'd be weird if Pentax doesn't mention it...

[Christine Tham]

They moved the movie / video button!

Not only that, but it's a lot harder to accidentally depress (there's a circular ridge around the button).

What an amazing camera! The only reason I am not pre-ordering is that I am waiting to see what the NEX-6 is like.

[kenafein]

I wonder if the picture effects from the rx100 will be in body also, or if you have to use this new software for them.

[Christine Tham]

I wonder if the picture effects from the rx100 will be in body also, or if you have to use this new software for them.

The picture effects from the rx100 are also on the NEX-F3

[ddhytz]

How is the shutter sound like? I hope it is quieter than 5N.