The first day. Getting to know the camera
Surprisingly, it is a fact: Sony NEX cameras have existed in nature for just over two years. And during this time the lineup has been updated twice already. Progress does not stand still, and every year new technologies and design solutions allow us to make cameras more convenient, faster, more functional ...
Sony NEX-5R and compatible lenses
Today, the Sony NEX-5R camera got into our editorial office. But she was prepared not just a test in the usual format. I will try to live with her a little more than a week, shooting in different conditions every day, setting new creative tasks for her and describing my impressions of the camera here in the form of new chapters of the article. And you can practically follow this unusual testing almost live, and ask questions that I will try to give exhaustive answers to. Stay tuned!
The first day of our unusual testing, I will completely devote my acquaintance with the Sony NEX-5R. Here in this form she came to the editorial office: a small pretty cardboard box. Take a look inside?
On top is a warranty card, a thick book - an instruction manual - and a software disc. And here is the camera, neatly wrapped in white non-woven material. The supplied SEL-1855 lens is already installed: it remains only to insert the battery, memory card - and ... But let's not rush, first things first.
Also in the box you will find: a lens hood, a shoulder strap, a USB cable and a tiny charger. The fact is that now the battery is charging directly in the camera using a USB cable. A charger is nothing more than a USB power source. Instead, you can successfully use even your computer. Conveniently!
While the battery is charging, just can not wait to spin the novelty in hand. The first thing that strikes is the thickness of the case. Compared to the massive DSLRs, the NEX-5R looks like a miniature “soap box”. But this is not so! Behind the deceptive appearance hides a serious electronic filling.
The fact is that the Sony NEX-5R uses a large matrix format APS-C. Exactly the same matrixes are found in most modern SLR cameras. And this matrix is many times larger than those that are installed in the so-called “soap dishes”. It is the size of the matrix that determines the image quality when shooting in difficult conditions. The second plus of the large matrix is the ability to greatly blur the background, for example, when shooting portraits.
If you look at the characteristics of the matrix, they accurately repeat the specifications of the previous model - NEX-5N : the same 16.1 megapixels, the same CMOS technology, the same size 23.4 x 15.6 mm. But I didn’t just mention developing technologies at the very beginning. On the Sony NEX-5R matrix, phase-detection autofocus sensors are implemented to accelerate the focusing process, and when shooting moving objects, it is more stable to keep the subject in focus. We will still have the opportunity to test this technology in business.
But we continue to study the corps. Those familiar with previous models of the fifth series of NEX cameras have probably noticed that the NEX-5R has two additional controls: a programmable Fn button on the top panel and a large control dial next to it. Thus, with a seemingly modest number of buttons, the camera is able to provide high-speed control. Judge for yourself: not every DSLR has two control disks (the second one is combined with a navipad), two programmable buttons (the lower button of the rear panel can also be reprogrammed), and calling up the main functions using the naviped in shooting mode.
Control dial and Fn button
We add here the possibility of touch control and get comprehensive operational efficiency! By the way, inserting a charged battery into the camera, I first checked the function that interested me the most: I can select a focus point with a simple touch on the screen! However, if you do not like the touch control as such, you can turn it off altogether: the camera interface allows you to do without it.
Since we are talking about the display, then it's time to talk about a novelty in its design. Until recently, in Sony NEX cameras, the screen could only be tilted down or raised up 90 degrees. In the Sony NEX-5R, the display rotates up 180 degrees. What for? Yes, everything is simple: for shooting self-portraits! At the same time, the image on it is automatically turned over so that you can better see yourself-beloved. However, we will pay attention to the shooting of self-portraits in our unusual test.
Did you notice that the camera does not have a built-in flash? But what about shooting in the dark, you ask? Firstly, very soon I will share with you some secrets of night shooting without a flash, because I do not really like its characteristic hard light. And secondly, the NEX-5R still has a flash. It is removable and comes with a camera. The flash mounts quickly with a single screw connection on the top panel. If you want - put it, if you want - no. In the second case, it can simply be removed for the time being in a compact plastic case that fits comfortably on the camera’s belt.
Sony NEX-5R without flash
The story about the first acquaintance with the Sony NEX-5R would be incomplete if not to mention the main “feature” of 2012 implemented in it - the Wi-Fi function. Why is she in the camera? My question also arose first thing. Using Wi-Fi, you can install special applications in the camera. One application - one additional feature. And mind you, without changing the firmware, which scares beginners so much. Well, for example, you can install an application for wirelessly controlling the camera from a mobile phone or tablet. I will tell you more about him and not only in one of the following parts of our test. Wi-Fi-functions and work with them, we will devote a whole day of communication with the camera. Stay tuned! In the meantime, I take a tripod and go to night shooting, which I’ll tell you about tomorrow ...
Camera control from smartphone screen
Learn more about the Sony NEX camera line
