Sony NEX-5T Review

October 11, 2013 | Mark Goldstein | Rating star Rating star Rating star Rating star Half rating star

Introduction

The Sony NEX-5T is a new mid-range compact system camera. The only technical difference between the new NEX-5T and last year's NEX-5R model is the addition of NFC (Near Field Communication). There's no set-up needed – simply touch a compatible mobile device against the NEX-5T and a wireless connection is made instantly. Also, the NEX-5T now ships with the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom kit lens, rather than the 18-55mm f/3.5-6.3, which makes the overall package more compact. Otherwise the NEX-5T is identical to its predecessor, featuring a 16.1 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, Fast Hybrid phase- and contrast-detect autofocus system, 49-segment exposure meter and 3-inch, 180° tilting LCD panel with 921,000-dot resolution, the NEX-5T also offers a touch-screen interface with a touch shutter function, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and PlayMemories Camera Apps, an ISO range of 100-25600 and both a mechanical and electronic shutter. The magnesium bodied NEX-5T can also capture fast-moving action at 10fps at full resolution, shoot Full HD 1920 x1080p video as high-quality AVCHD files, and is supplied with a compact clip-on flash that attaches via an accessory terminal. The Sony NEX-5T is available in silver, black or white and costs around £600 / $700 with the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom kit lens.

Ease of Use

The Sony NEX-5T is outwardly identical to the older NEX-5R model, save for a name change and the addition of the NFC logo on the side of the grip, so almost all of the comments that we made about that camera apply equally to the NEX-5T. The NEX-5T's rectangular body shape and blocky grip is less immediately appealing than the retro finesse of an Olympus Pen or modernist curves of the Panasonic G series. With the supplied 16-50mmm power zoom kit lens attached the NEX-5T looks and feels less top heavy than the NEX-5R, which shipped with a bigger, bulkier 18-55mm optic. Compatibility with an existing Alpha DSLR lens proper is also offered with pre-existing optics via the LA-EA2 accessory adapter which allows phase-detection AF with almost all of the A-mount lenses. The NEX-5T does undoubtedly feel solid when gripped in the palm, and with the new kit lens attached it just about fits into most jacket pockets.

The LCD screen can be tilted backwards by 40 degrees and forwards by 180 degrees for arm’s length self-portraits - if not, unfortunately swung outwards at 90° - to allow for low and high angle compositions we might not have attempted without. Note that fitting the clip-on flash prevents the LCD from being tilted fully forwards. Sony has also included High Definition video shooting at Full HD 1080p at 60fps with stereo sound with the welcome ability to control shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation during recording. It also features a useful dedicated red camcorder-style video record button for instant thumb-operated video access, while Tracking Focus allows a target object to be selected via the touchscreen LCD, even when the subject is moving, for both stills and video.

The NEX-5T isn't quite the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera, but at 218g and 38.9mm in depth including its grip or lens mount, it's hardly a large model. Low light sensitivity without flash also theoretically looks set to show rivals a thing or two by ranging from ISO 100 to a maximum ISO 25600 equivalent setting. Impressive stuff, and matching the sort of spec we're used to seeing on mid-range DSLRs.

Like Panasonic's directly competing GF-series (and unlike the Olympus Pens) there's no in-body image stabilisation offered by the NEX-5T unfortunately, so this is via lens only, the optically stabilized 16-50mm zoom offered as part of a kit deal for £600 / $700 all-in, a slightly cheaper launch price than the NEX-5R. The main strength of the Sony E 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 PZ OSS lens lies in its portability and better-than-expected – although by no means record-breaking – sharpness.

Sony branding and DSLR-style lens release button aside, all we find on the faceplate is a small porthole-shaped window for the AF assist/self timer lamp, a rectangular CR3 battery-sized and shaped handgrip with a subtly ridged surface for a firmer hold, plus the shutter release and customisable Function button on the forward-sloping edge at its top, the latter by default accessing 6 commonly used options which include autofocus type, autofocus mode, autofocus area, white balance, metering mode and picture effects, with 10 other options also available.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90
Front Rear

The NEX-5T is turned on or off via a thumb-flick of a chunky, nicely rigid switch which surrounds the shutter release, rather than via the recessed button we usually find on cameras with a smaller form factor. The thumb-operated control dial that's partially recessed into the top of the NEX-5T makes it easy to change key values like aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation and menu options, and marks a major improvement on the design of the older 5N model.

The top plate looks similarly functional rather than fashionable. There's a dedicated playback/review button and the one-touch movie record button. Press this and the user is instantly recording video, whatever alternative shooting mode might previously have been in use; like the same control found on latter Panasonic G-series and Olympus PEN cameras, this proves essential with regard to spur of the moment filming. Also positioned atop the camera are a left and right (stereo in combination) microphone, each sitting either side of the lens mount, with the clip-on flash/accessory port positioned in between.

Incidentally, should you already have a lens attached, screwing the flash into position proves a tad fiddly, as there's not much room to fit your fingers between the curve of the lens barrel - which stands slightly proud of the top and base of the camera - and the front of the flash, which features a small tightening nut via which it is secured in place. Though the flash can be stored flat to the body to aid portability and adds hardly any additional weight or bulk, when in use the head needs to be manually raised at a angle of approximately 45°.

Press the shutter release button down halfway and, after the very briefest of pauses the AF point/s are highlighted in green accompanied by an optional beep of affirmation to indicate that the user is good to continue on and take the shot. The Fast Hybrid AF combines phase- and contrast-detection autofocus methods and is definitely a little snappier and more accurate than the conventional contrast-detection system used by the NEX-5N, but note that it's currently only supported by a few lenses. Do so, and in single shot mode to the sound of a satisfyingly brief shutter click thanks to a release time lag of just 0.02 seconds, a full resolution JPEG is written to memory in about 2 seconds.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90
Front Top

As you'd expect in this price bracket, there is the option to also shoot Raw files, or even more usefully for those who wish to hedge their bets Raw and JPEG images in tandem. These settings are accessed within the Image Size folder and are found within the Quality sub folder. You also get Fine or Normal compression levels offered for JPEGs.

Not everything on the NEX-5T is located exactly where you might expect it to be found. For example ISO settings are discovered within a Brightness menu option that from the look of the icon that denotes it initially appears to be for adjusting screen brightness only. One would reasonably expect ISO adjustment to be found within the Camera folder with the other key shooting options. And so there's a fair amount of familiarisation with the NEX-5T's quirks required up front.

Shoot mode gets its own virtual dial though - so at least selecting the options here, including standard P,A,S,M, 9-strong scene mode, Anti Motion Blur, Intelligent Auto and Sweep Panorama, prove easier. Even in intelligent auto mode users still have the ability to get hands on to a degree by controlling background defocus, with a half moon shaped indicator appealing on-screen to the side of the scroll wheel, defocus at the bottom of the arc, 'crisp' at the top. The NEX-5T offers further controls for Brightness, Color, Vividness and Picture Effects, all part of the so-called Photo Creativity Touch interface.

The NEX-5T's external backplate is a similarly pared-down affair, the majority of it taken up by the 3-inch widescreen ratio angle-adjustable LCD that stretches from base to top plate. You can interact with the camera via onscreen icons and menus by touching the screen, and also set the focus point, handy for off-centre shooting and tracking moving subjects. You can now also fire the shutter as on many rival cameras. Thankfully you don't have to use the touchscreen at all if you prefer a more conventional approach, as you can still use the external controls to fully operate the camera (you can even turn off the touchscreen altogether if you prefer).

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90
Pop-up Flash Tilting LCD Screen

To the right of the screen is a trio of controls - the top and bottom buttons unmarked until the screen is activated, at which point their purpose is detailed alongside it. The top-most control is revealed as the 'menu' button, a press of which brings up the shooting icons - seven in total - the contents of we've already briefly touched on. Instead of the screen-full of text you might expect to be presented with upon press of the menu control, from top left to bottom right of screen, presented instead are Shoot Mode, Camera, Image Size, Brightness/Colour, Playback, Application and Setup icons.

The user moves through these options and makes selections either via the scroll wheel just below the menu button, which has its own central (and again unmarked) set button, or the new touchscreen interface. As mentioned this wheel is quite responsive to the touch, which, on a positive note, means that tabbing through options is a swift process, but on the other hand it's easy to slip past the setting you actually wanted when hurrying through them as a photo opportunity suddenly presents itself.

Set at four points around this scroll wheel/pad are a means of adjusting the display, ISO speed, exposure compensation (+/- 2EV selectable), and drive mode (single shot, continuous, continuous with speed priority, so focus/exposure fixed from the first shot), or self timer option (2 or 10 seconds). There's also options to enable the camera to be utilized with the aid of a remote - sold separately of course - and a bracketing control for exposure.

Disappointingly you have to delve into the Camera main menu system to access the various flash modes. The flash options more unusually include rear sync as well as slow sync, plus the regulars of auto and fill in. Somewhat confusingly the NEX-5T's red eye reduction setting isn't also found here - instead it has to be first enabled via the aforementioned Setup folder if you're shooting portraits with flash.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90
Memory Card Slot Battery Compartment

The bottom button on the camera back provides a means of calling up the wi-fi options. You can wirelessly transfer your photos to a smartphone or tablet that's running the free PlayMemories Mobile app, or directly to a networked PC for easier backup. You can also view on a DLNA-compatible TV via a wireless router, or send them straight from the camera a TV that supports Wi-Fi Direct. The NEX-5T also now features NFC (Near Field Communication) technology (the same technology that's used for mobile payments), which allows you to connect it to a compatible internet enabled device or another NFC-enabled camera by simply tapping them together.

In addition to the built-in wi-fi/nfc connectivity, the NEX-5T supports PlayMemories Camera Apps. As the name suggests, this is a downloadable service that lets you add new functionality to the camera, either via wi-fi or USB connection. Apps available include Picture Effect+, Bracket Pro, Multi Frame NR, Photo Retouch, Smart Remote Control and Direct Upload, and Sony plans to provide more new apps in the near future. Note that only some of the apps are free.

The NEX-5T provides on-screen shooting tips, via which Sony no doubt hopes to provide a crutch for new users trading up from a bog standard point and shoot compact. Examples of textual advice, complete with small pictorial thumbnail alongside, include 'increase the ISO sensitivity to make the shutter speed faster', and then, the thoughtful addition: 'higher ISO sensitivity may make noise stand out.' Hand-holding for those who want it then, while others may feel Sony has wasted one of its very few dedicated buttons on a feature that, like the manual, many will choose to ignore.

At the base of the camera we find a metal screw thread for a tripod directly beneath the lens mount, and, in the nether regions of the grip, a compartment storing both rechargeable battery and optional memory card - here Sony reaching out to a wider audience by offering SD/SDHC/SDXC compatibility alongside its own Memory Stick.

While the right hand side of the NEX-5T - if viewing it from the back - features a continuation of the ridged grip but is otherwise devoid of ports or controls, the left hand flank is where users will find a covered port for HDMI connectivity and USB output. Only the USB cable was provided with our review sample; there's no standard definition AV output.

Image Quality

All of the sample images in this review were taken using the 16 megapixel Fine JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around 5Mb.

The Sony NEX-5T produces photos of excellent quality. Noise is very well handled, being virtually absent from ISO 100-3200 and not being too obvious at the fast speed of ISO 6400. At ISO 12800, noise is more easily detectable when viewing images at 100% magnification on screen, but the images are still perfectly usable for small prints and resizing for web use. The fastest setting of ISO 25600 looks good on the specification sheet, but proves much less so in reality. The RAW samples illustrate just how much processing the camera does by default, though, as they're much noisier at all ISO values than their JPEG counterparts.

Colours were vibrant without being over-saturated in the default Standard Creative Style, and you can always choose Vivid if you want even more punch. The 11 Picture Effects quickly produce special looks that would otherwise require you to spend a lot of time in the digital darkroom, while the 6 Creative Styles provide a quick and easy way to tweak the camera's JPEG images. The Dynamic Range Optimizer and High Dynamic Range modes both work really well, although we'd advise caution over using some of the higher and more extreme levels, while Sony's now tried-and-trusted Sweep Panorama is still a joy to use.

Image stabilisation via the lens is a very useful feature that works well when hand-holding the NEX-5T in low-light conditions or when using the telephoto end of the zoom range. The 16.1 megapixel images were a little soft straight out of the camera at the default sharpening setting and ideally require some further sharpening in an application like Adobe Photoshop, or you can change the in-camera setting. The pop-up flash provides an adequate level of exposure and thankfully little or no red-eye.

Noise

There are 9 ISO settings available on the Sony NEX-5T. Here are some 100% crops which show the noise levels for each ISO setting:

JPEG RAW  

ISO 100 (100% Crop)

ISO 100 (100% Crop)

 
iso100.jpg iso200raw.jpg  
     

ISO 200 (100% Crop)

ISO 200 (100% Crop)

 
iso200.jpg iso200raw.jpg  

ISO 400 (100% Crop)

ISO 400 (100% Crop)

 
iso400.jpg iso400raw.jpg  

ISO 800 (100% Crop)

ISO 800 (100% Crop)

 
iso800.jpg iso800raw.jpg  

ISO 1600 (100% Crop)

ISO 1600 (100% Crop)

 
iso1600.jpg iso1600raw.jpg  

ISO 3200 (100% Crop)

ISO 3200 (100% Crop)

 
iso3200.jpg iso3200raw.jpg  
     

ISO 6400 (100% Crop)

ISO 6400 (100% Crop)

 
iso6400.jpg iso6400raw.jpg  
     

ISO 12800 (100% Crop)

ISO 12800 (100% Crop)

 
iso12800.jpg iso12800raw.jpg  
     

ISO 25600 (100% Crop)

ISO 25600 (100% Crop)

 
iso25600.jpg iso25600raw.jpg  

Sharpening

Here are two 100% crops which have been Saved as Web - Quality 50 in Photoshop. The right-hand image has had some sharpening applied in Photoshop. The out-of-the camera images are soft at the default sharpening setting. You can change the in-camera sharpening level if you don't like the default look.

Original (100% Crop)

Sharpened (100% Crop)

sharpen1.jpg sharpen1a.jpg
   
sharpen2.jpg sharpen2a.jpg

File Quality

The Sony NEX-5T has 3 different image quality settings available, with Fine being the highest quality option. Here are some 100% crops which show the quality of the various options, with the file size shown in brackets.

16M Fine (4.96Mb) (100% Crop)

16M Normal (3.50Mb) (100% Crop)
quality_fine.jpg quality_normal.jpg
   
16M RAW (16.2Mb) (100% Crop)  
quality_raw.jpg  

Flash

The flash settings on the Sony NEX-5T are Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow sync and Rear flash sync, with Red-eye reduction available in the Main Menu. These shots of a white coloured wall were taken at a distance of 1.5m.

Flash Off - Wide Angle (27mm)

Flash On - Wide Angle (27mm)

ISO 64 ISO 64
   

Flash Off - Telephoto (82.5mm)

Flash On - Telephoto (82.5mm)

ISO 64 ISO 64

And here are a couple of portrait shots. Both the Auto setting and the Red-eye reduction mode caused a small amount of red-eye.

Flash On

Flash On (100% Crop)
flash_on.jpg flash_on1.jpg
   

Red-eye reduction

Red-eye reduction (100% Crop)

flash_redeye.jpg flash_redeye1.jpg

Night

The Sony NEX-5T's maximum shutter speed is 30 seconds and there's also a Bulb mode for even longer exposures, which is excellent news if you're seriously interested in night photography. The shot below was taken using a shutter speed of 8 seconds at ISO 100.

Night

Night (100% Crop)

night1.jpg night1a.jpg

Steadyshot

The Sony NEX-5T has an antishake mechanism built into the 16-50mm kit lens, which allows you to take sharp photos at slower shutter speeds than other digital cameras. To test this, we took 2 handheld shots of the same subject with the same settings. The first shot was taken with Shake Reduction turned off, the second with it turned on. Here is a 100% crop of the image to show the results.

Shutter Speed / Focal Length

Shake Reduction Off (100% Crop)

Shake Reduction On (100% Crop)

1/8 / 27mm antishake1.jpg antishake1a.jpg
     
1/4 / 82.5mm antishake2.jpg antishake2a.jpg

Dynamic Range Optimizer

D-Range Optimiser (DRO) is Sony's solution to improve shadow detail in photos taken in contrasty light.

Off

Auto
dro_01.jpg dro_02.jpg
   

1

2
dro_03.jpg dro_04.jpg
   

3

4
dro_05.jpg dro_6.jpg
   

5

 
dro_07.jpg  

High Dynamic Range

High Dynamic Range Optimiser (HDR) is Sony's solution for capturing more contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining two exposures into one image.

Off

Auto

hdr_01.jpg hdr_02.jpg
   

1

2

hdr_03.jpg hdr_04.jpg
   

3

4

hdr_05.jpg hdr_06.jpg
   

5

6

hdr_07.jpg hdr_08.jpg

Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode

The Sony NEX-5T allows you to take panoramic images very easily, by 'sweeping' with the camera while keeping the shutter release depressed. The camera does all the processing and stitching and now even successfully compensates for moving subjects. The main catch is that the resulting image is of fairly low resolution.

panorama_1.jpg
 
panorama_2.jpg

Creative Styles

There are 6 Creative Style preset effects that you can use to change the look of your images.

Standard

Vivid

creative_style_01.jpg creative_style_02.jpg
   

Portrait

Landscape

creative_style_03.jpg creative_style_04.jpg
   

Sunset

B/W

creative_style_05.jpg creative_style_06.jpg

Picture Effects

Just like Olympus and Panasonic, the Sony NEX-5T offers a range of eleven creative Picture Effects.

Off

Toy Camera

picture_effect_01.jpg picture_effect_02.jpg
   

Pop Color

Posterization

picture_effect_03.jpg picture_effect_04.jpg
   

Retro Photo

Soft High-key

picture_effect_05.jpg picture_effect_06.jpg
   

Partial Color (Red)

High Contrast Mono

picture_effect_07.jpg picture_effect_08.jpg
   

Soft Focus

HDR Painting

picture_effect_09.jpg picture_effect_10.jpg
   

Rich-tone Mono

Miniature

picture_effect_11.jpg picture_effect_12.jpg

Sample Images

This is a selection of sample images from the Sony NEX-5T camera, which were all taken using the 16 megapixel Fine JPEG setting. The thumbnails below link to the full-sized versions, which have not been altered in any way.

Sample RAW Images

The Sony NEX-5T enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We've provided some Sony RAW (ARW) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).

Sample Movie & Video

This is a sample movie at the highest quality setting of 1920x1280 pixels at 25 frames per second. Please note that this 21 second movie is 42.5Mb in size.

Product Images

Sony NEX-5T

Front of the Sony NEX-5T

 
Sony NEX-5T

Front of the Sony NEX-5T / Lens Fitted

 
Sony NEX-5T

Front of the Sony NEX-5T / Flash Fitted

 
Sony NEX-5T

Side of the Sony NEX-5T

 
Sony NEX-5T

Side of the Sony NEX-5T

 
Sony NEX-5T

Side of the Sony NEX-5T

 
Sony NEX-5T

Side of the Sony NEX-5T

 
Sony NEX-5T

Rear of the Sony NEX-5T

 
Sony NEX-5T

Rear of the Sony NEX-5T / Image Displayed

 

Sony NEX-5T

Rear of the Sony NEX-5T / Turned On

 
Sony NEX-5T
Rear of the Sony NEX-5T / Main Menu
 
Sony NEX-5T
Rear of the Sony NEX-5T / Main Menu
 
Sony NEX-5T
Rear of the Sony NEX-5T / Tilting LCD Screen
 
Sony NEX-5T
Rear of the Sony NEX-5T / Tilting LCD Screen
 
Sony NEX-5T
Top of the Sony NEX-5T
 
Sony NEX-5T
Bottom of the Sony NEX-5T
 
Sony NEX-5T
Side of the Sony NEX-5T
 
Sony NEX-5T

Side of the Sony NEX-5T

 
Sony NEX-5T

Front of the Sony NEX-5T

 
Sony NEX-5T

Front of the Sony NEX-5T

 
Sony NEX-5T
Memory Card Slot
 
Sony NEX-5T
Battery Compartment

Conclusion

Other than the addition of NFC connectivity, a new 16-50mm power zoom kit lens, and a slightly lower launch price, the Sony NEX-5T is identical to last year's NEX-5R model. So while it remains an excellent all-round compact system camera that successfully reaches out to beginners and more experience users alike, we're slightly disappointed not to see a few more improvements on this year's mid-range NEX camera.

The built-in wi-fi and new NFC connectivity, making its debut on a NEX camera, make it straight-forward to share your photos and remotely control the NEX-5T itself, although there aren't too many NFC-enabled devices around at the moment. The decision to partner the NEX-5T with the 16-50mm power zoom kit lens is perhaps a more important new "feature", as it instantly makes the overall package more compact and even pocketable in a spacious jacket pocket, which the camera's target audience should find appealing. Finally, the lower price is very welcome, although the NEX-5R can currently be found for a couple of hundred pounds / dollars less than its successor, making it a very tempting proposition indeed.

Ultimately the new Sony NEX-5T is once again a likable and easy to recommend compact system camera which literally feels better balanced with the 16-50mm lens. Still Highly Recommended then, but we'd expect to see next year's inevitable update make some real strides forward...

4.5 stars

Ratings (out of 5)
Design 4.5
Features 4.5
Ease-of-use 4.5
Image quality 4.5
Value for money 4

Main Rivals

Listed below are some of the rivals of the Sony NEX-5T.

Canon EOS M

The Canon EOS M is a new compact system camera that boasts 18 megapixels, full 1080p high-definition videos with continuous auto-focusing, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the EOS M include a 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, and a flash hotshoe. Is Canon's new mirrorless model a real contender? Read our Canon EOS M review to find out...

Fujifilm X-A1

The Fujifilm X-A1 is a new entry-level compact system camera. The retro-styled X-A1 offers a 16 megapixel APS-C sensor, built-in flash and hotshoe, wi-fi connectivity, 5.6fps burst shooting, tilting LCD screen and Full HD video recording. Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-A1 review now...

Fujifilm X-M1

The Fujifilm X-M1 is a new compact system camera that's designed to expand the appeal of the X-system. The retro-styled X-M1 offers the same image sensor and lens mount as the more expensive X-Pro1 and X-E1 cameras in a smaller, lighter body. The X-M1 has a built-in flash, new 16-50mm kit lens, wi-fi connectivity, tilting LCD screen and of course a more affordable price tag. Read our Fujifilm X-M1 review to find out if it succeeds in bringing Fujifilm's mirrorless range to the masses...

Nikon 1 J3

The Nikon 1 J3 is the new mid-range model in Nikon's compact system camera line-up. The J3 offers more megapixels, a smaller and lighter body, and a more simplified control layout than its predecessor, the 4-month-old J2. Read our in-depth Nikon 1 J3 review now...

Nikon 1 V2

The Nikon 1 V2 is a second-generation compact system camera that's clearly been redesigned to appeal to the serious enthusiast. In addition to a more direct control layout with shooting mode and control dials, a chunky hand-grip and built-in pop-up flash, the Nikon V2 also sports a new 14 megapixel sensor, faster 15fps burst shooting with continuous focusing, and improved Best Moment Capture and Motion Snapshot Modes. Read the World's first Nikon 1 V2 review to find out if this new mirrorless model can capture the attention of the more discerning photographer...

Olympus E-PL5

The Olympus E-PL5 is a new compact system camera that offers a lot more than first meets the eye. Also known as the PEN Lite, the EPL5 has exactly the same image sensor and processing engine as the flagship OM-D E-M5. It also boasts the World's fastest autofocus system, a 3 inch tilting LCD display, full 1080p HD movies, and an extensive range of creative filters. Read our in-depth Olympus E-PL5 review to find out if it's a true bargain or not...

Olympus E-PM2

The brand new Olympus E-PM2 is one of the smallest compact system cameras on the market. Also known as the PEN Mini, the svelte EPM2 has exactly the same image sensor and processing engine as the flagship OM-D E-M5. It also boasts the World's fastest autofocus system, a 3 inch LCD touchscreen display, full 1080p HD movies, and an extensive range of creative filters. Read our Olympus E-PM2 review to find out if it's the perfect upgrade from a compact camera.

Panasonic Lumix GF6

The Panasonic Lumix GF6 is a new entry-level compact system camera that offers a lot of cutting-edge features for not a lot of money. The diminutive GF6 has a tilting LCD screen, built-in wireless and NFC connectivity, fast 0.09 second auto-focusing, a 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, 1080i HD video, and a touchscreen interface. Read our Panasonic Lumix GF6 review, complete with full-size JPEG and RAW sample images...

Pentax Q7

The new Pentax Q7 is the smallest compact system camera on the market. Offering a new 1/1.7"-type back-illuminated CMOS sensor, improved low-light auto focus and an upgraded Shake Reduction mechanism, can the Q7 compete with its bigger rivals? Read our Pentax Q7 review to find out...

Samsung NX2000

The Samsung NX2000 is a new entry-level compact system camera with a lot of bells and whistles. Featuring a 20 megapixel APS-C sensor, full 1080p video, ISO 100-25,600, a 3.7-inch touchscreen, 8.6fps continuous shooting and Wi-fi / NFC connectivity, is this the best budget mirrorless camera? Read our Samsung NX2000 review to find out...

Review Roundup

Reviews of the Sony NEX-5T from around the web.

techradar.com »

Sony has taken to replacing its NEX cameras roughly once a year: sometimes with a big upgrade, sometimes with something relatively minor. This year's 5T replaces the 5R - and falls into the latter category.
Read the full review »

pcmag.com »

The Sony Alpha NEX-5T ($549.99 direct, body only) is, on a basic level, the same camera as last year's NEX-5R$599.99 at Crutchfield.com. Sony has added NFC support (Wi-Fi was already there in the 5R) and reduced the price of the body by $100. Everything else that was good about the 5R remains—including its excellent 16-megapixel APS-C image sensor, compact body, hybrid autofocus system, and sharp, hinged 3-inch touch-screen. It doesn't quite oust our Editors' Choice mirrorless camera, the Samsung NX300$649.99 at Dell Home, from its perch, but it's still a very versatile high-quality shooter.
Read the full review »

Specifications

General Camera Type Interchangeable lens digital camera
Lens compatibility Sony E-mount lenses
Image Sensor Type APS-C type (23.5 x 15.6mm), "Exmor" APS HD CMOS sensor
Number of pixels (effective) Approx. 16.1 megapixels
Recording system (still image) Recording format JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format)
Image quality modes RAW/RAW+JPEG/JPEG Fine/JPEG Standard
Picture Effect 11 types (15 variations): Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R,G,B,Y), High Contrast Mono, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Mono, Miniature
Recording system (movie) Recording format AVCHD format Ver. 2.0 compliant
MP4
Video compression MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Audio recording format Dolby Digital (AC-3) 2ch
MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch
Movie recording system (AVCHD) 1920 x 1080(50p, 28M, PS) Approx.28Mbps(Max bit-rate)
1920 x 1080(50i, 24M, FX) Approx.24Mbps(Max bit-rate)
1920 x 1080(50i, 17M, FH) Approx.17Mbps(Average bit-rate)
1920 x 1080(25p, 24M, FX) Approx.24Mbps(Max bit-rate)
1920 x 1080(25p, 17M, FH) Approx.17Mbps(Average bit-rate)
Recording system Media "Memory Stick PRO Duo"/"Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo"/"Memory Stick XC-HG Duo"/SD memory card/SDHC memory card/SDXC memory card
Focus system Type Fast Hybrid AF(phase-detection AF/contrast-detection AF)
Focus point 99 points(phase-detection AF)/25 points(contrast-detection AF)
Tracking Focus Yes
Exposure control ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) Still images: ISO100 to 25600, AUTO (ISO100 to 3200), Movies:ISO100 to 6400 equivalent, AUTO(ISO100 to 3200 equivalent)
LCD screen Type 7.5cm (3.0-type) wide type TFT
Touch panel Yes, pressure-sensitive type
Number of dots (total) 921,600 dots
Adjustable angle Up by approx. 180 degrees, Down by approx. 50 degrees
Other Features Auto Portrait Framing and Self-Portrait; Face Detection and Smile Shutter; Superior AUTO; Sweep Panorama (2D); Auto HDR; DRO; Hand-held Twilight; Creative Styles; Photo Creativity; Wi-Fi; USB Charge; PlayMemories Camera Apps (in qualifying countries); NFC
Digital zoom Smart zoom (Still images) M:approx. 1.4x, S:approx 2x
Digital zoom (Still images) Approx. 4x
Digital zoom (Movie) Approx. 4x
SteadyShot™ INSIDE Type Not supported (image stabilization supported on lens
Drive Speed (approx., max.) *1 Continuous mode:max. 3 fps
Speed Priority Continuous shooting: max. 10 fps
Power Still images Approx. 330 images (CIPA standard)
Dimensions mm (WxHxD) excluding protrusions Approx. 110.8mm x 58.8mm x 38.9mm

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