Sony Alpha NEX-5R Digital Camera Review

Recording Options

Sony's latest cameras tend to be highly video-oriented, and the NEX-5R is no different. Sensor output can go as high as 60p, in Full HD of course, and both AVCHD and h.264 compression methods are available. Find out how the performed in our video image quality test./r:link_to_content

Video Controls

The NEX-5R supports all of the video shooting flexibility we've come to expect from the best DSLRs.

Auto Controls

There is no dedicated video shooting mode, but if you're using Intelligent or Superior Auto at the time, these settings will be applied to videography as well. Scene modes cannot be used in conjunction with video, and neither can effects since they've been moved to the Picture Effect+ app.

Focus

Focus may be set to automatic or manual, and further defined to either single or continuous autofocus during a recording. Pressing the shutter release halfway down while a recording is in progress will command the camera to acquire an updated autofocus point, however the focus system was responsive enough that we barely ever used this feature.

Exposure Controls

Shutter, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation may all be adjusted manually while a recording is in progress, as long as the appropriate priority mode is in use. Program Auto will lock shutter and aperture.

Audio Features

A two-handed grip will place the 5R's left microphone directly underneath your finger, so remember to use caution or simply shoot videos one-handed. A wind cut option is available in the menus, which can be useful for outdoor videography.