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Sony as always is consistent in their upgrades if nothing more. As every year, they introduced their upgraded version of their NEX cameras and as always it is a great improvement in the right direction. We are reviewing their latest iteration of the NEX-5N camera, simply called NEX-5R. The previous NEX-5N was one hell of a mirrorless camera and now its successor is even better.

It has a new shooter that introduces the new Fast Hybrid autofocus system; it has a DNLA-compliant Wi-Fi, a new button that can be programmed and a multi-function button. Its new autofocus system is based on a 99 point sensor that uses phase detection, contract and contrast detection, which helps it to focus on the subject, in a blink of an eye. The phase detection pixels determine the depth information of the target that makes the camera work less when hunting the target, thus giving it a fast focus. Before Sony incorporated this technology there were three other major companies (Nikon, Fujifilm and Canon). The improvements are a faster focus, greater autofocus in movie filming and improved continuous focus.

This camera is really similar to its predecessor, only distinguished by some small aspects like the different color of the buttons. The other improvement is the connectivity and as other manufacturers, it follows the same aspects. It can transfer photos right to your tablet or smartphone, via the PlayMemories app that is available for Android and iOS. Also you can push photos directly to your computer or DLNA connected TV. There is also the ability to install new functions on your camera via the PlayMemories camera apps.

The programmable inputs are adding to the camera in the flexibility, making this camera look more like a button-packet DSLR, which the mirrorless cameras want to replace. The specifications are otherwise identical to its predecessor. It has a 16MP APS-C sensor; it can record video in HD with a maximum 60fps. This camera will be available from October, with a price of $750 with the lenses and just for the body it will be $650.