The brand new Sony NEX-5T is the newest member of the NEX family. It offers WiFi and now brings NFC connectivity for easy pairing with any NFC-enabled mobile device. Packed with features, it has a large, high-resolution 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor similar in size to the sensors found in traditional DSLR cameras. Here’s a first look.
The NEX-5T will look immediately familiar to any of us who have used Sony’s NEX line of interchangeable lens cameras. It is, in other words, an update to the NEX-5 line and will ship with the same compact SELP1650 motorized zoom lens I am using with my Sony NEX-6. The lens, which measures just 1.2″ thick when fully retracted has built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and a power zoom dial that comes in handy when shooting video. Sony’s director of the interchangeable lens camera business group Mike Kahn notes:
This new camera carries on the NEX-5 series’ strong tradition of compactness and high performance. Available in a convenient, travel-friendly package with the compact SELP1650 power zoom kit lens, it’s the ideal choice for step-up point-and-shoot users, smartphone photographers who want higher quality images and even photo enthusiasts who are looking for a more portable alternative to replace their DSLR.
The NEX-5T stands out in that it is the first camera in the NEX line that will ship with built-in NFC connectivity. That will make connecting it to your iOS or Android mobile device much faster and easier. (Trust me, connecting my NEX-6 is a pain and this is one time when I really do wish I had NFC on my camera and phone.) The NEX-5T has WiFi and works with Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile application. That means features like “Smart Remote Control” will send a live image preview to a wirelessly connected camera or tablet over WiFi and allow the mobile device to serve as a remote viewfinder while also letting you adjust common photographic settings and release the shutter button. In addition,
In line with last year’s NEX-5R model, the new NEX-5T camera also features Fast Hybrid AF auto focus technology, which combines phase-detection and contrast-detection methods to ensure speedy, accurate autofocus in any shooting situation. The intuitive focusing system uses 99 phase-detection AF points arrayed on the image sensor to detect a subject’s distance and quickly lock focus. Then, contrast-detection AF confirms extremely fine, precise details.
The NEX-5T will be offered in silver, black, and white; it will cost about $700 with the 16-50mm motorized zoom lens or about $550 for the body-only. It will be available for purchase in early September.