The pre-Photokina new camera blitz continues today
with Sony's new NEX-5R interchangeable-lens compact. The name might not
sound like much of an upgrade, but there are some substantial
differences from its predecessor, the NEX-5N.
The biggest new change from a photographic standpoint is
the 16.1-megapixel sensor. It maintains the APS-C size, but they have
now added 99 phase-detection AF sensors, giving it the ability to use
both phase detection and contrast AF, similar to the Nikon 1-series and the Canon EOS-M and Rebel T4i
cameras. Set to Speed Priority Continuous mode, it's capable of
maintaining AF tracking up to 10 FPS, which continues Sony's emphasis on
sheer shooting speed.
