14 DAY TRIAL // Sony has released several new photo and video capture devices, and we may just manage to see to them all by the end of the day, but right now we've only got one of them in our sights, namely the NEX-5T.
On the surface, the NEX-5T doesn't seem all that astounding. The black body is just the sort of thing one would expect from a “neutral” product, and the texture on the battery compartment to the side of the lens is no more remarkable than the lens itself.
Still, Sony expects decent to good things from the product, because of, among other things, the 16.1 megapixel sensor.
Obviously, 16.1 megapixels is a bit better than what compact cameras usually possess. Then again, the SELP1650 motorized zoom lens isn't a common fixture of compact cameras either.
Said lens contains built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and measures 1.2 inches in thickness when fully retracted.
Besides the standard camera specifications, Sony's NEX-5T Compact System Camera integrates Wi-Fi and Near-Field Communications (NFC), plus a fast auto-focus system.
In fact, this is the first Sony interchangeable lens camera to feature NFC, which is a sort of one-touch wireless connectivity supported by compatible Android smartphones and tablets.
As soon as mobile devices touch the camera, the connection is established automatically. Thus, image and video sharing can be done immediately.
Sales should start in September for $700 / €700 in Silver, Black and White. For those that want the full feature list, here is the spec sheet:
16.1 MP APS-C size HD image sensor Fast Hybrid AF Full HD Movies at 60p/60i/24p Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi® or NFC PlayMemories Camera Apps 180-degree tilt-able 3.0” Touch LCD Picture Effect mode Up to ISO 25600 sensitivity with advanced noise reduction Accepts Sony E-mount lenses Auto Object Framing Auto HDR mode Face Detection/ Registration technology Sweep Panorama Technology Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) Six Creative Style settings Photo Creativity Touch interface Clear Image Zoom Convenient USB charging Multi-interface terminal Stamina battery power for up to 330 shots