Sony NEX-5T review

Sony has improved autofocus performance by incorporating phase-detect autofocus sensors into the main imaging sensor. It’s an increasingly common technique, but as with previous examples, it only brings marginal improvements. Testing side by side with the older 5N, we found that the average time between pressing the shutter button and taking a photo fell from 0.6 to 0.4 seconds in bright conditions. This improvement felt more significant than the numbers might suggest, though. This isn’t the fastest CSC to focus but it’s quick enough for it not to be a concern. Burst shooting with continuous autofocus remains slow at 1.3fps, though. Meanwhile, the new sensor appears to take its toll on battery life. The 5T and 5N use the same battery but its quoted life has fallen from 410 to 330 shots.

Start-up and shot-to-shot times aren’t stellar, taking 2.2 seconds to the first shot and 0.8 seconds between subsequent shots. These hardly count as bad results, though. One big improvement is that the 10fps burst rate now lasts for 13 frames before slowing to around 3fps.

Wi-Fi control via an app is no longer a novelty, but it’s still very handy

The Sony NEX-5T includes the Wi-Fi functions that we first saw in the Sony NEX-6. Having seen a glut of Wi-Fi cameras in the last couple of months, we’re forced to conclude that this isn’t our favourite implementation. Still, the ability to transfer a photo to an iPhone for instant online sharing is enough in itself to make this a valuable feature. The iOS app also has a remote shooting mode, complete with live view on the iPhone or iPad. Control over photographic settings in the app is extremely limited but it’s perfect for group self-portraits.

Wi-Fi also brings the ability to download apps (see www.sony.net/pmca for details). It’s a novel idea but we’re not particularly tempted to pay between £4 and £8 for functions such as advanced bracketing and time-lapse when other cameras include them for free. Then again, it’s packed with advanced shooting modes out of the box, so the apps are just an extra that people can take or leave. Ultimately, these Wi-Fi functions are welcome, and will hopefully get even better over time.

The addition of NFC to the camera isn’t a huge upgrade, but if you have an NFC-capable phone it’s a nice extra: you can simply tap the two together and it will connect and launch the app automatically.

The superior 16-50mm lens kit looks like a good idea, but it does move the 5T close to NEX-6 prices

Another significant change is the growing number of E Mount lenses, including two particularly fine examples. The 16-50mm lens which is bundled here (replacing the bulky old 18-55mm) is much smaller, lighter and sharper than the standard kit lens. The 35mm prime lens (part code SEL-35F18) is similarly small and light, has a useful 52mm equivalent focal length and excels in low light with its f1/.8 maximum aperture and optical stabilisation.