Do the Sony NEX-5R and the NEX-6 have the same sensor, processor and AF?

Hello all,

I'm getting very close to investing in a mirrorless setup and Sony's offerings look to be the best option.

Initially, I was sold on the NEX-6 because of its twin-dial setup...but then I found the NEX-5R, which also has the twin dials, just missing the mode dial, which isn't a huge issue for me as I shoot in M 99.99999% of the time (the only time my cameras get put in Auto is the rare instance I give the camera to someone to take a picture of me...even then, I usually have everything pre-set).

My #1 goal with going mirrorless is to have as compact/light (and most importantly stealthy!!!) package as possible, without sacrificing too much IQ.

I can't seem to get a straight answer (I've been Googling for hours, getting contradictory results)...do the NEX-5R and the NEX-6 have the same sensor, processor and AF system?

If they do, I'll likely go 5R...it's freaking TINY! At first I thought I'd hate the touch screen interface, but I played around with it rather extensively today, and I realized that I never have to use the screen if I don't want to...it has enough buttons to make shooting perfect for me...I don't think I'd miss the EVF (I looooove OVFs, but not crazy about EVFs), and the only slight issue is the lack of an on-board flash...but it comes with one that attaches in 2 seconds, so that's something...and I never use a flash anyways...I've been shooting/travelling with DSLRs that have no flash for 2+ years...I literally can't remember the last time I used a flash...must have been in 2010 or something.

Thanks!
T

Hola!!

I own the 5N and the 6, both of which [IMO] are great cameras! But as for the 5R and 6, yes I believe they do have the same 16MP APS-C sized sensor and hybrid AF [Phase Detect and Contrast Detect], but do note that not all lenses work with the hybrid AF. Also, the 6 is larger in size, has a built in flash and viewfinder, which in my opinion is better than swapping out the VF and flash [and mic in my case], which I do for the 5N [and I believe you will have to do for the 5R, if you use them]. Good luck and I hope I helpful!

B-

Thanks, Brian, I appreciate it!

Do you know if the SEL1018 and the 50 1.8 work with the hybrid AF?

I emailed Sony and they confirmed that the two have the same sensor/processor/AF. I'm 99% decided on a NEX-6, although the Fuji X-E1 and their upcoming 10-24 are very tempting...the problem is that the 10-24 isn't due out for another 8-12 months....which is too long for me!

Hey there, I have the NEX-6 and the 5N before that. As you've confirmed, the AF and sensor are identical. The main differences are the EVF and the mode dial on top. Because of those additions, the 6 is bigger and may fill the hands a bit more, which is a good thing in my eyes.

As for working with hybrid AF, I don't know about the 10-18. However, the firmware for the 50mm 1.8 can be updated to work with hybrid AF. But to be honest, the hybrid AF, in my experience, isn't exactly a great improvement over the older NEX cameras with contrast detect AF only. Things are a big snappier sometimes, but it's nowhere near the performance of a DSLR's phase detect AF. However, it's good enough for me, and over time, you'll learn how to use it and get the shots you want.

Lowrider,

I havent updated my firmware since purchase....didnt know I could use the 50mm with it either, thanks Crono for the info! let us know what you get..would love to see some pics also!

Cheers!

B-

CronoDL wrote in post #15793850
Hey there, I have the NEX-6 and the 5N before that. As you've confirmed, the AF and sensor are identical. The main differences are the EVF and the mode dial on top. Because of those additions, the 6 is bigger and may fill the hands a bit more, which is a good thing in my eyes.

As for working with hybrid AF, I don't know about the 10-18. However, the firmware for the 50mm 1.8 can be updated to work with hybrid AF. But to be honest, the hybrid AF, in my experience, isn't exactly a great improvement over the older NEX cameras with contrast detect AF only. Things are a big snappier sometimes, but it's nowhere near the performance of a DSLR's phase detect AF. However, it's good enough for me, and over time, you'll learn how to use it and get the shots you want.

Thanks for posting! However, just to clear some things up, the 6 shares the sensor/processor/AF with the 5R, not the 5N.

I agree, the 6 is only incrementally bigger than the 5N/5R, but it feels worlds better. Plus, the grip is covered in some sort of rubber, not shiny plastic, which makes it feel a ton nicer as well (more like a small DSLR, without the size disadvantage).

Thanks, I really don't care too much about "snappy" AFs, as I rarely shoot anything that moves. I've heard that the new hybrid AF is a bit more precise, which is what's more important to me.

DizneeBrian wrote in post #15807901
Lowrider,

I havent updated my firmware since purchase....didnt know I could use the 50mm with it either, thanks Crono for the info! let us know what you get..would love to see some pics also!

Cheers!

B-

Are you happy with the IQ out of your 6, Brian? (Specifically at higher ISOs). What Canon DSLR do you have? How do they compare?

Cheers!

Lowrider,

Love the IQ of the 6, even at higher ISO [Upto ~1600-3200]. HAD a T3i [and still have an older Digital Rebel D300] before moving to the Nex 6 and 5N, but never really did a comparison of image quality, sorry! I seem to recall some posts either here at POTN or elsewhere on the web that do a really nice side by side compare of ISO [Sony Nex vs]. if i find them, i will try to add the links here.

Cheers All!

B-

I went from my 40D to an NEX-6 and I love it. IQ is great, the Sony sensors are arguably better than Canon's APS-C sensors (That includes the 7D). High ISO is fine, images are pretty clean up 'till ISO 1600, 3200 is still very usable, and 6400 will pass for most things. 12800 and higher is good for snapshots, but not really anything else.

Converting the images to B/W works well, with usable images up to 12800.

Check out my Flickr, all of the shots from January on are taken with my NEX-6.

DizneeBrian wrote in post #15812712
Lowrider,

Love the IQ of the 6, even at higher ISO [Upto ~1600-3200]. HAD a T3i [and still have an older Digital Rebel D300] before moving to the Nex 6 and 5N, but never really did a comparison of image quality, sorry! I seem to recall some posts either here at POTN or elsewhere on the web that do a really nice side by side compare of ISO [Sony Nex vs]. if i find them, i will try to add the links here.

Cheers All!

B-

Awesome, thanks for the quick opinion and if you see any comparison sites, please do post them!

I think you may be thinking of dpreview...they have a fairly substantial database of comparison shots using cameras at all ISOs shooting the same target under the same conditions. In that one, the NEX comes out ahead of APS-C Canons, slightly ahead of the Oly OM-D and slightly behind the X-E1/X-Pro...good enough for me!

kaptnkain wrote in post #15812999
I went from my 40D to an NEX-6 and I love it. IQ is great, the Sony sensors are arguably better than Canon's APS-C sensors (That includes the 7D). High ISO is fine, images are pretty clean up 'till ISO 1600, 3200 is still very usable, and 6400 will pass for most things. 12800 and higher is good for snapshots, but not really anything else.

Converting the images to B/W works well, with usable images up to 12800.

Check out my Flickr, all of the shots from January on are taken with my NEX-6.

Thanks...going through your Flickr now and that's some great stuff...you have a good eye, but it seems that the NEX-6 certainly is a capable camera!

I'd agree with you on Canon's APS-C...I've been looking at a lot of comparison shots on dpreview and those seem to back that up!

I just have to keep remembering that a few years ago I was shooting with Canon 30Ds/20Ds (and even a 10D!) and I was very happy with the results...the NEX-6 beats the pants off any one of those cameras as far as IQ goes, especially above ISO 400.

The XE-1 XTrans sensor has very poor RAW support, FYI.

kaptnkain wrote in post #15817107
The XE-1 XTrans sensor has very poor RAW support, FYI.

Yeah, I've been reading about it, however, that seems to be getting better!

What worries me more is that with the X-E1, you can't go any lower than ISO 200 on JPEGs...what's the point of clean JPEGs, if they're limited? (I do a lot of ISO 50/100 stuff).