Sony NEX-5T
Sony · Mirrorless · 16.1 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | NEX-5T |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2013 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 27, 2013 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 111 x 59 x 39 mm |
| Camera weight | 276 g |
Optics55/100 | |
About This SectionSony NEX-5T Overview and OpticsThe Sony NEX-5T receives a score of 55/100 for its optics. With 16.1 megapixels, a shooting speed of 10, and a CMOS sensor, the camera has decent specifications. The Bionz processor and a DXOMARK score of 78 for the sensor show that the camera performs well in certain aspects. However, the APS-C sensor size and Sony E lens mount may limit the camera’s versatility. A notable drawback of the NEX-5T is the lack of image stabilization. This feature is essential for capturing sharp images in various lighting conditions and minimizing camera shake. The camera also has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is less popular than the 3:2 ratio found in many modern cameras. Given the specifications and considering the current market, the Sony NEX-5T has some strong points but also faces limitations. Its optics may not be suitable for professional photographers or those seeking advanced features, but it can still be a viable option for casual users who prioritize simplicity and affordability. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4912 x 3264 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.4 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 990300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | None |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video56/100 | |
About This SectionThe Sony NEX-5T’s video capabilities have a score of 56 out of 100. This camera features a maximum video resolution of Full HD (1920 x 1080) and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. However, it does not have built-in time-lapse functionality. Comparing the NEX-5T’s video capabilities to today’s market, it is evident that the camera does not excel in this area. Many modern cameras now offer 4K resolution and higher frame rates, making the NEX-5T’s Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate less competitive. The lack of time-lapse functionality is another drawback for users looking for advanced video features. The video capabilities of the Sony NEX-5T are not on par with current market standards. Cameras with higher video resolutions and frame rates are more suitable for users who prioritize video performance. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4 |
Features54/100 | |
About This SectionThe Sony NEX-5T scores 54/100 in the features department, which reveals its moderate performance. The camera has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 921,600 dots, providing decent image quality for framing and reviewing pictures. The touchscreen interface allows for easy access to settings and controls, while the flip screen offers flexibility when capturing images from various angles. Unfortunately, the NEX-5T lacks GPS functionality, limiting its ability to geotag photos for location-based organization. However, it does include Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling wireless transfer of images to compatible devices. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is not present in this model. Considering the specifications, the Sony NEX-5T offers a satisfactory set of features in today’s market. While it may not be the most advanced camera available, it provides a decent balance of functionality for casual photographers and enthusiasts alike. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 9216001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About This SectionThe Sony NEX-5T scores a 21/100 in storage and battery. It has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. The battery life lasts for 330 shots, using an NP-FW50 battery type. However, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities. In the current market, the NEX-5T’s storage and battery features fall short. Many cameras now offer multiple card slots and longer battery life. Additionally, USB charging is a standard convenience in modern cameras. While the NEX-5T may have been competitive in the past, it now struggles to keep up with current technology in these aspects. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 330 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |