Sony NEX-5R With Built-In Phase Detect AF

[Photo-John]

Have you guys seen the new NEX-5R Sony announced this week? They almost snuck this one past me and it's actually a pretty big deal. Basically, it's an upgraded NEX-5N, a camera I reviewed this spring and loved. But they upgraded the sensor with embedded phase detect AF points to improve continuous auto focus performance. I haven't seen any reports yet on performance but I'm very curious to find out how well it works. The Nikon 1 cameras had a similar system and it worked great. But so does Canon's new T4i / 650D and it doesn't work so great. So it's impossible to predict how well Sony's new "Fast Hybrid" AF system is going to perform. I definitely like the idea of on-sensor phase detect, though. Nikon made it work so hopefully Sony can, too.

Sony Alpha NEX-5R Camera Announcement >>

The NEX-5R also has built-in Wi-Fi and it's the first interchangeable camera to use apps. It's not an Android-based OS like the point-and-shoot Nikon recently announced (Nikon Coolpix S800c Intro). Sony will be producing and distributing all the apps. But to start, they have one that allows you to connect to your iPhone, iPad or Android mobile device; and there's also one that let's you upload directly to Facebook.

What do you think? How interested are you guys in the built-in Wi-Fi? For me, it's all about the auto focus. I think I'm gonna have to put some pressure on Sony to get me one of these ASAP!