Autofocus
Like other mirrorless camera systems, the NEX-5 is reliant on contrast-detection autofocus. Although slower than the phase-detection focusing found in DSLRs, the contrast-detection system performs well in most situations, and while the NEX-5’s focusing isn’t as snappy as that on a DSLR, it is comparable to the AF speed of other micro-system cameras.
In bright conditions the NEX-5 has no trouble focusing, but it is a little more fidgety in low light. In extremely low light, a built-in AF illuminator emits a red beam to help focus the lens. There are three main AF modes: Flexible Spot, Multi and Centre. Flexible Spot allows for one of 187 AF points to be selected, while Multi automatically decides the focus points for you, and Centre focuses in the centre of the scene. Face detection is also available, which identifies and tracks faces and prioritises focus on them.
As well as having standard AF and manual focus, the NEX-5 also has a very useful Direct Manual Focus (DMF) mode. In this setting the camera will autofocus as normal, but turning the lens focusing barrel switches the camera to manual focus. When in manual focus a 7x magnification view is displayed on the rear screen, which allows for very precise focusing to take place.
Although not the fastest MSC we have seen (so far that title goes to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2), there are some interesting focusing features in the NEX-5. The AF illuminator will prove extremely useful for many photographers, and the DMF mode is great for fine-tuning focus for landscape and macro photography.
