[Review] Sony NEX-7

Sony NEX-7 exceeds expectations. It's the highest resolution among pocket cameras as of August 2011. Here's performance that would give most DSLR cameras envy, including interchangeable lenses, a OLED eye-level TTL viewfinder, and outstanding Tri-Navi 3-dial manual control. HD movies are superb. AVCHD codec delivers stunning picture quality. MP4 codec offers smaller files for easier upload to the web.

Sony NEX-7 Features

Here's the same APS-C sensor size as a DSLR, with higher resolution than most DSLRs and the interchangeable lenses that make DSLRs so attractive. Yet the camera is about half the size and weight of a typical DSLR camera. Removing the conventional mirror box and viewfinder makes it possible.

Sensor size is the key to picture quality. The APS C class sensor provides gorgeous imaging with 58% more area than Micro Four-Thirds sensors and an amazing 13 times the area of a point & shoot image sensor.

Perfect for experienced shooters, Tri-Navi control gives you three separate control dials for direct, hands-on access to three settings at a time. As just one example, the dials can set aperture, exposure compensation and ISO. Enjoy the convenience of flash photography everywhere you go, with the built-in pop-up flash.

Take your photography even further with access to the entire range of Sony system flashes and flash accessories. Accepts A Mount lenses via adaptors. Both the LA-EA1 and EA2 adapters allow you to attach the full range of Sony A mount lenses. The LA-EA2 lens mount adapter is the world's first with Sony's award-winning Translucent Mirror Technology. This provides super-fast and accurate Phase Detection AF when used with Sony A mount lenses.

The TruBlack screen includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increasing contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further. Tilts down 45° and up 80° to frame high and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss.

Once auto focus occurs, release time lag is the delay between fully pressing the shutter release and when the camera actually starts taking the picture. Long lag makes it harder to capture fast-moving objects. This camera boasts the shortest release time in the world at only 0.02 seconds.

Locks onto a specified object and maintains focus even as the subject moves. Unpredictable subjects stay in focus even while zooming. You can concentrate on composition without worrying about focus.

Compatible with Sony's expanded line of E Mount lenses - these smaller, lighter lenses are specifically designed for compact, interchangeable lens cameras. Opens up a world of creative options.

Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television. Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together.

Manual focus becomes much easier because peaking highlights the edges that are in focus in your choice of three colors (white, red, or yellow). This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where your focus setting can make or break your shot.

Leverages the fast processor to capture six images in a fraction of a second, and then combine the data. The result is an incredible single image that controls blur in Anti-Motion Blur mode or gets cleaner, sharper nighttime pictures in Hand-held Twilight mode.

Enjoy a full range of controls for video and still shooting from the beginner's iAUTO mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail from another for one incredible shot. Recommended for still subjects.

Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing focusing time to a bare minimum. Chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 16000 sensitivity.

Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies. Takes advantage of Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization without leaving auto mode so you always get the best shot.

Improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off. 25 sensors cover a very wide area of the scene, for accurate focusing even when the subject is far from the center of the frame.

You can use the camera with a universe of lenses from Canon, Nikon, Leica, Olympus and others. The success of Sony's NEX series, combined with the ultra-short 18 mm flange back distance has inspired many third-party manufacturers to provide lens adaptors. In addition, Sony has disclosed the E Mount specification to Carl Zeiss, Cosina, Sigma and Tamron.

Take up to 400 shots on a single charge with Sony Stamina battery power. Sony's Info battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

Discover innovative ways to make your images and videos pop. These include Posterization, Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color, Soft High-key, High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, and Miniature.

Sony Exmor technology uses column-parallel A/D converters for high resolution and high frame rates. Double noise reduction minimizes image noise, even in low light.

Dust on the image sensor leads to blemishes in the picture. To protect the sensor, Sony incorporates an advanced ultrasonic system, which effectively shakes dust off the sensor surface.

Why you should buy it?

1. Fun to use.

2. Body smaller than that of Fujifilm X100.

3. Tough build quality, with a styled hand grip.

4. Very little shutter lag, around 20 ms only.

5. Good battery life, delivers what it promises and gives 400+ shots per charge.

6. Fast focus, even in low-light.

7. Flash can be manually tilted while shooting.

8. Ingenious three dial system, ensures quick access to settings.

Why you shouldn't buy it?

1. Not-so-good electronic viewfinder.

Sony NEX-7 Verdict

If you are an advanced/enthusiast amateur photographer, and also willing to trade-in the bulky DSLR you are carrying right now, this camera deserves to become your only camera. Recommended to be used with SEL-18200.