During our trip to Sony HQ earlier this summer to take a look at the NEX-C3 , company reps hinted that the most efficient was yet to return — and held true to their word. Today’s NEX-7 release breaks a handful of digicam records, becoming not just the primary mirrorless camera to pack a 24.3 megapixel APS-C sensor, however the first APS-C cam of any shape and size to smash through this notable barrier — potentially delivering unparalleled image quality for a camera of its size. Sony’s new flagship mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC) also features the identical OLED viewfinder included with its brand-new Alpha A77 , delivering XGA (1024 x 768-pixel) resolution on to your eye. There’s also 1080 / 60p AVCHD video capture, a whole-size hot shoe, and a fully redesigned “Tri-Navi” interface. We spent a couple of minutes with a pre-production NEX-7 earlier this month — jump past the break for our initial impressions.
Initially, we were shocked by the NEX-7′s size — its magnesium alloy body is noticeably larger than the NEX-C3, for better or worse. Sony made the decision to grow the cam with a purpose to add those differentiating features. This top-of-the-line ILC isn’t always for every person — its $1,199 (body only) price ticket alone puts it out of reach for a lot of — but photographers in quest of a real DSLR replacement is frequently willing to sacrifice a smaller footprint so that it will add a whole-size hot shoe, unique dual-wheel interface, and OLED viewfinder.
Speaking of that tiny eye-level display — the NEX-7′s finder is unlike any EVF counterpart. Sure, it can’t offer an identical image quality of the mirrored solutions found on pricey DSLRs, however it looks a heck of significantly better than any EVF we have seen before. And that XGA resolution let Sony frame the picture with quite a lot of indicators, without letting them overpower your subject. The rest image indicator is tiny, for instance, but still really easy to read. There’s also a similar tiltable 3-inch LCD found at the NEX-C3, for those who want to use that display instead.
Another unique feature is the Tri-Navi interface, which helps you to use a couple of top-mounted control wheels which include the rear wheel to regulate a lot of settings simultaneously, without jumping into the system menu. In manual mode, for instance, one wheel controls aperture, one controls shutter speed, and the third permits you to adjust the ISO. The pre-production sample we saw didn’t include an entire interface, unfortunately, so we weren’t really ready to see this in action. We’re certainly interested by the theorem, however.
We were also unable to shoot images with the camera, though we did spend a couple of days shooting with a pre-production Alpha A77, which uses a similar 24.3 megapixel sensor. The pictures from that camera looked great, with accurate colors and great shadow detail. To be honest, 24.3 megapixels might be overkill for many shooters — if you are only sharing photos on the net, capturing at that top of a resolution will do more harm than good, filling your card quickly but providing way more detail than you want. Still, it’s nice to find a way, and the sensor’s other benefits — excellent high ISO performance and 1080 / 60p AVCHD video, to call a number of — help to justify the expense despite the fact that you do not expect to shoot at full resolution.
We’re very enthusiastic about Sony’s latest addition to the NEX family, which helps to narrow the distance between DSLRs and ILCs. Since we’ve yet to really shoot with the camera, you would need to hold tight for a proper verdict, however. Scroll down below for an outline with Mike Kahn, Sony’s new Alpha Camera Systems Director, and thumb through throughout the gallery up top for a sneak peek on the NEX-7′s unique design.
New NEX-7 Combines superb imaging, high performance and entire palette of creative options
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 24, 2011 — Sony is taking professional quality imaging and creative shooting options to new levels with the introduction of the hot α NEX-7 camera. Styled in magnesium alloy for strength and designed with a distinct blend of classic and modern inspiration, the brand new compact interchangeable lens model weighs only 10.3 ounces (291g).
“For Sony, the recent NEX-7 represents innovation in its purest form,” said Kelly Davis, vice chairman of digital imaging at Sony Electronics. “Speed and magnificence meet performance and control, making a shooting experience unlike anything in market today.”
The NEX-7 camera includes a new Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution – highest in its class — that enhances the most recent generation of Sony’s BIONZ® image processing engine.
This unique combination of sensor and processor technology delivers flawless image and HD video quality with very low noise and exceptionally fast shooting responses. An ultra-high sensitivity range extends from ISO 100-16000, making it easy to capture clean, low-noise images in dimly lit interiors or exteriors.
Response is accelerated even further by a shutter release lag of roughly 20 milliseconds– the fastest of any interchangeable lens camera (as of Aug 2011). In speed priority continuous mode, the NEX-7 camera captures fast-moving action at as much as 10fps (AF/AE is fixed) – the world’s fastest burst shooting speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (as of Aug 2011).
The NEX-7 model offers extensive, direct control over creative settings via an intuitive new TRINAVI control interface, important for enthusiast and professional photographers. Two control dials at the top of the camera are complemented by a control wheel, giving users three customizable, manual controls and the flexibility to create images with the versatility and precision of a complicated DSLR camera.
The NEX-7 model is likewise the world’s first interchangeable lens camera (along side new α77, α65) that includes an integrated XGA OLED TruFinder™ viewfinder for precision framing and focusing. The viewfinder provides a bright, detail-packed, high contrast view of still images and video, with approximately 100% frame coverage and a large field of view that rivals pro-grade optical viewfinders. On-screen grid lines, various shooting parameters and a degree gauge may be exhibited to assist with accurate framing. With the XGA OLED TruFinder™, the NEX-7 model realizes the suitable of a compact, rangefinder style camera with an eye fixed-level, throughout the lens viewfinder.
The XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder is complemented by a 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ display that may be angled as much as 90-degrees up or 45-degrees down for straightforward viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack™ technology assures superb detail and contrast, while dramatically reducing on-screen reflections.
On the touch of a button, the NEX-7 camera shoots smooth AVCHD Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound. Support for the brand new AVCHD Progressive (Ver. 2.0) format allows users to capture Full HD video at 60p (progressive) frame rates. for beautifully smooth, detailed video footage. 24p video shooting is additionally available. The Tracking Focus feature lets users select a target object on screen and concentrate on it accurately, although it’s moving.
Additionally, manual focus is now possible during video shooting. Enthusiasts too can enjoy full control over creating the proper video image with Program, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (P/A/S/M) – like the most advanced DSLR cameras. Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.
First introduced at the NEX-C3, Picture Effects enables easy “in camera” production of sophisticated artistic effects without the necessity for a computer or post-processing. The camera features 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature and Rich-Tone Mono. A generous palette of alternative artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama™ mode, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.
The NEX-7 camera includes an integrated flash system and in addition features an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe for advanced shooting applications, either one of which might be firsts for Sony’s E-mount line of cameras. The shoe supports the whole range of Alpha flashes and monitors, in addition to adaptors to house studio lighting.
The LCS-ELC7 soft carrying case combines a comfortable-fitting body case and leather lens jacket to assist protect the body and lens from scratches and mud. It’s complemented by the STP-XH70 shoulder strap, made from the identical material.
Pricing and Availability
The α NEX-7 ultra-compact interchangeable lens digicam should be available this November in a kit with an exclusive black 18-55mm zoom lens for roughly $1350, or as a body-just for about $1200.
The brand new camera and all compatible lenses and accessories should be sold at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) in addition to other authorized retailers through the Sony dealer network.
For “sneak peak” videos of the recent products, please visit www.sony.com/cameravideos.
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