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The Sony NEX-System has grown up.
The NEX-7 looks much more mature,
more masculine with a more ‘retro’ look about it.
It comes with a much higher picture resolution than the other NEX-Cameras,
packing more controls but now also comes with a grown up price tag.
The image sensor for the NEX-7 packs 24 megapixels
and is also seen in the Alpha 65 and Alpha 77.
In both Alpha-Cameras, the APS-C-Sensor delivered excellent image quality.
Also a feature in both models is the electronic viewfinder,
a first for Sony’s NEX cameras.
The large 2.4 megapixel OLED viewfinder provides a very clear
and sharp image of a subject even in bright light.
As usual, the NEX-7 provides an articulated screen
that rotates around the horizontal axis.
However, it doesn’t offer touchscreen functionality like the Sony NEX-5N.
Sony has expanded the controls;
the most obvious change is on the top of the camera
where two large dials take pride of place.
In addition to these there is a third dial on the back close to the grip
that offers some of the cameras more important functions.
The dials functions also change depending on the mode you are shooting in.
The function button situated next to the shutter trigger
allows you to select from a number of pre-set functions.
You also have the ability to add your own custom configurations.
A total of nine pre-set configurations are available,
so everyone should be able to find a suitable pre-set.
Moreover, you can change the function of three buttons.
Useful when taking demanding photos,
this little switch allows you to set the exposure,
switch to manual focus and even get an enlarged view of your subject.
The in-display information add to the professional appearance.
You can choose either to have an overview of all your current settings,
a more clear and reduced representation or a digital spirit level.
Allowing you to get the best orientation for your subject.
Your display preferences can be edited in the settings
and you can even have a different display option
for both the LCD display and the viewfinder.
The NEX-7 moves away from the screw-on flash
and now has a pop-up flash that lets you light up the scene.
You can also use a flash for the Alpha hotshoe.
Another addition can be found on the front of the camera.
There is now a small infrared sensor
that can be used to remotely trigger the camera.
Despite it’s many manual configurations,
the NEX-7 has all the comforts expected in a camera like this;
scene modes, HDR, and dynamic optimisation.
There is even a trigger for recognising smiles along with other quirky additions.
The menu gives feedback,
if it is not possible to choose a certain function.
It lets you know about the reason
and gives advice which function to deactivate first.
We think, this is really usefull support.
Movies. The NEX-7 shoots in Full-HD
giving you the choice of either 25 or 50 frames per second.
Audio is recorded in Stereo.
You start the recording by pressing the separate button
on the back of the camera.
In the hands the NEX-7 feels very good
and the large rubber grip is great.
A new feature is the automatic lens correction
which means the camera can pick-up faults in the lens
such as distortion or vignetting and removes them,
giving you the best image on your memory card.
In the NEX-7 Sony has provided an excellent camera with great features,
with great features, sophisticated controls
all within a very compact housing.
The downside is the price.
You have to fork out over 1.000€ for the body alone.
But you’ll get a system camera that can perform
just as well as Sony’s High-End-DSLR Cameras.