The mirror less camera market is a fierce battlefield this year with a seemingly endless stream of new products from Panasonic, Sony and Olympus. This kind of rivalry is only a good thing for consumers though as the top players fight for the spotlight with new features and impressive price points. Today Sony unveiled a new top of the line NEX-7 camera ( as well as an NEX-5N) that packs a staggering 24 MP APS-C sensor in an incredibly small package. Not only does this make it the largest sensor in the mirror less field, but also the largest APS-C sensor full stop.
- All-new 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor (shared with the SLT-A7 and A657)
- ISO 100-16000
- Built-in 2.4M dot OLED EVF with eye sensor
- Electronic first-curtain shutter (cuts response time from 100ms to 20ms)
- ‘AVCHD Progressive’ 1080p60 HD movie recording with built-in stereo mic
- Tilting rear screen
- Three-dial user interface
- Built in flash and Alpha hotshoe
- Infra-red remote control receiver
Full press release
Sony takes pro-quality imaging and creative options to new extremes with the easy to use ? NEX-7. Styled in magnesium alloy for strength and premium looks, the NEX-7 weighs a travel-friendly approx. 291g (camera body only).
The NEX-7 features a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution that’s teamed with the latest revision of Sony’s BIONZ image processing engine.
This unique combination of sensor and processor assures ultra-rapid shooting responses, plus flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video. Extending from ISO 100-16000, the ultra-high sensitivity range makes it easy to capture clean, low-noise images in dimly lit interiors or at dusk.
Responses are accelerated further by a shutter release lag of just 0.02 seconds – the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital camera in the world. Quick, precise AF is enhanced by new Object Tracking that keeps accurate focus lock on a selected target, even when it’s moving in the frame.
The NEX-7 offers quick, easy control over creative settings via an intuitive new TRINAVI control. Two control dials on the top of the camera are complemented by a control wheel. Pushing the navigation button cycles quickly through various shooting modes, allowing enthusiasts to make custom adjustments and control images with the flexibility of a DSLR camera.
The NEX-7 is also the world’s first compact camera that features an XGA OLED TruFinder™ for precision framing and focusing. This precision electronic viewfinder gives a bright, detail-packed, high contrast view of still images and video, with approximately 100% frame coverage and a wide field of view to rival pro-grade optical viewfinders. On-screen grid lines and a level gauge can be displayed to assist with accurate framing.
The XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ is complemented by a 7.5 cm (3.0″) Xtra Fine LCD that can be angled up to 90° up or 45º down for easy viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack technology assures superb detail and contrast with dramatically reduces on-screen reflections.
At the touch of a button, the NEX-7 shoots smooth AVCHD Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound. Support for the new AVCHD Progressive (Ver. 2.0)* format also allows users to select 50p or 25p frame rates for beautifully smooth, detailed video footage. As with stills shooting, Object Tracking allows a target object to be selected for accurate tracking AF, even when the subject is moving.
Manual focus is now possible during video shooting. Enthusiasts can also enjoy full control over creating the perfect video image with Programme, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (PASM). Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.
In speed priority mode, the NEX-7 captures fast-moving action at up to 10fps – the world’s fastest burst shooting speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.
First introduced on the NEX-C3, Picture Effect simplifies the production of sophisticated artistic effects ‘in camera’, with no PC or post-processing needed. There are now 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature and Rich-Tone Mono. A generous palette of other artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.
The NEX-7 introduces an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe, a first for E-mount cameras. Widening opportunities for advanced shooting applications, the shoe supports accessories including HVL-F58AM, F43AM and F20AM Flash, the HVL-MT24AM Macro Twin Flash Kit and CLM-V55 Clip-on LCD Monitor.
Lenses and accessories
The world’s first mount adaptor with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology™, the optional Mount Adaptor LA-EA2 allows phase-detection AF with almost all of the A-mount lenses for both still image and video shooting.
The LCS-ELC7 Soft Carrying Case combines a closely-fitting body case and lens jacket in genuine leather to protect camera body and lens from scratches and dust, is released exclusively for NEX-7. It’s complemented by the STP-XH70 shoulder strap in the same material.
The ? NEX-7 ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera by Sony is available from November 2011.
