Buy used:
Used: Very Good | Details
Sold by Luxe Four LLC
Condition: Used: Very Good
Comment: VERY GOOD Condition & FREE FAST SHIPPING. May have some minor scratches. The item had been through professional tested to be fully functional before selling. Camera body and lens will comes with both compactable body cap, compactable battery and charger and will be no other accessories included. Purchase will be shipped the same day or a day after only! and will use Priority Mail Shipping for faster arrived (ESTIMATE 1-3 BUSINESS DAYS). THANK YOU!
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.

Sony NEX-7 24.3 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Old Model)

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 237 ratings

To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
With 18-55mm lens
Standard Packaging

About this item

  • Pocket camera with professional-grade performance
  • 24.3 MP for superb detail and amazing enlargements
  • World's first OLED electronic viewfinder; 2359K dots
  • Up to 10 fps shooting to capture the decisive moment
  • APS-C CMOS sensor for DSLR-class imaging
Serve a pot of gold
Get ready for St Patrick's Day Find a Fresh store

Important information

Legal Disclaimer

Brand New, Factory Sealed

To report an issue with this product or seller, click here.

Top Brand: Sony

Highly Rated
4.3/5 star rating from 100K+ customer ratings
Trending
100K+ orders for this brand in past 3 months
Low Returns
Customers usually keep items from this brand

Compare with similar items

This Item
Sony NEX-7 24.3 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Old Model)
Sony NEX-7 24.3 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Old Model)
Recommendations
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens (Renewed)
dummy
Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens, Black (ILCE6100L/B)
dummy
Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera
dummy
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video & Flip Up Touchscreen - E Mount Compatible Cameras - ILCE-6400/B Body
dummy
Sony Alpha NEX-5A/S Digital Camera with 16mm f/2.8 Lens (Silver) (OLD MODEL)
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Price$568.68$689.00-18% $698.00
List:$849.99
-20% $598.00
List:$749.99
-17% $748.00
List:$899.99
$479.99
Delivery
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
Get it Mar 20 - 22
Customer Ratings
Image stabilization
4.8
5.0
3.2
4.2
3.9
Picture quality
4.8
5.0
4.6
4.9
4.6
Auto focus
4.1
5.0
4.5
4.7
4.6
Sold By
Luxe Four LLC
Port Hole Renewed
Focus Camera LLC
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
42nd Street Photo
display type
LCD
Tilting LCD
LCD
LCD
LCD
LCD
display size
3 inches
3 inches
3 inches
3 inches
3 inches
3 inches
lens type
Zoom
Telephoto Zoom
zoom
Zoom Lens
zoom
zoom type
Optical, Digital
Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom
Optical, Digital
shooting modes
Panorama
Single Shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracket: Single, Bracket: Cont., White Balance bracket, DRO bracket
Single Shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracket: Single, Bracket: Cont., White Balance bracket, DRO bracket
Single Shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracket: Single, Bracket: Cont., White Balance bracket, DRO bracket
Scene
connectivity tech
HDMI, USB
NFC, Wi-Fi
USB
Wireless
Wireless
HDMI, USB
video resolution
FHD 1080p
FHD 1080p
4K UHD 2160p
4K UHD 2160p
2160p, 1080p
1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
optical zoom
3 multiplier x
3 multiplier x
2 multiplier x

What's in the box

  • Battery
  • Instruction Manual
  • Looking for specific info?

    Product information

    Warranty & Support

    Amazon.com Return Policy:Amazon.com Voluntary 30-Day Return Guarantee: You can return many items you have purchased within 30 days following delivery of the item to you. Our Voluntary 30-Day Return Guarantee does not affect your legal right of withdrawal in any way. You can find out more about the exceptions and conditions here.
    Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

    Feedback

    Sony NEX-7 24.3 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Old Model)


    Found a lower price? Let us know. Although we can't match every price reported, we'll use your feedback to ensure that our prices remain competitive.

    Where did you see a lower price?

    URL:
    Price: ($)
    Shipping cost: ($)
    Date of the price:
    /
    /

    Store name:
    City:
    State:
    Price: ($)
    Date of the price:
    /
    /


    Please sign in to provide feedback.

    Product Description

    Product Description

    More than a pocket camera, the 24.3 megapixel NEX-7 exceeds expectations. Here’s performance that would give most DSLRs camera envy, including interchangeable lenses, a 2359K dot OLED eye-level TTL viewfinder, up to 10fps shooting, and outstanding Tri-Navi 3-dial manual control. HD movies are superb with Full 1920 x 1080 resolution at 60p, 60i and 24p.

    From the Manufacturer

    More than a pocket camera, the 24.3 megapixel NEX-7 exceeds expectations. Here's performance that would give most DSLRs camera envy, including interchangeable lenses, a 2359K dot OLED eye-level TTL viewfinder, up to 10fps shooting, and outstanding Tri-Navi 3-dial manual control. HD movies are superb with Full 1920 x 1080 resolution at 60p, 60i and 24p.

    DSLR quality in your pocket
    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.

    24.3 MP; best-in-class resolution
    You get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements thanks to a 24.3 megapixel sensor. It's the highest resolution among pocket cameras as of August 2011.

    World's first OLED viewfinder
    There's never been anything quite like the Tru-Finder OLED electronic viewfinder. For size, speed and brightness even after sunset, this is a gem. This eye-level, through-the-lens, viewfinder begins with 2359K dots for amazing resolution and high contrast ratio for incredible depth. OLED reduces motion blur to a bare minimum. You can also see the results of camera adjustments in real time with superb color and detail.

    Up to 10 fps shooting
    Capture the decisive moment in sports and get the ideal baby photo. Up to 10 fps continuous shooting at full 24.3 MP resolution with exposure and focus fixed at the first frame. Standard continuous shooting at up to 2.5 fps.

    DSLR-class APS C image sensor
    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.

    Full HD Movies at 60p/60i/24p
    Capture HD Movies in your choice of super-smooth 60p, standard 60i or cinematic 24p, all at Full HD 1920x1080 resolution. AVCHD codec delivers stunning picture quality. MP4 codec offers smaller files for easier upload to the web.

    HD movies with full manual control
    Now you don't need to surrender control when you shoot HD movies. Enjoy the full expressive potential of Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority or Manual (P/A/S/M) control in HD movie mode.

    Tri-Navi manual control
    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.
    Built-in pop-up flash Enjoy the convenience of flash photography everywhere you go. Guide Number 6.

    Hot shoe for α system flashes
    Take your photography even further with access to the entire range of Sony α system flashes and flash accessories.
    Accepts A Mount lenses via adaptors Both the LA-EA1 and EA2 adapters (sold separately) allow you to attach the full range of Sony A mount lenses.

    Phase Detect AF with adaptor
    The LA-EA2 lens mount adaptor (sold separately) 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.

    Tiltable 3.0" LCD
    Sony's 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD monitor has 921K dots for superb resolution. 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.

    Object Tracking AF
    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.

    World's shortest release time lag
    Helps ensure that the image you want is the image you get. 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. The Sony NEX-7 boasts the shortest release time in the world (as of August 2011) at only 0.02 seconds,

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

    Peaking function
    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.

    3D Sweep Panorama Mode
    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. Records both JPEG and MPO file formats.

    Sweep Panorama Mode
    Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together.

    6-image layering
    Leverages the fast BIONZ 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.

    Auto HDR
    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.)

    P/A/S/M modes for video and stills
    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.

    Intelligent Auto Focus
    Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing focusing time to a bare minimum.

    iAUTO mode
    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.

    BIONZ image processor
    The brain of the camera is a Sony's BIONZ image processor substantially upgraded for the demands of 24.3 megapixel photography. Chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 16000 sensitivity. Also enables fast processing for up to 10 fps continuous shooting of data-intensive 24.3 MP images, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama modes and 6-image layering.

    Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO)
    Improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.

    Accepts non-Sony lenses via adaptor
    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 third-party manufacturers to provide lens adaptors. In addition, Sony has disclosed the E Mount specification to Carl Zeiss, Cosina, Sigma and Tamron.

    25-point Auto Focus
    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.
    HDMI output Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an HDMIoutput.

    Stamina battery power for up to 400 shots
    Take up to 400 shots on a single charge with Sony lithium ion Stamina battery power (using LCD monitor). Sony's InfoLITHIUM battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

    Sony Exmor CMOS sensor
    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.

    11 Picture Effect modes
    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.

    Ultrasonic anti-dust system
    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.




    Sony Digital Imaging | make.believe body { padding: 0; margin: 0; }

    NP-FM500H

    InfoLITHIUM® M Series Rechargeable Battery
    8.4V typ. 11.8Wh (1650mAh)

    NP-FW50

    Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
    7.2V typ. 8.5Wh (1180 mAh)

    NP-FM500H NP-FW50 SLT-A99 SLT-A77 SLT-A65 SLT-A57 SLT-A37 NP-FM500H NP-FW50 NEX-7 NEX-6 NEX-5R NEX-5N NEX-F3


    Read about our customers' top-rated cameras and lenses on our review pages: Compact System Cameras, Lenses

    Customer reviews

    3.9 out of 5 stars
    3.9 out of 5
    237 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the quality, ease of use, and portability of the digital camera. They mention that the image quality is very good, the video quality is superb, and the controls are fairly simple. They appreciate the small size and lightweight design, which make it easy to carry around. Customers are also happy with the controls, and say that the camera is a great performer.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    84 customers mention76 positive8 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the digital camera. They say that the unique raw files this camera produces are of very good quality, and the video quality is superb. They also mention that the camera is easy to pick up and learn how to take good photos, and that the 24 MP provides tremendous detail.

    "...This feature is beautifully implemented in the NEX 7 - and you can use it with the LCD or by looking thru the bright OLED viewfinder...." Read more

    "...of the box in five minutes the most incredible, clear, good color gorgeous detailed photos, all in natural light...we were so excited we rushed to..." Read more

    "...It is not a Canon L, but is very well made and the shots are much, much better than the kit and that is what counts...." Read more

    "...I enjoy the soft snickety-snick of the focal plane shutter. It's a sweet, complex toy and lots of fun, and a worthy successor to the Sony marvels of..." Read more

    83 customers mention75 positive8 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the quality of the digital camera. They mention that the viewfinder is really good, it's a great performer, and produces excellent results. The kit lens is actually very good, and the overall quality is amazing.

    "...Speaking of viewfinders, the NEX 7 viewfinder is really, really good. I use it a lot. Here's why: Last year I had cataract surgery on both eyes...." Read more

    "...But when they do the results are stunning to a discerning eye. Now after two months, I would add the following: This camera is even better..." Read more

    "...I chose the Tamron because of its smaller size and equal performance. Also Tamron now has a fix for the panorama mode...." Read more

    "...Overall this is an amazing piece of technology coming from a film background. It does take some getting used to handling and using...." Read more

    49 customers mention40 positive9 negative

    Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They say that the camera functions are very intuitive and provide the amount of functionality that they need. The camera is also user friendly, with easy-to-use controls and a simple menu system. The NEX-7 is a beautiful camera that offers a lot of functionality and is easy to handle.

    "...to my wife with a sensor that's a proven winner in a small, convenient camera with interface designed for point and shoot photographers. When..." Read more

    "...3. Features and connectivity. The NEX 7 offers approximately 50 settings, ranging from gimmicks I am unlikely to ever use..." Read more

    "...Not as easy as it's bigger DSLR cousins, but easy enough for what it does. Sony has got a winner with the NEX. Can't wait to see what else is coming!" Read more

    "...The most fabulous feature is its ability to use just about every lens ever made! That is astonishing...." Read more

    36 customers mention33 positive3 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the size of the digital camera. They mention that it fits easily and comfortably in their hand, and has a compact body loaded with features. Some say that it can fit in a coat pocket.

    "...It fits perfectly with the lens down. For a smaller profile, put on the SEL16F28 wide angle lens and use the Tamrac 5689 case...." Read more

    "...Also the size of the lens is not obnoxious, I rather like the size.Update May 28, 2012...." Read more

    "...The EVF is optional as an accessory for the 5n. And it's smaller and lighter weight and has slightly less digital noise than the 7 at high ISO due..." Read more

    "...Compact body LOADED with features...." Read more

    25 customers mention25 positive0 negative

    Customers like the portability of the digital camera. They mention that its size and weight is fantastic to just carry around, and that it is much more compact than the typical DSLR.

    "...And it's smaller and lighter weight and has slightly less digital noise than the 7 at high ISO due to fewer megapixels...." Read more

    "...They do incorporate motors and anti-shake mechanisms and are very light. Some of the size problem is that the camera is small by comparison...." Read more

    "...I love the fact that the body is so small and light...." Read more

    "...Overall it's a great performer and given its size and weight is fantastic to just carry around - I'm far more likely to take it with me than my DSLR..." Read more

    20 customers mention16 positive4 negative

    Customers like the controls of the digital camera. They say the tri-navi dials are terrific for quickly adjusting the primary exposure settings. The controls are well-thought out and easy to use due to the use of contextually-aware buttons. Customers also like the four customized buttons that they can set their favorite.

    "...The NEX 7 assists me in two ways. First - the viewfinder has a diopter adjustment so I can dial in my correction and see clearly through the..." Read more

    "...Its three dial system is ingenious and provides easy quick access to an functions including by example, creativity settings, saturation and..." Read more

    "...FAST startup and responsive controls. You hardly ever miss any shots you want to take...." Read more

    "...Access to the vital dials quickly...I can now change Aperture size, ISO, and exposure compensation through external knobs...rather than a..." Read more

    17 customers mention13 positive4 negative

    Customers like the viewfinder of the digital camera. They say that it is excellent, spot-on, and a major reason with the sensor that they purchased. They also say that the digital eye viewer is a welcome feature on sunny days, and that the live view works very well. Customers also say the LCD screen is convenient and that they can see clearly through the view finder without glasses.

    "...Speaking of viewfinders, the NEX 7 viewfinder is really, really good. I use it a lot. Here's why: Last year I had cataract surgery on both eyes...." Read more

    "...The much lauded viewfinder is nice, but I am one of those people who have gotten used to framing the entire shot at arm's length...." Read more

    "...Video Limitationso. The viewfinder is helpful for taking photos (I have old eyes), but using it in video mode, it may add your heavy..." Read more

    "...The electronic viewfinder is pretty cool, although the twinkling dots in low light conditions is a bit distracting...." Read more

    24 customers mention12 positive12 negative

    Customers are mixed about the autofocusing of the camera. Some mention that the focusing assist using peaking level is really good, and the focus is fast even in low light. However, others say that the autofocus is a bit slow, and it doesn't always refocus on you should you step in.

    "...And finally, here's a digital camera that provides a really usable manual focus capability!..." Read more

    "...Sometimes it takes time for the NEX to track in low light. [Uses Contrast AF. Wish it was Phase like the Sony DSLRs]..." Read more

    "...This electronic assist for manual focus, which is also on the 5n, is one of the best reasons for buying a NEX...." Read more

    "...zoom adjustment on the side of the lens body, there is still a delay when zooming and you can hear the motor going when you're shooting video...." Read more

    Superb images, flawed interface. NEX 5n is a better choice.
    3 Stars
    Superb images, flawed interface. NEX 5n is a better choice.
    This is a review of my new NEX-7, a lovely, precision made piece of pocket magic. I hope Amazon readers will indulge me if I first make a few observations about the great Sony Corporation, and then some thoughts about the future of of digital cameras in the age of the iPhone.I have a longtime fondness for Sony dating from the 1970's when my job required constant international travel. This was before personal computers and the internet; I depended on my Sony Walkman, my Sony microcassette recorder, my Sony shortwave radios, and all the other jewels of miniature electronics Sony produced in those days with imagination and precision. Trinitron. The U-Matic 3/4" video players we used for education and training before Betamax and VHS. Unfortunately in recent decades Sony has not stayed on the leading edge of consumer electronics. The company grew large and subdivided, replacing a strong sense of design coherence led by Akio Morita, with management by committee. The secret of Apple, and the reason Apple surpassed Sony, is mainly that one individual, Steve Jobs, maintained a coherent personal vision of product rightness over a long period of time and a variety of platforms. Sony on the other hand divided into a conglomerate of disconnected businesses. For example, unlike Apple, Sony's foray into the content industry (movies, music) did not really feed back to enhance their hardware products. There is not one Sony company but several; the people who make the new Sony Tablet P or the Bloggie MP4 recorders probably have never met the camera team. The CEO of Sony in recent years, Howard Stringer, was not a digital visionary but a clueless corporate "Mister Businessman." As I write this Sony has lost billions for eight years and has just announced 10,000 more layoffs. The new CEO says his focus will be "One Sony." I hope so because the disconnects within the Sony group are evident in this NEX 7; it is excellent photographically but lacks integration in other important ways.Sony was an early player in digital cameras and has remained strong, unlike their losing battle to stay in the television market or the MP3 market. In 2006 they committed to full-on competition with Canon and Nikon by buying out the Konica-Minolta line. Their DSLRs are first rate and they are the first to offer translucent non-moving mirror SLR's. Now with the NEX line of mirrorless, large sensor cameras, Sony has a hit and is hoping to lead the next phase of consumer photography. Or rather I should say, of ENTHUSIAST photography since as we all know, mass market photography today is increasingly dominated by the smartphone / iPhone with a vast array of third party software apps. More about that later. However, design by committee is evident in the Sony NEX 7; it gives the feeling that the features marked for incorporation came from a show of hands in a giant meeting rather than a unified concept. In sensors, Sony is pretty much the best in the world. Ditto for their marvelous manufacturing. But in user interface, in image processing and compression, in viewfinders, in lenses, in connectivity, wireless, software, in overall system architecture - they are uneven. Moreover, the camera group seems stuck in a past where cameras were in a silo by themselves. How sad that they seem unable to pull together Sony's amazing range of corporate skills in wireless, computers, etc., to focus them all on any one product.OK, that's my history essay. Thanks for reading. Now on to testing the NEX 7. After having mine on backorder at Amazon for EIGHT MONTHS, it finally arrived a few days ago. I was also fortunate to capture one of the Zeiss 24mm NEX E-mount lenses, a gem (except it is overpriced and lacks image stabilization). I made a direct comparison with my Nikon D7000 for basic image quality and evaluated the other features as best I could, without yet having read every page of the 211 page (!) manual. There are three basics of digital photography: 1) image quality including JPEG efficiency, 2) handling quality including size, weight, speed, and ease of use and 3) connectivity, networking, and special techniques. I am leaving out cost; if that is your metric, I can tell you right now that you can buy a very good digital camera which will produce excellent photos for about one seventh what I spent for this baby with the Zeiss lens.1. Image quality. I compared indoor both RAW and JPEG images from the NEX 7, 24 MP with my Nikon D7000, 16 MP. They certainly should be comparable since Nikon in fact uses a Sony sensor similar to that in the NEX 5n. I did this at ISO 100, 800 and 3200, trying to match the lenses between the two as comparably as I could, prime for prime, zoom for zoom. The results were mixed. With RAW images, the Nikon D7000 had a slight but definite edge, with more contrast and smoothness, especially in the shadows. (This implies the NEX 5n sensor may also be better than 7 at high ISO.) But with JPEGs it was the other way; at both high and low ISO, the NEX-7 images were distinctly superior to the Nikon in clarity and punch. The difference was greatest at ISO 3200. So it seems when JPEG compression is brought in, the Sony boys have a slight edge in the fine details of their algorithm for image compression. The differences are subtle; let's call it even. The NEX 7 produces beautiful, sharp, dynamic photos, really nice, and every bit as good as the best half-frame DSLR. So far so good.2. Handling. So if the image quality is top grade, and the slim NEX 7 is so much lighter and smaller than my top of the line Nikon half-frame DSLR, and I am much more likely to take it with me when I travel, does it mean I'm ready to switch over completely? No, I'm not. For one thing, I have been shooting Nikon SLR's since John F. Kennedy was president. Nothing feels as comfortable and natural to me as having that funny clacking box held up to my eye, allowing me to see exactly what the lens will see. The NEX 7 comes with an EVF (electronic viewfinder) which means a little television you squint at through a lens as if it were a real viewfinder. This has been touted as a great advance but I find I don't like it. For one thing, the EVF display - in spite of being a state of the art 2.4MP OLED - is rough compared to a real life image. The picture has sparklies and the colors are off, and the proximity feature (viewfinder doesn't turn itself on until your eye is near the camera, to save battery) is disconcerting. And the information there is simply a duplicate of what can be seen on the much nicer, big LCD on the back, which has a handy tilt mount. With the LCD one can watch as the exposure is adjusted and see the changes in real time, which doesn't work so well using the EVF. The big display also helps more with focus; there is a digital zoom and a Sony feature called "focus peaking," visible color marking of the in-focus area that allows fine manual focus. This is my favorite feature and makes it much easier to use manual lenses from Pentax / Leica / Canon. This electronic assist for manual focus, which is also on the 5n, is one of the best reasons for buying a NEX.3. Features and connectivity. The NEX 7 offers approximately 50 settings, ranging from gimmicks I am unlikely to ever use (camera fires the shutter when it detects a smile - will this work with my dog?) to those I use constantly (exposure comp, ISO, white balance) to those which sound intriguing but will need trying out to see if they really work (HDR, dynamic range). This all could have been organized more simply and some of the choices are head scratchers. For example: white balance and meter mode appear under the Brightness/Color menu, not the Camera menu nor the Settings menu. There are many such illogical, confusing choices. For example, there are an interesting set of "picture effects" which can emphasize one color, etc. These effects are fun to play with; I have uploaded a sample on the product page which picks out the reds in my neighbor's barn. But if I next want to try picking out the yellows in the scene rather than the reds, I must push or twist no fewer than six buttons and wheels, going back through the menus tediously to start over again with the next Picture Effect. Also, since there is no way to go backwards on these effects to the unaltered image, skilled photographers (the ones who would buy the NEX 7 in the first place) will prefer to apply effects like these in postprocessing rather than in the camera. So this entire feature set is more gimmick than useful. In general, the user definable wheels and buttons on the NEX only whetted my appetite for even more programmability. It would be much better if the camera would allow me to set up ALL my own menus the way that makes sense to me - for example gathering all the rarely used items in one menu so as to reduce clutter, and then another menu with a short list of items I use frequently. Instead, I'm left trying to figure out the obscure choices made for me by a Sony engineer sitting in a cubicle in Tokyo. Also, it is evident Sony did not try out the prototype on enough users before freezing the design. For example, a dedicated movie shutter button is placed where it is vulnerable to being pushed by accident, resulting in frequent unintended movie recordings, which must then be reversed through a nest of menus. This may sound minor but in fact is so irritating I may have to tape a piece of cardboard over the button. Numerous other reviewers have complained about this; it is a mistake and should have been caught before product release. And why do we need a separate shutter button for movies anyway? Other notes: Battery life is short compared to pocket cameras, especially when the EVF is on. Autofocus is a bit slow. Connectivity should have been higher on the list. No wireless, no GPS, and no ability to communicate with computer or phone except by ordinary USB download. Finally, there is a huge missing feature; after setting the 50 options, there is no way to SAVE the configuration. If you are not sure you remember what you set, your only choices are to go through all the menus again, which is tedious, or else 'reset all' in which case you must start from scratch next time.Lens choices are an issue for such an expensive "pro quality" body. Available e-mount Sony lenses are mostly not up to the body in quality. The 18-55mm kit lens has a plastic lens barrel. It is also hard to understand why Sony chose to develop a new e-mount at all instead of simply using their established alpha-mount with its large existing lens portfolio. Apparently this was for lens compatibility with their video camcorders, but that has no relevance for me. There will be more lenses to come; Sony appears to have been somewhat taken aback by the success of the NEX series and is scrambling to catch up. In the meantime, it's a significant plus that numerous accessory mount adapters are available for non-Sony lenses, even old manual lenses from the 1970's - many photographers are buying NEX 3, 5 or 7 for this reason alone.Summary: I am having a delightful time playing with the NEX 7 - but then I'm a gadget lover as well as a photographer. I enjoy the soft snickety-snick of the focal plane shutter. It's a sweet, complex toy and lots of fun, and a worthy successor to the Sony marvels of decades past. Build quality, an area where Sony is unsurpassed, is refined and precise. It produces images as least as good and in some cases better than my big, heavy Nikon DSLR, but is much lighter and smaller. It does not feel as natural to hold as an SLR, but it's going to be around my neck more of the time, and you can't take a picture unless you have your camera. The problem with the NEX is that the architecture does not feel as if it came from the mind of a single inspired designer. Rather there is a "pile of features," some brilliant and some gimmicky. I don't think the new wave of NEX type mirrorless cameras make DSLR's obsolete quite yet. Perhaps we would one days see a full frame camera similar to the NEX? One which would be designed from the get-go to make full use of the tens of millions of legacy full frame Nikon / Canon / Pentax / Leica lenses out there?Overall, I'm a bit disappointed in Sony. I wish the NEX 7 could have been a breakthrough in user programmability, wireless connectivity, and interface design to go along with the innovative mirrorless mechanicals - but it is not. It adds more photographic capability only in conventional terms; bigger sensor, more pixels, smaller box, more features. Yes, there are more user choices for the buttons and wheels than usual but for the most part, the interface is like other cameras, only more so. And there are too many details to learn. The very fact of needing a 211 page manual shows it is too complicated. At this point in photographic history, conventional digital cameras are hitting a wall. As smartphones come with better and better internal cameras (the 8MP sensor on my iPhone 4S is as good as my digicam from a few years ago), the devices identified primarily as cameras need to meet them from the other direction, becoming more like cell phones. All portable devices these days should have wireless connectivity, it's a no-brainer. And what if the NEX 7 allowed for third party apps? The first brand to break out of the 'camera' silo and offer a programmable high end photography solution will be a true breakthrough. NEX 7, for all its niceness and precision, is not that breakthrough.Conclusion: It is difficult to recommend the NEX 7 given its slightly uneven design, flaws in the interface, expanded size, high price and paucity of quality lenses. Its big feature is the EVF which I did not find to my liking. It seems to me the Sony NEX 5n is the sweet spot of the NEX line. It has most of the best features of the NEX 7 for about half the price. The EVF is optional as an accessory for the 5n. And it's smaller and lighter weight and has slightly less digital noise than the 7 at high ISO due to fewer megapixels. The touch screen on the 5n is also useful. And you may not need to use your whole vacation to read the 5n manual - it only has 82 pages.
    Thank you for your feedback
    Sorry, there was an error
    Sorry we couldn't load the review

    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2012
    Style: With 18-55mm lensProduct Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase
    11 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2012
    Style: Body OnlyProduct Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase
    163 people found this helpful
    Report

    Top reviews from other countries

    Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on November 22, 2015
    Style: With 18-55mm lensProduct Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase