NEX-7 Touch & Try!

I went to IFA 2011 held int Berlin. As I wished I could touch and try NEX-7!

This is a short report.

Its metallic black surface makes me imagine the hardness of a camera body at a glance. It must be attractive for enthusiasts who like old metallic body cameras (of course me too :).

The top cover logo seems to be engraved (although hard to recognize from this picture).

That is simple and clean design, but high quality like oldies.  Amazingly, focal plane mark (Φ) is on there! It must be Sony's serious message that NEX-7 is mid class camera , not high end entry class (as A65), since only middle or upper class alpha (i.e. A77 and A900) has the mark.

I felt the combination of NEX-7 and CZ 1.8/24 is smaller and lighter than I thought. Ergonomics shaped rubber grip fits my hand so much. My thumb reaches each 2 dials on the top cover and AF/MF button naturally. (Just for information, I think my body size is average Japanese man.)

Sony says 'Quick, versatile new TRINAVI control' as one of key feature of NEX-7. 

Mechanical feeling of the new 2 dials is highly good. I hardly felt backlash or wobbling.
However, because good mecha, I'm nervous about software is slow.
For example, when I want to change iris or shutter speed, the response to the first operation is early enough, but if it continues quickly, couldn't catch up.
... May be I had excessively expects manual oriented NEX-7. This SW behavior is almost same to NEX-5N and it's not matter for that automatic oriented model.

(The exhibited model was pre-production and its software development may not be completed. Camera icon on the top menu was NEX-C3 picture yet. However I don't think this behavior will improve until on sale.)

Now I think I should use the camera in automatic mode for usual situation instead of changing various parameter for various scene as I do with my EOS20D, because NEX's automatic mode is far better than the earliest dslr. Addition I can enjoy TriNavi when I'd take photo thoroughly.


More one switch added from the other NEX is AF/MF-AEL switch. The switch works duaring holding. I prefer toggling (push to MF push again to return AF) but it's acceptable once I get used to.

Left side of NEX-7 

Differ from the other NEXs, primary pivot (body side) of NEX-7's LCD is at bottom side of the body. 
It needs 2 steps to prepare waist level shooting, 1. pull the top edge of the LCD, 2. turn it so that the display surface upside. In exchange of necessity those steps, the LCD is able to face completely up rather than 80 degrees of  NEX-5 and 3. This structure is similar to my A330 and I prefer this :)

The LCD is able to be pulled away from the camera body about 10mm. However, the eyecup on the EVF may interfere when in use of waist level style, especially you put it on or near your body. So, I hope that Sony has a smaller eyecup in their accessory line-up (or I will make it by myself).   

NEX-5N, LCD lifted

Although the last of this report, I remember to mention EVF quality.

It is very satisfying performance for focusing. I think it may better than not only A55 but my old eos's ovf. Hardly seen pixsel and jaggy.
If I say excessive request, some flicker on highlight, a short delay and blur for moving object are still recognized as I felt about A55's EVF. They are improved but not perfect.

Considering SW response and EVF delay problem, it may be better for snap photo

 to use external view finder (like as FDA-SV1) and in fully automatic mode. For thorough photo it's not matter quick operation ability. Thus Some people may say NEX-5N is enough (furthermore NEX-5N is better ISO than NEX-7).  However, I'd get NEX-7 only for its solid body! :D

-----------------------

BTW, I'm learning English now. I'm sorry if you get confused by my poor English text. I appreciate your pointing out if there is any mistake about English language. 

And feel free if you have any questions :)