Sony Redefines Interchangeable Lens Segment With 24.3MP NEX-7

There's a new kind of camera in town, and if it's not Micro Four Thirds, it must be the broader 'interchangeable lens.' Sony has taken that segment as their own, producing the NEX-3 and NEX-5 early on. Now, it's clear they've been innovating all the while, with a unique new compact that packs DSLR-like specs into a smaller, more mobile body. The newly announced NEX-7 is the company's wildest compact yet, boasting an unheard-of 24.3MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, magnesium alloy frame, and a total weight of just 10.3oz.

It also features the company's latest BIONZ image processing engine, an ultra-high sensitivity range that extends from ISO 100-16000, and a shutter release lag of approximately 20 milliseconds– the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital camera to date. In speed priority continuous mode, the NEX-7 camera captures fast-moving action at up to 10fps (AF/AE is fixed), and it offers extensive, direct control over creative settings via an intuitive new TRINAVI control interface, important for enthusiast and professional photographers.  Two control dials on the top of the camera are complemented by a control wheel, and there are plenty of manual controls for those who prefer to tinker.


The NEX-7 model is also the world’s first interchangeable lens camera (along with new α77, α65) that features 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 percent frame coverage and a wide field of view that rivals pro-grade optical viewfinders. On-screen grid lines, various shooting parameters and a level gauge can be displayed to assist with accurate framing.  With the XGA OLED TruFinder, the NEX-7 model realizes the ideal of a compact, rangefinder style camera with an eye-level, through the lens viewfinder.


On the video front, it can support 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 also available. The Tracking Focus feature lets users select a target object on screen and focus on it accurately, even if it is moving. The NEX-7 camera includes an integrated flash system and also features an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe for advanced shooting applications, both of which are firsts for Sony’s E-mount line of cameras. Storage is held on Sony's Memory Stick PRO-HG DUO HX or on a standard SD card, and it'll be available this November in a kit with an exclusive black 18-55mm zoom lens for about $1350, or as a body-only for about $1200. Hardly cheap, but boy, look at those specs!
Tags:  Sony, DSLR, camera