Sony NEX-7 Camera with 18-55mm Lens

Great Product, Worth the Wait

Pros: senser, design, one of the best ever

Cons: none

Five stars plus, from reviews posted by those testing this model. To all giving one, two or three stars based on Mother Nature - give us a break. A camera review is based on performance & quality not on closing production due to events from Mother Nature. Last, "call" Sony and you will get news re expected delivery, if Sony knows. Add your email for info on the NEX 7. Sincerely, Richard O.

black dust in packing

Pros: great camera

Cons: terrible packaging

The camera is covered in black dust when you receive it because of the packaging it comes in. I would not recommend this product. It will get on your sensor if you don't blow it all off first ... do not buy

Camera Of The Year (I can't wait)

Pros: OLED Viewfinder, 24mp, 10fps, Very Compact

Cons: Backordered (I want one now, but I will have to wait until April)

I had a chance to view the Nex 7 because one of my friends just received his pre-order. Wow, I have a Nex 5 and was about to buy a Nex 5n but I am going to wait and get the Nex 7 after seeing the major differences between the two. I was completely bown away by the OLED viewfinder. lt is clear, just like looking through my Canon 50D viewfinder. The image quality that the Nex 7 produces is amazing, and color reproduction is top notch. The Nex 7 is not a 3/4ths micro toy camera like the competition, this is the first pro level ILC. The Nex 7 is the beginning to the end of traditional DSLRs and issues in the new era of ILC dominance in the professional market. Five years from now everyone will own some type of ILC. Good luck Nikon with your V1 competing with this godlike camera. Canon hasn't even placed a foot in the ILC market because they know that a good ILC will destroy their current line of DSLRs. I know that the Nex 7 is exactly the camera that Canon was fearing. I can't wait until April.

Seems good

I first learn about NEX-7 from Popular Photography magazine and end up surveying for more info. It seems like a neat camera and thought it'd be the perfect travel mate for me. I called in and ask if it'd reach me before my trip abroad. The gentleman on the other side (Sony) thinks it's possible. Crossing my fingers i just ordered it. I hope and pray i could get it before March 15, 2012.

Amazing

Pros: Image Quality, Build Quality

Cons: Kit Lens

I read many Reviews of this camera and compared it also to the D7000 from Nikon. But then i was in a local shop and held the D7000 in my hand and it was so big and massive. After that i choose the NEX-7 and i think that was the right decision. So much Megapixels with an APS-C Sensor? Yes the camera earned very good results at DxOMark, the sensor in it is absolutely awesome. A new generation of quality i think. Notice in the Nikon D7000 is a Sony sensor in it, too but only with 16MPixel and i think its an older generation but i'm not shure.

Patients

Pros: Strong pre-release reviews

Cons: Can't control mother nature

Wow, really wondering about the delay complaints. Yes, it's inconvenient that there is a delay but it seems as if the whole of Thailand is flooded, nearly every industrial manufacturer that relies on electronic components is having difficulty. Give it a rest and let these companies work through an extraordinarily difficult situation. I placed my order in October based on early reviews (hence the 5 stars) -- I'm still looking forward to using this as my secondary camera.

This is the camera I've been yearning for

Pros: Viewfinder, Tri-nav, Built in flash, real hotshoe, electronic first curtain, focus peaking

Cons: Cumbersome menu system, poor playback system, video button location

I have wanted this camera for about ten years, and now, I finally have it (unlike the majority of these so-called reviewers, only 4 of which have actually used the camera). It is almost perfect. The size and weight is great (the NEX 3 & 5 were almost too small) and even some larger alpha zoom lenses with the adapter don't seem overly cumbersome as they did on my NEX 5. The large hand grip gives the camera a great feel. There is practically no shutter lag when you use the electronic first curtain. It has almost every feature you could wish for (the only feature I wish they would add is an intervalometer so we could do time lapse video). The only weak points I have found so far in the hardware are the video button location (too easy to accidentally press it) and the diopter adjustment (impossible to adjust with the viewfinder eyecup attached). The menu structure is the cameras weakest point, although with all the buttons and dials you won't have to go into it quite as much as with the NEX 3 or 5 once you have it set up to your liking. Why Sony won't let us play videos and photos consecutively is a mystery to me. Hopefully these software issues can be tweaked with a firmware update. I cannot fathom what they or anyone else could do to top this one.

Not bad, but...

Pros: Sensor, Size,

Cons: LCD, controls

I was looking for something better than a snapshot, but smaller than a DSRL to take on vacations. The NEX series seemed like a great option, BUT.... 1) Image quality on low-light situations could REALLY use an upgrade. High ISO images get very grainy, and any kind of movement kills the pic. So no natural pictures can be takes in the evening - you need to setup everyting first and ask everyone to stand still. 2) The flash has very few settings - it's either really bright, or really bright! So you need to step far away from the image if you just want a little bright. But then the zoom is not always enough. It does not seem Sony thought of the flash together with the low light situations. 3) All settings change have to be done by menu. And even if it does take just a few clicks and you're done... there goes the picture oportunity :o( 4) The video button ALWAYS gets in the way - and in the few situations where you actually want to use it, there's that clicking sound from something loose inside the camera. 4) Since we travel alone, we take a lot of "arm's lenght" self-pics. The 180° tilt LCD from the 5R would be perfect, but it's not there on the 5N, sadly. 5) The image layering does not make for a sharper image, but a blury one. 6) The HDR needs a REALLY GOOD upgrade. Having said all that, I really have always loved Sony cameras. I have a Canon and a Samsung as well, but they just don't compare (I gave them both to my nephews to play with), and I still use my Sony DSC-W300 with the sports pack when scubadiving (any chance of a scuba pack for the Nex series?). I'm considering the Nex-7 now as an upgrade from the 5N (specially for the control options), but would love to see the 5R pack included in it before making the purchase - especially the 180° tiltable LCD and self portrait framing. And of course, since I've already bought extra SD cards, bateries and remonte control for the 5N, it would be great to be able to use them with the new Nex-7. Any replies from Sony would be greatly appreciated! :o)

Best Camera Purchase To Date

Pros: Light weight, exceptional quality

Cons: Nothing

My original reason for purchasing this camera was I needed something lighter than my Sony A900 that I could take with me everywhere. It is the perfect size and weight for meI. I have only used it for two days and still in awe using this camera. The color, detail, clarity, etc. are superb. Of the few sample videos I have done so far the quality is unbelievable. Can't say much more than it is a bit pricey but well worth every penny.

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excellent

Pros: fairly easy to use, great image quality

Cons: not sure i have any

if you are like me. ready to move up a notch, but don't have any lenses or gear beyond a basic digital camera (a Canon G12) - and if you are not a pro, this camera and its peers will bring you far. its basic lens is useful for most general users. the criticisms i have seen seem to come from the Pros - guys who have a zeiss lens that uses a different mount. or folks who will never need a video camera built in. so.... if you are a pro, you may not need this. if not, it really does the job. small enough to fit in a coat pocket, but really ready for your best work. it will bring up your game all the way.

Not as good as I had hoped that it would be

Pros: Size, Weight

Cons: Menus

I had a Nex-5N which had a software problem and took some good/some bad pictures. I waited for a long time for the Nex-7 to become available and I'm a little disappointed. The adjustments are somewhat difficult to find because of the menus and it doesn't take the quality of pictures that I had hoped for. The camera is very solid, very light (given it's capabilities) and very easy to hold. The flash is difficult to adjust for exposure...again, because of the menus. I think I will keep this camera but I wish I had tried a digital slr before I had purchased this one. Outdoor photos are good to very good. Indoor photos are unpredictable but mostly good except when using the external flash. The external flash (HVL-F20AM) tends to either cause a photo that is too light or too dark. The internal flash works will but has (obvious) distance limitations. The lens (Sony, not Zeiss) is very good to excellent.

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Just Got My Love Today !

Pros: It really is beautiful. Simply gorgeously built, takes great pictures.

Cons: Can't figure out where the Macro option is....

Waited SIX MONTHS to get this camera, which was a birthday present back in NOVEMBER and it finally came today. I would say it's worth the wait, I'll review again once I've had it over the next few weeks.

i > u

Pros: Size, file formats, resolution, flexibility, innovation.

Cons: None

I've never read so many negative reviews by people who know next to nothing about this product. At least I've owned and used a Sony camera (A900) for a few years and can attest to the capability of at least one of their products. This is a great new product. It's got the competition scrambling to develop a similar product and to incorporate some of these innovations into their own mainstream products. Regardless of what brand you buy, you'll ultimately benefit from the competition this product engenders. So relax with the one star reviews and step back and appreciate the photographic step forward this product represents. Peace. Greg

It Was Worth The Wait!!!

Pros: Best camera ever!

Cons: I'll never use all it can do!

At my advanced age, it probably doesn't make sense to buy yet another camera since I've owned many since the original little Kodak box camera. But I could not resist and now I have to say this is the very best camera I have ever owned. I doubt I will ever use all the bells and whistles of what it can do - since on auto it is great - but I love the screen and especially the viewfinder which so many cameras no longer have. It takes a great still photo and also videos. I don't need my (Sony) video camera any longer. I had no problem with the packaging - in fact, I thought it was well done. The size of the camera is great and, overall, I am very happy with it. Thank you, Sony!

come on Sony.... you're almost there

Pros: Pretty good once you change some things

Cons: awful software controls, no custom timer, no external remote option, no timer with HDR

Don't get me wrong this is camera works quite well for it's size. Screen doesn't flip up (towards you# like they did on the newer Nex F series, no custom timer, no external remote, and no time with HDR or bracketing which means you have to hold the shutter for a 3 image sequence, wow. Love the A-mount hot shoe and the external hardware control so I don't have to use the awful menu system. If you bought it or will buy it you'll notice right away it has difficutly auto-focusing on what you are trying to focus on #if using spot or center focus like I do) to fix that you have to turn off the AF illuminator light which makes it work significantly better. By the way, for those of you who have this camera and have laughed at the build quality of the pop-up-flash, you can actually bend it back to use as a bounce flash which is kinda neat. I would rave about this camera all day if they just simply made a software change to allow the customer timer length and the ability to use a timer with the HDR mode and bracketing. It's a simple software fix.

Fine Camera

Pros: Great Image Quality

Cons: Flash Incompatibility

I find the image quality very good. It in fact it is very close to as good as my Canon 5D-MarkII.. The only difference is in low light performance. My main complaint with Sony is their proprietary flash system which makes the camera incompatible with a lot a flash equipment. Their wireless flash dose not work with the built in flash. Big disappointment.

Superior Camera

Pros: Excellent quality; Highest quality photos; ease of switching between view finder and view screen.

Cons: Easy to use controls if you have experience using many different cameras.

This.camera is set up with controls that initially appeared confusing since they seemed different from the nikons, canons, and olympus cameras I have. However, now that I have shot several hundred shots with it, I find that it is a composit on the best features plus new ones others don't have. The weight is especially great when shooting candid shots and trekking through the woods looking for animal shots. Not at all disappointing.

Excellent Camera

Pros: Amazing images; Portability; Quality build; multiple customization options; E-viewfinder allows you to preview shots

Cons: limited E mount lens options at this time

I never thought that dSLR quality pictures can be attained in such a small form factor. The view finder, although it can get grainy in low light shots, allows you to preview your shot before taking the actual picture. The tri-navi dials allows you to adjust your settings easily and intuitively. On top of the excellent pictures, this camera takes amazing HD video. The camera also has an amazing feature set including HDR, sweep panorama, twilight mode, etc... I definitely recommend this camera if you want an enthusiast quality camera without the bulk of a dSLR.

one star for the complainers re delivery

Pros: sensor

Cons: lenses quite large

i'm researching a camera in this class and see an average 3 1/2 star review. what's bringing rating down ?. People complaining about THE AVAILABLILITY OF THIS CAMERA and not the quality and functionality of the camera itself. what has this got to do with rating the CAMERA ??? grow up people.. stay focused... anyway.. only thing i see as an issue (besides lens size) if hdr mode only .7 either way. hdr uses at least +=1 exposoure compensation.

Love IT!

Best Camera I have ever used! I just took to out to the beach- it took some fabulous shots. There are so many features and it is so light compared to other high quality cameras. Just uploaded the photos...so happy with this camera!

First Hitech Camera Ever

Pros: Camera features

Cons: Delay

It is my first Hitech camera , I hope they will deliver before Dec 18th, going on vacations I will like to try it while vacationing with my family.

I owned one and I got owned.

Pros: low light capabilities, clean clear shots, easy to use, love the tri-navi

Cons: I want an adapter for my Zuiko lenses

Finally got this fine camera last March 2012. So far it has exceeded all my expectations. It s quick, easy to use , have lots of power and flexilibity. I owned other cameras (mostly Olympus DSLR and semi) and this pretty much is really fun and reliable to use. Now I 'm looking to get accessories especially adapters for my Olympus lenses. If you have any recomendations on the best adapters available, feel free to advise. Salute to Sony for this awesome camera. PS, It took me a while to post my review as I wanted to make sure I am fully satisfied with this. Brought it to my vacation place and enjoyed all the pictures I have taken.

Groundbreaking!

Pros: DSLR quality in your pocket

Cons: No compact everyday lens or pancake zoom. Video button clumsily placed.

I think this kind of camera will usher in a revolution. One buys a DSLR for the quality and size of the sensor and the through-the-lens eye-level viewfinder, and accepts its significant weight and bulk due to the big mirror box and the big lens needed for the long flange-to-sensor distance, especially with full-frame cameras. Ordinary non-SLR digicams, even the high-end ones, didn't offer TTL composition except awkwardly on the LCD monitor, and the only eye-level finders left are non-TTL. But enter the NEX-7! With the progress that's been made in image quality obtained from midsize sensors, and in the image quality of OLED displays for viewing the scene straight off the sensor, we have everything: compactness and small lenses due to elimination of the mirror; TTL composition; an eye-level, in-camera viewfinder with (acceptably) near-optical quality; and image quality that rivals that of the first generation of full-frame digital cameras. And almost-pocketability. The performance of this camera is wonderful, as shown in the accompanying image and a comparison of identical compositions from my NEX-7 and one of my top-quality full-frame 35mm digital cameras. This website presents it too small to be helpful, but these are crops of about 1/3 the width and 1/2 the height of the original images. The full frames viewed at 20 x 30-inch size are exquisitely sharp and detailed. But advantage actually goes to the pixel-rich NEX-7! I was going to take one of the full-frame 35s on an upcoming trip to France, along with a big zoom or trio of prime lenses, as well as a Sony camcorder, but now all I'll need is my NEX-7. (But I sure would like a super-compact muffin everyday lens like Panasonic's 20mm prime or their 14-42mm compact zoom for true pocketability.)

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Great Little Camera

Pros: Images, ability to use Manual focus lenses, control layout

Cons: no wired remote socket, pop up flash won't work as wireless controller

Well built camera with good feel in the hand. The EVF is quite good even if no one will mistake it for an optical finder. The camera is also quick responding and I find the LAEA2 adapter/NEX7 combination to work very well. Excellent images. I find having a flash shoe a great benefit. This camera is just fun to use. Good looking camera, too. Control layout is nice also (except movie button) Menus are a bit scattered and I would like to see a way to show depth-of-field on the LCD. I would also like to have an interval timer (just software, should not be difficult). When using features that require jpg only (I use RAW + jpg), the camera should just tell you only a jpg will be stored and go ahead into the feature and return to the previous state when done, not require me to manually change it.