Although traditionally a consumer-level camera, Sony’s NEX line of cameras has recently been outfitted with interchangeable lenses, giving it a step up in the compact camera empire.
The α NEX-7 camera has a 24.3-megapixel resolution Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (just like Sony’s SLR alpha line), an ISO range of 100-16000 and full HD 60p video capture.
Also as with traditional SLRs, Sony has focused on reducing shutter lag time with the NEX-7, reducing it approximately 20 milliseconds — even faster than the α77, which was released this summer. One more feature was taken from the SLR body. The NEX-7 also uses Sony’s new XGA OLED TruFinder viewfinder, which allows users to hold the camera to their eye without an add-on viewfinder.
New to this line of cameras is manual focus during video shooting. Further adjustments can be made in movie mode by shooting in program, aperture/shutter priority or all-manual mode.
First introduced on the NEX-C3, picture effects offer 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR painting, soft focus, miniature and rich-tone mono. The NEX-7 also features 3D sweep panorama mode, soft skin, auto HDR, handheld twilight and anti-motion blur modes.
Additional add-ons include an integrated flash system and auto-lock accessory shoe.
All these SLR-like upgrades, however, do put the α NEX-7 into the SLR price range as well. Available this November, the α NEX-7 will sell as a kit with a black 18-55mm zoom lens for $1,350, or as a body-only for $1,200.