Sony NEX-7 Mirrorless Camera Body, Black {24.3MP}

Get your hands on a camera that fits in your pocket or purse, but offers the quality and performance of one nearly twice its size – the Alpha NEX-7. It comes with a massive 24.3MP APS-C sensor and a through-the-lens OLED electronic viewfinder. Choose the perfect lens, then give the Tri-Navi™ dials a spin for instant manual control. Topped it off with Full HD video and up to 10 still fps, the NEX-7 delivers.

Staff Review

This is the first Sony camera that I have owned and it will not be the last. I bought this one used as I could not justify the money for a new one. I have been a Leica M3 user for decades and this reminds me of a digital version of the M3. I require a viewfinder as I do not like just using a camera with a viewing screen. Using the NEX-7's built-in viewfinder I'm able to hold the camera up to my head which helps me hold it steady for slower shutter speeds. Then when I need a shot from the ground I use the 3" flip up viewing screen which I like a lot but hope that Sony will add a full swivel version in the future.

The NEX-7 is a 24.3-megapixel feature filled wonder of a camera. The sensor is the APS-C size used in many DSLR cameras but the NEX 7's mirrorless design results in a smaller package than DSLRs offer. I like the size and feel of the camera. The Tri-Navi control dials are a pleasure to use once I got used to them. It can shoot up to 10 frames per second but I like the single frame setting for my use. It will also do HD video and has a red (instant) video button right above where your thumb rests. I did accidently press it a couple of times before I got used to it being there. The pop up flash is handy but I use it mostly for fill light. The NEX-7 will accept the full range of Sony flashes and many of the A mount lenses with the proper lens mount adapter.

Prices are dropping on some of the A mount lenses so I will buy an adapter and get some of those lenses later. One feature I did not think I would use yet I have ended up using quite often is the 3D sweep Panorama mode. My daughter borrowed the camera to go to Italy for the summer and she used that feature almost as much as the regular mode. The Sony BIONZ processor helps with data-intensive images like the panorama and images taken with the Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) setting. I shoot a good bit and have never had a battery die on me yet. Yes, I do carry 2 spares in my carrying case just in case. The NP-FW50 battery is rated for around 400 shoots when new. Some other features include but are not limited to: ISO range 100-1600, 3 metering modes, 5 exposure modes, 9 white balance modes, 11 picture effect modes, 3 focus areas and it takes most SD cards as well as Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. The viewfinder and the viewing screen offer 100% coverage so what you see is what you get. I like that. The viewfinder also has a built in diopter control so I don't have to wear my glasses if I don't want to. - Larry H