Sony NEX-7 gets new praise by Imaging Resoure and Luminous Landscape (+In Stock status)
La Parroquia from The Luminous Landscape on Vimeo.
Before to talk about the new NEX-7 reviews I have two things to say:
1) This weekend, I was very busy, but I can say with confidence that in short order, I will finally be able to organise third party NEX lens reviews.
2) As you may know, there are a load of new rumours thanks to Sony shifting their product release schedule forward. Get ready for a new wave of tempting morsels stating next week!
NEX-7 gets tons of appraisal.
Luminous Landscape (Click here) first posted a review about the NEX-7 video capabilities: “The scaling that Sony uses to go from 24MP down to about 2MP for video does produce some artifacts, but in many ways is better than the line skipping that Canon uses. There is definitely visible rolling shutter (you can see some examples in the above video), but it’s no worse really than some other video DSLRs.”
And again LL (Click here) finalized their long rolling review with that simple sentence: “The NEX-7 is the most exciting camera that I’ve had the pleasure of using in the past five years.”
As SAR editor I wanna thank our LL friends for their well done NEX-7 review!
Also Imaging Resource (Click here) conclusion has the same tone from LL: “The bottom line: Sony NEX-7 is one of the most exciting cameras of 2011, and a real breakthrough product in a number of key areas.”
One more thing: First picture of the NEX-7 Nauticam housing (Click here).
In Stock (or better out of Stock) status:
Digitalrev (Click here) is the first store that I see that has the NEX-7+Zeiss kit in Stock! But damn…for what a price 
If you are European like me than look at Redcoon, Expansys and Jessops, they say they will ship your NEX-7 within 2-3 weeks: Jessops UK (Click here), Expansys UK (Click here), Redcoon Spain (Click here), Redcoon Italy (Click here), Redcoon Poland (Click here).
Of course there are some auctions on eBay too (Click here).
Good Luck guys!
Denis
2 years ago |It’s strange. Sony NEX-7 is half baked product.
They didn’t even implement efficient method of selection focus point and magnification area. Using joystick for this task is such an anachronism.
LEdgars
2 years ago |Simple answer is: other cameras seems to be not as good as NEX7…
Denis
2 years ago |I meant: why don’t just mark focusing point with center point of frame then recompose. The camera should stick to this point and choose it as focusing one. Simple.
The same procedure to select magnification are.
It’s the best method when using EVF.
UP Ooops, I wanted to reply myself
z
2 years ago |“Using joystick for this task is such an anachronism.”
I don’t really get your point, but every “pro” camera use that, no? Even the future 1Dx and D4, I believe. How was that anachronistic?
Miika
2 years ago |You can select the focus point or magnification area by the Tri-Navi dials. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even realize you can select them with the joystick.
Miika
2 years ago |IMHO the focus point selection is far superior to the Nikon D3 series bodies, which I have used extensively for 3 years. I always hated the little joystick.
Bill Burton
2 years ago |DIG THIS:
I really enjoy the touch screen on my 5N to select focus and Exposure selection. Even better is my Panny G2 which also allows firing the shutter with a double tap.
A SWEET feature for the 7N would be the use of a touch screen as a “trackpad” when utilizing the EVF making both the joystick and cumbersome (in theory, mine has yet to arrive) X,Y try-navi selection.
Imagine looking through the viewfinder and placing a thumb on the “trackpad/LCD” and a crosshair cursor appears following your thumb around! This seems very intuitive to me.
(;-{)}
Bill
SonyA77
2 years ago |eh? The joystick is used on my dSLR and dSLT!
JB
2 years ago |Any good Alpha news would be nice for a change.
Chris Lewis
2 years ago |It seems from the Imaging Resource test that the NEX 7 was as good as or better than the competition (those tested) except the D3X.
It seems a bit odd to have made these comparisons as they were in most cases very different “tools”, however I can see the point (ie that the NEX 7 punches far above it’s weight).
The only three faults I can see to the NEX 7 are:
1) It’s taking too long to become commonly available,
2) There simply aren’t enough high quality Sony/Zeiss lenses available yet and
3) the lenses should all be available in a black finish.
That said, for me, I just can’t wait to get one.
Hellven
2 years ago |it has another major faults, one was pointed in a previous comment, the method to choose the focus points could be better, but for me the greatest fault, enought for me not to buy the Nex-7 is the lack of wired remot port, that’s unforggiven in a camera like this!
i think SAR should do a Topic so people could say what are they missing in the Nex-7, maybe Sony listen to it when designing the 7N
john
2 years ago |The deal breaker for me is the NEX system doesn’t have I.B.I.S
:-/
Kevin
2 years ago |I agree totally.
A Nex 7 with a promote controller would be the perfect portable landscape solution. Unfortunately this requires a remote port.
Oops, that was meant to be a reply to Hellven.
extra|ordinary
2 years ago |@Hellven
I don’t understand your constant complaining about the need for a wired remote. Sony makes a perfectly good wireless remote commander that works flawlessly with the NEX-7.
Don Cox
2 years ago |And you can buy a cheaper alternative for a few dollars.
Hellven
2 years ago |have you ever tried to use it?? its good for self portraits, but thats it! the receiver is on the front part of the camera…
David
2 years ago |What are you using it for? My wireless remote works from behind the camera too..
KingRenas
2 years ago |Luminous does a nice job on his reviews, I like it that he mention not all cameras are perfect if you can make a good video with iPhone why not with NEX-7?
There is cameras for all the tastes but for what it is it does a good job indeed.
I hope to get this camera in April to shoot my sister wedding in May.
Nauticam does a very good products but the housing for NEX-7 it cost more than the camera with lens $1800.00?!#*, as well I’m a enthusiast and not a pro shooter for me I don’t need unless i would make some money from it.
I hope Sony updates the firmware of the camera to extend it’s capabilities and better function that people have been mention in the forums.
Hellven
2 years ago |the price of the Nauticam case is normal, just check the price for the one to Nex-5, its around the same price, even in other brands it doesnt goes far from that, but this is not a case to take to the beach am take photos of family, its a professinal scuba-diving case.
digit
2 years ago |digitrev’s price is over the official’s about $500, d*mn
Vivek
2 years ago |The NEX-7 is the first decent mirrorless cam from Sony. It is a pity that they did not stick to the 16MP sensor from their 5N. A real pity.
The noise is one of the biggest problems the 24MP sensor in NEX-7.
The reviews are *very slanted* to give absolute praise.
SonyA77
2 years ago |How often do you shoot above ISO 3200? People make a big deal about noise and I have no idea why.
Are you planning to shoot poster sized prints or something?
SRL
2 years ago |True, most people that purchase digital cameras only shoot in the daytime, and I bet 99% of them are photos of stationary landscapes, grandchildren and pets and if an indoor photo is taken it’s done with a popup flash, before the built-in software removes the redeye.
I agree that for these types of photos even I seldom shoot over ISO 800.
But if this is not what you do as a photographer, or only describes you on Sundays when you are out with the family, then just maybe you need more from your camera.
The question is for many of us is Sony going to produce an A-mount full-frame camera that competes with the best Nikon or Canon at higher ISO’s?
So far, Sony is all about megapixels and wining the marketing war and bragging rights by having more megapixels than the others, and not about a balance that also makes Sony cameras a better tool for people who often take pictures in less than perfect conditions or need more control to produce their art.
SRL
2 years ago |“How often do you shoot above ISO 3200? People make a big deal about noise and I have no idea why. Are you planning to shoot poster sized prints or something?”
I was recently contracted to cover a large protest that started in the afternoon and continued well into the night with a lot of fast moving protesters and police. The camera I used was two alpha 850’s one with a 24-70/f2.8 and the other with mated to a 70-200/f2.8. I set my ISO to 3200 and used +1 exposure value, and shutter priory of 120 No flash and made changes as needed.
Most of them came-out fine after post in Lightroom and a little magic in Photoshop but I wish that I could have used a ISO of 6200 like my partner did on his Nikon Ds3.
SonyA77, Some noise is okay, but if an editor is comparing your images with others that have less noise then it can be a problem. I shoot A-mount and I have an investment in the A-mount so I hope to continue and use my wonderful collection of Zeiss glass. Starting over and moving to Nikon or Canon would cost me maybe $10k or more and that wouldn’t be an easy thing for me to do.
SonyA77
2 years ago |There is always somebody who can come up with an example like yours, but as you said, the vast majority of people going on about ISO will be daylight shooters!
I sometimes wonder how these people would have coped with 35mm film SLRs…
poke
2 years ago |I could not agree more. Nobody in their right mind shoots above iso 800 and my 850 looks great there. I love the resolution of the 24MP allowing for some serious cropping and still have a great looking print. However, I like to shoot high school football under lights and in gymnasiums. A flash is not always desired or allowed. 3200 is a must and its results are descent but not comparable to Nikon. I am holding out hope that with new sensor technology, the 24MP on the a99 will be similar to the 5n sensor performance with regards to noise or even better. C’mon Sony and lets get it done. I was seriously thinking about looking at Canon or Nikon, but the cost of the switch is definately a deterent. Sony, in my opinion needs to improve significantly its high iso performance, provide fast and accurate focus, improve metering (Nikon better) and allow for tethering (no excuse for this). It would also behoove Sony if they would supply Apple and Adobe their raw format code ahead of time so we do not have to wait around for raw support with new cameras. I WOULD ALSO LOVE TO HEAR ANY RUMORS ABOUT THE UPCOMING FF CAMERAS. It has been awhile for any such noise about the FF’s (pun intended).
SRL
2 years ago |easy
I did by pushing my processing times
I then would use ISO 400 film an tank-it longer to get up to a higher ISO.
Vivek
2 years ago |SONYA77: Yes and yes!
ie., low light shooting and high ISO shooting. FWIW, I also use several fast primes ranging from f/0.95 to f/1.4.
Hellven
2 years ago |sorry, but the sensor on the Nex-7 is superior to the one on the Nex-5N, it has better low light noise, dynamic range and colour depth, go check it out at DXOmark
Vivek
2 years ago |What on earth is DXO and what has that got to do with photography? nothing.
Poke
2 years ago |Quote from Steve Huff’s site. “It is no question that the 5n does a bit better at high ISO. The NEX-7 is using the same size sensor but crammed way more pixels on to it. This will cause more noise which is why I am a big believer in large sensors and less pixels But overall, they are not really THAT far off.” But I will concede give me the nex 7 sensor in FF. I am just hoping the new FF sensor will still have fantastic resolution but the high iso performance will be significantly improved over the 850 or 900. There has to be some info floating around about the new FF’s.
Michal
2 years ago |I’m afraid that sony will focus on NEX and there will by no good news for SLT
SonyA77
2 years ago |The news is about NEX because that’s what is currently being released. A couple of months back it was all about the A77. In a year it’ll all be about the A99.
Andy
2 years ago |Digital Rev has the body only in stock as well.
Nate
2 years ago |Yep, it’s in stock for $1,499 (body)
Bill Burton
2 years ago |With the conflicting dates flying around, I’ve lost track. On pain meds I hope you forgive me.
If I ordered the Nex-7 kit from Amazon on September 8, 2011.
What is currently considered the delivery date?
Thanks guys!
Bill
Max
2 years ago |I ordered in mid-december from sonystyle.com. At that time, a CSR said the estimated ship date is on March 2, 2012. Personally, I bought the body-only instead, it is *supposed* to ship today from sonystyle. I also got a “used like new” NEX-5 kit lens (which as far as I can tell is exactly the same as a NEX-7 kit lens minus the color) for $180 off amazon.
I’ll update later if I actually get a tracking number.
Max
2 years ago |“We are working to fulfill your order as soon as possible. Currently, the estimated date that we expect to receive inventory in is on January 27. ”
I’ve cancelled my order. I’m tired of this bullshit.
T
2 years ago |Where is the best place to pre-order this from (at retail price) for the quickest delivery? b&H? Leaving on a trip in a month and would prefer to get this instead of the G1X or NEX5N
Thom
2 years ago |At that price, I say boycott digitalrev and that ugly f*ck Kai!
Bill Burton
2 years ago |That is called “Capitalism” Thom. Their job is not to make you happy or to sell camera but to make money. (;-{)}
I do boycott the Harley dealers that charged way over list price when bikes were in short supply. Now that discounts are the norm, Chicago HD appreciates my loyalty they earned during the boom.
That said there are not enough people who think things through for a few SAR readers or Chicago Harley riders to make an impact IMHO.
So I guess I’m with you Thom. I will continue to watch Kai’s videos as I enjoy his sense of humor but I do not buy from price gougers.
(why it is necessary to express one’s opinion on the man’s physical appearance is beyond me.)
Bill
Ben Rush
2 years ago |Interesting that digitalrev have massively increased their prices since yesterday. Body only is now £600 over the Sony retail price. They’be increased prices by about $1000 USD – that is sick, but probably understandable from their perspective.
Pacis
2 years ago |Yep I looked yesterday and while the prices were higher it’s not nearly as bad as today. They lost a sale from me.
Nate
2 years ago |I’ve been pressing Sony for answers regarding the shipment of my NEX 7 body. Here is there latest reply:
Thank you for choosing Sony. We do appreciate your business. I was able to review Sony’s communication to you regarding your puchase of the NEX-7 Camera Body back in December 2010 , and do see where you were sent communications/updates to an estimated January 20th Shipping Date. We never have guaranteed Shipping Dates. We have always claimed “Estimated”.
Because it is still currently Jan 20th/12, there is that possibility that yours went out, and your Order Status may not update until tomorrow . I do hope you are one of the orders that was able to be fulfilled, as our next shipping date for these NEX-7′s are not approximately until April 2012 (or sooner) .
Bill Burton
2 years ago |Woow. If I ordered in September an April delivery would be what, seven months?
That gives Fujitsu a lot of time to speed up their auto-focus issue on that X-Pro whatever camera. Hmm… I’ll go read up on that.
Bill
EddyH
2 years ago |I just read the Imaging Resource review and compared images of the Nex 7 in their ‘comparometer’ (http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM)with images from the Nex 5 and A900 (which I both use), at ISO 100 (the still life pictures). The Nex 7 even looks better than the A900…
I also compared the Nex 7 with the Nex 5n at 1600 ISO: the difference is barely visible @100%…
Eddy
Reynolds
2 years ago |My January 20th Nex-7 date just became February 10…bummer!!!