Our reader Gabriel just found the new firmware upgrade files on Sony Germany’s webiste (Click here)!!! UPDATE: The firmware is now available on Sony UK, and Sony Japan too. And here is the firmware improvement list:
Enhancement of AF response: When subject distance changes enormously.
Improved stability in certain camera operations:
When setting [Lens Compensation: Distortion] “Auto” and [Picture Effect] “Miniature” at the same time.
When setting [Exposure Compensation], [Intelligent AF] operation improves.
Restrictions: only for use with cameras sold in Europe. Not all models are sold in all countries.

In short, this update imrpoves the camera AF performance.

This is a super good news for a camera I really love because of the exceptional price-quality balance. And this is also the camera that is always on top of the Amazon ranking:
The NEX-5n on third position of the mirrorless camera rankings in USA (Click here).
The NEX-5n is on fourth position of the mirrorless camera rankings in UK (Click here).
The NEX-5n is on 9/11 and 19 position of the mirrorless camera rankings in Germany (Click here).
The NEX-5n is on fourth position of the mirrorless camera rankings in France (Click here).

Cameralabs (Click here) posted the full and very detailed NEX-7 review. Like many other reviewers before they absolutely highly recommend the camera: “There are some niggles, but they’re mainly firmware issues – something that Sony’s shown a willingness to quickly address in the past with the NEX range. But it’s a fantastic start nonetheless, and with the promise of more E-Mount lenses on the way the NEX-7 looks set to be the model that photo enthusiasts will aspire to and other manufacturers will be looking to emulate and surpass. For now though, it sets the standard for high-end CSC bodies and deservedly receives our Highly Recommended award.”

Also Lori Grunin from Cnet (Click here) posted their test results: “The Sony Alpha NEX-7 delivers excellent raw photo and solid video quality in a package that’s beautifully and functionally designed, yet relatively compact. Though expensive for an essentially nonprofessional camera, it doesn’t seem overpriced.” You can also watch the video review here on top of this post!

More NEX reviews:
Sony Alpha NEX-5N Review at Photographyreview (Click here).
NEX-7 noise test at Alpha Numerique (Click here).
Street shooter comparison: Sony Nex 7, Pansonic GX1 by Mike Kobal (Click here).
Sony 55-210mm hands-on at SonyAlphaLab (Click here).

NEX-7 (pre-)order search links (Click on shop name):
[shopcountry 8454]

Bermuda with the Cinestar and Sony Nex 7 from GravityShots.com on Vimeo.

Here is a short roundup of [shoplink 8454]NEX-7[/shoplink] related news readers sent me in these days:
New DxO Optics Pro v7.2.1 now supports the NEX-7
Battle of the tiny Titans: Sony NEX-5N vs Sony NEX-7 at Dearsusans (Click here).
New sexy fine Leather Half-Cases for the Sony NEX-7 (Echenique).
Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN for Sony E (Nex) Digital Cameras is now available for preorder at Adorama (Click here).
Tamron 18-200mm VS the Sony 18-200mm Shoot-out at SonyAlphaLab (Click here).

What’s also worth to mention is that the NEX-7 body and NEX-7 18-55mm kit is now shipping in many countries. The following readers are now happy NEX-7 owners:
Viv, Adi, Thomas, JRL (Canada) Steve, Tom (USA) Chris (UK) Stefan (Germany) and Patrick (Australia).

In Europe the NEX-7 body and kit will ship within 2-3 weeks in their respective Sony Stores and some other known online store. in US the camera will ship by end of this week. Click on the store names to check for yourself: [shoplist 8454]

Last Friday I posted a low rated rumor from a Chinese source that unveiled a possible Sony 2012-2013 camera roadmap (Click here to read that article). I asked you which camera you would buy from the rumored list. The result is quite clear with Full Frame cameras beating every APS-C model:

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Of course there is a difference between a “wish” and a real “purchase” of a product. And it’s inevitable that Full Frame has a sort of magic attraction when compared with APS-C cameras. But recent Nikon D800 huge preorder numbers and the Canon 5dmarkIII expectations make me wonder WHY in your opinion Sony could appeal you compared to those two cameras.

So please let me and Sony know what aspects from a Sony FF you think are appealing you:

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If you have another reason I didn’t mention in the poll please comment this post and I will add it to the POLL. Thanks!

Reminder: The Chinese roadmap says that:
a99, 24 million pixels, 2012 (September)
a950 (a1), 36 million pixels, 2013 (February) -> The [shoplink 3032]A900 successor[/shoplink] Fullframe NEX in late 2013.

The only thing I can tell you via trusted sources is that the A99 rumor is correct, and that other FF cameras will be announced in 2013.

First we had that price increase in Hong Kong, than the rumored price increase in USA. Now one of my trusted sources told me that Sony is going to increase the price almost EVRYEWHERE :( This means that also European and other Asian countries will see new price increases. I don’t have exact info about how much the prices will raise. I only know you will see them in April

For now our USA readers can enjoy an Instant Rebate action at Bhphoto (Click here). It last until March 3th. And from April 1 the party is over with the following price increase:

A personal note: What I will miss form the [shoplink 3032]A900[/shoplink] is the superb 100% viewfinder. It was really the best!

Here are the search links to the last two FF cameras with optical viewfinder (you may will not find them anymore):
Sony A900 [shopcountry 3032].
Sony A850 [shopcountry 3028].

Cotton Coulson used the Sony A77 and NEX VG-20 to shot the video you see here on top: “Both of these cameras are wonderful to work with, each in their own way. For straight video shooting I prefer the ergonomics of the NEX VG-20, but if your primary mission is to shoot stills and at the same time shoot some video clips, the A77 is the way to go. In a perfect world you might own both. I have shot video with the SONY professional model EX-3, and these two cameras (along with the NEX-7) offer tremendous advantage, light, portable, and high quality for in the field documentary work, which is what we do.”

Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC NEX Lens Review at ePhotozine (Click here): “Those looking for a convenient lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths for their Sony NEX camera should be pleased with the performance from this Tamron optic. Sharpness levels are good for a lens of this type and with a price set almost £100 less expensive than the Sony equivalent it represents pretty good value too.”

Sony NEX-7 video samples with the new Tamron and Rokinon lenses at SonyAlphaLab (Click here).

Sample test crops from the Tamron NEX 18-200mm and Sony NEX 55-210mm (Photojottings).

Sony NEX-5n review at Trustedreviews (Click here).

What’s In the Bag? Sony Artisan Brian Smith at ThePhoBlographer (Click here).

Sony booth CP+ report at Ctec3 (Click here).