Sony Alpha NEX-7

When Sony debuted their mirrorless system, the promise of a full APS-C image sensor in a relatively compact body was enticing, if not entirely realized. The Sony NEX-7 scratches closer at the potential of that combination by bringing together an...

Outstanding stills ; Excellent noise-handling characteristics ; Attractive, compact design ; Sharp, bright 3-inch LCD display ; Ample lens options

Expensive ; GUI has a definite learning curve ; No built-in IS; requires lens with OIS

If you’re looking for a camera that’ll last for years and has tons of options to help you grow as a photographer, buy the Sony alpha NEX-7.

Excellent pictures and video ; Fast performance ; Very easy to use

Still doesn't have DSLR-level manual control ; OLED viewfinder is mediocre ; Lens ecosystem isn't as good as Nikon or Canon

If you're buying a camera soon, look long and hard at the NEX-7

Built-in EVF ; Tri-navi interface ; Superb battery life ; Excellent image quality ; 1080/60p video with mic input

Expensive for a mirrorless camera

Sony's NEX-7 is the company's best mirrorless camera yet, offering true DSLR image quality in a compact body.

Three dial interface offers extensive fingertip control ; Superb build quality ; Excellent 2.4 million-dot OLED EVF in compact, slimline body ; 920K dot tilting rear screen ; Very high-resolution 24MP CMOS sensor with impressive high-ISO performance ;...

Out-of-camera JPEGs don't show off the 24MP sensor to its best extent ; Auto ISO limited to maximum of 1600 ; Top-plate dials indistinguishable by touch (most problematic when using EVF) ; Mystifying default control setup (e.g. easier to change JPEG...

The NEX-7 packs an awful lot of features into its small body, including an excellent 24MP APS-C sensor and large high resolution electronic viewfinder. Its three dial interface and extensive customizability makes for excellent handling, although its...

The Sony Alpha NEX-7 is one of the most exciting mirrorless cameras to be announced this year, with its dual context sensitive control wheels, 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, large grip, 10fps continuous shooting, 1080/60p video capability, built-in flash...

While the small electronic viewfinder is better than most we’ve tried, it will still make you miss an optical viewfinder; inferior kit lens; you still need to go into menus to change modes

While I really enjoyed my time shooting with the Sony NEX-7—it was definitely worth the wait—it’s not the camera that would replace my favorite DSLR for most assignments. It does, however, present one of the best arguments—along with the 16.3-megapixel...

Elegant and stylish camera in robust body ; Sensor resolution is very high ; Full HD video with 50p (progressive mode with high bit rate) ; High-resolution EVF and LCD screen ; Nice handling due to two additional setup dials

Resolution results a little disappointing ; Swivel monitor could allow for more articulation

In terms of video, Sony is quickly positioning itself as a leader in the interchangeable lens camera market. The NEX-7, like the NEX-5N before it, handled our performance tests with ease, offering some of the sharpest video we’ve seen from an...