Sony NEX-7 review

Does Sony's new CSC hit the NEX level?

Sony Alpha NEX-7
Sony's flagship mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses promises professional quality in a compact form

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Images straight from the camera have good dynamic range

Images straight from the camera have good dynamic range

Images straight from the camera have good dynamic range (see full image)

The neutral colour setting produces more subdued images

The neutral colour setting produces more subdued images

The neutral colour setting produces more subdued images (see full image)

The large aps-c sensor results in reduced depth of field, so narrower apertures are required for landscapes than with smaller sensor cameras to get everything in focus

The large aps-c sensor results in reduced depth of field, so narrower apertures are required for landscapes than with smaller sensor cameras to get everything in focus

The large APS-C sensor results in reduced depth of field, so narrower apertures are required for landscapes than with smaller sensor cameras to get everything in focus (see full image)

An automatic hdr mode takes multiple shots at different exposures and merges them in-camera, retaining more detail in highlights and shadows

An automatic hdr mode takes multiple shots at different exposures and merges them in-camera, retaining more detail in highlights and shadows

The automatic HDR mode takes multiple shots at different exposures and merges them in-camera, retaining more detail in highlights and shadows (see full image)

The standard 18-55mm kit lens is quite prone to flare, even when using the supplied hood

The standard 18-55mm kit lens is quite prone to flare, even when using the supplied hood

The standard 18-55mm kit lens is quite prone to flare, even when using the supplied hood (see full image)

The 24.3mp files are sharp and contain plenty of detail

The 24.3mp files are sharp and contain plenty of detail

The 24.3Mp files are sharp and contain plenty of detail (see full image)

The aps-c sensor enables the background to be defocused more easily than with a smaller sensor camera

The aps-c sensor enables the background to be defocused more easily than with a smaller sensor camera

The APS-C sensor enables the background to be defocused more easily than with a smaller sensor (see full image)

ISO sensitivities up to iso16000 are great for low-light shooting, although the af system struggles to keep up in dark conditions

ISO sensitivities up to iso16000 are great for low-light shooting, although the af system struggles to keep up in dark conditions

ISO sensitivities up to ISO16000 are great for low-light shooting, although the AF system struggles to keep up in dark conditions (see full image)

With care, the camera can take good images in quite challenging conditions

With care, the camera can take good images in quite challenging conditions

With care, the camera can take good images in quite challenging conditions (see full image)

The built in flash is useful for fill-in at close quarters, but the articulated arm appears quite fragile

The built in flash is useful for fill-in at close quarters, but the articulated arm appears quite fragile

The built in flash is useful for fill-in at close quarters, but the articulated arm appears quite fragile (see full image)

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