Comments on: Is the Sony Alpha NEX-7 a Better Value than a dSLR?

By: TJP

TJP — Sat, 26 May 2012 17:08:23 +0000

My K/M z10 still serves as my back-up digital unit. (Or the primary since it is so much quieter than a flip-flopper.) I’ve put in my time behind EVF cameras, and the only real disadvantage is the inability to provide the detail necessary for critical focusing. No LED panel is a match for a laser-cut prism, however, and none will ever be. I don’t think that’s much of a disadvantage, though, because most people aren’t lucky enough to have my eyesight, so the typical approximate-ness of auto-focus goes unnoticed.

Sony is quickly killing off the A-mount with its SLT cameras. (In Amazon’s sales figures, Sony doesn’t have a single model in the top 40!) They are now widely despised and they are under-valued on trade-ins–not good for models that are only a year old. Vendors’ shelves and classifieds are saturated with SLT models, and in some cases they’re being priced about the same as a used Alpha 100.

The Nex platform is the way to go for Sony. Since they ran their SLR business into the dirt, what they really need to do is spin off their pro and “pro-sumer” line into another company with a different name. The Sony brand name is tainted. (Nex Digital?) Nikon overcharges but they cater to photo-snobs; Canon treats its dealers like gold so they sell, sell and sell. Sony has a minute enthusiast culture because it cold-shoulders its clientele with a sterile corporate attitude.

The Nex has three spots in the top ten for compact camera sales, one of which is first place. Don’t mess this up, Sony!

By: Alan

Alan — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 22:21:04 +0000

I think the A77’s ISO 50 mode is an ‘extended’ mode which is probably not native..meaning you can pull iso 50 down a stop in post and do exactly what the camera is doing. I noticed on the DPReview specs list ISO 50 didn’t even show up:

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/sonyslta77/page2.asp

I think the A77’s and NEX 7’s sensors are identical.. therefore I don’t think it can do anything that the other can’t.

By: Barrytex

Barrytex — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:34:24 +0000

While the Sony NEX-7 is intriguing I don’t see it replacing a DSLR. It would be a nice supplement, but it still doesn’t have the versatility of a DSLR (particularly in a choice of lenses) . It is also too big to replace the compact point and shoot camera. The body is OK but add a zoom lens and it isn’t going to fit in your pocket or be discreet.