NEX-7 Reconsidered

After some soul searching and a very enlightening discussion, I've taken another look at my decision to purchase a Sony NEX-7. Pre-ordering a NEX-7 the day after it was announced was an emotional response to a very cool camera. As Steve put it in his comments, the coolness of the NEX-7 was so overwhelming because Sony gave enthusiasts all the features they were looking for in single body. It was literally a dream come true and I think I wasn't the only one who rushed to to place an order so I could be one of the lucky first ones with a NEX-7.

Encounter │ GH2 + Leica 45mm F2.8 │ 45mm F4.0 1/500s ISO160But in the intervening months since the announcement, unbridled enthusiasm has given way to a healthy dose of objectivity. I've had some second thoughts, mostly regarding whether my photographic needs justified the high cost. Given the NEX-7's features, price and my budget, I regard the NEX-7 as a primary camera. That is, as a camera that will replace rather than augment the capabilities of my current primary camera (a Panasonic GH2). But because there are some key lenses missing in the Sony NEX system, the NEX-7 can't replace my  Micro Four Thirds kit. Even if I wanted to spend the money to replace lenses like the excellent Lumix 7-14 wide angle zoom, I couldn't do it. Therefore a NEX body would serve me as a secondary camera; one that I use alongside my main camera and system. As a secondary camera, it doesn't need to have the extensive feature set and lens system of my primary system.

Traffic Cop │ GH2 + Leica 45mm F2.8 │ 45mm F2.8 1/800s ISO160So what is it that I need/want from a secondary camera?
1) It should be more compact than the primary system camera (for casual use)
2) It should offer some extra capabilities beyond what the primary camera is capable of. In other words, it should bring something new to the table.
3) It must have certain features that are important to my style of photography. First and foremost, that's a tilting screen. I prefer composing photos on a screen and a tilting screen is much more flexible than a fixed one. It's highly useful for unobtrusive street photography from the hip or for shooting low angles along the ground.
4) It should be reasonably priced compared to my primary system.
5) I prefer a system camera that can use my existing legacy lenses and/or can share those lenses with my primary system. Any new manual focus lenses can be used on both systems, with the added advantage of offering different effective focal lengths (more valuable input from the discussion I mentioned above).

My current secondary camera, the GF2, only satisfies point 1 and 5. Other than that though it doesn't bring anything extra to table that can't be accomplished with the GH2. Image quality is even slightly inferior to that of the GH2.

In Front of Number 92 │ GH2 + Leica 45mm F2.8 │ 45mm F4.5 1/400s ISO160Taking a look at other compact system cameras, only the Sony NEX-C3, NEX-5N, NEX-7 and Olympus E-PL3 are compact as well as having a tilting screen. The E-PL3's main advantage is its sensor based image stabilization system. Otherwise though, I don't like how the Olympus body feels in my hand. The Sony NEX-5N feels much better with its uncluttered body and (for such a small camera) substantial grip. It's much larger sensor (60% larger than 4/3) should offer better image quality than the smaller sensor in my GH2. I'm especially interested in images with expanded dynamic range. In the end, the NEX-5N is the only camera that meets the criteria I've laid out above. Cost aside though, the NEX-7 remains interesting.

Also from our discussion, I compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages that the NEX-5N has over the NEX-7. Keep in mind that this is a list of factors that are relevant to my intended use as a secondary stills camera and a way of evaluating the NEX system over a longer period of time. I am not suggesting that the NEX-7 isn't a better camera, just that it may not be wisest choice for me at this particular moment in time.

Advantages of NEX-5N over NEX-7
1) more compact body
2) less than half the price (money saved could potentially be invested in new lenses)
3) smaller file size if you don't need the NEX-7's resolution (I don't)
4) likely better high ISO image quality from larger pixels
5) potentially better edge performance with wide angle rangefinder lenses (first informal tests from Steve Huff seem to indicate this)
5) deferred investment of external viewfinder. EVF can be acquired later as necessary.

Disadvantages of NEX-5N compared to NEX-7
1) less direct controls, although customized to my needs the NEX-5N should be workable
2) possibly less durable and robust
3) not as cool; a camera for the masses rather than the enthusiast photographer

I think that list makes my decision pretty clear. I've cancelled my pre-ordered NEX-7. Now I just need to get over the loss I feel knowing that I won't have the coolest camera on the block.

Housekeeping │ GH2 + Leica 45mm F2.8 │ 45mm F5.6 1/640s ISO160

Comments

[Cato Kristiansen]

My thoughts exactly :)

[Steve]

Hi Bjorn,

The thinking seems sound. I'm sure you'll love the 5N. No doubt there will be random pangs of regret and longing for the 7. When I start to think too much about gear these days, I remind myself that I was so happy with a D200 for 5 years that I rarely looked at new camera releases and never even half-seriously considered another camera during that time. For me, 2010-2011 just brought out too many photographic advances (aka toys) to ignore. :-) Please keep us all updated on your adventures with the 5N!

[Joan]

Try the 5n with zeiss glass , manual focus is not that bad

[Björn Utpott]

Joan,

Yes, you're right. I managed quite well shooting the 5N with my manual focus lenses today. I know the Zeiss lenses are good, they're just a little more expensive than what I want to spend. I'll be getting the Voigtlander 15/4.5. I want a wide angle and the Voigtlander is also very compact and light.

Steve,
5 years with one camera, that's impressive. Now I feel embarrassed by my sorry record ;-) I'd be interested in hearing how many shutter actuations your D200 lasted through. As to my adventures with the 5N, they have begun...

[Steve]

D200 since been sold but was amazing for what it could do...and still is. Don't know how many actuations, but a lot! I'm certain 2012 could bring buyers remorse to lots of recent buyers. Better not to read any more rumors and releases of camera bodies and just focus on lenses and photography!

[Tom Morgan]

Hi Bjorn
I have just discovered your website and I must say I find it totally refreshing. A photographer reviewing cameras and like most of us with a limited bank account. I am an old timer with regards photography and the only digital camera I have ever bought is a Panasonic GF1. Having owned and worked with medium format and 35mm cameras extensively in the past I have got to say that shooting with the GF1 with the kit lens and a 7-14mm lens has been a most enjoyable experience. Currently I am thinking of upgrading and was thinking of either the Nex 5N or the GH2 and after reading some of your comments I think I will go for the GH2. Perhaps we get too much hung up on gear which can distract us from the main point which is finding good photographs, like if I had a better camera I could take better photos that Bjorn (if only!). To finish of I have just looked at your photograph titled 'Housekeeping' wow....could a Nex 7 do any better?
Keep up the good work and I have your site listed as one of my favourites.

[Björn Utpott]

Hi Tom; thanks for the kind words. You almost make me feel god about having a limited bank account ;-)

You're right about the pitfalls of becoming too obsessed with gear. It is distracting. Sometimes though, new gear can open up opportunities. For example, the Sony's focus peaking and EVF are so good that I've become more interested in manual focus lenses. My hit rate wasn't high enough with my Panasonic gear, so I gave up. But now I'm learning to take control of focus selection again, after having surrendered that to automatic systems for many years.

But no, the Sony cameras are not better than the GH2. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and the GH2 will serve you well. It will also mean that you can continue to use your excellent 7-14mm.

As to the photo "Housekeeping;" the key here is to know your camera so you don't waste any time getting the settings right. The moment doesn't last long and only seconds later her head was behind the tree. I guess that would indicate sticking with one system or camera for as long as possible. Hmmm...