NEX-7 Part 1: The Why
Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 13:11 ;)
The problem with having a blog is that there's a public record of everything I've proclaimed, including why I decided to buy the Sony NEX-5N instead its more glamorous sibling, the NEX-7. So now I'm forced to put myself in the tenuous position of having to refute my own arguments.
Basically, those were that the high capital outlay for a NEX-7 was not justified given that NEX was intended as a secondary or complementary system to my Micro Four Thirds gear. The lack of native lenses, like for example an ultra wide angle, made it seem unlikely that I would be able to replace my Panasonic GH2 anytime soon. So, 2 months ago, I purchased a NEX-5N to evaluate whether Sony's user interface would work for me and to see if the larger sensor had a significant impact on the average image quality of my everyday images.
Approximately 3000 photos and two trips later I came to the conclusion that it did: I prefer the images produced by the NEX's larger APS-C sensor over the file quality from my Micro Four Thirds cameras. The photos seem richer, have better dynamic range and they're more malleable in post processing. The more I worked with the Sony files, the harder it became to pick up my Panasonic cameras again.
;)
The excellent image quality isn't only a result of the larger sensor though. I also acquired some better glass. The kit lenses (18-55mm F3.5-5.6 and 16mm F2.8) didn't really shine, so I acquired the E-mount Zeiss Sonnar 24mm F1.8 and the manual focus, M-mount Zeiss Biogon 35mm F2.0. Both these lenses produce excellent results. The Biogon can presumably be used on any future mirrorless system camera, so it should prove to be a good long term investment.
After using the NEX-5N extensively during my Christmas Holiday in Southern Italy and evaluating the images on my PC once I returned, I decided to complete the switch to the NEX system: NEX would be my main camera system. I really can't afford, nor want to have multiple systems kicking around, so I decided to sell the Panasonic GH2, which has been my main camera since late 2010.
;)
But before selling my GH2, I needed a NEX body that could replace it. The NEX-5N was never intended as more than a secondary, occasional use camera. My primary camera gets used a lot more and under a greater variety of conditions, so its replacement has to have a feature set that is as comprehensive as that of the GH2 it replaces.....and different from the NEX-5N in several key areas:
- better ergonomics, especially the grip, suited to long term use, also with heavier lenses
- direct control of all major settings with a less cramped layout.
- more robust body with an integrated EVF (the 5N's add on EVF seems somewhat flimsy and is not stable when pressing the camera to my eye)
- hot shoe to mount more powerful external flash
- tilting screen: the NEX-5N, NEX-7 and GH2 all have one - from now on I won't consider any new cameras without one
;)
Among the NEX cameras, only the NEX-7 meets the requirements I have for a primary camera. That's why I placed an order when one became available for a brief instant. Image quality had nothing to do with it: I don't need better image quality than that of the 5N nor do I expect significant differences in the image quality between NEX-7 and the NEX-5N. Once this perpetual stormy weather lets up enough for a camera not to get wet or a tripod to get blown over, I'll do some comparison photos. First of all, I'd like to determine to what degree corner performance with the Zeiss Biogon 35mm F2.0 is worse on the NEX-7 than the 5N. If there are any other things anybody would like me to check out, just let me know in the comments below and I'll do my best.
So far the NEX-7 does not disappoint. I'll save a comparison of Panasonic's and Sony's top-of-the-line mirrorless cameras for a follow up post. In the meantime, my Panasonic GH2 and a few Micro Four Thirds lenses are going onto eBay to offset the cost of the NEX-7. I'll keep the Lumix 7-14mm wide angle zoom and use it with the GF2 until a suitable NEX alternative comes along. Of all the Micro Four Thirds lenses, I find that one to be the most impressive.
;)
NEX-7, Sony, gear, photography
Reader Comments (23)
I started following your blog posts a few months back because I am was a GH1 owner. I now have a GH2 and love it. I must admit the shots you've posted from the NEX-5N look wonderful. As a GH2 shooter, I love shooting video with my 20mm 1.7 pancake and a few older Canon FD lenses. Can you talk about your video experience with the Sony?
Amigo,
Congratz with your new NEX; have fun with it!
Cheers,
harrie
Joel, since I don't shoot very much video and I've only had the NEX-7 for a very short time, I can't really comment on the video capabilities of the Sony. If you have some specific questions, I'll try to find the answers though.
I've read that Canon FD lenses perform very well on mirrorless cameras; which ones are you using?
Thanks Harrie!
I'll let you take the NEX-7 for a spin on the 14th.
I have a Canon FD 35mm 2.0 and a Canon FD 50mm 1.4. Both were about $100 on eBay last year. I use an FD-M43 adapter with those. Works like a charm.
If you're interested, here's a link to something I shot a few weeks ago with the FD 35mm 2.0:
http://vimeo.com/33991261
Also, I did a quick Vimeo search for the Sony NEX-5N and found this beautiful piece. Quite impressive little camera:
http://vimeo.com/31349130
Hi Bjorn
Crikey you have been busy...Lots of lovey shots of your GORGEOUS Nex7...looks great!
We all change our minds from time to time...Don't worry about it (I do it all the time)...I am sure you will rave about this Nex7 and then still buy a Nex9 when it comes out...We all do it!
Well my Nex5N arrived today (I seem to be the NEX generation behind you) after a long wait....Just finished charging the battery after 6 Hours!...Must get a spare battery. I have added a better picture of the silver Voigtlander adapter taken from the other side on the 5N.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54602555@N08/6641847931/in/set-72157628718670299/
Initial thoughts are as your 5 points mentioned above...Would add to that...Sony please make it quieter (just enough so I can hear it and nobody else - Leica M - Decibels).
As said before will hang on to my GH2 and 7-14mm + 14-45mm for the time being...I would be broke over night If I purchased all those lovely CZ ZM lenses...Have a steep learning curve in front of me, it is so totally different to use from the GH2!
Will just ask where is the live Histogram on this thing...I can't tell if I need to over or under expose my shots.
Cheers Barry
Barry, thanks for making me feel better ;-)
Congratulations on your new NEX-5N - finally.
Yes, you do have a steep learning curve ahead of you, but trust me it all falls into place eventually. In fact I'm so used to the 5N now that I had trouble adapting back to using the GH2. Now I just have to wrap my head around this (ridiculously named) "Tri Navi" business.
As to the exposure metering, I find the NEX exposes fairly accurately and consistently. You need to enable the histogram under the "Camera" menu, then scroll down until you see "DISP Button (Monitor)." Under that heading you will find 5 LCD displays that the "DISP" button will toggle through. One is "Histogram." Just make sure it is checked.
Have fun with your new camera and please keep updated.
Can't wait for the NEX-9, hehe.
Many thanks for that...That works great... I thought for a nasty moment the camera didn't have one!
Early cameras never had a live one...You had to take the shot first and then check the exposure afterwards then adjust and re-shoot.
Tri-Navi that gives you something to learn as well (thats half the fun)...Let us know if it is easier to get on with than the 5N
Hi Bjorn
Enjoy your new Nex 7, I must say it looks rather beautiful in the photos...a real photographic outfit which has to be a dream to use.
Query? did you use your Nex 5N to take the photos of the Nex 7 as they look real good.
Looking forward to seeing your photos from the 7.
Tom, I think the NEX-7 takes a minimalist approach and reduces the design to the essential: cylinder, slab and grip with a few control elements. It makes the camera look purposeful; like it was designed as a photographic tool and nothing more.
The photos were all taken with the GH2 and the Leica 45mm F2.8 macro lens. I'm leaning to keeping the Leica 45mm and selling the M.Zuiko version along with the GH2. Even though it's slower and larger, I've gotten a lot of really exceptional shots with the Leica.
Joel, your video of Saúl is exceptional. You seem to have a real talent and I don't think I've progressed far enough in the area of video to be able to tell you which camera is more suitable. The second one is very creative work with a NEX-5N. Do you think the 5N produces better video than the GH2?
Thanks Bjorn. I'm trying to get better at telling stories with my camera, both with stills and video. There are so many variables at play when trying to compare two different cameras, like the quality of the lenses or bit rates. The "Autumn" movie on Vimeo certainly says a lot about the quality of the Sony NEX sensor. I'll have to do more research on this one. In the meantime, I love my GH2. I look forward to seeing posts with your new camera.
Bjorn, if I knew when you were selling your GH2 (on ebay?) I would be interested in it.
Congrats Bjorn and Happy New Year! This outcome was inevitable, no? :-)
It seems that the NEX cams along with your Zeiss lenses inspire you to take pictures, which is what it's all about, right!
I'm on my second X100, as the first (since returned) contracted the dreaded sticky aperture blades problem, which seemed until then to be the myth of hyperpicky forum dwellers. Love the files that camera creates! Other than that, got the 5N which is a great cam and incredibly easy to use once set up. Totally different animal from the X100. Makes manual lens focusing almost fun. Will have to see if I have any more resolve than you on the 7 but we all knew that loving the 5N was possibly just a stepping stone to the 7...
Enjoyed your holiday photos, especially "Multiple Realities". Classic! Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations Björn, I was indeed wondering if you can really resist getting a NEX-7 and if you, like me, can go back to m4/3 after using the better APS sensors with some very good manual lenses.
I am looking forward to our next meetup to check out your NEX cameras and let you have a look at the GXR. Might need to get a m4/3 adapter for your NEX so I can try the Nokton and 7-14mm lens and see if and how they work on the NEX. If they work I might be tempted by a NEX-5n, the NEX-7 does not seem to like my wideangle Voigtlander and Ricoh M lenses.
Enjoy your two NEX cameras and looking forward to hear more about how you get along with them.
Hi Cristian,
I got weak when a lonely NEX-7 showed up at my favourite store. Like you, I found it tougher and tougher to go back to my Micro Four Thirds cameras, especially because of the way the larger sensor handles contrast/dynamic range. Unlike you, I'm only using one good manual lens, but it's superb. I'm also very pleased with the native E-mount Zeiss 24mm F1.8.
It would be great to get together again, have a few beers and exchange cameras (not necessarily in that order). I didn't realize that there was a m4/3 adapter for NEX. I'll have to check that out.
Steve,
Happy new year to you too!
It seems you'll give in to the inevitability of the NEX-7 as well. Better start saving your money for when resolve runs out ;-) Lucky for you they're not widely available. Or maybe the X100 will have given you a taste for the X-PRO 1?
I've never heard of the sticky aperture blades issue. Maybe I should drop in on those forum dwellers more often rather than going out to take photos. Glad you got it sorted out, hopefully without too many sleepless nights. I agree about the X100's file quality; I only used the camera for an hour or so and I was already very impressed.
I can't imagine two cameras with a more different interface than the NEX-5N and the X100. Using those two interchangeably will keep your mind agile. I guess Sony is not restricted by the decision to emulate historical rangefinder designs and are freer to reinvent the wheel - for better or worse, depending on your point of view. Personally, I appreciate what Sony is trying to do and I'm beginning to like the context driven controls of the NEX-7 more and more.
Congrats on your Nex7 purchase - looking forward to seeing more of your nex shots! I carry my nex5 with zeiss 24mm quite often when out and about, it's a great carry around combination. I've been thinking of upgrading to either the 5n or 7 but the 5 with the zeiss just barely fits in my large jacket pocket. I'm worried that the larger size of the nex7 might make it too big to fit into a pocket or that the protruding viewfiner might be an issue. Have you found
the size or weight differenc to be a concern? How do you carry your 5n and 7?
Congrats and Enjoy! Joan
You're right, as an X100 user, the X-Pro1 is looking mighty appealing on paper to me. Amazing that even before the official announcement, you can preorder lenses on Amazon already. That and the lack of availability of NEX7s around here mean that it'll be easier to defer any decisions on the NEX7. Maybe at some point both bodies will make sense to own? I read somewhere that different cameras/lenses for photographers are like different brushes for painters. I agree! Sometimes the day feels right for the X100 and other days for the 5N with m-mount lenses (don't have any native lenses). I love what both companies are doing and I love that they are doing it with different philosophies. Variety is good and competition is good. I just hope that the m-mount eventually becomes a common ground across all of them. :-)