There’s a sea change in digital cameras that is seeing large DSLR-sized sensors crammed into compact bodies with high megapixel capacities and interchangeable lenses. Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic and even Nikon are shifting their attention from large DSLR’s (Digital Single Lens Reflex) to these smaller bodies and they are packing them with all the latest technology.
At the top of this prosumer trend is Sony’s flagship NEX-7 camera that will be released next month and packs a whopping 24 Megapixel APS HS-CMOS sensor in a small body. The same sensor is being used in Sony’s larger Alpha DSLR models.
The evolutionary child of its popular Alpha series of DSLRs and its NEX series of compact interchangeable-lens cameras, the NEX 7 will cost $1,200.00 when it ships and that’s just for the body. The NEX line of cameras uses the same sensors as the higher end Alpha DSLRs but without the mirror and pentaprism required from the DSLR models. Without these extra parts, photographers get
smaller bodies, large sensors and the ability to use a range of smaller lenses than the DSLR counterparts. Sony has planned an impressive array of lenses to debut alongside the NEX-7 next month. The NEX cameras are also popular for being able to use various lenses from other makers provided they are attached with adaptors.
Sony may not have the brand power of Canon or Nikon when it comes to cameras but it does have a formidable collection of technology mostly from its years as an innovator in the CyberShot digital camera segment as well as acquired technology and patents from the Konica-Minolta acquisition. Sony’s
strength in miniaturization is also unparalleled in the camera space. The NEX 7 is the culmination of Sony’s various imaging technologies and is designed to compete with larger cameras from Canon and Nikon, even if it is significantly
smaller and lighter. With more manual controls than similar cameras in the category, the NEX-7 achieves up to 10 frames per second shooting and a low light sensitivity of ISO 20,000. It will also shoot HD movies in super-smooth 60p, standard 60i or cinematic 24p, all at Full HD 1920x1080 resolution cinematic video recording that mimics the quality of film.
The usual Sony goodies such as an APS HS CMOS image sensor, sweep panorama capability, Auto HDR (High Dynamic Range), real-time Live View and a tiltable LCD are included as well. This is the ultimate back-up camera for professionals and a stunning option for travelers, street photographers and users who require HD video and a digital camera.