Sony introduces the NEX-7: all-in-one compact interchangeable lens camera with 24.3 megapixel resolution

24 August 2011

Supreme imaging plus pro performance and handling coupled with creative options

24.3 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
Quick, responsive autofocus and world’s fastest (0.02 sec) release time lag
Quick, versatile new TRINAVI control
High-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ and built-in flash
Full HD Movie with 50p/25p, manual focus, full P/A/S/M exposure control and improved audio
10fps continuous shooting (Speed priority mode)

Sony takes pro-quality imaging and creative options to new extremes with the easy to use α NEX-7. Styled in magnesium alloy for strength and premium looks, the NEX-7 weighs a travel-friendly approx. 291g (camera body only).

The NEX-7 features a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution that’s teamed with the latest revision of Sony’s BIONZ image processing engine.

This unique combination of sensor and processor assures ultra-rapid shooting responses, plus flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video. Extending from ISO 100-16000, the ultra-high sensitivity range makes it easy to capture clean, low-noise images in dimly lit interiors or at dusk.

Responses are accelerated further by a shutter release lag of just 0.02 seconds – the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital camera in the world. Quick, precise AF is enhanced by new Object Tracking that keeps accurate focus lock on a selected target, even when it’s moving in the frame.

The NEX-7 offers quick, easy control over creative settings via an intuitive new TRINAVI control. Two control dials on the top of the camera are complemented by a control wheel. Pushing the navigation button cycles quickly through various shooting modes, allowing enthusiasts to make custom adjustments and control images with the flexibility of a DSLR camera.

The NEX-7 is also the world’s first compact camera that features an XGA OLED TruFinder™ for precision framing and focusing. This precision electronic viewfinder gives a bright, detail-packed, high contrast view of still images and video, with approximately 100% frame coverage and a wide field of view to rival pro-grade optical viewfinders. On-screen grid lines and a level gauge can be displayed to assist with accurate framing.

The XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ is complemented by a 7.5 cm (3.0") Xtra Fine LCD that can be angled up to 90° up or 45º down for easy viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack technology assures superb detail and contrast with dramatically reduces on-screen reflections.

At the touch of a button, the NEX-7 shoots smooth AVCHD Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound. Support for the new AVCHD Progressive (Ver. 2.0)* format also allows users to select 50p or 25p frame rates for beautifully smooth, detailed video footage. As with stills shooting, Object Tracking allows a target object to be selected for accurate tracking AF, even when the subject is moving.

Manual focus is now possible during video shooting. Enthusiasts can also enjoy full control over creating the perfect video image with Programme, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (PASM). Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.

In speed priority mode, the NEX-7 captures fast-moving action at up to 10fps – the world’s fastest burst shooting speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

First introduced on the NEX-C3, Picture Effect simplifies the production of sophisticated artistic effects ‘in camera’, with no PC or post-processing needed. There are now 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature and Rich-Tone Mono. A generous palette of other artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.

The NEX-7 introduces an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe, a first for E-mount cameras. Widening opportunities for advanced shooting applications, the shoe supports accessories including HVL-F58AM, F43AM and F20AM Flash, the HVL-MT24AM Macro Twin Flash Kit and CLM-V55 Clip-on LCD Monitor.

Lenses and accessories
The world’s first mount adaptor with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology™, the optional Mount Adaptor LA-EA2 allows phase-detection AF with almost all of the A-mount lenses for both still image and video shooting.

The LCS-ELC7 Soft Carrying Case combines a closely-fitting body case and lens jacket in genuine leather to protect camera body and lens from scratches and dust, is released exclusively for NEX-7. It’s complemented by the STP-XH70 shoulder strap in the same material.

The α NEX-7 ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera by Sony is available from November 2011.

Notes to editors

Key technical specifications

General

Camera type

Interchangeable lens digital camera with built-in flash

Lens compatibility

Sony E-mount lenses

Image sensor

Type

APS-C type (23.5 x 15.6mm), "Exmor" APS HD CMOS sensor with primary color filters

Number of pixels

Approx. 24.3 megapixels (effective),
Approx. 24.7 megapixels (total)

Image sensor aspect ratio

3:2

Anti-dust system

Charge protection coating on optical filter and ultrasonic vibration mechanism

Recording system (still image)

Recording format

JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format), 3D MPO (MPF Extended compliant)

Image size (pixels)

3:2

L: 6000 x 4000 (24M), M: 4240×2832 (12M),

S: 3008 x 2000 (6M)

Image size (pixels)

16:9

L: 6000 x 3376 (20M), M: 4240 x 2400 (10M), S: 3008 x 1688 (5.1M)

Image size (pixels) Sweep Panorama

Wide: horizontal 12416 x 1856 (23M), vertical 5536 x 2160 (12M), standard: horizontal 8192 x 1856 (15M), vertical 3872 x 2160 (8.4M)

Image size (pixels)

3D Sweep Panorama

Wide: 7152 x 1080 (7.7M), Standard: 4912 x 1080 (5.3M), 16:9: 1920 x 1080 (2.1M)

Image quality modes

RAW, RAW & JPEG, JPEG Fine , JPEG Standard

Picture Effect

11 types (15 variations): Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R, G, B, Y), High Contrast Mono, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Mono, Miniature

Creative Style

Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn leaves, B/W, Sepia (Contrast (-3 to +3 steps), Saturation (-3 to +3 steps), Sharpness(-3 to +3 steps))

Dynamic range functions

Off, Dynamic Range Optimizer (Auto/Level), Auto High Dynamic Range: Off, Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1.0-6.0EV, 1.0EV step)

Color space

sRGB, Adobe RGB

Recording system (movie)

Recording format

AVCHD Ver. 2.0 (Progressive) / MP4

Video compression

MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)

Audio recording format

Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC

NTSC

AVCHD Ver. 2.0, average bit rate

1920 x 1080

60p: 28Mbps (PS),

60i: 24Mbps (FX), 17Mbps (FH)

24p: 24Mbps (FX), 17Mbps (FH)

MP4 , average bit rate

1440 x 1080 (12Mbps),

VGA (3Mbps)

PAL

AVCHD Ver. 2.0, average bit rate

1920 x 1080

50p: 28Mbps (PS),

50i: 24Mbps (FX), 17Mbps (FH)

25p: 24Mbps (FX), 17Mbps (FH)

MP4 , average bit rate

1440 x 1080 12Mbps

VGA 3Mbps

Media

"Memory Stick PRO Duo" , "Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo", SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card

Noise reduction

Long exposure NR: On/Off selectable, available of shutter speeds longer than 1 sec.

High ISO NR: High/Normal/Low selectable

White balance

Modes

Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, C.Tem<2500 to 9900K>, C.Filter<G7 to M7/A7 to B7>, Custom

WB fine adjustment

G7 to M7, 15-step / A7 to B7, 15-step

Focus system

Type

Contrast-detection AF

Focus point

25 points

Sensitivity range

EV0 to EV20 (at ISO100 equivalent with F2.8 lens attached)

Focus mode

Autofocus, DMF (Direct Manual Focus), Manual Focus

AF mode

AF-S: Single-shot AF, AF-C: Continuous AF

Focus area

Multi Point (25 points) / Center-weighted / Flexible Spot selectable

Other features

Tracking focus , Predictive control, Eye-Start AF (with LA-EA2), Focus lock

AF illuminator

Built-in LED, Range: Approx. 0.5m - Approx. 3.0m (E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS)

Exposure control

Metering type

1200-zone evaluative metering

Metering sensor

"Exmor" APS HD CMOS sensor

Metering sensitivity

EV0 to EV20 (at ISO100 equivalent with F2.8 lens attached)

Modes

Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot

Exposure modes

iAUTO, Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Anti Motion Blur, Scene Selection

Scene selection

Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night view, Hand-held Twilight

Exposure compensation

+/- 5EV (in 0.3EV steps)

Bracketing

3 continuous exposures in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps

AE lock

AE is locked when focus is locked in multi-segment metering mode. AE lock button

ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)

ISO100-16000、AUTO (ISO100-1600)

Viewfinder

Type

1.3 cm (0.5 type) Electronic viewfinder

Number of dots

2359296 dots

XGA OLED

Yes

Brightness control

Auto, Manual (3 steps between -1 and +1)

Field coverage

Approx. 100%

Magnification

Approx. 1.09x with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m^-1　

Diopter adjustment

-4m^-1　- +1.0m^-1 (diopter)

Eye point

Approximately 23mm from the eyepiece, 21mm from the eyepiece frame at -1m^-1

Display Contents

Disp. Basic Info, Level, Histogram

Real-time image-adjustment

ON/OFF

LCD Monitor

Type

7.5cm (3.0-type) wide type TFT (Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology)

Number of dots (total)

921,600 dots

Brightness control

Auto, Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2)

Sunny Weather mode

Field coverage

Approx. 100%

Adjustable angle

Up by approx. 90 degrees, Down by approx. 45 degrees

Display

Graphic Display, Display All Info, Big Font Size Disp, No Disp. Info, Live View Priority, Level, Histogram, For viewfinder

Real-time image-adjustment display

ON/OFF

Focus check

MF assist (5.9x, 11.7x), Peaking (Level setting: High/Mid/Low/Off, Color: White/Red/Yellow)

Face detection

Modes

On/On (Regist. Faces)/Off

Face registration, Face selection; Max. number of detectable faces 8

Other features

Smile shutter (selectable from 3 steps), Shooting Tips, Help guide

Digital zoom

Precision digital zoom, 1.1x-10x

Shutter

Type

Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type

Shutter speed

1/4000 to 30 sec, bulb

Flash sync. speed

1/160 sec.

Electronic front shutter curtain

Yes (ON/OFF)

SteadyShot INSIDE (image stabilization)

Type

Not supported (image stabilization supported on lens)

Flash

Type

Built-in flash

Guide No.

6 (in meters at ISO 100 equivalent)

Flash coverage

18mm (focal-length printed on the lens body)

Control

Pre-flash TTL

Flash compensation

+/- 3EV in 0.3 EV steps

Flash modes

Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync.

Recycling time

Approx. 4 sec

External flash

Compatible with Auto-lock Accessory shoe

Wireless control

Supported on External flash

Drive

Drive modes

Single-shot, Continuous shooting, Speed priority continuous shooting, Self-timer (10/2 sec delay selectable), Self-timer (Cont.) (with 10 sec delay 3/5 exposures selectable), Bracketing, Remote Cdr (with separately sold remote commander RMT-DSLR1)

Speed (max., approx.)

10fps in Speed priority continuous shooting, 3fps in standard continuous shooting

*Varies depending on shooting conditions and memory cards

No. of frame recordable (approx.)

Fine: 10 frames, Standard: 10 frames, RAW: 6 frames, RAW & JPG: 4 frames

*Varies depending on shooting conditions and memory cards

Playback

Single (with or without shooting information RGB histogram & highlight/shadow warning), 6/12-frame index view, Enlarged display mode (L: 11.8x, M: 8.8x, S: 6x, Enlarged display mode (L: 16.7x, M: 11.8x, S: 8.3x, Panorama (Standard): 25.6x, Panorama (Wide): 38.8x), Auto Review (10/5/2 sec, Off) ,Image orientation (On/Off selectable), Slideshow, Panorama scrolling, Folder selection (Still), Forward/Rewind (movie), Delete, Protect

Interface

PC interface

Hi-speed USB (USB2.0): Mass-storage, MTP

HD output

HDMI mini connector (Type-C) , BRAVIA Sync (link menu), PhotoTV HD

Auto-lock Accessory shoe

Yes

Compatible OS (USB connection)

Windows XP* SP3, Windows Vista** SP2 , Windows 7 SP1, Mac OS X (v10.3-v10.6)

*64-bit edition and starter edition not supported.

**Starter edition not supported.

Audio

Microphone

Built-in stereo microphone or ECM-SST1 (optional）

Speaker

Built-in, monaural, Volume settings in 8 steps between 0 and 7

Print

Compatible standards

Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, DPOF setting

Custom function

Custom key settings

Available

Power

Battery

One rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50

Still images

Viewfinder :Approx. 350 images

LCD Monitor :Approx. 430 images

（CIPA standard）

Movies

Approx. 29 min., MP4 format movie for up to Approx. 2 GB.

External power

AC Adaptor AC-PW20 (optional)

Weight

With battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo included

Approx. 350 g
Approx. 12.3 oz

Body only

Approx. 291 g
Approx. 10.3 oz

Dimensions

mm (W x H x D) excluding protrusions

Approx. 119.9mm x 69.9mm x 42.6mm
Approx. 4 3/4 ×2 3/4 ×1 11/16 in.

Minimum thickness mm

Approx. 25.3mm / Approx. 1 in.
(without grip and mount)

Operating Temperature

Operating temperature

32 - 104 degrees F / 0 - 40 degrees C

For more information please contact

Sony Europe Press Centre

e: presscentre@sony.eu

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