Anyone have a Sony NEX7?

If so, how do you like its video? I looked at one today and just loved the OLED VF. A sample in-store video I took looked very good, but it was a limited sample.

Well I picked one up after reading many of the reviews and so far I'm very very impressed.

In my testing thus far, I've seen one case of a bit of moire, but nothing to get too nuts about. What I am seeing though relative to my GH2 (as can also be seen in your comparison link), is considerably more detail and better color. I'm using the highest bitrate 60p setting and it's really nice. If you notice in the comparison link you posted, I still see a bit of moire in the GH2, but more importantly I'm wondering if the NEX7 showed more moire in the brickwork simply because there was far more detail. In some areas the GH2 just looks mushy and therefore not enough detail to create the moire in the first place. I think that may at least partly explain it.

I just went back to look at that side by side again and there are some parts of the picture where there are more artifacts in the GH2 than the NEX7. Take a look at the picket fence (or whatever it is) near the boats. You'll see artifacting on the GH2, but the NEX7 is clean. I guess it depends on what your subject is.

Having full access to all settings in the video mode is new for Sony in the NEX line and much welcome in the NEX7. I had an original NEX5 (not the current model) and really hated the 24p and very bad moire & aliasing. In the NEX7 it seems to be far better controlled.

I can also tell you the OLED VF is out of this world. It's really a new experience in viewfinders.

I'll be testing the NEX7 against my Canon XA10 for fun. The Canon produces some of the best video I've seen in any consumer/prosumer camera, so that should be interesting.

BTW, I think it was DP Review (not 100%) that said they found no time limit in the length of video. They apparently went well beyond 29 minutes with no issues. They may have said they filled up the card, but I can't recall exactly. Either way that's not an issue for me since I don't shoot long events like that.

I'll let you know any further observations as time goes on.

Well prior to leaving on a brief business trip, I did compare the NEX7 to my video benchmark, the Canon XA10. I was surprised to find the NEX to have a bit more detail, a bit better color and an overall more 'relaxed' look that's characteristic of larger chips with their better dynamic range. What was more surprising to me was that this was with the kit lens the NEX comes with. That lens is not regarded as the best in the NEX lineup, but it was interesting to see how well it did do relative to my XA10.

Looks like I'll be selling my GH2.

Mike, at least in my limited time with the NEX I'm finding the colors very accurate. As with other cameras in its class, you have a tremendous array of controls to adjust the colors. Even with AWB, you can tell the camera to bias the color in virtually any direction (warmer, cooler, greener, more magenta etc.

Steve, the VF on the NEX is a real game changer. I can't tell you how beautiful the OLED VF is...just stunning.

From what I've seen with the video so far vs my XA10, the NEX7's dynamic range is better due to the very large sensor. It certainly doesn't put the Canon to shame, but I do see an improvement.

What are you replacing the G10 with?

Mark, I've got to admit that I'm surprised by the NEX7. You know me, I've had them all including the 900, XA10 and many others. To this point my benchmark cam was the XA10. To my eyes it produced the most professional looking image of my prior cams.

But along comes the NEX and I wasn't prepared for the quality of its video. I expected great stills, but in my brief testing I'd have to rate its footage as best when I factor in the combination of dynamic range, color accuracy and detail. The OLED viewfinder is the icing on the cake.

Now if we can figure out how to incorporate a power zoom....

BTW, very nice video at the beach. Some difficult exposures there.

Really sorry to hear about that Steve. Best of luck to her in finding a new job...and quickly!

Steve, I just checked EBay. They have listings for 2 G10s. One has a starting bid of $1080 and the other $750. I don't know what they'll wind up with, but you can follow the bidding from the link below. But it seems like you're priced OK.

The only change I'd make to your ad is to also talk about how well it performs in good light too. Didn't the XA10 win awards for best camcorder? The HF10 is optically identical. I wonder if you should mention that too. You can also try listing on EBay if you don't have success on Craig's list. I just sold a Pioneer Kuro plasma right here on AVS. The listing cost me $5.

Good luck!

http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Canon-Vixia-...60.c0.m2000019

Steve, consider EBay. It probably gets a larger audience for electronics.

I'm really impressed with the little NEX. I've compared it against my Canon XA10 and I'm amazed that it renders more detail and clarity than my beloved Canon. Add to that the superb picture taking capability and you really have an all-in-one solution.

The only drawback IMO is the lack of a power zoom. But as Mark said, I just don't try to replicate the zooming in camcorders. I generally edit out zooms anyway, so it's not that big a deal.

But I'll tell you it's such a fun camera to use and I think much of that is the result of the absolutely amazing OLED viewfinder. You feel like you're not as detached from what you're shooting as you do with many cameras. When I go back to the XA10's VF it almost looks like something is wrong. It's small, dark and not very clear in comparison. This is not to take anything away from the Canon, it's still an incredible camcorder.

I've decided to keep the NEX, it's just too good to return.