NEX 7 review

[rbmorse]

Please excuse my ignorance, but in part three of Michael's rolling review of the Sony NEX 7 he refers to "downsizing" images to match the size of those from the NEX 5N for comparison.  I know what he's talking about, but exactly how does one do that? 

[henk]

I also would like to see the results when up-sizing the NEX 5!

Henk

[michael]

Downsizing, down-ressing, whatever you want to call it, is simply done in Photoshop or a similar program. Image / Image Size, and then select "Resample". Enter a new size. Choose Bicubic Sharper for reduction.

The file will now be reduced in size, either in dimension or pixel count depending on settings.

To answer the second question, it needs to be pointed out that while "downsampling" and "upsampling" are both destructive in that they charge the original image, downsampling removes data while upsampling has to "invent" pixels, and therefore almost always degrades IQ. But, it's not that simple since the distance at which the image will be viewed plays a roll in both cases.

Michael

[Rob C]

 "...plays a roll in both cases."

Michael

On a drum would have been better!

;-)

Ciao -

Rob C

[michael]

Spelling was never my forte.

[Rob C]

Spelling was never my forte.

You should see mine when I'm in a prog that doesn't work with my red underliner! Er... no, that's not makeup. Actually, best not seeing me in such programmes.

;-)

Rob C

[ErikKaffehr]

I have never noticed ;-). But it is not my forte, eighthere ;-)

BR
Erik

Spelling was never my forte.

[ixania2]

Michael, could you please compare the raw image quality of nex-7 with zeiss 24/1.8 to the fuji x 100?

[JimGoshorn]

Michael,

Did you notice any difference between the 5n and 7 when using the Leica lenses? Some people have posted that they find the lenses worked better with the 5n.

Thanks!

Jim

[michael]

Depends on the lens. Watch for the next installment of my rolling review later this week..

Michael

[DaveDn]

Michael, that Summilux is an impressive lens. Did it's sharpness hold out reasonably well into the corners?

[michael]

Yes, look at the corner samples shown. On prints both lenses are good even wide open and excellent by f/2.8.

[Kenneth Sky]

Michael
I'm sure most of us agree that it's all about the print. But could you comment on the ergonomics of this lens with the NEX 7. Is it too heavy as a walk around lens? What about the build? Is it truly moisture resistant?

[michael]

The lens is relatively light, comfortable to handle, and would make a perfect walk-around lens.

I have no idea about moisture resistance, sorry.

Michael

[Fine_Art]

Arg. I wish Michael had not done the review of the Nex 7 with the 24 Zeiss/ Leica. Now I am itching for a new camera when I already have 2 Mamiyas, 2 Minoltas and 2 Sonys.

[alsand]

Hi Michael,

Thanks so far for the rolling review.

I'm kinda in doubt; I'm kinda attracted to the Nex-7 (portablity/IQ.../handling/looks...) as well as the 5Dmark2 (full frame/IQ/ISO performance/L-glass).
Strange - two different girls...

However at the end of the day IQ (dyn.range/color/sharpness/contrast/noise) remains the one decisive point.
Can you tell me from experience how does the Nex-7 with good lenses (zeiss...) compare to the 5Dmark2 with general purpose L-lenses (ie the 24-105)
Sales people tell me the 5D is a different league, not comparable.
From handling point of view: Yes, but from IQ point of view ...

Would appreciate your opinion(s).

Al

[michael]

Well, if you do a DxOMark comparison you see that the overall rating for the sensors is very close, with the NEX-7 having a very small overall advantage.

Since they also have similar resolution (the NEX-7 a bit higher) I would judge them to be quite comparable.

Lenses will make the greatest difference when it comes to IQ.

Michael

[alsand]

Close call indeed, the 5D is mainly behind on dynamic range, it's a difficult desicion.
I think I'll wait till some real world comparisions show up...

Thanks
Al

[Robert57]

Michael, your rolling review is a fantastic service to all of us enticed by the NEX series. Most online discussions of legacy lenses for the Nex 5n and 7 revolve around rangefinder lenses, rather than DSLR or film SLR wide- angle lenses. Could you please comment on Canon or Nikkor SLR wide- angle lenses? I have old Nikkor 24mm and 35 mm IA lenses I used for years with my Nikon F3, and would love to be able to use these with the Nex-7, with full manual operation and focus peaking. I wonder how their IQ, and edge aberrations, would compare with the new Zeiss 24mm E mount.

Thanks so much for your superb reviews and helpful insights/ conclusions.

[michael]

I can't give a definitive answer, but since almost all DSLR lenses are of retrofocus design they should work fine.

Michael