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Posted May 20, 2015 by The Editor in Tech Articles
 
 

Sony A6000 vs Sony Nex 7

A6000 vs Nex 7
A6000 vs Nex 7

This face-off is between two of Sony’s Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras: the Alpha A6000 that was released in February 2014 and its predecessor, the Nex 7 camera that was released in August 2011.  Both cameras are quite similar in many aspects but offer a number of key differences, which make a comparison worthwhile. We look at the specs as well as the strong points and weaker points of each camera so that you can decide which camera might be best for you.

Sony A6000
Sony Nex 7
Build Matt black durable magnesium alloy chassis with plastic inserts.
Dimensions: 120 x 67 x 45 mm.
Weight: 344g with battery.
Score: 8.5/10
Matt black durable magnesium alloy chassis with plastic inserts.
Dimensions: 119 x 67 x 43 mm
Weight: 353g with battery.
Score: 8.5/10
Resolution 24.3 MP
Score: 8/10
24.3 MP
Score: 7.5/10
Screen Size
3″ LCD tilting screen.
Score: 8/10
3.0″ LCD tilting screen.
Score: 8/10
Image Stabilisation
Optical image stabilisation supported on lens.
Score: 8/10
Optical image stabilisation supported on lens.
Score: 8/10
Video Recording
MPEG-4 / H.264 1080p @ 60fps.
Score: 8/10
MPEG-4 / H.264 1080p @ 60fps.
Score: 8/10
Manual Focus
Yes, with rapid auto-focus.
Score: 9/10
Yes, with continuous-servo auto-focus..
Score: 8.5/10
Media Formats
JPEG, RAW, MP4.
Score: 9/10
JPEG, RAW, MP4.
Score: 9/10
Storage Compatible memory sticks, SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards.
Score: 8.5/10
Compatible memory sticks, SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards.
Score: 8.5/10
Battery & Extras
Li-ion rechargeable battery that lasts approx. 360 shots. Also includes AC adaptor, body cap, Eyepiece cup, Micro USB cable, Power cord, Shoulder strap. Built in WiFi with NFC.
Score: 7/10
Li-ion rechargeable battery that lasts approx. 350 shots. Also includes AC adaptor, body cap, shoulder strap, body cleaning cloth, USB Cable, CD-ROM.
Score: 7/10
MSRP price:
$449 / €549 / £449 (body only)
Score: 9/10
$599 / €599 / £499 (body only)
Score: 8/10

Sony A6000 Score: 83
Sony Nex 7 Score: 81

The Sony Alpha A6000 wins the straight comparison above by a couple of points and would be the definite choice for most consumers as it’s a newer camera and much easier to get a hold of (at least if you’re looking to buy new). The table above doesn’t tell the whole story however, or why the A6000 is the superior camera in other important areas.

For example, the new BIONZ X image processor allows the A6000 auto-focus very fast, with a lag of just 0.06 seconds and 11 fps continuous shooting with tracking auto-focus. In addition to these impressive features, the A6000 boasts 179 focus areas which allow the photographer to choose a huge range of focus configurations (other than the centre point) to suit a particular shooting situation.

The Nex 7 is still a very solid camera and does offer a few advantages over the A6000, so let’s first look at these.

What We Liked About The Sony Nex 7 Camera

  • It starts up about a second quicker than the A6000 meaning you’re less likely to miss the moment
  • It has built-in 3D shooting capabilities
  • Features an external microphone jack for improved sound fidelity when shooting video

What We Disliked About The Sony Nex 7 Camera

  • Doesn’t feature a touch-screen
  • No slow-motion video shooting mode built-in
  • Noticable noise at higher ISO settings
  • No built-in WiFi or NFC

Find the Best Prices for the Sony Nex 7

If viewing from a mobile device please click on + to get more information.

[flatable product_name=’sony nex 7 -case -sticker -pouch -battery -charger kit -tripod -filter -hand grip -protector -cable’ product_columns=’img|product_name|price|merchant_name|more’ product_img_class=’imgResizeClass’ amazon_category=’Electronics’]

 

What We Liked About The Sony A6000 Camera

  • Features the newer BIONZ X image processor which is faster than the older BIONZ image processor on the Nex 7
  • Has many more points of contrast detection and focus points than the Nex 7
  • Very fast auto-focus
  • Has a large ISO range (100-25000 rather than the 100-16000 range of the Nex 7)
  • Built-in WiFi and NFC
  • Very good value for money

What We Disliked About The Sony A6000 Camera

  • Doesn’t feature a touch-screen
  • Relatively slow start up
  • No 3.5mm jack for external microphones

Find the Best Prices for the Sony A6000

If viewing from a mobile device please click on + to get more information.

[flatable product_name=’sony a6000 -case -sticker -pouch -battery -charger kit -tripod -filter -hand grip -protector -cable -cover’ product_columns=’img|product_name|price|merchant_name|more’ product_img_class=’imgResizeClass’ amazon_category=’Electronics’]

 

Being the successor to the Nex 7, one would expect the A6000 to be a better camera in almost every area and it is. The new BIONZ X image processor gives the A6000 more capabilities in areas such as auto-focus speed, focus points with a larger 92% coverage, continuous shooting, diffraction correction and area-specific noise reduction.  Also, built-in WiFi and NFC are welcome upgrades that were lacking in the Nex 7.

In a nutshell, unless price is your main priority and you can get a good deal on a second-hand Nex 7, we would recommend you invest in the A6000.

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The Editor