Vickko
Veteran
.... so, is the M9 "the best" digital camera in existence for image quality, given that one uses it in the proper ISO range? And of course has $5K vs $1.3K to spend.
I was reading the Luminous Landscape and Steve Huff reviews.
Makes me feel good because I'm after image quality, and can forgo "the rangefinder experience" to have a fantastic sensor.
I was reading the Luminous Landscape and Steve Huff reviews.
Makes me feel good because I'm after image quality, and can forgo "the rangefinder experience" to have a fantastic sensor.
paulfish4570
Veteran
with the very good nex evf, you can have much of the RF experience. i have just about decided my next cam will be a nex ...
Kent
Finally at home...
At the end of last year I was fed up with lugging around heavy DSLR gear, so I decided to buy something small, but it had to be something with a high IQ!
I decided against the M9, because of two reasons: first it was just too expensive for my taste and second I "only" would have been able to use M-lenses on it.
The NEX-7 I went for was considerably cheaper and can take almost any lens I have in my collection using the right adapter.
Of course, it wasn't a rangefinder.
Well, I ended up buying an M8 to go with the NEX-7. For me that is the perfect set and it complements my fullframe 5D very well.
I decided against the M9, because of two reasons: first it was just too expensive for my taste and second I "only" would have been able to use M-lenses on it.
The NEX-7 I went for was considerably cheaper and can take almost any lens I have in my collection using the right adapter.
Of course, it wasn't a rangefinder.
Well, I ended up buying an M8 to go with the NEX-7. For me that is the perfect set and it complements my fullframe 5D very well.
ed1234
Established
I also ended up with an M8 after comparing M9 vs Nex 7.
raid
Dad Photographer
I decided to get an M9 after reading many good revuews.
ed1234
Established
I actually want the M9 too, but the price....I am not putting that much money for a camera. Plus, the full frame is not that important to me, as the M8 is more of an backup to my film camera. Plus I want to use my SA21mm without much trouble(now it become a 28mm on the M8.
Pablito
coco frío
Well that is a very broad statement, you're comparing it to medium format digital backs or even the Leica S series?
also, "the best" is totally subjective.
flash
Member
I have both. They're so vastly different that there's no point comparing them. At base ISO the M9 files are much better than the NEX7. At anything over ISO640 the NEX files are better. The NEX7 has much more DR at all ISOs but doesn't have particularly high per pixel sharpness compared to the M9 due to its AA filter. The NEX is much more portable and customisable. But the size and simplicity of the M suits many people as cameras get too small and too complex. The EVF of the NEX7 allows perfect framing but is too contrasty. But it does allow you to "pre-chimp" as what you see is what you get in the final image. Everything digital is faster on the NEX and the shutter is quieter. The NEX flash system is vastly better than the M.
The NEX has fast (although not as fast as m4/3) accurate af so you'll get more keepers. But the lenses are so so. Even the Ziess 24mm (equiv) isn't as good as most M glass. So you'll need to go alt to get the best from the Sony sensor. However the NEX7 isn't that good with lenses wider than 35mm (the WATE being the obvious exception) so you'll be much better off with a NEX5N which has corrected micro lenses and works well with wide alt glass. The NEX bodies are fantastic cameras waiting for a lens system.
If you had to compare then look at a 911 porsche. You can get the one with the radio, carpet, electronic aids and a sunroof or you can pay more to have them removed so you end up with the essentials and an increase in performance that you may or may not be able to take advantage of. The NEX is the 911 that you use for your daily drive. The M is the one to get for the love of driving.
If you can afford an M, then you may as well get both. A NEX isn't a lot compared to an M9.
Gordon
The NEX has fast (although not as fast as m4/3) accurate af so you'll get more keepers. But the lenses are so so. Even the Ziess 24mm (equiv) isn't as good as most M glass. So you'll need to go alt to get the best from the Sony sensor. However the NEX7 isn't that good with lenses wider than 35mm (the WATE being the obvious exception) so you'll be much better off with a NEX5N which has corrected micro lenses and works well with wide alt glass. The NEX bodies are fantastic cameras waiting for a lens system.
If you had to compare then look at a 911 porsche. You can get the one with the radio, carpet, electronic aids and a sunroof or you can pay more to have them removed so you end up with the essentials and an increase in performance that you may or may not be able to take advantage of. The NEX is the 911 that you use for your daily drive. The M is the one to get for the love of driving.
If you can afford an M, then you may as well get both. A NEX isn't a lot compared to an M9.
Gordon
Vickko
Veteran
Wow.
I was thinking of selling the M9 and trying to evaluate what to replace it with.
The conclusion is not to sell the M9
I feel much more relaxed, and can concentrate on lens GAS.
And shooting.
I was thinking of selling the M9 and trying to evaluate what to replace it with.
The conclusion is not to sell the M9
I feel much more relaxed, and can concentrate on lens GAS.
And shooting.
hmm not so fast.
many users report much better results with wide angle M lenses adapted on the Nex 5n with its microprism sensor than the standard prism Nex 7.
Stephen
msbel
Member
I use an M9 and NEX-7 - M9 for FF and the joy of using a true Digital RF, and the NEX for use with all kinds of lenses, AF, and that kind of stuff.
hteasley
Pupil
I have a NEX-7 and an M9, and I use the M9 way more. I'm not impressed with the Sony lenses (I have two); my understanding is the Zeiss lenses for the NEX are much better, but I haven't run across any to test. I love shooting with the M9.
I just enjoy the M9 shooting experience way more, for basic photography. The NEX sits at home mostly, and I use it with a Hawk adapter and M lesnes to do macro stuff. The MP and M9 are in my daily carry bag.
I just enjoy the M9 shooting experience way more, for basic photography. The NEX sits at home mostly, and I use it with a Hawk adapter and M lesnes to do macro stuff. The MP and M9 are in my daily carry bag.
BMacW
Established
I sold my M8 when NEX 5N came out and then I got the NEX 7 for the builtin EVF. If you've used and love the Rangefinder experience, none of these mirrorless will satisfy you.
After nex7 I tried the OMD, and was about to get the fuji X-E1, but then I realized that I really missed the RF experience and there will be no substitue.
I find sony rx100 is the perfect backup body for film and m9. So I really don't care about all the features for the other mirrorless any more. With that I'm back on M9 again.
After nex7 I tried the OMD, and was about to get the fuji X-E1, but then I realized that I really missed the RF experience and there will be no substitue.
I find sony rx100 is the perfect backup body for film and m9. So I really don't care about all the features for the other mirrorless any more. With that I'm back on M9 again.