Sony NEX-6 16MP or NEX-7 24MP

[35mmdelux]

I need your help discriminating between the two. Besides the cost difference (~$750 vs. $1100) the biggest diff between the two is 16MP and 24MP. Does it matter? Looking to pair it up w/ my Leica m-mounts.

Video capabilities not important. Both have EVF which is better than focusing with just the LCD. I owned an earlier version but the lack of EVF (or similar) was a deal killer.

I'm looking for a light small unobtrusive camera I can hand off to an associate to be included in photos w/ celebrities I meet as part of my job. Also to be used for occasional snapshots in my travels.

Thanks -

 

[GaryLH]

If u plan to use legacy wide angle rf lenses the nex6 seems to be better for lenses wider than around 28 I have heard.

If u plan to use Sony lenses the triNav is well liked. But the new nex6 setup should not be far behind.

Gary

 

[semilog]

Doesn't matter much. Nominally it's a 20% difference in linear resolution — but at the cost of a 50% increase in file size. The actual increase in system resolution is likely to be even less than 20%.

On the other hand, the control layout on the NEX-7 is superior.

I'd say it's a wash.

 

[kxl]

I Besides the cost difference (~$750 vs. $1100)

I do agree it's a wash, so for me the deciding factor is the cost difference. I did end up buying an NEX6.

 

[Addy101]

I was contemplating the same question more or less. Not happy with the 16mpx of the Nex F3 compared to the 24mpx of the A900 I looked into the Nex 7 hoping it has superior low ISO IQ, but it doesn't. It is better, but not by that much. I guess I have to go FF.....

Looking around a bit, I found the following:
I think the Nex 7 is better up to 800iso. They're identical at 100iso, the Nex 7 showing "finer" noise patterns between 200 and 800 that I prefer.
1600iso and above the Nex 6 is better.
TriNav seems to be nice, the 6 is a bit more traditional.
The AF of the 6 is better, but that is inconsequential to you.

So, the 6 is the better deal.

 

[GaryLH]

There also a rumor of an upcoming Nex related announcements.

Gary

 

[35mmdelux]

Thank you -

 

[enero]

I'd wait like Gary suggested. At least for a few days. There will be an announcement in the next 24 hours for new Sony products. But no confirmation if they will update the 7 now or at the end of the year.

That said, I had an NEX7 and I felt that even scaled down, the images from the 5N/6 were far superior to the 7, especially at high ISOs. I sold it off within 4 months.

 

[peter_n]

The IQ of the 7 is pretty amazing. If you crop a lot it can be very useful.

 

[cz23]

I'd say the two benefits of the 7 are greater ability to crop and the Tri-Nav interface. I really value both.

But I would also look into high-ISO capability, if that matters to you. I'm not sue about the 6, but 1600 is pushing it with the 7.

I agree with waiting a bit because the rumor mill says an updated Nex 7 is imminent. Not the full frame, but a new APS-C model. I'm looking forward to seeing how they improve on this already wonderful camera.

John

 

[M4streetshooter]

I use my Leica and Voigtlander glass all the time on the Nex6. It's such a good way to work that I bought a second Nex6 cause that's how I change lenses.
The interface is very intuitive. My friend has the 7 and it's nice but for low light , it can't compete with the 6.

 

[Lss]

Looking to pair it up w/ my Leica m-mounts.

NEX-6 then.

 

[Dralowid]

As someone else said, think of it as a digital back. I am a long term (1965) 'dyed in the wool' Leica snob.

My Nex 6 should be in the post.

 

[Fuchs]

I was looking into the same decision some months back. i tried the two cameras, and found the Nex 6 to be superior with wide lenses (Contax G biogon 28/2.8, Leica Elmarit-M 21/2.8). At the time, I had also a 5n, so I was somewhat used to a more menu oriented interface. I am now looking for another Nex 6 as a backup camera.