Sony's enthusiast APS-C mirrorless with OLED EVF — 24.3MP with magnesium body and hot shoe.
The Sony NEX-7 launched in 2011 as Sony's flagship APS-C mirrorless camera before the A6000 series. It featured a 24.3MP sensor, built-in OLED EVF, and a tri-navi control system with three dedicated dials — targeting enthusiasts upgrading from DSLRs.
The 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor delivered the highest resolution in APS-C at the time. 25-point AF system. 10fps burst. 1080p 60i video. The tri-navi system with three control dials provided DSLR-like operational speed. Good low-light performance.
Compact magnesium alloy body at 350g with built-in OLED EVF at 2.36M dots — impressive for 2011. 3-inch tilting LCD. Hot shoe — first NEX with this. WiFi not built in. Sony E-mount. Pop-up flash. Dual control dials.
Available used very cheaply. The A6000 succeeded the NEX naming convention with improved AF. The NEX-7's tri-navi controls and OLED EVF were ahead of their time. Check for shutter button issues — a known NEX-7 problem. A quality enthusiast camera at bargain prices.