Source: Camerasize.
We are all eagerly waiting to see how the new NEX-6/7 successor will be. And as Sony’s High End APS-C model it will have to compete against the just announced new Fuji X-T1 (specs and images at Amazon).
Well, the camera has a couple of features that some future A7000 or A9000 owners (whatever name it will have) could like to have on their Sony too. Like the “world’s fastest AF of 0.08 seconds”, freezeproof body or the huge 0.77x and 2,36m dot viewfinder.
Now, let me know what’s the new X-T1 feature the Sony NEX-6/7 successor should absolutely have:
[poll id=”173″]
P.S.: Full Fuji coverage at MirrorlessRumors.com.
0 Responses
Just please keep the Tri-Navi! Don’t mimic the dial/button layout on the a7/a7r!
+1 here
fuji will sink sony its only a matter of time
Absolute crazy talk!!!
Not gonna happen for another 5 years… Fuji’s behind on fullframe and no one knows how many years before they will even consider FF. By the time Fuji finally does, Sony will likely have a decent line up of FF/FE lenses that will take more time for Fuji to match but perhaps not long as Sony takes to release them.
That’s if Sony stands still… we don’t know what Sony has up its sleeve for the next few years. Fuji will be playing catch up for a long time. Even Canon is in a better position than Fuji for FF mirrorless because they have the tech and every videographer out there will want their hands on a FF Canon mirrorless when it comes out. It’s pre-sold before even conceptualised.
I wish Fuji all the best though… they’re an amazingly innovative company.
majestic, first it was Canon and Nikon that would “sink” Sony, now Fuji? How many are needed to make your dream come true? C’mon…..!
Perhaps it can be left in the deep freeze overnight and still work the next day… One thing though at 0.8 s the AF seems awesome !
+1 please
As a dedicated Sony user (I love my NEX 7) I feel there is some truth to this. Fujifilm just significantly raised the mirrorless game. If Sony doesnt do something Wow Wizzbang with the next top end NEX (errrrr, a7000?…ick, stupid name) then I am probably migrating to the Fuji camp.
-Fuji CONTINUALLY updates their old cameras firmware, adding new functions and making them better
-Fuji has come out with a STRONG lens line with tasty offerings that make me say WOW. Sony lenses are MEH at best. I dont even like AF lenses but the Fujinos are pretty sweet with their aperture rings and all.
-Fuji has nailed the look. I dont see it as Retro, but rather a continuation of the film camera design that was interupted back in the early 80’s as the Camera makers went with the more modern, melted blob look. We have the Canon T90 to thank for that. Fuji is getting back to the basics and making a rather pleasing tool.
-Fuji stock wasnt just downgraded to junk.
Anyway, Fuji is really bringing a lot to the table with the XT-1. I finally see the mirroless camera I envisioned a couple of years ago and hoped and prayed someone had the balls to build it. Just looking at it and the early reviews have me convinced. If the AF power plays out to be as good as Fuji says (I am a bit skeptical) then they have built the prototype that other manufacturers will be struggling to copy in the next couple of years.
Put it this way. I love my NEX 7. The A7 is a nice camera but I just didnt get all “Wow I gotta have this”. The XT1 makes me feel that way.
Pop a Speedbooster on that little thing and BAM!..Im there.
Most of all, Fuji has annoying fanboys. 🙁
PLEASE KEEP TRI NAVI ALIVE!
(You can name it “Alpha NAVI” if you really have to!
Fast AF and firmware are dominating, as expected. I certainly wouldn’t like any labeled dials, the EV and mode ones on the a7/r are already too much. Btw, anyone knows what that freeze-proofing is all about?
I’m not sure, but I have the a65 and I haven’t seen it being advertised as something I should be using in extreme cold conditions. However, for the last three weeks I’ve been shooting with it for hours outside at temperatures around -41 Celsius. No problems whatsoever, and keep in mind the body is not even weather-sealed. So the -10 degrees claim for the Fuji doesn’t sound impressive at all.
Precisely what I am wondering about. I’ve shot with Nikon, Canon and now a NEX-7 at down to -35C and never had an issue (none of them weather-sealed). And then, how exactly do you make it freeze-proof?
Not my nex6 body, but my sel35f/1.8 got frozen during shooting northern lights when I was in Tromso, Norway, One of their regularly cold evenings. Still worked but with PSS (permanent shivering syndrome)
Sent to Sony, got it repaired with in its warranty.
Could you elaborate on that? How long were you shooting and what is that PSS precisely?
Maybe freeze-proof is just another word for overheating-issue…
Freeze-proof:
1. A simple piece of body copy generated by a marketing department trying to sell their product to unsuspecting consumers.
2. Nothing. Everything has a freezing point, even rugged cameras.
Firmware support has been a bad joke for SONY up to today!
Sony expects its sheep to buy new camera instead of delivering firmware updates. lol!
Actually I find it good, that from day one you know how exactly the camera behaves and you don’t have to buy a product with Beta-like Firmware with the promise of new features or future working ones. (I made very bad experiences with the AVR from Harman-Kardon, for example)
unless that’s exactly what you get at the first place ..
Just to be clear, Fuji plas these tricks on you. Sony doesn’t. There is simply less need for firmware updates.
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/fujifilm-x-t1?comment=4877617431
Tell that to A65/A77 owners…
I still don’t get consistent external flash results on my A65. Its usually either too bright or too dark. On top of that, why do I have to set my flash to -1.7??? My A55 was spot on, every time flash fired.
Stupidest thing I’ve read.. I own a RX100.. Hardware is good but it’s BEGGING for a firmware update to make much more usable as a family camera.
No ability to set min shutter on PAS modes… I love blurry 1/30 sec photos of my kids!!
No auto ISO in M mode .. So simple!!
Why should I settle for mediocre, simply due to what Sony released (with such stupid limiting flaws) – when it can be so much better with a firmware update!!!
All these _flaws_ were on day one, so it’s your fault to have bought it and keep it.
I totally agree with you – amazing why Sony does not come up with more firmware updates – same as why they do not have Touch LCD on their more expensive NEX models and the A7/R –
I think it is a marketing thing just like how Sony is only coming out with expensive Zeiss lenses for the A7/r (except for very expensive slow kit lens and the $3000 slow zoom at F4 )
I own the RX100 but also the NEX5n and NEX7 – there are so many ways they could improve the NEX menu system which is horrible – (such a shame as the sensor is very good)
Sony is hoping that you will get fed up with the current Sony camera and you will run out and buy the latest model – that is the only reason – firmware updates are not costly for them – so I praise the manufacturers that produce frequent firmware updates or as often as needed –
Hard to know exactly how the camera will behave when buying it! Sure you can try out in shop but the annoying problems might not surface until you use the camera in day to day use.
My point is that it could be so much better if they actually took user feedback on board, and improved the software.
Having been a canon user for years with a variety of point and shoots, DSLRs, and the RX100 my first sony camera, i’d easily class the Sony as having “beta firmware” as you say. Id rather buy a camera that will reach its potential via firmware – just like fuji has done. I like the A7R but Sony’s complete lack of willingness for firmware updates really turns me off… As if bought, any issues I have with it won’t get solved down the track. Why not improve?
How about all the above. Otherwise, the xt1 might be my first Fuji camera.
The A7/R dial layout works very well. What I do not want to see mimicked is the old fashioned shutter speed dial of the X-T1. Imagine having to adjust the exposure in full stops on one dial, then – if necessary – fine tune it on another dial. That’s sacrificing functionality for the sake of being retro.
+1
That old school dial system is much slower than the current A7 configuration.
+1 for the a7/r dials and modern look.
It should be called NEX. A-Mount users don’t want consumer cameras bearing the Alpha name.
They have ALWAYS been called Alphas officially by Sony. The Sony Alpha Nex is the name! (Still shows on the US Sony site for now)
Time to get over this name stuff…
NEX has a nicer ring to it. Short for NEXT to flop.
And the troll is revealed as a troll.
Original T@@L
You need much training… and a miracle 😀
Mirror-less needs a miracle not me. I have 20 years of training, experience, and degree in marketing, which is why I’m laughing at the NEX crowd. It’ll never gain mass acceptance. Squeakier Toys.
Very unconvincing words, considering you have 20 years of marketing experience 😀
Speaking about market acceptance… it’s universally accepted that a degree in marketing is like a degree in knock-knock jokes 😀
Or maybe NEXT time I’ll buy A7r. Which clearly deserves the Alpha name.
Was the A37 “less consumer” than the NEX-7, just because it was called an Alpha ?
I don’t care that much about names. If Sony squeezes a full frame sensor into a body like the A77 and sells it for a competitive price, I’ll consider buying it … even if Sony calls it the “IM5OC00L-NAX-R1FFX” 😉
Ooh, full-frame sensor in an a77-style body you say?
So you want an a99 with a popup flash then?
Damn canon for leading the industry into believing pop-up flashed have no place on a “pro” camera. They’re very helpful for triggering.
Exactly! The a99 really could have used a popup flash…
Considering the a99 is only 7.2mm taller and 4.4mm wider… This could work.
NEX was very good name commercial-wise. It was recognized, and instantly everyone knew what is what. Alpha was A-mount (from Alpha-mount) and NEX was E-mount (from nExt 😉 :P).
They definitely should keep the NEX naming convention. It was clear, it was well known, it had some order in it. What we’ll have now instead is a complete mess and people with no clue what is being discussed – E or A mount. And then there’s a mess in lenses – there’s over a 100 lenses available natively for Alpha… only it’s Alpha A-mount. I already see how people buying NEX-5 have any knowledge of that.
Seriously, what makes the admin think that Sony pays attention to what posters on this site want. Admin, do you have serious connections to Sony Management? Just curious
I think the poll is just for fun.
its a good way to make the website more interactive rather than a plain old blog about speculations 😀
I am with the majority.
Support your existing products!
Yes, the NEX’ (it may not exist in your vocabulary anymore)are still working and have not self destructed to some “ILCE” something. LOL.
No news on the specs yet? The announcement is less than 2 weeks away…
Starting to wonder if it really is coming. This close to announcement and not a peep on specs. Very strange.
Same thing happened with the a7/a7r announcement. They’re good at keeping secrets these days.
Where is the poll option for fast primes? 😉
It will come later 🙂
Weather sealing?
Will the real Andrea (or slim shady) please stand up?
…and answer the question?
Do not underestimate that sub-zero capability either, that could sell a lot of XT-1s for Fuji.
I used my NEX 5N two days ago at -24 C and it worked just fine except its usual silly controls. If it’s cold, the user usually gives up faster than the camera does. Through, it’s still
There are more frequent problems with moisture condensing on the front lens element, has Fuji done anything to do with it?
If cold is a minor problem in Russia, why it would be major factor in worldwide sales?
I personally would be devastated if the next Sony did not retain the exact N7 design, build (full metal) and TriNavi with unlabelled buttons. In fact, I’d be getting an XT-1 instead.
If I was using Sony’s APS-C bodies I would seriously consider the Fuji line. They have great lenses and the newest bodies are very mature.
But if you are going to dump all your Sony APS-C gear for the X-T1, for $400 more you can buy into the A7. No brainer.
I had the A7 and really didn’t like it 🙁
What didn’t work for you? Like to know before I bight the bullet.
Bite! Man, I need to use spell check.
I’m a jpeg shooter and happen not to like the Aè’s jpegs. But it’s a great camera, please find out for yourself whether it works for you, don’t take my word for it !
Claire, if you are a JPEG shooter then why even bother with the NEX7 or its replacement compared to any of the Fuji cams?
Fuji has the JPEG engine down cold. You have to jump through PP hoops to get the same level of detail from their RAW files.
Interesting that you didn’t like the A7/r JPEG engine as I find it as good or better then my previous Nikons. Much improvement from the previous Sony JPEG engine(NEX 7) which I find atrocious hence I only shoot RAW with my NEX 7.
Wait, because Sony didn’t give you a RF-style camera with minimalist-styled controls, you’d switch to a camera without the RF-style or the minimalist-styled controls? Is this like self-flagellation in the hope Sony will pay more attention to you?
I never thought somebody would dare to come up something uglier than the df, but Fuji’s really done it.
Come to think of it though, Pentax’s…what was it again, that one was uglier than the df, and this Fuji’s just about on par with the Pentax.
Still Fuji’s nailed it for “most ugly hump”. Good for them.
“with”, sorry.
It’s just a matter of taste but imo the DF is MUCH uglier than this Fuji, esp. if you look from the top/side. The DF is just so… fat.
i think the X-T1 looks much better than the DF, mostly because its thinner and so more alike to the retro film cameras that both these cameras are trying to copy, the DF just looks too bulky and have dials on top of dials where was the X-T1 is more simplistic and sleeker 🙂
You’re pretty much right where you think the Fuji’s better than the Nikon…but IMO all this doesn’t have much influence aesthetically. It’s got really…stiff, curves and the really really ugly hump, so ugly…The design seems Chinese or Soviet to me.
I actually think a retro design plays well with a larger body like the df, this Fuji seems unnecessarily complicated. You know it much not be more complicated than the df but it seems that it’s got too many awkward protrusions all over, and the small size of the body certainly doesn’t help get it looking any more relaxed.
“much”->”might”…
Sorry, just got up.
would be better if the X-T1 came in silver though 😛 just personal preferences
I don’t like the big viewfinder hump and the ugly FUJIFILM logo. Plus all the manual controls that are not very flexible (you can’t assign functions to them).
I certainly agree with you on the look, but I actually appreciate some manual dials, since they can’t be assigned, they can be labeled, so you could jump to the exact setting you need anytime. With flexable dials like on the NEX-7, if you suddenly need say 1/50s from 1/500s, you’d need a wild spin on the dial first and see what the screen says then adjust again, or adjust slowly step by step. What takes less than 1 sec. on a manual dial could take more than 2 on a flexable dial, you’d lose some moments to that extra lag.
I think that it must have been designed by the same team that did the DF. Not only ugly but not exactly compact compared to the NEX 6/7.
Really? I think they’re different kinds of ugly. Both somewhat of a failed retro but, still different.
Actually, what an achievement of Sony. Except for the flash shoe, the A7 is smaller than the XT1, has a larger grip and a FF sensor. Bet it will be cheaper too.
No Details on the successor yet? Sure it is coming soon?
Don’t care about control scheme. There is no ‘superior’ in this matter. Both N7 and X-T1 have very good control schemes once you start using them (I’m assuming for X-T1 as I haven’t used one yet).
EVF, AF and support is what I would have ticked. Personally, I’d take the middle hump EVF over the RF style if this means better VF optics like the ones in the A7. AF should really improve. So far Sony’s OSPDAF hasn’t lived up to its promise.
I think the ‘hump’ is OK for larger cameras (such as the A7) but smaller, aps-c cameras should be jacket-pocketable.
So… no hump – and therefore no large viewfinder or large amounts of top-plate real estate dedicated manual buttons and dials.
I would like to see Sony improve their AF and sensor though.
My A77 is “jacket-pocketable” with a prime.
No need to go mirrorless 😉
“Worlds fastest AF” sounds like a lab-bench based bullet-point. Now, maybe this camera DOES have the rest of the AF functionality, but I couldn’t care less about “world’s fastest” if it doesn’t also have:
* Accurate AF
Cannot stress this enough. If it isn’t ACCURATE, then “the world’s fastest AF” just means it’s “the world’s fastest fail.” I’ll gladly take “world’s second-fastest” (or third, or fourth, or…) if it comes with “worlds most-accurate AF-lock”.
* Object- tracking / predictive AF
How does it handle objects in-motion? Across-frame, approaching, receding? I shoot enough action to REALLY care about functionality in this arena.
* Wide coverage of primary AF-points
Everyone’s AF center-points work better, usually including clusters of supportive AF right around the center. I’d like to see identical configurations at all 4 of the rule-of-thirds intersection-points, with viable AF areas outside even those.
* Low-light / low-contrast AF-lock
Quite a few “fast-on-paper” AF systems have proven to be MUCH worse (than the competitors) when the light is less than ideal, and/or in low-contrast situations. OK, so it’s harder to lock AF… but “much better than average” shouldn’t turn into “much worse than average” when the conditions change!
“Accurate AF”
EXACTLY!!!!
There is far too much emphasis on the speed rather than the accuracy or how easily it is fooled in certain circumstances.
Fast? Not that bothered. Accurate? I’d pay twice the going rate of an A99 if you could guarantee it!
+1
Accuracy in AF is hugely underrated by most photogs.
Of course, camera makers love it because clueless photogs throw money at newer camera bodies and lenses because their images aren’t sharp (read:slightly out of focus) and software makers love it because they can sell processing software to “recover detail”.
With the new Eye-AF in the A7/A7R, I can nail proper focus on portraits each and every time. I’d rather have 1 shot where focus is nailed perfectly on the eye, rather than 100 shots where focus is on the nose, teeth, eyebrows, or any number of other places where lesser AF systems go.
My old NEX-7 wasn’t always the fastest focuser but it was consistently accurate.
Fast AF = fill up your card faster with blurry shots. Accurate AF = more keepers and less card space wasted.
Shooting manual will give you the most accurate AF ever! 😛
and it’ll still fulfill this point you wrote:
Accurate AF = more keepers and less card space wasted.
That depends on the skill of the photographer.
Skilled street photographers have long relied on zone and hyperfocal photography. Serious editorial, landscape, portrait, and architectural photography is done in manual focus.
There are types of photography where a shot that’s not in critical focus is useless. For everything else, well, there’s Nikon. 🙂
Did you even read the reviews of the Fuji? Seems like it handles objects in motion very well and is very accurate…
Reviews of a camera that isn’t available to anyone yet? Remarkable!
Only when there are decent numbers in many hands will we know if the claims are true. History is littered with claims about the abilities of cameras that were never realised.
@andy (in reply to me) wrote:
> > “Worlds fastest AF” sounds like a lab-bench based
> > bullet-point. Now, maybe this camera DOES have the
> > rest of the AF functionality, but I couldn’t care
> > less about “world’s fastest” if it doesn’t also have:
>
> Did you even read the reviews of the Fuji? Seems like
> it handles objects in motion very well and is very
> accurate…
Didn’t read any reviews on this point, no; I thought
that was clear from what I wrote.
DPR hasn’t had it hands-on (or if they did, I saw
nothing about AF performance in their “preview”).
IR specifically only talks about Fuji’s AF-claims,
and clearly hasn’t tried the camera in real-life
shooting conditions.
Given that it’s just now getting pix of the model
leaked, I’d be surprised if anyone’s had this in
their hot little hands to review…
If you’ve seen independent reviews claiming to have
had the camera in-hand for field-testing, I’d love
the link!
– Steve S.
Here is the link to Fuji X-T1 review by Rico
http://www.fujirumors.com/first-look-fujifilm-x-t1/
I haven’t voted. There’s no option that I would like to see in any mirrorless camera I’d possibly buy.
“The kind of support they deliver (see firmware updates)”
– You mean: Horrific firmware at the release? No, thanks. I prefer Sony way: do it right at the beginning.
“The dials and button layout and high level of customization”
– It depends on a body. Small body with dozens of buttons just doesn’t work. Large body breaks the whole point of going mirrorless.
“The Viewfinder tech (large viewfinder with new features)”
– Smaller but higher quality will always win over larger with gimmicks.
“The fast AF”
– But does it have a fast AF? So far Fuji got the WORST AF of all mirrorless cameras.
“The sensor design”
– You mean: X-trans and ISO 3200 being in fact ISO 1200 (or something around that)? No, thanks. I’ll pass.
“Horrific firmware at the release? No, thanks. I prefer Sony way: do it right at the beginning”
+1
But don’t you want that wonderful feeling of surprise when you buy a broken camera and Fuji fixes it a year and a half later?
So true…
I’m with you but I think you are giving Sony a free pass. Fuji not only fixes broken items but they often provide new functionality. Sony hasn’t done that since the early NEX FW upgrade that improved the UI and gave us peaking.
I appreciate greatly that Sony delivers mature FW compared to Fuji but I think Fuji has now completed their beta testing and the new products are also shipping with mature interfaces.
Sadly, I predict Fuji will continue to provide improvements to existing cameras whereas Sony will only include them in future products.
I think the elephant in the rooms is lenses. (surprised that was not an option)
Olympus (in my opinion) have the best lens offering. 12mm f/2.0, 45mm f/1.8 and 75mm f/1.8 are amazing.
Fuji is coming strong the last 12 months.
I own the Zeiss 24mm f/1,8, 35mm F/1.8 and 50mm f/1.8.
But I miss 24mm & 85 mm f/2.0 or better (in FF equivalent)
Let’s hope….
Yes, but… lenses…
The Olympus 12mm f/2.0, 45mm f/1.8 and 75mm f/1.8 are indeed fantastic lenses. Fantastic sharp, and the 45 and 75 have some beautiful bokeh. But if you compare it to a standard FF lens, the bokeh all of a sudden becomes less impressive.
So if you want a 24mm FF equivalent Sony APS-C lens, what is wrong with the 10-18mm zoom? I mean, what is wrong with it, especially compared to the 12 f2 (also only 24 f4 in DOF equivalent). In that area I am dreaming of the Oly OM 24mm f2.
The Oly m34 lenses above are only amazing if you like that digital looking style. Not my cup of tea, thought. For the 45 f/1.8 instead e.g. a nice 85mm f2 (Ais) from Nikon on a Nex body, are you sure you will not get something much more special?!!!
“But if you compare it to a standard FF lens, the bokeh all of a sudden becomes less impressive.”
– I compare them to the lenses available to Sony NEX series. FF is a different debate.
Unfortunately there are to few available. I tried the 16 & 20 Sony and the 19 & 30 sigmas.
They were OK to not good enough for my NEX-7. I do own the 24 Zeiss, 35 Sony and 50.
All good lenses, however, not wide enough at the same time to “short”.
So if you want a 24mm FF equivalent Sony APS-C lens, what is wrong with the 10-18mm zoom?
– Nothing the 10-18 is a good lens. Perhaps a tad “slow” I prefer primes with f/2.0 or better. (to en extent regardless of DOF)
The Oly m34 lenses above are only amazing if you like that digital looking style. Not my cup of tea, thought. For the 45 f/1.8 instead e.g. a nice 85mm f2 (Ais) from Nikon on a Nex body, are you sure you will not get something much more special?!!!
– Perhaps Yes, it is taste thing. Again I am looking for native AF available to my camera.
A 18mm f/2.0 and an 85mm f/2.0 would be great.
My general comment still stands.
We need more glass, but Sony is maybe overcommitting itself with now FE, A-mount and ex-NEX mount system.
Not sure this is sustainable enough to create a good lens eco-system.
Don’t care, I am waiting for a APS-C sensor size RX10 🙂
The not mentioned feature of the Fuji that Sony might copy is a rational and high quality set of lenses, now, not in some projected future. And I would gladly trade the flexibility of the Tri-Navi on my NEX 7 for a set of identified dials that did not require a full exploration of all the settings and relearning them after letting the camera sit for a few weeks.
Easy, they should copy the lenses, the lenses and then… … the lenses!!
Here’s a question for everybody:
what do you consider to be the most capable small-sensor camera (smaller than m4/3)?
Reason I ask is that I would like both ends of the spectrum–FF, and tiny sensor dedicated camera.
My criteria: macro peformance, resolution, dynamic range, edge-to-edge sharpness, lack of PP-resistant distortion, sealing, construction.
You are in the land of MF here:-)
@Not an everyman
> what do you consider to be the most capable small-sensor camera (smaller than m4/3)?
> Reason I ask is that I would like both ends of the spectrum–FF, and tiny sensor dedicated camera.
> My criteria: macro peformance, resolution, dynamic range, edge-to-edge sharpness, lack of PP-resistant distortion, sealing, construction.
Pretty clearly the RX100 / RX10 is current king of IQ in smaller-than-m4/3 sensors.
But, IIRC, they aren’t *that* toughened. Look at the submersible cameras:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/3436829389/dpreview-recommends-best-waterproof-cameras
Firmware … oh really ?
Sony devices work out-of-the box as ‘designed’ !
At least they test their firmwares BEFORE release.
Also they normally will offer us many years of perfect service.
Can’t say that for many other companies.
That’s why I personally will always prefer Sony.
Please keep the N7 style but, who knows, Sony adds a 4MP EVF !?
They should copy the lens line up! hahahaha…
That would be a start. Then Fuji’s Kaizen would be a nice continuation.
Sony doesn’t necessarily has to copy Fuji, but they have to start do things right though.
Holy smokes! Fuji X looks awesome! If Sony does not bring back the NEX line of cameras, I’m switching to Fuji X. You might say that Fuji X is my NEXt… 🙂
A roadmap for lens and camera body will be a good beggining
What Sony should learn from Fuji x-t1?
Should ‘have’ maybe. It’s too late to learn from x-t1. Sony will not change anything on the upcoming nex7 successor. Cameras are not designed in a few months even if they are sony.
Do you also agree that Sony not providing a decent firmware support for their existing customers AND dropping the nex name have something in common?
I remember 6 months ago, big boss from Sony said things in his interview to support this too. “I wanna come up with something new every 6 months” or something.
How about fitting it with a Fuji X mount !
I have a NEX-6 and will likely be buying the NEX-7 successor. I would love for it to be weatherproof (with weatherproof lenses, of course).
I don’t see the attraction of all the external single-purpose dials. When I am in aperture mode, I can easily change aperture/shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation without taking my eye away from the EVF. The classic look/external dials are a step backward in usability.
Step backwards? So I rather have that then.
It’s not just about being in aperture mode and being able to change shutter and aperture, you are really missing the point of those dials. That alone makes me think that you simply don’t get it and you probably haven’t even used a camera with those dials to have any real experience to give any relevant input.
Give it a try before calling it just a gimmick or a step backwards, it’s not just for the looks.
Passionate reply. I gave it a try and I call it a step backwards too. But, hey, you are the one with the relevant input here, so I guess I don’t get it either. Lol.
Yeah, I used film cameras with all the dials years ago; I don’t want to go back. When I change settings with my NEX-6, I can see immediately in the EVF how the changes will affect my picture. I don’t need to change a dial, look back to the EVF or LCD to see how it will affect the picture, then make further changes (lather, rinse, repeat…). Retro without purpose is not progress.
Well at least you are honest (some people call it stupid).
We all experienced this in the 70’s and 80’s. Back then there was no other option. Now there is and man am I glad! 🙂
Wheres “how to build good quality but affordable lenses”
Those dials, of course. And the PASM dial omission .PASM is so 80s. It was a necessity back then when camera computing power was limited. Early cameras were either Aperture or Shutter priority only. They were combined when the electronic was advanced enough to do such calculation. I think Fuji approach(Auto mode in aperture, shutter speed and ISO) is the best replacement for the PASM dial.
Admin, you totally forgot what Fuji is about to launch this year that is more important than any camera body…A 16-55 f/2.8 and a 50-140 f/2.8, both of them weathersealed… That’s what Sony should copy, a great lens lineup with weathersealed capability.
I’m most excited by the “high speed WA” lens that is scheduled for introduction in mid-2014.
What do you mean by ‘high speed WA’? Wide angle?
I assume that’s what it means. I wrote it as described on their lens roadmap.
On the ones I’ve checked it says wide angle zoom at f4 and large aperture prime. That’s why I was surprised.
Well, at least they are doing that with all new lenses.
Firmware and AF performance are my priorities. However I’d really like more positive clicks on the tri-nav dials so they aren’t constantly being twiddled passively. The nex 7 is a terrific camera and at today’s exchange rate, the replacement will cost about $1100.00 so I have high hopes that it will be well made. Fingers crossed.
The wise don’t copy things from competitors; they learn from them.
Boom! End of discussion 🙂
Good artists borrow. Geniuses steals. I want Sony to steal the best features.
They need fast lenses in order to survive or attract new users. Mainly f2.8 zooms and f1.4 primes and long zooms up to 300m. I think they avoided this so as to encourage the use or purchase of a mount lenses with adapters and hopefully get people to purchase a mount cameras eventually. It worked for me. However if im looking at mirrorless systems today, higher chance i’d pick fuji over sony due to the type of lenses that are available.
The fuji looks like a promising camera, but I would never buy it, because no controls over the video , although the bit rate is nice, but I guess its made only for pure photographers in mind.
All these crazy cameras, so much uncertainty. I’m going to just go back and use my Rolleiflex- call it a day, case solved.
I said faster AF (which would be nice) but what really impresses me about the XT-1 is the overall ‘finesse’. The fact that the AF is fast and continuous in the maximum burst (unlike my A7) and also it writes to UHS-II cards. On paper the Fuji just has a faster operational speed which, if it plays out in real life, if missing a bit from the A7.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my A7 and I think overall E-mount is the way to go but I do respect the attention to detail Fuji put into this product. Sony shook things up with A7 but it still cut a few corners.
That said I hope they do update the A7 firmware. If the Bionz X is really powerful enough to power a 4K video camera it should be a little faster inside the A7.
I think the overwhelming majority will be the same kind of firmware support where they actually fix real user issues and add features.
Timelaps, geotaging, fast af , great af and control.
As a nex6 owner feeling jelous and looking for system change asap
I don’t think Sony should copy Fuji at all, especially not their Retro Design. Sony α E-Mount is making an evolution of its own. If there’s something to copy it’s more the Dual-Usability for Photo and Video, where the Panasonic is leading so far, because Sony is keeping the comparatively low level of AVCHD. I’m still wishing to get this with this α5 here: http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/the-super-compact-e-mount-full-frame-camera-patent
+1 I know many here don’t care about video but the e-mount cameras have gotten consistently better at user *handling* while shooting video the image quality has stagnated after the 5N/7 were released. Sadly that includes the A7.
I wish I could pick at least three of the options
Some of the lenses in E-mount please!
The A7 will probably fall to this price level before you know it.
until we don’t know how this camera performs in real life we can only talk about the looks and control concept.
I couldn’t care less abot these limited ISO wheels. The A7 gives more option in the ISO wheel on the back like multi frame exposure.
If the EVF is “better” has to be seen. I think the Sony one really is not a point of critics on the A7.
Firmware updates? Good point but what is the relation to THIS camera?
AF speed has to be seen.
They should copy MagicLantern from Canon ecosystem.
But MagicLantern is developed by a community that’s not paid by Canon. Canon is just lucky that there are people willing to develop and improve their camera for them.
What Sony should learn from Fuji is that lenses are important. There are many more good
X mount lenses than E mount. Nearly all E mount lenses are not properly centered
Want the expected changes: better AF, better low light performance, menu organization improved VF. But, most importantly, +1 to keeping the customizable tri-navi system and general form. The ability to control the camera as the user sees fit makes the camera a much more personalized tool. And it’s efficient. The NEX7 can be controlled with one hand while the viewfinder is pressed to the eye. Though a nice looking camera, I don’t think the XT1 will control as well.
I got one.
Lens lineup.
Fuji has been releasing fast primes on their X series and Sony’s offering are either slow or expenZeissive.
A non-zeiss 35mm f/1,4 would be a nice addition. Then a zeiss f/1,2 55mm.
There should have been an option for EVERYTHING.
The most important thing was left off, and that was Fuji selection of lenses, especially it’s primes.
This is why I will be more likely to trade my DSLR’s for Fuji instead of Sony.
Sony is still the best in the movie functions/quality. Fuji and Olympus can’t compete here. I would like to see it Waterproof. 24MP is enough. Maybe even 16MP with great ISO values.Maybe we see a A7000 with a A7 like body?
At the moment I have a Fuji RX100 and a NEX-6. I use the NEX-6 for video and allrounder camera with the 18-55mm. The Fuji is great for low light and for people photography.
I don’t even understand this whole wish list thing. Everyone with any sense knows exactly what the next 6/7 will be. Sony is boring, they’re not going to stretch on this camera. It’ll be the Nex-6 with a new EVF and LCD, a new sensor, maybe slightly better AF and a few more gimmick features (NFC, WIfi, etc).
Yep, same like every camera out there.
+1 Show me a camera successor that doesn’t do that.
For better or for worse, Samsung isn’t like that. They’re the only one really pushing cameras to where they should be. Basically, computers with a sensor and optics connected to it. Sony and all the rest should hope they don’t have enough success in that market to keep going, because they’ll bury them. They’re not afraid to make a camera that’s basically open and allow the users to do what they want with it and that’s what they all SHOULD do. Pretty much every tech company that has public excitement behind it is operating that way with the exception of Apple.
Sony had great success a few years ago with nex and then they did what monolithic Japanese companies do, protect and SKU people to death with tiny improvements to keep them upgrading. None of the traditional camera manufacturers are doing anything really exciting except maybe Olympus. Sony built a lot of excitement with the A7/A7r until people realized it was a great sensor attached to a half baked camera and anyone who knows Sony knows that they’ll release another version before they fix anything with either of them.
I Want 1.2 native LENS……
look how sexy the 1.2 fujinon
I must admit, I too find the lenses somewhat sexy.
That large front element, and engraved and enameled lettering…
I’m going to a local distributor today to just feel up some of the lenses.
This system is very tempting, although I would like to see either a smaller sensor, or higher MP. Without having seen it yet with the exception of one of the bodies, this system gives the impression of quality–fast and nicely-built all-metal-bodied lenses, magnesium chassis, full sealing.
Above all, Fuji gives me the impression that they are committed to the system–unlike Sony. In fact, I don’t get the impression that Sony is committed to either the E, FE, or A-mounts! Heck, I am even beginning to believe what another poster suggested, that Sony could get out of the camera business entirely and just become a parts supplier to other manufacturers.
I will wait for more information on this new Fuji body, and will compare the system to what I could have in A-mount once the new body is released this spring. Yes, I would ditch my FF A-mount in favor of the Fuji APS-C system, if the SYSTEM as a whole proves more appealing to me.
I fear the Fuji will feel too small, even with the enhanced grip. But, it does seem sexy…solid, but smooth…and sealed. Oh yeah…
Ok, getting annoyed with Sony as I look at Fuji’s lens roadmap. 35/~50/85mm equivalents in f1.4/1.4/1.2?!? Constant f2.8 standard and tele zooms coming this year? I’d resigned myself to the slower glass being the result of OSS, AF and a premium placed on very lightweight lenses… are these lenses bigger than they look? Substantially heavier than E-mount?
The consensus seems to be that although there are fewer X- than E-mount lenses, the image quality is excellent on (nearly?) every Fuji lens — whereas the E-mount lineup is peppered with crap glass like the 2.8/16&20, 3.5/30M & non-Zeiss zooms, and incredibly overpriced Zeiss glass. Seems like the 1.8/24 and 1.8/50 are the only really great APS-C primes — even the 2.8/35 doesn’t seem to be much to write home about. Sigma’s offerings are intriguing, but slow AND unstabilized doesn’t seem very attractive.
Please, somebody, talk me down! I’ve decided I want to stick with APS-C when I upgrade from my NEX-5, so I’ve been looking forward to the A7000, but my irritation with the lens situation is increasing… Fuji seems to have a solid APS-C lineup in place, whereas Sony is moving on to FE, so it seems unlikely they’ll plug APS-C prime holes with good, value-priced glass like the 50/1.8, or add 2.8 zooms.
What are the drawbacks of X-mount bodies/lenses vs. E-mount?
I also would like people to answer that question.
I never thought I would go aps-c, but the Fuji X-system is very appealing.
Feels weird to partially answer my own question, but here are some of the negatives I’ve gleaned in my own looking around:
– Base minumum RAW ISO of 200: if you go to an “extended” ISO like 100 or anything over 6400 you can only shoot in JPG. I have a NEX-5, and it drives me crazy that I have to slap ND filters on my 50/1.8 if I want to shoot wide open in full sun. I shoot RAW exclusively, and I’d be pretty irritated to shell out for a new camera system and still not have ISO 100, much less ISO 50 (which I’m assuming/hoping will be available on the A7000)! And if this is a problem at f1.8, imagine trying to shoot outdoors @ f1.2/1.4…
– 1/4000 max shutter speed: flipside of the same coin… really hoping the A7000 will have a 1/8000 max shutter, as that would allow me to go a full stop brighter before having to drop to ISO 50 and eat the dynamic range penalty that incurs.
– My workflow is all RAW, using Lightroom, Photoshop and Nik Software. From all I’ve heard, Adobe hasn’t figured out how to get decent quality out of Fuji RAWs — I’m not willing to switch tools or hamstring my editing by shooting JPG. I shoot in manual mode, and often under- or overexpose (in the camera’s judgment) in order to maximize the dynamic range I’m capturing. That only works because I can use RAW’s extra headroom at the editing stage to work with highlights, shadows & exposure until the image looks properly-exposed.
Anyone care to add?
Oh, the other thought was, the Fuji lenses aren’t cheap… my quick Amazon scan turns up ONE lens under $599… the $429 (street) 2.8/27 pancake whose reviews are not impressive. Sony has the excellent 50/1.8 for $298 and the very good 35/1.8 for $429… Fuji’s comparable offerings are unstabilized and way more expensive: Fuji’s 1.2/56, due in April, is $999, while the 1.4/35 is $599. Fuji has the edge only in the 35mm-equivalent category, with their unstabilized 1.4/23 at $899 undercutting Sony’s unstabilized Zeiss 1.8/24 at $1099.
Interesting… on eBay the Sony Zeiss 1.8/24 is routinely selling used for $450-$610 shipped, new for $760-$800, while the Fuji 1.4/23 is selling for $630-$800 new, with the few used lenses sold starting at $768 shipped. So if you don’t mind used (I don’t) you’ll pay less for the Zeiss 1.8/24, but give up a little over half a stop of light & DOF.
Why can’t Sony produce more good Sony branded lenses? Like now with the FE mount for the A7/r they are just releasing Zeiss at cheapest lens at $800 – except for the slow kit zoom F3.5-5.6 which is still around $400-500 which is a lot for an average kit lens –
at least the kit lens for Fuji is F2.8-4 for around similar price with body –
The Sony lenses are lighter which I like – but I think overall the Fuji lenses are a bit better –
I do have the NEX5n and NEX7 and Fuji X100s and X-E2 but I am still waiting for something good to come to the NEX line –
I also have GX1 OMD-5 and two Panasonic GX7’s which are just fantastic to use and yes super super nice glass and at more reasonable prices – and yes there are Fast Zooms in M43 and as there is IS in body in the GX7 and OMD-5 and OMD-M1 not need to worry about IS in lenses –
Sony and Fuji know that they can make good money on lenses so both play games with focal lengths etc and like I said with Sony now just releasing expensive Zeiss glass for the FE mount –
You are right – often good to wait to get a used one –
It is a disappointment to see how few lenses Sony has put out for the NEX system and I think the way they see it is that it is a beginner system and usually beginners to not buy extra lenses besides the kit lens –
The fact that the M43 system is so popular is primary due to the great lens selection
The NEX6/7 look fine – my gripe is lack of controls – no Mode Dial on NEX7 – I think it is silly of Fuji do dedicate a control dial to say Shutter Speed, rather do like Panasonic and Olympus do let it be controlled by what you prefer so it can control various things depending on the mode you are in –
One thing I know Sony will not do and that is Touch LCD – and Touch to Focus/shoot – I just do not get it – Touch is OK for the NEX5n/r/t – and of course no Touch to Focus – but rather up up up and left left left to select a focal point –
Also I think a 4:3 ratio is more popular but Sony wants 3:2
I am also convinced that they will keep the terrible NEX menu system that makes no sense – why can’t they use the RX1 RX10 RX100/m2 Alpha xxx menu system ???
Why a totally different menu system – Fuji knows better not to do that.
Sony can easily out-do the new Fuji X-T1 by Touch LCD – Touch to Focus and Shoot – but adding electronic shutter for totally quiet mode – Time Laps – better sensor at 24MP – Mode Dial lots of Fn buttons, C1 C2 on mode dial etc.
The dilemma still remains – Fuji now has better lenses – and NEX line or E-mount has No Fast Zooms !! and most likely will not get them –
The Fuji X-T1 is just a X-E2 with new skin and a hump viewfinder – I personally prefer having the camera body more flush like the Leica M series or like the NEX7 is now and the Panasonic GX7 which by the way is extremely well laid out – if only Sony would just copy the GX7 with an APS-C size sensor and produce some fast zooms –
* the 5R and the 5T *DO* have touch shutter. There’s no more firmware updates for the 5N so it will never have it.
* “fast” f/2.8 m43’s zooms are f/3.7 in aps-c equivalent, and Sony does have f/4, which is almost. They should improve AF sensor readout and autofocus.
Fuji’s 16-55 and 50-140 ever have not been announced, Fuji’s available 18-55/2.8-4 IMO isn’t brighter than Sony’s available 16-70/4
Descriptions of “equivalent” apertures don’t make much sense to me. m43 f2.8 only equals aps-c f3.7 in terms of depth of field — that’s certainly a consideration, but has nothing to do with the “speed” of a lens. As far as light transmission goes, f2.8 is f2.8 is f2.8, no matter how large the sensor is… the m43 f2.8 can be used with twice as fast a shutter speed at the same ISO when wide open, vs. the aps-c f4 wide open.
I’m also confused about what you mean when you say Fuji’s 18-55/2.8-4 isn’t brighter than Sony’s 16-70/4 — are you saying it has a worse T value, despite having a wider aperture? Because one would assume the Fuji would be “brighter” from 18-50 or so since it’s starting at 2.8 and working up to 4, vs. the Sony being stuck at 4.
“The kind of support they deliver (see firmware updates)” — you’ve got to be kidding!
Fuji’s handling of the X10 “white orb” fiasco, delaying repair with obviously ineffective firmware updates and ignoring major design and implementation problems for over a year, was one of the worst support failures I’ve ever seen. Yeah, they did eventually offer sensor replacement (with a sensor that still has the problem, just way less severe), but by that time the product was nearly at end of life, and even then they did not provide any indication of which serial numbers were affected, etc.
Technologically, I think both Fuji and Sony have tried to be innovative (Sony with greater success), and I would encourage both to NOT try to copy each other. It’s too early in the evolution of mirrorless cameras to be narrowing diversity.
What did you guys end up doing? I own and love the NEX7 except for its poor low-light ISO performance, and its inability to set Back-Button Auto Focus when shooting in pure manual mode. BBF works in other modes, but not manual. also the 55-200mm IQ sucks. I just recently bought the Fuji X-T1 with the kit 18-55 kit and have now spent 2 days with it. Solid camera, but my NEX-7 Tri-Nav dials were configured perfectly (A, S, I) and the X-T1 dials and configuration can’t match it. Also, the purported ISO settings for the X-T1 when compared 1:1 to the NEX (with low-light photos) are clearly inflated. That is, when comparing the photos, what Fuji claims to be at 6400 ISO is a 1600 equivalent on the NEX. Yes, the NEX photo has more noise and Fuji does take a decent photo at 6400, but Fuji is being very misleading about their ISO scores.