Earlier today, Sony unveiled the NEX-7, the long rumored and now flagship NEX camera. This ground breaking and mirrorless camera will be joining the newly announced NEX-5N and recently released NEX-3C with a handful of firsts for both Sony and the camera industry. This one of a kind camera will be the first of its kind to offer a 24.3 megapixel APS-C sensor which should help the camera deliver photo quality that will be unmatched. Keeping to the NEX tradition, the NEX-7 follows a similar design that is slightly larger than the NEX-5 but offers a ton more features. First, a 2.4 million dot OLED screen with XGA (1024 x 768-pixel) resolution will unfold your images for you with an EVF (electronic view finder) for the pro users. As Engadget puts it, the new EVF lets “Sony frame the image with a variety of indicators, without allowing them to overpower your subject.” Another long requested feature also makes its way into the NEX-7, a pop-up flash and Alpha hot shoe which is just incredible, considering the footprint of the entire camera.

Sony also knows that a big draw of the NEX series has always been their capability to record video without compromise, unlike traditional DSLR’s. Powered by the same 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, the NEX-7 can also shoot in 1080p/60fps AVCHD and a stereo mic. MP4 recording will also be supported, though not at the same resolution. With a hot shoe on top, owners will also be able to provide their own microphone or flash of choice to further enhance their video recording experience.

Speed will be another draw of the NEX-7 which can optionally use the new electronic first curtain. This allows Sony’s flagship camera to decreases shutter lag from 100ms to just 20ms. That’s not all; Sony is also introducing a new Tri-Navi interface which should be championed by both casual and pro users. The Tri-Navi interface allows you to use the dual top-mount control wheels and real mount control wheel to adjust various settings without the need of jumping in sub menus. An example would be where one wheel controls aperture, one controls shutter speed, and the third lets you adjust the ISO. With this optional interface enabled, you can quickly make the needed changes without the added time that it would require to adjust each individually. Users will also be able to create their own unique button layouts.

Sony NEX-7 Specs:

• All-new 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor (shared with the SLT-A7 and A657)
• ISO 100-16000
• Built-in 2.4M dot OLED EVF with eye sensor
• Electronic first-curtain shutter (cuts response time from 100ms to 20ms)
• ‘AVCHD Progressive’ 1080p60 HD movie recording with built-in stereo mic
• Tilting rear screen
• Three-dial user interface
• Built in flash and Alpha hotshoe
• Infra-red remote control receiver

Sony has also been aware of their user base wanting more lenses without having to use adaptors to use competitor offerings. To counter this, Sony also unveiled three new E-mount lenses and one new A-mount lens. The NEX-7 will be available this November in a kit with an exclusive black 18-55mm zoom lens for about $1350, or as a body-only for about $1200. We’ll bring you more updates and information on the NEX-7 as they develop.