Sony NEX-7 camera a pricey standout

— -- When Sony debuted its NEX line of cameras in 2010, the promise of DSLR image quality in a relatively compact body was enticing, if not immediately realized. With these compact interchangeable lens cameras taking off, the potential for Sony's system was obvious.

The new flagship of that line, the Sony NEX-7, scratches closer at that potential by bringing together an excellent 24.3-megapixel sensor, built-in viewfinder, speedy performance, and a compact body designed for serious photography. At $1,349.99 with a basic lens it's not cheap, but it offers no end of features for the money.

Our performance testing of the NEX-7 shows something else, also: The Sony NEX-7 is simply the best compact system camera on the market, lapping the competition with great low light performance, 10 frames per second shooting, an OLED electronic viewfinder, a fantastic grip, and image quality on par with any non-professional DSLR.

Prior to the NEX-7, every mirrorless camera has been an exercise in compromise; smaller size in place of increased control and quality. The NEX-7 builds off the design philosophy of earlier NEX cameras, squeezing just about every piece of hardware you could ask for into a body far more compact than comparable DSLRs.

That isn't to say the NEX-7 is perfect. Its focus system still struggles compared to similarly priced DSLRs, and we found that its 18-55mm kit lens only reproduces sharp details in the center of the frame. We'd also like to see future versions of Sony's flagship offer a menu geared toward more advanced users rather than repurposed from the entry-level NEX models.

In terms of all-around performance, though, the NEX-7 is the best mirrorless camera we've tested. It features a combination of control, image quality, and responsiveness that most other cameras in this segment can't match. It's just plain fun to shoot with and its superb handling make it the kind of camera any photographer—professional or amateur—should love to have in their bag.

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To read Reviewed.com's in-depth review of the Sony NEX-7, visit DigitalCameraInfo.com. Reviewed.com is a division of USA TODAY.