• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

Buy From

Differences

Sony NEX-7 advantages over Nikon AW1

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 2.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Better color depth
    24.1 vs 20.2 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,016 vs 428 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.4 vs 10.9 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 430 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/160 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    27 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Higher extended ISO
    16000 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon AW1 advantages over Sony NEX-7

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony NEX-7

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon AW1

Review Excerpt

  • 24.3-megapixel sensor with excellent image quality; Small body; Exceptional user interface; Full HD 60p video; Electronic viewfinder and flash are built-in.

  • No Mode dial; Flash sync is a touch slow; No UHS-I card support; Needs a better kit lens to match the sensor quality.

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NX200

Sony NEX-7
Samsung NX200
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Nikon AW1
Samsung NX200
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X-E1

Sony NEX-7
Fujifilm X-E1
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
Nikon AW1
Fujifilm X-E1
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Samsung NX300

Sony NEX-7
Samsung NX300
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Nikon AW1
Samsung NX300
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J3

Sony NEX-7
Nikon J3
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
Nikon AW1
Nikon J3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compared to Nikon V3

Sony NEX-7
Nikon V3
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon AW1
Nikon V3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
Compare Other Cameras?