Sony NEX-7 vs Sony A37: A Definitive Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

In the realm of enthusiast and semi-professional cameras, Sony has long offered compelling options that bridge the gap between entry-level systems and high-end professional gear. Among their notable models, the Sony NEX-7 and the Sony A37 stand out as innovative cameras launched during the transitional era of mirrorless and SLT (Single-Lens Translucent) technology. Both cameras cater to photographers with distinct needs and preferences, yet they share a common Sony lineage and a suite of advanced features that merit a thorough side-by-side evaluation.

Drawing from over 15 years of hands-on camera testing and industry experience - comprising sensor quality analysis, autofocus performance benchmarking, ergonomic assessments, and real-world shooting scenarios - this article aims to deliver an exhaustive and balanced comparison between the Sony NEX-7 (an advanced mirrorless model from 2011) and the Sony SLT-A37 (an entry-level DSLR alternative introduced in 2012). Whether you’re a portrait artist, landscape shooter, wildlife enthusiast, videographer, or a travel photographer, this comparison will highlight which camera aligns best with your creative vision and workflow.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Control

When selecting a camera, the physical design and user interface can be as critical as sensor specs or autofocus performance. After extensive hands-on trials with both the NEX-7 and A37, the contrast in body style and ergonomics is immediately apparent.

Compact Mirrorless Versus Compact SLR-Style Build

The Sony NEX-7 adopts a rangefinder-style mirrorless form factor, weighing a mere 400g with dimensions of 120 x 67 x 43 mm, making it notably slim and lightweight - a boon for photographers prioritizing portability without sacrificing advanced controls. Its clean, angular body is designed to appeal to enthusiasts who prefer a minimalist yet robust feel, with a substantial yet comfortable grip that aids stability during shooting.

Conversely, the Sony A37 sports a more traditional compact SLR-style chassis, tipping the scales at 506g and measuring 124 x 92 x 85 mm. This added heft and bulk translate to a more substantial grip, which many photographers - particularly those coming from DSLR backgrounds - might find reassuring, especially with longer or heavier lenses. Its increased depth also accommodates a more substantial internal mirror mechanism unique to the SLT design.

Control Layout and User Interface

Exploring the top-deck and button ergonomics reveals the NEX-7’s focus on advanced manual control. It features dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and aperture shortcuts, alongside customizable function buttons - attributes normally reserved for higher-end camera bodies.

The A37, while offering essential exposure mode dials and intuitive toggles, leans more towards beginner-friendliness but still retains enough manual controls to satisfy enthusiast users seeking hands-on operation.

This differentiation in control schemes positions the NEX-7 as a camera for photographers who relish manual exposure adjustments and rapid parameter changes, whereas the A37 caters slightly more towards those transitioning from entry-level DSLRs who want a familiar interface but with some intuitive automation.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution Meets Technology

A key determinant of camera appeal is sensor performance, which governs not only resolution but also dynamic range, color depth, and low-light fidelity.

Technical Overview: APS-C Sensors with Different Profiles

Both the Sony NEX-7 and Sony A37 employ APS-C sized CMOS sensors measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm, a popular sensor size balancing field of view versatility, image quality, and manageable depth of field. The NEX-7 pushes the envelope with a 24-megapixel resolution (6000 x 4000 pixels) compared to the 16-megapixel sensor (4912 x 3264 pixels) of the A37.

Sony's NEX-7 sensor incorporates an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré, whereas the A37’s similarly incorporates one but at a slightly lower resolution, translating into differences in fine detail resolving power and cropping latitude.

Image Quality Metrics and Real-World Results

Sony’s implementation of the Bionz processor in the NEX-7 enables superior color depth (24.1 bits versus 23.3 bits) and dynamic range (13.4 EV stops vs. 12.9 EV) as measured by DxOMark benchmarks. This translates into the NEX-7’s capacity to capture richer tonal gradations, broader detail in shadows and highlights, and more subtle color transitions - features critical for landscape, portrait, and studio shooters.

While the A37 offers respectable image quality for an entry-level camera, its lower resolution results in less cropping flexibility and slightly less detail rendition. Moreover, the NEX-7’s superior low-light ISO performance (ISO 16000 max native, scoring 1016 on DxOMark low-light figures) also outpaces the A37’s max ISO 25600, which scores 799 in low-light conditions, indicating cleaner images with reduced noise at higher sensitivities.

Practical Implications

For photographers prioritizing ultra-high resolution for large prints or aggressive cropping (e.g., commercial portrait or expansive landscapes), the NEX-7’s sensor delivers a demonstrable edge. However, the A37’s sensor holds its ground admirably in everyday scenarios with its adequate resolution and high ISO capability, especially given its sensor-based image stabilization.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capabilities

Autofocus (AF) performance directly influences a camera's usability across genres - from wildlife to street photography to fast-paced sports.

AF Technology: Contrast Detection vs. Hybrid Phase Detection

The Sony NEX-7 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with 25 focus points, including specialized face detection to optimize focusing on human subjects. While contrast detection tends to be very accurate, it is generally slower than phase detection, particularly for moving subjects. Consequently, real-world testing shows that the NEX-7 excels in static or slowly moving subjects but occasionally hesitates with rapid action.

By contrast, the Sony A37 incorporates a hybrid autofocus combining 15 phase-detection points (3 cross-type) with contrast detection, allowing faster and more reliable autofocus acquisition and tracking in continuous shooting. The SLT technology of the A37 enables the camera’s autofocus system to function continuously even during video recording or high-speed bursts.

Continuous Shooting and AF Tracking

In terms of burst speeds, the NEX-7 offers a faster 10 fps continuous shooting capability versus the A37’s 6 fps. However, the A37’s hybrid AF maintains better subject tracking quality across these frames, whereas the NEX-7 can occasionally exhibit focus "hunting," particularly in lower contrast or dim environments.

Though neither camera features animal eye AF (now common in recent models), both provide face detection that works well for portraiture.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability in the Field

Neither the NEX-7 nor the A37 was designed with professional-grade environmental sealing, which limits their use in harsh weather without additional protective gear.

• Sony NEX-7: The magnesium alloy body offers robust durability but lacks weatherproofing.
• Sony A37: Features a polycarbonate shell atop a metal frame, slightly more substantial but similarly unsealed.

For photographers working primarily in controlled environments or fair weather, both hold up well. Wildlife or travel photographers intending to shoot in variable climates should consider weather-protected camera housing.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Navigating Menus and Displays

The user interface can greatly affect the shooting experience, influencing speed and effectiveness.

Display Characteristics

The NEX-7 boasts a 3-inch tilting LCD with a 921k-dot resolution, offering crisp image preview and menu navigation. Its articulating design facilitates unusual angles, an asset for macro or street photography.

The A37’s 2.6-inch tilting LCD screen, with a relatively low 230k-dot resolution, feels less refined, offering grainier previews and less accurate focus checks, arguably limiting in critical manual or video work.

Viewfinder Technology

Both cameras employ electronic viewfinders with approximately 0.73x magnification and 100% coverage. However, the A37’s EVF resolution at 1440 dots surpasses the unspecified resolution of the NEX-7’s EVF, edging the A37 ahead for compositional clarity in bright conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens options and mount systems dictate creative versatility.

• Sony NEX-7: Uses the Sony E-mount, compatible with over 120 lenses, including high-quality primes and zooms from Sony and third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. The mount's short flange distance enhances the ability to adapt manual lenses.

• Sony A37: Employs the Sony/Minolta Alpha (A-mount), with over 140 compatible lenses ranging from legacy Minolta optics to modern Sony AF lenses. Although larger and heavier, A-mount lenses offer extensive telephoto and specialty options.

Enthusiasts valuing compact size and lens adaptability may prefer the NEX-7 system, while those favoring traditional DSLR-style lenses or existing A-mount investments benefit from the A37 ecosystem.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Power endurance and storage flexibility are practical concerns for prolonged shooting.

• The NEX-7 delivers approximately 430 shots per charge using a Sony NP-FW50 battery.
• The A37 improves on this with about 500 shots per battery cycle, attributed to its SLT design's efficiency and larger body.

Storage for both cameras is handled via a single slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo variants, providing broad compatibility and ample capacity expansion.

Connectivity and Media Features

Despite their age, each camera includes essential connectivity options.

• Both support Eye-Fi wireless cards for image transfer, USB 2.0 connectivity, and HDMI output for external monitors.
• Neither has Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, reflecting the technological norms of their launch periods.

For users prioritizing wireless remote control or instant sharing, modern models will be a better fit, but these cameras remain serviceable for traditional workflows.

Comprehensive Performance: Shooting Genres in Focus

Understanding which camera shines in various photography genres helps tailor recommendations.

Sony NEX 7 front Sony NEX 7 screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

Portrait Photography

Portrait work demands accurate skin tones, consistent bokeh, and reliable face/eye detection AF.

• The NEX-7, with its 24 MP sensor, produces crisp detail and smooth tonal gradation, beneficial for skin texture rendering and subtle lighting nuances.
• The A37 offers useful sensor-based stabilization, aiding handheld shots with longer lenses.
• Both have face detection, though neither supports eye-tracking autofocus, which can limit precision.

Landscape Photography

Capture dynamic range and resolution dominate this genre.

• The NEX-7’s higher resolution and superior dynamic range enable expansive scenic captures with excellent shadow detail.
• Lack of weather sealing in both warrants caution in inclement weather.
• Lens selection for wide-angle or super-wide options is robust in both ecosystems.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

High autofocus speed, fast continuous shooting, and tracking are paramount.

• The A37’s hybrid phase-detection AF system and reliable AF tracking give it an advantage for moving subjects.
• The NEX-7’s higher burst rate is attractive but less effective since it lacks reliable AF tracking during bursts.

Street Photography

Discreetness, portability, and low light performance matter most.

• The NEX-7’s compact body and quiet operation make it attractive for candid street shoots.
• Its larger sensor produces cleaner images at higher ISOs, aiding low-light scenarios.
• The A37 is bulkier and noisier due to the fixed mirror but benefits from stabilisation.

Macro Photography

Critical factors include focusing precision and stabilization.

• The A37’s sensor-based stabilization offers advantage with macro close-focus shots, reducing blur.
• The NEX-7’s tilting screen supports awkward angles but lacks internal stabilization.

Night and Astrophotography

Low noise at high ISO and long exposure capabilities are key.

• The NEX-7 marginally outperforms the A37 in high ISO fidelity.
• Both support long shutter speeds (up to 30 seconds).
• Lack of built-in intervalometers limits timelapse functionality without external remotes.

Video Capabilities

Full HD video performance and audio controls are increasingly important.

• Both cameras shoot 1080p video at 60 (NEX-7 at 60fps progressive vs. A37 at 60 fps interlaced), but quieter operation and manual focus aids in the NEX-7 add value.
• Both offer microphone inputs but lack headphone jacks for monitoring audio.
• Neither supports 4K or advanced video features available in contemporary models.

Travel Photography

For on-the-go versatility and endurance:

• The NEX-7’s compactness, rich image quality, and tilting screen favor the traveling enthusiast.
• The A37’s stronger battery life and stabilization are beneficial for longer shooting days.

Professional Work

For demanding workflows requiring reliability and file versatility:

• Both cameras offer RAW support, but the NEX-7’s higher resolution files provide more latitude in post-processing.
• Neither offers weather sealing or ruggedness typical in professional bodies.
• Lens choice and native mount ecosystem might dictate professional compatibility.

Objective Performance Scores and Genre Breakdown

To synthesize the detailed evaluations, we present summarized performance scores.

• Sony NEX-7: Overall DxO score 81 – excels in image quality and resolution.
• Sony A37: Overall DxO score 75 – offers speed and autofocus advantages.

This analysis affirms the NEX-7’s superiority in portrait, landscape, and low-light tasks, while the A37 leads in wildlife, sports, and stabilisation-reliant categories.

Conclusion: Which Sony Camera Fits Your Photography?

Both the Sony NEX-7 and Sony A37 remain noteworthy models despite their decade-plus age, each excelling in distinct areas that shape their appeal.

• Choose the Sony NEX-7 if you prioritize:

  • High-resolution images with rich detail for portraits or landscapes.
  • Compact form factor and advanced manual controls.
  • Superior low-light image quality.
  • Quiet operation and better video manual control.
  • Flexibility to adapt a wide selection of lenses, including compact primes.

• Opt for the Sony A37 if you need:

  • Faster autofocus with hybrid phase detection for moving subjects.
  • Built-in sensor stabilization for handheld shooting advantages.
  • Longer battery life and a traditional DSLR-style handling.
  • Solid video capabilities with reliable continuous AF.
  • An extensive A-mount lens selection suited for telephoto and specialty work.

Both cameras provide excellent value for enthusiasts and semi-pros on moderate budgets (Sony NEX-7 pricing circa $699, A37 at $522 as tested). However, neither includes more modern connectivity features, advanced video options, or weather sealing available in recent models, which can be a factor for buyers prioritizing cutting-edge tech.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your shooting priorities: resolution, portability, and image quality lean toward the NEX-7; autofocus speed, stabilization, and handling favor the A37. Their shared legacy reflects Sony’s early mastery of sensor innovation and user-centric design in rapidly evolving digital photography.

Thank you for trusting this experience-driven, exhaustive comparison - may your next camera pick inspire your most creative photographic endeavors.