NEX 7 vs. EOS M

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have (temporarily) both a NEX 7 and an EOS M so thought I would do some comparisons.   Both are very nice cameras, but I think will appeal to different sorts of users.  The Canon is better than the reputation it has gotten on various camera forums, but yes, the AF performance leaves something to be desired.  Basically, Canon could have omitted the AI Servo, it doesn't work.  That said, I loved the feature that enables you to zoom in x10 and focus (AF or MF) on a fine spot.  Single shot, flexible spot AF worked pretty well.  Using the touch to shoot seemed quite quick.   The M build quality is excellent.   The lack of built in flash is a downer for when you want fill flash.  While the 90ex flash is tiny, it adds considerably to the M bulk.  It will, however, act as a master to any modern Canon flash (it worked well with my 430ex II for example).  The adapter worked well with my 50 1.4, but AF wasn't as fast or smooth without the STM lenses.

The NEX 7 is likely familiar to many or most on this board.  It's currently Sony's top of the line mirrorless body and boasts a 24mp sensor (compared to Canon's 18mp).  It has a hugely customizable tri-navi system, but is encumbered by an awful menu system.  Sony really needs to get somebody to straighten that out.

IQ from both cameras was very good.  I shot comparisons from both with the standard Sony 18-55 OSS and the Canon 18-55 STM.  I also threw in a few from the Canon 22mm.  I'd never really found the Son 18-55 lacking when I had a 5N, but I think the 7 is more demanding.  In any case, the Canon lens seemed to be the better performer.  The Canon M defaulted to a slightly warmer white balance (both were shot on AWB) and also seemed to expose slightly darker for the same exposure settings.

Although Sony has better sensors than Canon with respect to dynamic range, the 24MP showed in a higher noise pattern for the Sony.  I suspect down-sampling the images will even this out, but I didn't have time to try that.

ISO 3200 comparison:

This sample, at 55mm on each kit lens, but with the popup on the 7 and the 90ex on the M, shows the Canon lens to be a bit better IMO:

I have a full gallery of samples and comparison shots here:  http://www.gc5photography.com/Other/NEX-7-vs-EOS-M-Shootout/27797271_Mpqz85

All in all, both are very nice cameras.  I think the 7 needs to be used with better lenses than the 18-55 to get the most out of it.  It is more full-featured and has outstanding resolution.  On the downside, it's larger, noiser, and can be hard to figure out (steeper learning curve).  I don't think anyone who has a 7 should switch to the M.  I think they would find it frustrating.  But for anyone buying into a new system, it's worth a look - provided Canon continues to support it with new lenses and products.