The Sony Alpha NEX-7: The Unofficial Quintessential Guide Paperback – December 1, 2012

By way of providing context to this review, I am new to the principles of photography as well as the Sony Alpha NEX-7. I took a course at a local college on use of DSLR cameras to assist me in understanding my new camera. As you are probably aware of, the Sony NEX-7 has a unique set of controls, as a result the college course let many things unexplained for my camera. Enter this book, which read to me like a gift from heaven. It explained every aspect of this Sony camera in a very clear and logical sequence. In addition it related this information to the principles of photography and practical outcomes of the feature set of the camera (something not nearly as well stated in the manual provided for the camera provided by Sony.) As an aside note, this camera proves to be an excellent tool to learn about photography, as the electronic view finder lets you see camera adjustments in real time before you take the picture, and the "tri-navi" control system clearly defines the 3 major variables of aperture, shutter speed and ASA in way I find more clear than on conventional (mirror using) DSLR,s. I consider this book to be a very worthwhile purchase.

As you might expect, the book is essentially a supplemental manual that walks the reader through a comprehensive listing of camera features and options. Additionally, each section contains tips and advice from the authors' own experience using the NEX-7. While a bit dry at times, the writing style is clear and informative, and I certainly picked up some new useful information to help me get the most out of the camera. Note, however, that this a not a book intended to teach you about photography as an art form.

I am finding this an easy to follow and understand map for my NEX 7, It's written in plain language and explains some of the intricacies of both camera and shooting that as a keen but relatively newish learning photographer i would probably have to have gone searching elsewhere for. I am finding that it's a very good companion for the NEX 7 handbook. It not only explains settings and setting up the camera, but gives advice regarding such things as customising the camera, and when to use various settings.There are a number of illustrations - most helpful, and sample photo's which allow those new to the art of capturing light to see what changes occur in an image if particular settings are used.I wouldn't be without this book, for me in many ways it takes the mystery out of the camera and is enabling me to see it as a comprehensible tool for gathering great images with.

I really love this book. I love the way how it is organized and how its starts with a beginner level until it reaches a more professional level.This book explains every detail of the camera whether small or big. Has a great transition from automatic modes to manual mode. This book is highly recommended for people who just bought this camera. However in my opinion, professional photographers do not require this book. It is mostly aimed for beginners.I bought this book since there are several features on this book I want explained and how they work. This book explains it perfectly! Yet again, highly recommended for beginners and average photographers (not to professional).

If you are new to the Sony Nex cameras you will find the menu system very complex. This book was helpful in getting me to where I wanted to go with lots of shortcuts. Because of the complexity of the menu sytem I returned the camera to Amazon, however this book is very helpful in getting where you want to go in the shortest way if you have and want this camera.

I have read several guide books for the Sony NEX 7, too many I guess. The Unofficial Quintessential Guide is the lightweight among the several. It's OK but if you are looking for more details about settings and a more technical explanation of photography, there are better treatments available. However, this book is reasonable for the reader who just wants the basic explanations and settings recommendations. I must admit I skipped the video section since I only do still photography.I would have titled the book: The Unofficial Simplified Guide. There are certainly photographers who will appreciate the author's approach. If you read this book and use the Sony's guide that comes with the camera as a reference, you will be way ahead.

I had a Sony NEX 3N for several years. Unfortunately, I never knew much more than how to put it on auto and take pictures. When it broke I decided to step up to a NEX 7 but promised myself to learn more about the camera this time. On my Kindle I found 5 or so books on the Nex 7 and downloaded a sample of each. This book seemed to have a better format than the others and when it arrived I started at page one. I found it was arranged in a way that if you just want to shoot in automatic mode the first few chapters would get you up and going quickly. Then, as your experience level or interest increase, so does the subject matter. I'm only about 1/2 the way through but have been able to move around to different discussions using the index. Looking ahead the progression will lead you into the manual mode--something I hope to use one-day soon.I gave it a high rating because, for me, it seems to be a good teaching/learning tool and I am finally understanding photo terms and how things work within the camera.