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Sony A7 VS Nex-6 – ISO Lab Testing – Jpeg Qaulity w/ 100% Crops!

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In this article I put together all the ISO testing shots I took in the Lab yesterday with the Sony A7 vs Sony Nex-6, ranging from ISO 100-25600! 100% Crops will be included so you can see all the details in jpeg quality straight off the camera other than standard resizing for web. I left everything on Auto so you can see how each camera handles the WB, average metering, and noise reduction. Raw files will be in another post, but I can assure you the results are very similar to the jpegs, minus the noise reduction of course 😉

I used the same lab scene as the other post and went for f/5.6 on the A7 to make sure enough of the scene was in focus to show off the detail in critical areas like the shadows and highlights, only forgot to do this on my Nex-6 🙁 Not really that big a deal, but worth noting.

Sony A7 VS Nex-6 – ISO Testing

I shot in both raw and jpeg, but as I told you before I need to update my lightroom and will do all the raw files later once I update it. So, these images are all jpeg quality, but it’s great to see how the camera processes the same photos differently.
Here is the full lab scene @5.6 ISO 100 shot with the full frame A7 for a reminder:

Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 100, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 100, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Alpha A7 Sony Nex-6
ISO 100
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 100, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6 w/18-55mm kit lens @ 18mm, f/5.6, ISO 100, Lab Test, Jpeg
ISO 200
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 200, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 200, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 400
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 400, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 800, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 800
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 800, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 1600, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 1600
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 1600, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 1600, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 3200
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 3200, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/4, ISO 3200, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 6400
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 6400, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 6400, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 12800
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 12800, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/4, ISO 12800, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 25600
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 25600, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 25600, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
Sony Alpha A7 @ f/5.6
Sony Nex-6 @ f/3.5 and f/4
ISO 100
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 100, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6 w/18-55mm kit lens @ 18mm, f/3.5, ISO 100, Lab Test, Jpeg
ISO 200
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 200, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/4, ISO 200, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 400
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 400, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 400, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 800
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 800, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 800, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 1600
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 1600, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 1600, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 3200
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 3200, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 3200, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 6400
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 6400, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 6400, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 12800
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 12800, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 12800, Lab testing Jpeg Quality
ISO 25600
Sony A7 w/ 28-70mm kit lens @ f/5.6, 28mm, ISO 25600, Jpeg Quality, Lab Test
Sony Nex-6, f/5.6, ISO 25600, Lab testing Jpeg Quality

Closing Remarks:

After looking at these photos closely at 100% crops I realized I did not have the apertures set the same on each camera for the ISO testing. Does this really matter? It shouldn’t really matter, but the detail captured will be slightly different due to depth of field. It’s pretty close as is though in the lab. I was surprised that on ISO 25600, both cameras did a good job with the details, but a color shift is much more noticeable on the Nex-6. Overall pretty impressive results from the A7 if you ask me!
Note the yellow color shift on the Nex-6 once it gets to ISO 6400 and up mostly. Remember I was using auto WB and average metering for these test shots to see how the cameras would perform in the real world. I will calibrate and re-do this test though I think with some better lighting. Please let me know what you think and I’ll catch up with you later 😉
Jay

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8 Comments

  1. Both cameras seems to apply too much NR in jpegs at hi ISO. Even so, the A7 clearly hold better the details than the Nex6.
    I think in RAW you can see better the advantage of the full frame over the APSC in ISO performance. 😉 (the LR 5.3 I think already support the RAW files, but the OSX not yet I think 🙁 )

    Reply

    1. Hi Flavio,
      I agree the NR is way to high on both cameras as is the contrast/ saturation also in my opinion 😉 Raw is now up in a new article. Lightroom was not officially re-leased yet, so I had to download the RC version. Took me a minute to figure out why it would not update from the program itlself. I new the update was out, but it’s not official yet is all. Nothing for OSX, I tried Aperture also 🙁 Lightoom is good to go now though.

      Reply

  2. It’s been a long day. I could be totally wrong but using the worst lenses available will invalidate sensor tests. I’m no guru but this seems to be basic.
    It explains why the results are near identical when there should be a very noticeable spread. And both should show better at ISO 100 too.
    Ideal for sensor results would be the same sweet lens on both.
    Thoughts?
    Thank you,
    Bill
    PS I’m cross-posting as the mirror test would have the same flaw.

    Reply

    1. Hi Bill Burton, and that is an excellent point. What I try to do on the Lab is real world scenario tests for the average photographer enthusiast as I am one myself. Kit vs kit was the goal of the test (Sony A7 w/kit vs Nex-6 w/ kit) I also wanted to drive home the point about how the depth of field is different at the same equivalent focal lengths.
      My next set of Lab test will be using the Metabones III electronic lens adapter on both cameras w/ some Canon EF L lenses for comparison. Those images are going to be much sharper and have way better detail, but both cameras will have the same advantage. I can adjust the zoom on my 24-105mm lens to make the composition the same, and f/4 should provide a good enough depth of field. I also have primes I could use. In the end the Nex-6 sensor is still going to be awesome in the real world, the A7 sensor will be noticeable better and has the resolution advantage. It’s not really going to be that drastic of a difference though in the end Bill. Sensor technology did not advance that much just yet.
      All this being said, I use DXOMark.com for sensor score information and usually include some screen caps with links in my review like the one below. Note how much better the A7 sensor actually is in their lab!
      a7 vs nex-6 sensor
      I also recommend checking out dpreview.com for their awesome image comparison tool.
      I have no way to compete with the amazing work these folks do and don’t try and compete with these guys or duplicate their tests, as it’s a waste of time in my opinion when. The real world angle and trying to teach is much more my goal here on SonyAlphaLab.com.
      Thanks again Bill for the comments and feedback. I really appreciate it and your points are well taken 😉
      Jay

      Reply

      1. Thank you Jay for your terrific detailed reply. I am grateful for your time.
        An alphageek by profession and hobby Ive spent much time at the sites you mentioned. I very much enjoy the perspective and writing style that you provide at Sonyalphalab and have visited here for a number of years. It is exactly your tests and comparisons such as these that are more interesting to me than the less comparitive reviews done by other sites. While Mr. Huff is entertaining and very talented, your tests and articles provide much more valuable, harder data using an engineer’s approach of standardization, removal of as many variables as possibile, exploring your viewer’s likely upgrade paths, etc.
        In a nutshell, you fill wondefully a very real void. No matter your consideration of other sites your tests, posts and musings are eagely anticipated (and you have the too rare polite and well informed discussions).
        And that is why I contacted you about methodology but not other sites. Your approach generates data much more applicable and usable to a fellow excited about Sony’s nee determined, invigorating innovation.
        (:-{)}
        Newly disabled I don’t have a lot of money but I do suddenly have the time to get back into photography (my last quality camera was the Minolta MAXXUM 7000!). My 5N is enjoyable but the menu maze and lack of external controls frustrate and probably halve the number of keepers I get. Moving to the photogenic wine country of California I will likely buy the new Sony PZ-18-105mm-F4 G (injuries force a low weight system). Oly and Fuji became interesting until the A7 burst forth casting a shadow across the industry.
        Bottom line, if your tests prove the differences as significant as I beleive, I might just sell my truck for the A7 and a Zeiss 24-70 f4!
        So yes. I am very excited about the progression of this test exactly as you envision!
        Well, I should probably just start cleaning up that truck. (;-{)}
        I’ve bent your ear long enough. Thank you for the conversation Jay.
        Bill (:-{)}

        Reply

        1. Hey Bill,
          Thanks again for your well articulated reply Bill 😉 I try my best and I’m really glad your getting something different out of SonyAlphaLab.com and that gap you speak of is exactly what I’m trying to fill. I also love to help and teach people what I know if I can. Its extremely gratifying knowing you helped somebody with whatever it may be. It’s the main reason I do all this to be honest, cause the money sucks I can assure you. I have no idea how anybody could do this type of work for a living and actually make enough to sustain a lifestyle. I have a full time job though, so luckily I don’t need the money. It would be nice to have extra cash of course, but are needs are met. so do we really need more? I say no, but it would be nice having extra cash to buy more camera lenses and other toys. I did treat myself to the Nex-6, the Metabones III Electronic lens adapter, and a few Minolta manual lenses over the past year or two. I really want the A7 though, and need to start saving!
          Thanks again for the talk, and I’m always happy to help Bill. I really appreciate your feedback also, because it’s very important to me that I maintain a quality standard, but more importantly, deliver what you want, and not waste my time or useless Internet repetition.
          Have a great day,
          Jay

          Reply

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