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The first issue I had with processing these files was that the software supplied with the camera - Image Data Converter SR 3.2 wouldn't process RAW files from the NEX-7, producing an error message at every attempt. I hade more luck with version 4.0 which I downloaded from the Sony website.

At first glance you'd be forgiven for being a little disappointed at the RAW results form NEX-7. The top row shows much crisper detail from the in-camera JPEG than the crop from the RAW file processed with Image Data Converter using the default settings. And in fact all four crops from the RAW file look softer than the in-camera JPEG, but depite the enhanced sharpness and edge contrast in the JPEG crops they don't look any noisier.

In fact it isn't too difficult to match the in-camera results by tweaking the settings - reducing the noise reduction and increasing sharpness. This comparison illustrates what an excellent job Sony has made of the in-camera processing of sensor data in the NEX-7, managing to produce consumer-friendly crisp and detailed images whilst at the same time keeping low ISO noise at an acceptable level. The downside to that is you may not be able to improve greatly on these result by shooting RAW and processing the files yourself. Of course there are plenty of other reasons to shoot RAW including the ability to adjust exposure, increase dynamic range and change white balance.

Now let's see how they compare at higher sensitivities in my NEX-7 noise results.