Sony today added two new cameras to their Alpha NEX series, the much rumored/awaited NEX-7 aimed at enthusiast photographers and the sleek NEX-5N mid-range mirrorless compact camera. The NEX-7 features new 24.3-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that in combination with new BIONZ image processing engine gives flawless images and HD video, even in low light conditions. The camera has ultra-high sensitivity range of ISO 100-16000 and very low noise.

The NEX-7 features new TRINAVI control that combines the two control dials on the top with a control wheel, giving users three customizable, manual controls and ability to create images with the flexibility and precision of a DSLR camera. It is styled in magnesium alloy case for strength and light weight (10.3 ounces).

The NEX-7 is world’s first interchangeable lens camera (along with new A77 and A65) that features an integrated XGA OLED TruFinder viewfinder for precision framing and focusing. The viewfinder has 100 percent frame coverage, on-screen grid lines, shows various shooting parameters and a level gauge can be displayed to assist with accurate framing. Along with the viewfinder, the camera also has 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display that can be angled up to 90 degrees up or 45 degrees down.

The camera supports the latest AVCHD version 2.0 standard for full HD video capture at up to 60fps. Sony says that the camera has shutter release lag of 20 milliseconds – the fastest of any interchangeable lens camera and can shoot up to 10fps in continuous mode. Sony NEX-7 will ship in November priced $1350 for a kit with exclusive black 18-55mm zoom lens and $1200 for body-only.

The second mirrorless compact camera that Sony announced today is the sleek NEX-5N, measuring just 23.3mm at its slimmest point. Like big brother NEX-7, the camera has release lag time of 20 milliseconds, support for AVCHD version 2.0 (1080p at 60fps) and 10fps continuous shooting mode. The 16.1-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor along with specially optimized BIONZ image processing engine offers maximum sensitivity of ISO 25600 – the highest among mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

The camera’s 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display can angle up to 80 degrees up and 45 degrees down, and the touchscreen functionality of the display offers intuitive new Photo Creativity Touch interface. Background Defocus, Exposure, Picture Effect and other adjustments can be quickly and easily previewed, applied and combined via the LCD touch panel and control dial, with traditional "photo jargon" simplified for beginner shooters. Both the NEX-7 and NEX-5N are the first cameras supporting the E-mount interchangeable lenses for more creative possibilities.

The NEX-5N ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera will be available this September in black and silver with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for about $700 and as a body-only for about $600. Check out the hands-on video below for both the cameras.