The reason is in the NEXs.
But first up, if you haven't read and seen enough, DC Watch has done an informative report showing size comparisons between the NEX cameras, the PENs and GXR. Two clips are included one of which shows how to attach the external but not optional flash. (Note: Sorry that only Google Chrome can manage to give an English translation to it and there is no way to get the link out of it)
From the now clearer picture of the NEXs, Sony has not actually entered into the market of serious compacts YET. The NEX3/5 are positioned as point-and-shoots with an APS-C sensor and capability to change lenses. They are aimed at the populace market. That is to say, the largest possible base for making money in the pyramid of consumers. Fact is, there are more existing and potential camera owners who don't know photography than those who do. The NEXs' diving-into-the-menu-for-controls approach speaks volumes for their targeted buyers. Why bother with buttons which would have made the camera body larger if the buyers don't really tweak the, say, exposure combos?
Oh, and the new E-mount to make sure that the Alpha users stick to the NEX's bigger sublings. See? The two product lines are aimed at two different markets: photographers versus non-photographers.
So, among the Internet critics, there is an obvious point missed: the NEX is not to be technically reviewed for a scientific conclusion. The NEXs are jolly cameras to the buyers and maker. On the buyer side, the now ponit-and-shoot owners feel that if they buy the NEXs, they can take professional pictures too. At least the high ISO shots will be much better. There is a popular myth that good (and expensive) cameras equal to good photos. Will they buy the idea and the camera? Yes, yes and yes because the myth is deeply rooted and the NEXs are priced the shallowest for its class.
On the maker side, Sony is overjoyed with the creation of a new market. And it should.
So, Sony has not entered into the existing serious compact market yet if the market is considered for users more serious about photography. No, not until when it has fed the populace market up with the NEXs. Will the NEX7/8/9 be targeted at the serious photographer market? Maybe but doubtful. And hopefully at that time, a leap forward has been made in technology to tackle the issue of the now disappointing focusing capability of the like cameras.
Is Sony admirable in this tactics, or sleight of hand if you preferred? In a way, yes. A sensible company may make money. A smart company may inspire and make money. A supersmart one will make money by inspiring and creating a demand.
This is Sony.
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