All of the NEX cameras are Superb. Infact ANY camera that is not a simple point and shoot camera, generally have little to no lag these days.
My personal choice, if you have the cash, is the Nex 7... for overall image quality, and video Quality, Not camera on the market matches it, for under $1200.
The Next step up from the Nex 7 would be a Full DSLR, Bulky, and generally speaking, too heavy to have strapped around your neck while hiking for an afternoon.
I personally Own Both a Canon 50D with a grip, and when I have decent glass, the camera easily weights 6 pounds... that dangling around my neck for hours is not pleasant.
I also Own a Nex-3 which, easily takes comparable pictures to my HEAVY DSLR.
Most folks don't "NEED" everything that the NEX 7 offers... but Most folks also don't think far enough ahead, to know this camera will never be outdated... EVER. A Collectible, and the Tippy-top of Technology... for under $1200.
