Hi WT21,
I am curious to know why you dropped your NEX cameras? I am quite serious about a NEX 7n because of the viewfinder. I really like my EP-2 but that detachable viewfinder does get in the way in most small bags and cases...
I try not to bash other gear, and I think it's all personal. So, I'll jot my thoughts down, but this is for me, and there are lots of folks taking great shots with NEX, I'm sure.
4 issues:
1) The lenses are not even close to m43. What's their answer to the 9-18, let alone the 7-14. Do they have a fast normal (i.e. about 35mm) to compete with the 25/1.4. Do they have an outstanding travel pancake like the 20/1.7. I believe the 14/2.5 to be better than the 16/2.8, though I never did test them side-by-side. Do they have a reasonable macro (at least 90mm)? How giant are those long zooms? Their best lenses are the overpriced 24mm and the 50mm 1.8. For me, I've never liked the 75mm FOV equivalent, nor am I a 35mm shooter. I prefer wide, normal and telephoto and a macro. YMMV.
2) I don't like the cheap build of the kit lenses or the 5n itself. The 7 might be different. It certainly looks solid in the videos I've seen.
3) Menus are not easy to use, IMO. The Super Control Panel on the Oly is very good.
4) The price of the newer gear is quite high. Makes me question where they are going in pricing. I understand that for Leica lens shooters, the 5n is very nice, but I can't afford the Leica lenses, and I prefer a mix of 85% AF, 15% MF, not full time MF.
I will continue to follow NEX. I wouldn't mind the 1-2 stop improvement in ISO but for me (your mileage may vary) I shoot mainly in good light, and for the occasional low light, the 25/1.4 is outstanding. I think it's all personal, but that's my opinion/experience. I still think it's worth a test drive, if you can do it in a way that you aren't risking much cash. Maybe even check out lensrentals.com (or other rental stores)? I think I'll be sitting on m43 at least until next fall. I don't see anything coming along that would completely supplant this system. Although, in all honesty, I am more interested in the rumored Fuji CSC than any NEX developments. If something real comes from Fuji in the spring, I may be opening my wallet sooner than expected.
Last comment: CES is coming soon, and there will be likely some camera/lens announcements. It's not that far away (Jan 10th), so unless you have some burning reason to move, I would think waiting a little more than 2 weeks might be worthwhile. Just a thought.
Happy Shooting!