Plus:
+ Very clean, low-noise images with poor light and high ISO! Here I am fully satisfied. The Pana TZ7 sees in the dark just black, the Sony does not make sharp, bright and beautiful pictures!
+ Image quality really top. Has my expectations fully met. No comparison to compact cameras, thanks to the APS-C sensor.
+ Well done Automatic and Automatic-plus modes. In most cases, the camera automatically takes good pictures, so no need to think a lot and adjust
+ Lots of settings, you can all decide how you want to have the image in P / A / M mode.
+ Useful features like Auto HDR, Sweep Panorama.
+ Many filters / effects already installed that are just fun, for example, part color effect (only keeps red and other colors to black and white). Good such effects have also most smartphones, but still a nice-to-have.
+ Tiltable display, it works 180 upwards and make easy Self Portrait. Down 45 degrees.
+ Full HD videos with 50 frame / second
+ Wireless for streaming the images to mobile phones, laptops, TV
+ With Android Apps "PlayMemories Mobile" the camera can be controlled via mobile phone
Minus:
- No integrated flash ... the much cheaper Sony Nex F3 has it, Nex 6 has it, only it did not 5R.
- If the included flash is mounted on it, the display can no longer be folded 180 degrees upward. I wonder what Sony has thought about to a function prevents other ...
- The display is indeed touch, but not up to date. It's hard to believe that a 700 Euro camera in 2012 still uses resistive touchscreen ... It can be operated, but far not as smooth as with today's smartphones, so no multi-touch, no pitch-zoom and co. possible. It reminds me of my phone by of 2009.
- Zoom in video recording very difficult because when zooming the camera inevitably shakes (yes you have the lenses turn) ... here helps either stand or the new 16-50mm power zoom (but currently costs nearly 400 ... would wait until it is cheaper)
- With the kit lens 18-55 is not really much smaller than a DSLR. But that is easier still.
- No included charger ... Battery can be loaded only in camera
- Some functions not really thought through. For example, the image reproduction can only view images individually. If you want to see more pictures, each must go to set in menu. Here makes my 3 year old Pana TZ7 much better: less einzoomen- images, auszoomen- more pictures, again auszoomen- images sorted by date.
- Menu navigation a bit confusing
My Conclusion: All in all, a good camera for me, mainly because of good image quality. But unfortunately, you have to live with the weaknesses. Here is probably on purpose plenty of room for the Sony Nex 5X planned 2013 (and, of course, F3 / Nex 6 must also have customers :)).