San Diego, CA—Sony’s α7 and α7R compact full-frame interchangeable-lens cameras, due to hit store shelves in December, are designed to offer a combination of creativity, customizability and portability.
“With these new α7 camera systems, Sony has completely redefined the look and feel of a professional-grade digital camera,” said Mike Kahn, director of the interchangeable lens camera business at Sony Electronics. “The α7 and α7R cameras are significantly smaller, lighter and more portable than any other full-frame interchangeable-lens camera yet deliver image quality, power and performance that professionals and enthusiasts crave.”
For pros and advanced enthusiasts, the α7R features a 36.4-effective megapixel 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor—the highest resolution sensor in the history of Sony’s α line—with no optical low pass filter for added resolving power and increased image detail. Its Fast Intelligent AF technology was developed to deliver “blazingly quick, accurate autofocus,” and it has three selectable sizes for the flexible spot AF frame, to minimize the risk of accidentally focusing on the wrong target. The α7R will be sold body only for $2,300.
Offering an entry point into full-frame photography, the α7 uses a 24.3-effective megapixel 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor and a fast hybrid autofocus system that combines phase- and contrast-detection autofocus to help ensure speedy, accurate autofocus. It can shoot at 5 fps continuously with nonstop AF tracking, allowing it to keep pace with fast-moving subjects. The α7 compact system camera will be offered with a 28–70mm f/3.5–5.6 full-frame lens for $2,000, or body only for $1,700.
Both cameras feature a new Bionz X processor built to deliver low-noise performance for both stills and video, a bright XGA OLED Tru-finder, Full HD 60p video recording, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, and dust- and moisture-resistant magnesium alloy bodies.
They also provide full customization and control to meet the needs of demanding photographers. There are nine customizable buttons and 46 assignable functions that can be adjusted based on shooting preferences, including customizable front and back dials, a rear control wheel and an exposure compensation dial. And users can preview changes to photographic settings in real-time on a high-contrast, 2.4-million-dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder or their high-res, tiltable 3.0-inch LCD screen.
The cameras’ clear image zoom function was enhanced for video recording, to allow for close-up shots without sacrificing pixel count. Other pro-style movie features include an audio recording level control and display plus a “live” HDMI output for passing video to an external monitor or recording device.
Also notable are Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities for instant image sharing and transfer to compatible smartphones and tablets. The α7R and α7 can access Sony’s platform of PlayMemories camera apps, enabling users to add effects, filters and utilities. This platform includes a new “multiple exposure” app that automatically combines sequential exposures into one creative shot, and “smart remote control,” which allows for direct control of exposure and shutter speed from a connected smartphone.
Sony α Lenses and Accessories
Sony introduced five new full-frame E-mount lenses designed to leverage the imaging capabilities of the α7R and α7, including mid-range zoom lenses from Sony and Carl Zeiss, two bright Zeiss Sonnar T* prime lenses and a premium-quality G Lens telephoto zoom. Sony’s growing E-mount interchangeable lens lineup now consists of 21 lenses, including the new full-frame: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* 24–70mm f/4; Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2.8; Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 55mm f/1.8; Sony 28–70mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS; and Sony G 70–200mm f/4 OSS lenses.
There are also two new-generation mount adapters that give photographers the ability to utilize full-frame Sony A-mount optics on the α7 and α7R. The LA-EA3 adapter ($200) adds compatibility for existing A-mount lenses to the new cameras, while the LA-EA4 ($350) adds the fast focusing and shooting capabilities of Sony’s Translucent Mirror technology.
In addition, a new vertical grip (VG-C1EM, $300) offers greater comfort during vertical shooting and accommodates two separate NP-FW50 batteries for extended battery life and shooting time. And the BC-TRW compact external battery charger is geared for charging batteries while traveling, while the new FA-CS1M off-camera shoe allows the use of external flashes (HVL-43M, 20M). Sony also debuted the LCS-ELCA soft leather carry case for the α7 and α7R cameras ($140). sony.com
