San Diego, CA—Joining the ∂7/7R family of compact, full-frame interchangeable-lens cameras, Sony’s ∂7S is engineered for high sensitivity, low noise and 4K video capabilities for professional photographers and videographers.
The camera features a newly developed, 12.2 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor that’s paired with a Bionz X image processor to enable shooting at a sensitivity range of ISO 50–409,600 with extended dynamic range and low noise. Sony states the new model is also the first to utilize the “entire width of a full-frame image sensor in 4K video acquisition, and does this without cropping or line skipping as it can read and process data from every one of the sensor’s pixels.”
“The ∂7S gives Sony the most complete, versatile lineup of full-frame cameras in market today,” added Neal Manowitz, director of the interchangeable-lens camera business at Sony Electronics. “Between the ∂99, VG900, RX1, ∂7, ∂7R and now ∂7S models, we have completely revolutionized what it means to be a ‘full-frame’ camera, bringing a new level of quality and portability to enthusiast photographers and videographers.”
The Sony-developed, high-sensitivity 12.2MP sensor is engineered to allow the ∂7S to collect more light than traditional cameras and produce detailed, low-noise images in even the darkest environments. The camera also uses a new on-sensor technology to permit it to optimize the dynamic range throughout its ISO range. This technology is also said to broaden the range of tonal gradation in bright environments and minimize noise in dark scenes
In addition, the high-speed read out of the 35mm full-frame sensor, combined with its processor’s high-speed processing, is claimed to enable significant improvements in video quality. As a result, the camera is capable of processing data from all of the sensor’s pixels for HD and 4K (QFHD 3,840×2,160) video while utilizing the full-width of the sensor. And Sony notes, “[T]he readout of all pixels frees the video from aliasing, moiré and false color artifacts.”
In video mode, the camera outputs 4K video to an optional, external third-party 4K recorder and can record Full HD (1,920×1,080) at frame rates of 60p, 60i, 30p and 24p to a memory card. Video modes can be changed from full-frame to APS-C (super 35mm equivalent) if desired, and in this crop mode, the camera supports 120-fps shooting at 720p HD resolution to create a 5x slow-motion effect.
Other video functions include: S-Log gamma from Sony’s pro video cameras, which expands the dynamic range by 1,300% to minimize clipped highlights and loss of detail in shadows; a workflow-friendly XAVC S recording format in addition to AVCHD and MP4 codecs; a picture profile that adjusts settings like gamma, black, level and color adjustment, and can be saved for use in a multi-camera shoot; Full HD and 4K base band HDMI output; time code/user bit for easier editing; a synchronous recording feature with compatible devices; marker and zebra displays on both the LCD and viewfinder; and the ability to dual record XAVC S and MP4 formats. Plus its multi-terminal interface shoe is compatible with Sony’s XLR adapter microphone kits.
The camera is also equipped with the same AF system as the ∂7R, with improved low-light AF sensitivity that can go as low as XXXX-4EV. In addition, while supporting E-mount lenses, the CSC can use A-mount and other lens systems with optional adapters.
The availability and price of Sony’s ∂7S full-frame interchangeable-lens camera will be announced at a future date. sony.com
