Sony α7

For the similarly named Sony APS-C format camera, see Sony NEX-7.
Sony α7
Overview
Type Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera
Lens
Lens Sony E-mount
Sensor/Medium
Sensor 35.8×23.9 mm Exmor full-frame HD CMOS Sensor
Maximum resolution 6000×4000 (3:2) (24 megapixels)[1]
ASA/ISO range Auto, 100-25600
Storage Memory Stick Pro Duo, Pro-HG Duo, SD, SDHC, SDXC
Focusing
Focus modes Contrast Detect (sensor), Phase Detect, Multi-area, Center, Selective single-point, Single, Continuous, Face Detection, Live View
Exposure/Metering
Exposure metering Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Shutter
Shutter Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed range 1/8000 - 30 sec, BULB
Continuous shooting 5 frame/s
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Built-in 2.4 million dots OLED Electronic viewfinder
General
Rear LCD monitor 3.0 in (76 mm) Tilting XtraFine LCD, 1,230,000 pixels
Battery NP-FW50, InfoLITHIUM, 7.2 V, 1080 mAh, 7.7 Wh, Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
Dimensions 127×94×48 mm
Weight Approx. 474 g (16.7 oz) (camera body, card and battery)

The Sony α7, α7R and α7S are three closely related digital cameras. The first two were announced on 16 October 2013[2] and the third on 6 April 2014. Externally they are identical except for the model number. They are Sony’s first full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras and share the E-mount with the company’s smaller sensor NEX series.

The α7 II was announced in November 2014, and is the first in the family to revise the original body and ergonomics. The α7 series is targeted at experienced users, enthusiasts and professionals.[3] The α7R II was announced in June 2015.

The Sony α7 and α7R have the model numbers ILCE-7 and ILCE-7R respectively. In addition, the α7S, the α7 II, and the α7R II have the model numbers ILCE-7S, ILCE-7M2, and ILCE-7RM2. Sony's new model naming prefix strives to unify model names. "ILC" indicates Interchangeable Lens Camera followed by an indicator of A-mount "A" or E-mount "E"[4]

Pre-announcement rumours speculated that the new camera would be named "Sony NEX-9".[5]

Although the α7 series uses full-frame sensors and have a DSLR-shaped design, their sizes and weights are less than Olympus OM-D E-M1 with its small micro four thirds sensor and can also be compared with the lightest full-frame DSLR.[6] Compared to the smallest and lightest APS-C DSLR Canon EOS 100D, the α7 is 67 grams heavier and a bit larger, but the thickness is only two thirds of Canon's.[7] The α7 price is significantly lower than a comparative full-frame DSLR price, but still higher than that of a low or mid-end compact camera price.[8] Compared to the Nikon D800E, the weight of Sony α7R is only about a half and the price is about two-thirds.[9]

Variations

There are three different models available in the α7 series. They are the α7 II (ILCE-7M2), α7R II (ILCE-7RM2) and α7S II (ILCE-7SM2) in 2016 since the first generation. Although Sony continues to deliver the first generation even after three years after the launch.

The basic α7II model has 24 MP and hybrid autofocus.

The second generation common ground is the newer and improved body design as well as the world's first five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system for a full-frame ILC Sony claimed that this can compensate a 4.5-stop equivalent of camera shake. In-body stabilization requires no special lens features, and mirrorless system cameras can typically accommodate lenses from any SLR system.[10][11] As an upgrade of the α7, the α7 II has the same 50 Mbit XAVC-S codec as the α7S but lacks 4K video, and the five-axis stabilization is less effective in video mode than that used in the Olympus OM-D E-M1.[12] However, the crop mode used in the α7 II does not incur "very much loss in image quality", unlike that of the Nikon D750.[12]

On 2015-06-14, Hasselblad announced the Lusso, a variant of the Sony α7R marketed by Hasselblad.

Model differences

Modelα7α7Rα7Sα7 IIα7R IIα7S II
Product standing BalancedHigh ResolutionHigh SensitivityBalanced Mark IIHigh Resolution Mark IIHigh Sensitivity Mark II
Sensor resolution 24.3 Mpx Exmor CMOS
6,000×4,000 pixels
(35.80 mm×23.90 mm)		36.4 Mpx Exmor CMOS
7,360×4,912 pixels
(35.90 mm×24.00 mm)		12.2 Mpx Exmor CMOS
4,240×2,832 pixels
(35.80 mm×23.90 mm)		24.3 Mpx Exmor CMOS
6,000×4,000 pixels
(35.80 mm×23.90 mm)		42.4 Mpx Exmor R BSI-CMOS[13]
7,952×5,304 pixels
(35.90 mm×24.00 mm)		12.2 Mpx Exmor CMOS
4,240×2,832 pixels
(35.80 mm×23.90 mm)
ISO range Expanded ISO 50 - 25600
Multi frame NR 100 - 51200		Expanded ISO 50 - 25600
Multi frame NR 100 - 51200		Native ISO 100 - 102400
Expanded ISO 50 - 409600		Expanded ISO 50 - 25600
Multi frame NR 100 - 51200		Native ISO 100 - 25600
Expanded ISO 50 - 102400		Native ISO 100 - 102400
Expanded ISO 50 - 409600
Autofocus 25 point contrast-detection
w/ 117 points phase-detection		25 point contrast-detection25 point contrast-detection25 point contrast-detection
w/ 117 points phase-detection		25 point contrast-detection
w/ 399 points phase-detection		169 point contrast-detection
Maximum flash sync speed 1/2501/1601/2501/2501/2501/250
Max Continuous Shooting 5 frame/s4 frame/s5 frame/s5 frame/s5 frame/s5 frame/s
In-body image stabilization No5-axis
Flash Exposure Lock NoNoYesYesYes
Electronic shutter mode First-curtain onlyNoFirst-curtain and
Silent shutter		First-curtain onlyFirst-curtain and
Silent shutter		First-curtain and
Silent shutter
Gapless on-chip lens NoYesYesNoYesYes
Live-view Tethered Capture NoNoYesYesYesYes[14]
Custom minimum
shutter speed at Auto ISO		 NoNoNoNoYesYes
Flexible Spot with Lock on AF NoNoNoNoYesYes
Continuous Eye-AF NoNoNoNoYesYes
AF Sensitivity 0 ~ 20 EV0 ~ 20 EV-4 ~ 20 EV-1 ~ 20 EV-2 ~ 20 EV-4 ~ 20 EV
Metering Sensitivity 0 ~ 20 EV0 ~ 20 EV-3 ~ 20 EV-1 ~ 20 EV-3 ~ 20 EV-3 ~ 20 EV
User Custom Buttons 333444[15]
Monitor Resolution 921.6 K921.6 K921.6 K1,228.8 K[16]
Viewfinder Magnification 0.71×0.78×
Video record format MPEG-4, AVCHD (28 Mbit/s)
1080p		MPEG-4, AVCHD (28 Mbit/s),
XAVC S (50 Mbit/s) 1080p		MPEG-4, AVCHD (28 Mbit/s),
XAVC S (100 Mbit/s) 4K video
Video sampling Line skippingLine skippingFull-pixel readoutLine skippingPixel-binning at Full Format
Full-pixel readout at Super 35		Full-pixel readout[17]
Slow motion video record NoNoYes (720p, 120fps)NoYes (720p, 120fps)Yes (1080p, 120fps)
HDMI Output 4K still and 1080p video4K still and 1080p video4K still and 4K video4K still and 1080p video8K still and 4K video4K still and 4K video
Video Light mode NoNoYesNoYes
Professional Video edit NoNoPicture Profile w/CineGamma,
Timecode, Userbit[18]
Body material Combi. of magnesium alloy
and polycarbonate		Full magnesium alloy chassis
and polycarb bayonet mount.		Full magnesium alloy chassis
and stainless steel bayonet mount.
Other features Hybrid autofocus systemNo optical Low-pass filterFull-pixel readout video
at Full Format		Hybrid autofocus systemHybrid autofocus system,
No optical Low-pass filter		Full-pixel readout video
at Full Format
Phase-detection AF on
non-native lenses		 Only A-mount lenses with LA-EA2 and LA-EA4Yes (Firmware update)YesOnly with LA-EA2/4[19]
Operate while USB charging NoNoNoNoYesYes
Battery-life
(CIPA standards)		 340 shots340 shots380 shots350 shots340 shots370 shots
Weight 416 g407 g446 g556 g582 g584 g
Dimension 127×94×48 mm127×96×60 mm126.9x95.7x60.3 mm
Announced October 16th, 2013April 6th, 2014November 20th, 2014June 10th, 2015September 11th, 2015

Features (universal for α7-series)

Reception

The cameras received a positive reception from critics. DxOMark crowned the α7R as the highest ranking full-frame mirrorless camera, with a score of 95 (the same score as the Nikon D800, but one point behind the Nikon D800E).[20] The α7 achieved a score of 90, higher than the Nikon Df and Nikon D4 professional DSLR cameras, as well as the Sony SLT-A99.[21] The Verge rated the cameras 8.3 out of 10, commenting that "It might be a few years before we realize it, but when the DSLR is relegated to a niche status among specialty photographers and full-frame mirrorless cameras dominate the market, we'll have the α7S to thank as the cameras that started it all."[22] EPhotozine which rated the α7 5 stars, meanwhile praised the α7 series' price point for making them "the cheapest full-frame digital cameras currently available" while being lighter and smaller than comparable cameras.[23] It awarded the α7 "Camera of the Year."[24] The α7R was awarded by Imaging Resource as the "Camera of the Year".[25]

References

  1. ↑ Jeff Keller (February 2014). "Sony α7R Review: Digital Photography Review". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
  2. ↑ Sony announces α7 and α7R: first full-frame mirrorless cameras: Digital Photography Review. Dpreview.com. Retrieved on 2013-10-30.
  3. ↑ Sony Global - Sony Global - Digital Imaging - α7. Sony.net (2013-10-16). Retrieved on 2013-10-30.
  4. ↑ "Your α7 and α7R Questions Answered". blog.sony.com. 2013-10-17. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
  5. ↑ DL Cade (October 3, 2013). "Sony NEX Full-Frame Rumor Roundup". PetaPixel. Retrieved 2014-01-11.
  6. ↑ "2013 High-End Mirrorless Camera Comparison Guide". November 23, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Canon EOS 100D / Rebel SL1 specifications". Retrieved 2014-01-09.
  8. ↑ "Mirrorless cameras offer glimmer of hope to makers". Retrieved 2013-12-31.
  9. ↑ "Sony Alpha α7R verdict". Retrieved 2014-01-01.
  10. ↑ William Browley. "Sony α7 II Review". Retrieved 2015-01-14.
  11. ↑ "The New Sony α7 Mark II". Retrieved 2015-01-14.
  12. 1 2 Andrew Reid. "Sony α7 II review – 5 axis stabilization in video mode". Retrieved 2015-01-14.
  13. ↑ Zimmerman, Steven (12 October 2016). "Sony IMX378: Comprehensive Breakdown of the Google Pixel's Sensor and its Features". XDA Developers. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
  14. ↑ "Supported Sony cameras for Capture One (for Sony)". Phase One. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  15. ↑ "First Impressions of the New Sony a7SII | Fstoppers". Fstoppers. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  16. ↑ "ILCE-7RM2 Specifications". Sony.com. Retrieved 2016-05-16.
  17. ↑ http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-a7s-ii/sony-a7s-iiA.HTM
  18. ↑ "ILCE-7SM2 Specifications". sony.com. Retrieved 2016-05-16.
  19. ↑ "Compatibility Information - ILCE-7SM2". support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp. Retrieved 2016-05-16.
  20. ↑ Sony Alpha 7R review: Highest ever full-frame image quality? - DxOMark By Kevin Carter - Thursday October 31, 2013
  21. ↑ "Camera Sensor Ratings by DxOMark". Retrieved 2013-12-22.
  22. ↑ Sony Alpha α7 and α7R review, The Verge, By Dan Seifert on December 16, 2013
  23. ↑ Sony Alpha 7 ILCE-7 Full Review ePHOTOzine 3 Dec 2013 by Joshua Waller
  24. ↑ ePHOTOzine's Best Cameras Of The Year Awards 2013 Posted: 6 Dec 2013 by ePHOTOzine
  25. ↑ Top 13 for 2013: The Best Cameras, Lenses and Technologies of the Year by Dave Etchells, Imaging Resource posted December 11, 2013
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sony ILCE-7.
Sony E-mount MILC timeline
Family Level Format 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234
XDCAM Documentary Super-35mm PXW-FS7 PXW-FS7 II
Mobility PXW-FS5
NXCAM Professional NEX-FS100 NEX-FS700 NEX-FS700R
Entry-level APS-C NEX-EA50
Handycam High-End Full-frame NEX-VG900
Advanced APS-C NEX-VG10 NEX-VG20 NEX-VG30
Alpha (α) Sensitivity Full-frame α7S α7S II
Resolution α7R α7R II
High-End α7 α7 II
Advanced APS-C NEX-7 α6000 α6300 α6500
Mid-range NEX-6
Upper-entry NEX-5 / NEX-5C NEX-5N NEX-5R NEX-5T α5000 α5100
Entry-level NEX-3 / NEX-3C NEX-C3 NEX-F3 NEX-3N
DSLR-style α3000 α3500
SmartShot QX1
Security - Full-frame SNCVB770
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