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 (the α is sometimes spelled out as Alpha) 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 has a DSLR-shaped design, α7 cameras are smaller and weigh 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
In 2015, three new models became available in the α7 series. They are the α7 II (ILCE-7M2), α7R II (ILCE-7RM2) and α7S II (ILCE-7SM2). Sony continues to deliver the first generation models, even three years after the launch.
The basic α7 II 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 claims 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 14 June 2015, Hasselblad announced the Lusso, a variant of the Sony α7R marketed by Hasselblad.
Model differences
Model | α7 | α7R | α7S | α7 II | α7R II | α7S II |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product standing | Balanced | High Resolution | High Sensitivity | Balanced Mark II | High Resolution Mark II | High 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-detection | 25 point contrast-detection | 25 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 | 1/250 | 1/160 | 1/250 | 1/250 | 1/250 | 1/250 |
Max Continuous Shooting | 5 frame/s | 4 frame/s | 5 frame/s | 5 frame/s | 5 frame/s | 5 frame/s |
In-body image stabilization | No | 5-axis | ||||
Flash Exposure Lock | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Electronic shutter mode | First-curtain only | No | First-curtain and Silent shutter | First-curtain only | First-curtain and Silent shutter | First-curtain and Silent shutter |
Gapless on-chip lens | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Live-view Tethered Capture | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes[14] |
Custom minimum shutter speed at Auto ISO |
No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Flexible Spot with Lock on AF | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Continuous Eye-AF | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
AF Sensitivity | 0 ~ 20 EV | 0 ~ 20 EV | -4 ~ 20 EV | -1 ~ 20 EV | -2 ~ 20 EV | -4 ~ 20 EV |
Metering Sensitivity | 0 ~ 20 EV | 0 ~ 20 EV | -3 ~ 20 EV | -1 ~ 20 EV | -3 ~ 20 EV | -3 ~ 20 EV |
User Custom Buttons | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4[15] |
Monitor Resolution | 921.6 K | 921.6 K | 921.6 K | 1,228.8 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 skipping | Line skipping | Full-pixel readout | Line skipping | Pixel-binning at Full Format Full-pixel readout at Super 35 | Full-pixel readout[17] |
Slow motion video record | No | No | Yes (720p, 120fps) | No | Yes (720p, 120fps) | Yes (1080p, 120fps) |
HDMI Output | 4K still and 1080p video | 4K still and 1080p video | 4K still and 4K video | 4K still and 1080p video | 8K still and 4K video | 4K still and 4K video |
Video Light mode | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | |
Professional Video edit | No | No | Picture 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 system | No optical Low-pass filter | Full-pixel readout video at Full Format | Hybrid autofocus system | Hybrid 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-EA4 | Yes (Firmware update) | Yes | Only with LA-EA2/4[19] | ||
Operate while USB charging | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Battery-life (CIPA standards) |
340 shots | 340 shots | 380 shots | 350 shots | 340 shots | 370 shots |
Weight | 416 g | 407 g | 446 g | 556 g | 582 g | 584 g |
Dimension | 127×94×48 mm | 127×96×60 mm | 126.9x95.7x60.3 mm | |||
Announced | 16 October 2013 | 6 April 2014 | 20 November 2014 | 10 June 2015 | 11 September 2015 |
Features (universal for α7-series)
- Exmor CMOS full-frame sensor (with different megapixels depending on camera version)
- TruBlack XtraFine LCD screen (3 inch/7.5 cm) with tilt functionality
- 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) electronic viewfinder
- 1200-zone evaluative light metering
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
- LED-auto focus illuminator
- Multi Interface Shoe
- 9 customizable buttons and 45 assignable functions
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]
See also
References
- ↑ Jeff Keller (February 2014). "Sony α7R Review: Digital Photography Review". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
- ↑ Sony announces α7 and α7R: first full-frame mirrorless cameras: Digital Photography Review. Dpreview.com. Retrieved on 2013-10-30.
- ↑ Sony Global - Sony Global - Digital Imaging - α7. Sony.net (2013-10-16). Retrieved on 2013-10-30.
- ↑ "Your α7 and α7R Questions Answered". blog.sony.com. 2013-10-17. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
- ↑ DL Cade (October 3, 2013). "Sony NEX Full-Frame Rumor Roundup". PetaPixel. Retrieved 2014-01-11.
- ↑ "2013 High-End Mirrorless Camera Comparison Guide". November 23, 2013.
- ↑ "Canon EOS 100D / Rebel SL1 specifications". Retrieved 2014-01-09.
- ↑ "Mirrorless cameras offer glimmer of hope to makers". Retrieved 2013-12-31.
- ↑ "Sony Alpha α7R verdict". Retrieved 2014-01-01.
- ↑ William Browley. "Sony α7 II Review". Retrieved 2015-01-14.
- ↑ "The New Sony α7 Mark II". Retrieved 2015-01-14.
- 1 2 Andrew Reid. "Sony α7 II review – 5 axis stabilization in video mode". Retrieved 2015-01-14.
- ↑ Zimmerman, Steven (12 October 2016). "Sony IMX378: Comprehensive Breakdown of the Google Pixel’s Sensor and its Features". XDA Developers. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ↑ "Supported Sony cameras for Capture One (for Sony)". Phase One. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
- ↑ "First Impressions of the New Sony a7SII | Fstoppers". Fstoppers. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
- ↑ "ILCE-7RM2 Specifications". Sony.com. Retrieved 2016-05-16.
- ↑ http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-a7s-ii/sony-a7s-iiA.HTM
- ↑ "ILCE-7SM2 Specifications". sony.com. Retrieved 2016-05-16.
- ↑ "Compatibility Information - ILCE-7SM2". support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp. Retrieved 2016-05-16.
- ↑ Sony Alpha 7R review: Highest ever full-frame image quality? - DxOMark By Kevin Carter - Thursday October 31, 2013
- ↑ "Camera Sensor Ratings by DxOMark". Retrieved 2013-12-22.
- ↑ Sony Alpha α7 and α7R review, The Verge, By Dan Seifert on December 16, 2013
- ↑ Sony Alpha 7 ILCE-7 Full Review ePHOTOzine 3 Dec 2013 by Joshua Waller
- ↑ ePHOTOzine's Best Cameras Of The Year Awards 2013 Posted: 6 Dec 2013 by ePHOTOzine
- ↑ 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. |
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