Despite the expansion of a senior segment of mirrorless cameras Sony Alpha, two models are still the most interesting for a photographer: A7 and its older variety A7R, released earlier. These full-frame “system” cameras are undoubtedly the leaders of the segment, quite seriously equipped with video functions, but one does not have to pay for the specific videographic functions of the A7S. Their compact bodies concentrate all the modern achievements of the photographic industry, which in turn gives the photographer a high quality result, ease of use and flexibility in operation.
Digital compact camera with interchangeable optics Sony Alpha A7
36.3 Megapixel 3″ $2470
For top-of-the-line mirrorless cameras, the Sony E-system, used in the NEX, is used as the base. Accordingly, all the “mirrorless” optics already manufactured by that moment are compatible with the new device with the only reservation that only the APS-C-format part of the sensor will be used for shooting rounded black edges are cut off automatically .
The very presence of a full-frame sensor already gives the A7 a significant advantage over competitors in terms of picture quality. In addition to improving detail, noise reduction and color reproduction works on a new dual-core processor Bionz X. It features algorithms for multi-zone sharpening and reducing the effects of diffraction. It’s clear that landscape photographers, who are more likely to use small apertures where diffraction shows its negative effect to achieve maximum depth of field, will appreciate this software tool. A7R in the elaboration of small details of the scene in the photos went even further, due to the fact that his light receptor is no anti-aliasing filter and is equipped with additional 12 million-sensitive cells. The price for quality in this case will be some loss in autofocus reaction speed: if the A7 is equipped with a hybrid sharpening system, the A7R has to rely only on contrast detection.
Both versions are devices which, when you look at them, you can say with confidence that they are intended for professionals. Body made of magnesium alloy is protected from the negative effects of the environment and protects the inside from dust and moisture. The responsiveness demanded by demanding photographers is ensured by the ability to quickly access all the most important shooting settings using hardware – buttons, wheels, levers placed on the body. Some of it can be reprogrammed according to user preference. There is an opinion that a serious photographer cannot do without viewfinder, that’s why this camera has 3 inches rotating display with the resolution of 1,23 million pixels and an eyepiece. The viewfinder, of course, is electronic, but it has an excellent resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels.
If you are an amateur, do not have enough knowledge or desire to understand the wisdom of photography technique, but want to buy the smallest full-frame digital “system” camera, Alpha A7 will still be able to please you. It offers a smart auto, a variety of scene programs, and a simplified shooting control interface.
The problem is the choice of FE optics. At the moment it is limited to two fast “zeiss” fixes: moderately wide-angle and standard – and the classic telezoom 70-200 mm G-series with an aperture of f/4, but with the stabilizer. In the zoom, the wide-angle and moderate telephoto range is represented by the uninteresting 28-70 mm lens with variable aperture. Buyers of A7 will find it useful you can save up to 10,000 Dollars in a “kit” . , while those optics are unlikely to provide the necessary level of quality for the A7R. You can expand your choice with lenses of system Sony/Minolta A, but they will have to be installed through rather cumbersome and expensive adapters.
This review seems quite informative, but I have one burning question – how does the autofocus performance on the Sony Alpha A7/A7R mirrorless camera compare to other similarly-priced cameras on the market?