Sony Alpha 7 and 7R: First Full-Frame Sensor Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Cameras with Auto Focus

Sony recently has announced the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R, two of the world’s smallest , lightest 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens camera.

Hotly awaited by professional photographers and enthusiasts, the alpha 7 and alpha 7R from Sony set an exciting new benchmark in digital imaging. A game-changing blend of imaging power and portability, both mirrorless models redefine the creative options of full-frame photography in a palm-sized interchangeable lens camera.

- Full-frame Exmor™ CMOS sensor: alpha 7 with 24.3 effective megapixels; alpha 7R with 36.4 effective megapixels and no optical low-pass filter

 - New BIONZ X™ image processor with dramatically increased processing speed and image quality 

- Newly-developed ultra-fast Intelligent AF is 35% quicker than conventional contrast-detection autofocus

- Improved XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with wide field of view

- Practical, reliable and intuitive with dust/moisture-resistant body and extensive custom controls

- AVCHD Progressive Full HD (50p/25p) movie recording with audio level control and clean HDMI output

The alpha 7 (24.3 effective megapixels) and alpha 7R (36.4 effective megapixels) give serious photographers a limitless array of new artistic possibilities. Expanding the range of optics from Sony and Carl Zeiss, six  new full-frame lenses complement the cameras’ superlative image quality – whether you’re shooting detail-packed stills or crisp, cinematic Full HD video.

Beautifully styled and easy to hold on lengthy assignments, both cameras are no-compromise photographic tools that put the needs of advanced users first. Front and back dials plus a control wheel and exposure compensation dial allow intuitive adjustments while framing shots through the high-contrast, high resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder or on the tiltable 3.0-type LCD screen.

The 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor in both cameras incorporates light concentration and photo diode expansion technologies, while the α7R also features a new ‘gapless’ on-chip lens design that eliminates gaps between adjacent pixels. These advances increase light collection efficiency, achieving outstanding resolution, sensitivity and low noise while circumventing the challenge of decreased pixel size due to the extremely high pixel count.

Together with the powerful new BIONZ X processor, the full-frame sensor also allows both cameras to shoot pro-quality Full HD video (50p/25p) . You’ll enjoy rich, beautifully rendered movie footage with sumptuous colours and ultra-low noise, even in low light. Clear Image Zoom has been enhanced for video recording, delivering powerful close-ups without sacrificing pixel count. Pro-style movie features include an audio recording level control and display, plus a ‘clean’ HDMI output that allows video to be viewed on an external monitor or recorded on another device.

Both cameras showcase new Fast Intelligent AF that ensures speedy, accurate autofocus. The  7 supplements this with Fast Hybrid AF that combines Fast Intelligent AF with phase detection autofocus. Boosting AF tracking, it lets the  7 keep fast-moving subjects like athletes and wildlife in sharp focus while supporting continuous shooting at up to 5 frames per second.

Both new camera models are designed to be fully customisable to exactly suit your precise photographic demands, with nine customisable buttons and 46 assignable functions .

With both Wi-Fi and NFC, the  7 and  7R allow effortless one-touch wireless connections with your Xperia™ or NFC-compatible Android smartphone or tablet. The  7 and  7R also connect to your iOS devices via Wi-Fi. PlayMemories Camera Apps further enhance your photo experience with a growing range of free and paid apps, spanning exciting new creative effects and filters, utilities and more. 

New ‘Multiple Exposure’ automatically composites sequential exposures, making it easy to create beautiful and dramatic effects with a choice of pre-set artistic themes as well as manual blending modes. 

Pre-installed in both camera models, ‘Smart Remote Control’  controls exposure and shutter release from your smartphone. Great for tripod-mounted group shots and self-portraits, the app also sends photos automatically to your mobile device for on-the-spot sharing . 

Sony alpha 7

Crafted to meet the demands of advanced amateurs and professional photographers, the  7 offers an exciting entry into the world of full-frame photography. The camera’s rigid metal frame is complemented by an external top cover in magnesium alloy that contributes to a weight of just 416g (body only).

The 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor with a resolution of approximately 24.3 effective megapixels guarantees high sensitivity and exceptional low-noise performance thanks to its high resolving power and large pixel size.

Sony alpha 7R

With a tough magnesium alloy body that’s dust- and moisture-resistant, the  7R weighs in at just 407g (body only) as the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable lens camera with a full-frame sensor.

Appealing equally to busy photo professionals and advanced amateurs, it also boasts the highest image quality of any α camera to date. The brand-new 36.4-effective megapixel (approximate) full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor delivers levels of detail unprecedented in any camera of its class. The high resolution sensor of the  7R has no optical low-pass filter, ensuring that its extraordinary resolving power is fully exploited. It’s complemented by a new BIONZ X processor – Sony’s latest-generation imaging engine that maximises detail and reduces image noise over a wide ISO 100-25600 sensitivity range .

New full-frame interchangeable E-mount lenses

There’s a choice of five new full-frame E-mount lenses to realise the sheer imaging power of the  7 and  7R. The E-mount full-frame family includes two mid-range zooms by Sony and Carl Zeiss, two bright Sonnar T* primes and a premium-quality G lens telephoto zoom. There’s also a new-generation mount adaptor that gives photographers extra freedom to re-use their precious collection of full-frame A-mount optics with both cameras, including the newly-announced SAL70200G2 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM II telephoto zoom.

A range of new accessories

New accessories will also be available for the  7 and  7R. The LA-EA4 and LA-E3 mount adaptors for E-mount cameras are compatible with virtually every A-mount lens. The LA-EA4 comes with built-in AF motor and 15-point AF sensor, ensuring speedy, continuous autofocus; while LA-EA3 lets photographers shoot full-frame pictures with A-mount lens. The VG-C1EM grip not only extends shooting stamina via two NP-FW50 batteries, but also provides greater user comfort during vertical shooting. 

The BC-TRW Battery Charger gives visual LED confirmation of recharging status and the FA-CS1M off-camera shoe can be used as an off-camera cable by connecting with a Multi Flash Cable. The PCK-LM16 Screen Protector Semi Hard Sheet protects the LCD screen from scratches and dust while allowing clear view even under bright sunshine. The LCS-ELCA premium leather soft carrying case extends the premium quality experience of handling and using the  7/ 7R while protecting your camera from scuffs and marks whilst being carried. The new LCS-BBL and LCS-BBM soft carrying cases also ensure the safety of your lenses.

The light, compact new  7 and  7R interchangeable lens full-frame digital cameras from Sony are available for pre-order 26 October to 17 November 2013 at Sony Store and www.sony.com.my, and will be available in Malaysia from end November 2013.

.: Peace Out :.