Sony a7 (24MP) and a7R (36MP) FF

ziggy53

http://blog.sony.com/press/sony-introduces-first-full-frame-e-mount-lenses-2/

"New Sony α7 Series Are World’s Smallest, Lightest Full-Frame Interchangeable Lens Cameras"

"The α7R model features a 36.4 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor® CMOS sensor – the highest resolution sensor in the history of Sony’s α line – with no optical low pass filter for added resolving power and increased image detail. The α7 model boasts an impressive 24.3 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor® CMOS sensor and an innovative fast Hybrid AF system."

"

α7R Camera

Designed for professional photographers and highly advanced enthusiasts, the new α7R model is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame interchangeable lens camera2.

It has an impressive 36.4 effective megapixel full frame sensor and no optical low pass filter, ensuring that the extraordinary resolving power is fully realized and resulting in an unprecedented level of detail and clarity in images.

The camera features a new Fast Intelligent AF technology that delivers blazingly quick, accurate autofocus. Additionally, there are a total of three selectable sizes for the Flexible Spot AF frame, minimizing the risk of accidentally focusing on the wrong target.

...

The α7R camera will be offered as a body-only for about $2300."

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"

α7 Camera

Offering an exciting entry into the world of full-frame photography, the α7 camera features an advanced 24.3 effective megapixel full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor paired with the powerful new BIONZ X processor.

The exciting new camera has an innovative Fast Hybrid AF system that combines phase- and contrast-detect AF methods to ensure speedy, accurate autofocus. It can also shoot at up to 5 fps continuously with non-stop AF tracking, allowing it to keep pace with fast-moving athletes, wildlife or energetic children.

...

The Sony α7 compact system camera will be offered with a 28-70mm F3.5 – F5.6 full-frame lens (model SEL2870) for about $2000. It will also be offered as a body-only for about $1700."

ziggy53

A few "Ziggy" notes:

While these two bodies have very similar names, a7 and a7R, they are very different internally. From the increased pixel density of the a7R to the (potentially) better AF section of the a7, they will have different shooting properties for both still and video. Why Sony chose this naming structure they do not say, but this will certainly present some marketing challenges to prevent confusion in the marketplace.

These new bodies appear to use a short flange/focus distance, so the previous Sony/Minolta FF lenses will need to be adapted to fit these new body styles. Accordingly, Sony has announced 5 - new lenses specific to these new bodies. Adapters for previous FF lenses are the LA-EA3 and LA-EA4, with the latter providing "... the ultra-fast focusing and shooting capabilities of Sony’s innovative Translucent Mirror Technology."

The a7 and a7R do NOT come with external battery chargers. They are designed to charge batteries in the body.

These new models also seem to mark the end of the Sony "NEX" model line (according to DPReview).

Brett1000

"These new bodies appear to use a short flange/focus distance, so the previous Sony/Minolta FF lenses will need to be adapted to fit these new body styles. Accordingly, Sony has announced 5 - new lenses specific to these new bodies. Adapters for previous FF lenses are the LA-EA3 and LA-EA4, with the latter providing "... the ultra-fast focusing and shooting capabilities of Sony’s innovative Translucent Mirror Technology."

These new models also seem to mark the end of the Sony "NEX" model line (according to DPReview)."

Apparently they can fit any lens (Canon, Nikon,etc.) which could be a smart move

ziggy53

Brett1000 wrote: »

Apparently they can fit any lens (Canon, Nikon,etc.) which could be a smart move

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any powered AF adapters for other manufacturer's lenses, and very few adapters with powered and automatic aperture capabilities for Canon "EOS" and Nikon "G" series lenses.

For older manual-everything lenses, you are correct; this could be a potential benefit for certain genres of photography and video production.

jmphotocraft

These will be a dream for landscape and tripod work and using legacy lenses. However for any other use, if I'm buying a camera that has to be carried in a bag, I will take one with an optical viewfinder every time.

Too bad that 35mm lens isn't f/2.0.

Cameron

I'm biting... preordered the A7r along with the 35mm and the 24-70 f/4 lens.

ziggy53

Cameron wrote: »

I'm biting... preordered the A7r along with the 35mm and the 24-70 f/4 lens.

I'll be interested in your impressions.

ziggy53

PPE 2013: Hands-on with Sony's new A7 / A7R and RX-series cameras

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/10/26/hands-on-with-sony-s-new-a7-a7r-and-rx-series-cameras

ziggy53

The DPReview full review of the Sony Alpha 7 is up:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-alpha-a7



While the reviewers were pretty impressed with many aspects of the camera, AF speed in low light and JPG rendering were troublesome points. Also relatively short battery performance and poor auto-ISO algorithms may challenge some shooting styles.

Still, for an inexpensive, FF, mirrorless body, with competent RAW and a smaller form factor, this could be a solution for some folks. They were also impressed with video performance.

Brett1000

ziggy53 wrote: »

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any powered AF adapters for other manufacturer's lenses, and very few adapters with powered and automatic aperture capabilities for Canon "EOS" and Nikon "G" series lenses.

For older manual-everything lenses, you are correct; this could be a potential benefit for certain genres of photography and video production.

I don't know about a "powered AF" adapter but adapters are being used with Canon EOS lens, albeit dealing with the slow AF

http://www.metabones.com/products/details/MB-EF-E-BM3