Sony Announces New Alpha Full-Frame Sensor Mirrorless Digital Cameras 16 Oct 2013

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Setting a new benchmark in the industry, the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R are the first cameras in the world to offer full-frame interchangeable lens mirrorless photography with auto focus. Both cameras feature an astounding 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor, with the 7 sporting a resolution of 24.3 effective megapixels, and the 7R that comes with 36.4-effective megapixel (approximate) resolution.

This gives photographers limitless artistic and photo-taking opportunities, while delivering detail-packed stills or crisp, cinematic Full HD video. Fast-moving objects are also kept in sharp focus with the new Fast Intelligent AF technology for quick and precise autofocus.

The light, compact new 7 and 7R interchangeable lens full-frame digital cameras from Sony will be available at selected Sony Stores, Sony Centres and Sony authorised dealers from end-November 2013.

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.

The 7 (24.3 effective megapixels) and 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 7R 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 .

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.

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 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 will be available at selected Sony Stores, Sony Centres and Sony authorised dealers from end-November 2013.

Specifications

Modelα7α7R
Lens compatibilitySony E-mount lenses
Image sensorType35mm full frame (35.8×23.9mm), Exmor CMOS sensor35mm full frame (35.9×24.0mm), Exmor CMOS sensor
Number of pixels (effective)Approx. 24.3 megapixelsApprox. 36.4 megapixels
Record
system (still image)
Recording formatJPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format)
Record system (movie)Recording formatAVCHD format Ver. 2.0 compliant/ MP4
MediaMemory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick XC-HG Duo, SD memory card, SDHC memory card (UHS-I compliant), SDXC memory card (UHS-I compliant)
Focus systemTypeFast Hybrid AF
(phase detection AF/
contrast detection AF)
Fast Intelligent AF
(contrast detection AF)
Focus points35mm full frame: 117 points (phase detection AF / 25 points (contrast detection AF)25 points (contrast detection AF)
Exposure controlMetering type1200-zone evaluative metering
ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)Still images: ISO 100-25600 equivalent (1/3 EV step), (ISO numbers up from ISO 50 can be set as expanded ISO range),
AUTO (ISO 100-6400, selectable lower limit and upper limit)
Movies: ISO 200-25600 equivalent (1/3 EV step) / AUTO (ISO 200-6400 equivalent)
ViewfinderType1.3 cm (0.5-type) electronic viewfinder (colour)
Number of dots2,359,296 dots
Field coverage100%
Magnificationapprox. 0.71x (with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m-1) diopter
LCD screenType7.5cm (3.0-type) type TFT
No. of dots921,600 dots
Adjustable angleUp by approx. 90 degrees, Down by approx. 45 degrees
Wi-FiView on smartphoneYes
Send to computerYes
View on TVYes
NFCYes (NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compatible,
One-touch remote, One-touch sharing)
PlayMemories Camera AppsYes
AudioMicrophoneBuilt-in stereo microphones or ECM-CG50/ XLR-K1M (sold separately)
SpeakerBuilt-in, monaural
Headphone TerminalYes (3.5 mm stereo minijack)
Dimensions (excluding protrusions)Approx. 126.9mm x 94.4mm x 48.2mm
WeightApprox. 416g (body only)
Approx. 474g (with battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo included)
Approx. 407g (body only)
Approx. 465g (with battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo included)

As of press time, no exact dates of availability and retail prices are available.

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