Sony has announced details of two compact interchangeable-lens cameras with full-frame 36 x 24mm sensors. The A7 and A7R are described by Sony as, "the world’s smallest and lightest 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens cameras."
While the two mirrorless models are almost identical in appearance, there are some important differences on the inside. The cheaper A7 offers a 24.3-megapixel sensor and faster all-round performance, while the premium A7R uses a 36.4-megapixel sensor and, like a growing band of high-end cameras, has done away with the anti-aliasing filter to improve sharpness and clarity.
The all-new format has necessitated the design of a new compact full-frame lens mount and Sony and Carl Zeiss have initially announced five new full-frame FE-mount lenses to accompany the cameras. Additionally, a new adaptor allows the cameras to be paired with almost any Sony A-mount lens.
The first two lenses, which will be released in November, are: the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA (RRP $999), and the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS (only available as a kit with the A7). Another two lenses will be available in January 2014: the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA (RRP $1299) and the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS (RRP $1499). An additional lens, the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS, will be released later in 2014. Pricing for this lens has not yet been announced.
The layout of the cameras will be familiar to NEX users with front and back dials plus a control wheel and exposure compensation dial. There's also a built-in high-resolution XGA OLED viewfinder as well as a tilting 3in (76mm) LCD screen.
The 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor in both cameras incorporates light concentration and photo diode expansion technologies, while the A7R also features a new ‘gapless’ on-chip lens design that eliminates gaps between adjacent pixels.
Both cameras can capture Full HD video (50p/25p) with HDMI output that allows videos to be viewed on an external monitor or recorded on another device.
Sony's Fast Intelligent AF is used in both models though the A7 supplements this with with phase detection autofocus. Other features include built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, which allows images to be transferred wirelessly and the cameras to be remotely controlled with an Android or iOS phone or tablet. The A7's rigid metal frame is complemented by a magnesium alloy external top cover that contributes to a weight of just 416g. The A7R has a magnesium alloy body and is slightly lighter at 407g.
The A7 and A7R are expected to be available in stores in November 2013 with the A7 retailing for $1999 (body only) or $2199 with the Sony 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens. The A7R will retail for $2499, body only.
