Sony releases full-frame compact system cameras A7 and A7R

Sony has beefed up its line of full-frame compact cameras after the R1X and R1XR with the release of two E-mount compact interchangeable lens cameras – the A7 and A7R.

Both new models offer a full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor, with the A7 fitted with 24.3 megapixels, while the A7R uses a 36.4-megapixel sensor that has been designed to offer better low-light performances. “It features a new ‘gapless’ on-chip lens design, which eliminates gaps between adjacent pixels,” says Sony. “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.” The A7R also doesn’t use an optical low-pass filter.

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The A7 and A7R share the same Bionz X image processing engine, which is said to “maximise detail and reduce image noise over a wide ISO 100-25600 sensitivity range – expandable down to ISO 50 and up to ISO 51,200 with Multi-Frame Noise Reduction”.

The A7 uses an enhanced Fast Hybrid autofocus system that “combines speedy phase detection AF with highly accurate contrast detection AF, which has been accelerated through a new Spatial Object Detection algorithm”. The A7R has a new Fast Intelligent AF that “ensures speedy, accurate autofocus and is designed to be fully customisable to exactly suit your precise photographic demands, with nine customisable buttons and 46 assignable functions”, says Sony.

Both models also share the same high-contrast, high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder, as well as a tiltable three-inch LCD screen. They offer Near Field Communication and wifi connections to enable operation from a wide range of smartphones and tablets.

The A7 has a retail price of £1300, while the A7R will come with a £1600 price tag. Both models will be released in late November.

For more information, visit www.sony.co.uk.