Sony announces a7R, A7 and RX10 cameras and range of new lenses
Sony today announced its new range of cameras including the a7 (Alpha 7) and a7R (Alpha 7R) interchangeable lens cameras and premium bridge camera the RX10.
Along with the cameras come a range of lenses and adapters to ensure that any A-mount lenses are compatible with E-mount cameras.
Sony is touting the a7R as the most compact and lightest full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera ever with autofocus. Aimed mainly at professionals the Sony a7R packs a new Exmor CMOS sensor that offers 36.4 megapixels and a new BIONZ X processor that is approximately three times faster than previously.
Autofocus performance has also been improved with 35% quicker contrast detection, while the view-finder now comes with wide field of view.
Measuring just 126.9mm x 94.4mm x 48.2mm and weighing 465g the Sony a7R is one of the most feature rich cameras for its size and includes 4K photo output, NFC and Wi-Fi. It can also shoot pro-quality HD video with features such as audio level control, HDMI output and Clear Image Zoom.
The a7 is the mid-range offering with a 35mm full-frame 24.3 megapixel sensor in a compact shell that is the same size as the a7R although a touch heavier at 474g. The a7 offers portability with features we’d expect from larger cameras such as low noise/high sensitivity shooting and a wide dynamic range and depth of field for bokeh effects. It comes with a view finder as well as a LCD screen and the new BIONZ X-processor that enables the a7 to shoot full-HD video without limiting the pixel count.
The a7 and a7R are E-mount and their magnesium alloy bodies are dust and moisture resistant although the levels have not been clarified.
Both are available to order now but will go on general sale at the end of November. The a7R is priced at £1700 (body only) while the a7 costs £1300 body only or £1550 with a 28-70mm lens.
The third camera announced by Sony is a bridge camera called the Cyber-shot RX10. It packs a 20.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and the same new BIONZ X processor as the a7R and a7. The non-changeable lens is a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) 8.3 x zoom lens.
The RX10 will also be available late November and will cost £999.
Six new lenses will also be available as well as two mount adapters:
- SEL35F28Z: Carl Zeiss Sonnar T FE 35mm F2.8 ZA
- SEL55F18Z: Carl Zeiss Sonnar T FE 55mm F1.8 ZA
- SEL2470Z: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
- SEL2870: FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
- SEL70200G: FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
- SAL70200G2: 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM II (A-mount)
- LA-EA4: 35mm full-frame mount adaptor with translucent mirror technology and AF motor
- LA-EA3: Mount Adaptor 35mm full-frame mount adaptor
For a full list of specs for all the cameras and lenses continue to the next page alternatively you can read about the Best Cameras of 2013
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
