Mirrorless cameras are catching up to DSLR cameras, with the Sony Alpha 7 and 7R providing the first full frame sensors in a small frame camera.
As previously reported by The Inquisitr , smartphone cameras have been getting better as well, with the sensor of the iPhone 5S being dramatically increased in size . It’s possible the Apple iPad 5 camera may get the same treatment , as well.
Sony has been using multiple approaches in developing camera technology, from the standard DSLR to dual autofocus systems to Translucent Mirror Technology. The Sony Alpha 7 and 7R represent the latest mirrorless cameras, but what makes them so exciting is that they’re the first full-frame interchangeable lens camera that could fit in your pocket. DSLR cameras tend to be bulky but the Sony Alpha 7 and 7R will provide the quality level of medium grade DSLRs yet at a smaller physical size.
So what is the difference between the two models of these mirrorless cameras ? The Sony A7 features a full-frame 24 megapixel CMOS, while the Sony A7R has a 36 megapixel CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter. The A7 uses a Hybrid Auto-Focus system, while the Sony A7R has traditional contrast detection.
The new line of mirrorless cameras will use new lenses called the FE-series which are designed to take advantage of the full-frame sensors. The 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS will come with the Sony A7 package while the other four lenses will launch over a period of months starting in December.
Sony A7 / A7R Features
- 24.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with OLPF [A7]
- 36.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with no OLPF [A7R]
- E-mount with support for FE, E, and A-mount lenses (with adapter)
- Bionz X image processor
- Hybrid AF system with 25 contrast-detect and 117 phase-detect points [A7 only]
- Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots
- XGA (2.4 million dot) electronic viewfinder
- Diffraction correction technology
- Full HD video recording at 1080/60p and 24p; uncompressed HDMI output
- Wi-Fi with NFC capability and downloadable apps
The Sony A7 release date price in December is $1999 with the lenses and $1699 without. The Sony A7R will sell for $2299, available as body only.
Are you excited about these new mirrorless cameras ?
