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10-16-2013, 01:04 AM   #1
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Sony 24MP and 36MP A7 /A7r first look and pre-order today !

QuoteQuote:
The a7 utilizes a 24.3 megapixel full-frame, 35.8 x 23.9mm CMOS sensor in order to produce high-resolution imagery with notable low-light quality and sensitivity to ISO 25600. The a7R features a 36.3 megapixel full-frame, 35.9 x 24mm CMOS sensor, which integrates a newly developed gapless sensor lens design. This concept incorporates small lenses in between neighboring pixels in order to increase light-gathering efficiency and promote greater image quality across the entirety of the sensor plane. The optimization of placement of on-chip lenses (OCL), especially toward the edges of the sensor, also helps to accommodate the sharper angle of light striking the sensor that is caused by the larger sensor size and short flange distance of the Sony E-mount, which, again, helps to promote even and consistent illumination across the entire imaging plane. The a7R also lacks an optical low-pass filter, which is incorporated into the a7's design, in order to gain maximum sharpness and resolution from a scene. By removing this anti-aliasing filter, though, there is an increased chance of moiré when photographing certain subjects and patterns.

The Focusing

As part of the sensor, but affecting the focusing performance, the a7 combines both 117 densely grouped phase-detection points with a highly accurate contrast-detection focusing method to render the Fast Hybrid system. The phase-detection method enables DSLR-like autofocus speeds while the wide-area contrast-detection method, which is enhanced with the new Spatial Object Detection algorithm, refines the focus for ensured subject sharpness. The a7R differs from the a7 in that it only utilizes a contrast-detection method for focusing, and thus is more geared toward critical focus than it is to overall focusing speed and subject tracking.

Additionally, a new common focusing method shared by both cameras is Eye AF. This highly detail-oriented focusing function can prioritize a subject's pupil and dedicate focusing performance on that for sharply-rendered portraits. When working with Eye AF, a green confirmation frame will be displayed over the selected eye when focus has been acquired, ensuring critical focus on the most important subject within the frame. This function, also, can be assigned to a customizable button for selective use when the need arises.
First Look: Sony Introduces the a7 Full-Frame Mirrorless System | BH inDepth

Sony a7 Mirrorless Digital Camera ILCE7/B B&H Photo Video

Sony a7 Mirrorless Digital Camera ILCE7/B B&H Photo Video

Sony a7 Mirrorless Digital Camera with FE 28-70mm ILCE7K/B B&H

Items | B&H Photo Video

10-16-2013, 01:15 AM   #2
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Sony A7 / A7R First Impressions Review

QuoteQuote:
If there's one thing that you can say about Sony's digital camera business, it's that they've experimented with many different concepts. From SLRs with dual autofocus systems and Translucent Mirror Technology to its NEX mirrorless line-up, Sony has gone down virtually every avenue in digital imaging. Their latest products - the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R - may be the most exciting products to come out of the Sony labs in some time. The Company has managed to create full-frame cameras which are about the same size as the Olympus OM-D E-M1. In other words, much smaller than any other full-frame interchangeable lens camera.

In addition, Sony is also unifying the Alpha and NEX brands, so all future interchangeable lens cameras will now fall under the Alpha umbrella.

The A7 and A7R are identical in terms of design, with the main differences being their sensors and autofocus systems. The A7 features a full-frame 24 megapixel CMOS, while the A7R has a 36 megapixel CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter. The A7 uses an Hybrid AF system (using on-chip phase detection) similar to the one found on the SLT-A99, while the A7R has traditional contrast detection. Both cameras use Sony's new Bionz X processor and also have XGA (1024 x 768 pixel) electronic viewfinders, tilting LCDs, Wi-Fi, and weatherproof bodies that resemble a much-simplified Olympus E-M1.

As you'd expect, Sony had to come up with new lenses to take advantage of the full-frame sensors, and they'll be known as 'FE-series'. There will be five lenses to start (listed below), with ten more promised by 2015. Existing E-mount lenses will work, though they won't illuminate the entire sensor. If you have A-mount lenses laying around, those too will work, as long as you pick up either of Sony's two adapters.

Sony A7 / A7R key 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 big story here are the two full-frame sensors found on the A7R and A7. The A7R's 36 megapixel sensor (sans optical low-pass filter) is likely the same one used in the Nikon D800E. Sony says it is targeting this model for the photographer looks for the best image quality possible - if you don't mind a little moiré. The A7R uses a 'Fast Intelligent' contrast-detect autofocus system that Sony claims is 40% faster than the system on the NEX-7.

For those who don't need 36 million pixels, there's the A7. This camera uses a 24.3 megapixel CMOS sensor with a low-pass filter and on-chip phase detection. This 'Hybrid AF' system will result in speedy focus times, and the ability to shoot at 5 fps with continuous autofocus.

The two cameras may also catch the eye of video enthusiasts. Both can record at 1080/60p and 24p, with manual exposure control, headphone and mic ports, an audio meter, zebra pattern, XLR support (via optional adapter) and live, uncompressed, HDMI output.
Sony A7 / A7R First Impressions Review: Digital Photography Review





10-16-2013, 01:52 AM   #3
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Sony announces five full-frame E-mount 'FE' lenses

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Sony has announced no fewer than five 'FE' full frame E-mount lenses to accompany the A7 and A7R. First up is the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS, an image-stabilised 'kit' zoom for the A7. There are three premium lenses with Zeiss badges: the FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T*, the FE 35mm F2.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T*, and the FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar T*. The fifth lens is a 'G' class telezoom, the FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS.

Sony has also updated its Alpha-mount fast telezoom to make the 70-200mm F2.8G SSM II. This lens gains faster autofocus and updated 'Nano AR' coatings, and is now specified as dust and moisture resistant.

The 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS is the basic 'kit' zoom for the A7, and won't be sold separately. The 35mm F2.8 will cost $799, and be available in December 2013, while the 55mm F1.8 will cost $999 and be in stores January 2014. The premium 24-70mm F4 OSS Carl Zeiss standard zoom will cost $1199 and go in sale in February 2014; pricing and availability of the 70-200mm F4 OSS telezoom are still to be confirmed.

All told, Sony plans to offer a total of 15 FE lenses by 2015, including a macro and a wide-angle zoom.
Sony announces five full-frame E-mount 'FE' lenses, updates 70-200mm: Digital Photography Review

10-16-2013, 02:01 AM   #4
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10-16-2013, 04:45 AM   #5
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The Full Frame E-mount Lens roadmap: 15 lenses will be launched until late 2015.

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This is the Sony FE Lens roadmap! What we can expect:
- One Zeiss fast prime lens in 2014 (hurray!)
- One Zeiss f/4.0 wide angle zoom
- One G macro lens
- By end of 2015 a total of 15 lenses will be released (today’s five announced lenses included).
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/the-full-frame-e-mount-lens-roadmap-15-lenses...til-late-2015/

10-16-2013, 06:30 AM   #6
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Sony Alpha 7R Hands-On

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It's frankly astonishing how small the A7R is when you realize that it's a full-frame interchangeable lens camera. If you imagine it without the grip (which really is helpful for just about any sized hand) it's hardly larger than the diminutive RX1. It is smaller than just about any APS-C sized Compact System Camera, including the Fuji X-Pro 1 and is a close match in size to the new MFT format Olympus OM-D E-M1. Put another way, this is the smallest interchangeable lens full-frame camera ever made, and that includes the Leica M8, M9 and M 240. It's a hefty beast, though its mass speaks well of its robust construction.

This is a full frame camera for people who always said that full frame cameras were too large.

The A7R has a new lens mount based on the NEX E mount. It's called FE, with F obviously standing for full-frame. Even though the mount is Full Frame rather than APS-C, all Sony NEX compatible E mount lenses fit without an adaptor and work normally. Of course since they only cover the APS-C format the camera recognizes this and the frame is cropped automatically. You end up with roughtly a 24MM APS-C camera, akin to a NEX-7.
Sony A7R Hands-On



10-16-2013, 07:01 AM   #7
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This should have been a Pentax

10-16-2013, 07:23 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by Pablom Quote
This should have been a Pentax
Absolutely, it's the no-nonsense design and functionality of the K1000.
10-16-2013, 08:16 AM   #9
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I agree with above... I was really hoping Pentax might be first out with a full-frame mirrorless (as some rumors seemed to suggest that was what they've been working on.)

One thing that I found interesting in the DPR article (assuming it is correct) is that there will be no more NEX cameras, as they are combining the Alpha and NEX lines from here on out.

Sony A7 / A7R First Impressions Review: Digital Photography Review (Second Paragraph):

"In addition, Sony is also unifying the Alpha and NEX brands, so all future interchangeable lens cameras will now fall under the Alpha umbrella."
10-16-2013, 08:27 AM - 1 Like   #10
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Let's hope that Pentax has a mirrorless Full Frame with a new mount in the works.

IBIS
DNG
Better ergonomics
Limited Lenses
Quiet Shutter
10-16-2013, 09:57 AM   #11
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36MP Sony A7r vs 36MP Nikon D800E size comparison !




10-16-2013, 10:31 AM   #12
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At launch, how many FE lenses are available for it? For an FF I'd be looking at least 14-24 and 25-70 and 70-200 to be covered with 20, 30, 50, 70 and 105 macro primes, just to make it a functional system.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/10/16/sony-announces-five-full-frame-e-mou...dated-70-200mm

QuoteQuote:
Sony has announced no fewer than five 'FE' full frame E-mount lenses to accompany the A7 and A7R. First up is the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS, an image-stabilised 'kit' zoom for the A7. There are three premium lenses with Zeiss badges: the FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T*, the FE 35mm F2.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T*, and the FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar T*. The fifth lens is a 'G' class telezoom, the FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS.

Sony has also updated its Alpha-mount fast telezoom to make the 70-200mm F2.8G SSM II. This lens gains faster autofocus and updated 'Nano AR' coatings, and is now specified as dust and moisture resistant.

The 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS is the basic 'kit' zoom for the A7, and won't be sold separately. The 35mm F2.8 will cost $799, and be available in December 2013, while the 55mm F1.8 will cost $999 and be in stores January 2014. The premium 24-70mm F4 OSS Carl Zeiss standard zoom will cost $1199 and go in sale in February 2014; pricing and availability of the 70-200mm F4 OSS telezoom are still to be confirmed.
Answered my own question.
10-16-2013, 12:13 PM   #13
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This looks like an attractive alternative to the D800E, if enough good lenses are on the way. I would need something wider than 24mm - 17mm would do it. If the 24-70 and 70-200 are high IQ lenses, that would be enough for me.

Pentax had better move it or lose it.
10-16-2013, 12:57 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by civiletti Quote
This looks like an attractive alternative to the D800E, if enough good lenses are on the way. I would need something wider than 24mm - 17mm would do it. If the 24-70 and 70-200 are high IQ lenses, that would be enough for me.

Pentax had better move it or lose it.
I have two lenses wider than my 24mm F1.4 Rokinon that I use with my full frame Sony NEX-VG900 , the SMC Pentax-M 20mm F4 and Sigma 15mm F2.8 .
10-16-2013, 01:15 PM   #15
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Samyang

FWIW, Sanyang has E-mount lenses 2 months away



Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC
Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS IF UMC
Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC
Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AS UMC
Samyang 85mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC
Samyang Sony E-mount series will allow all Sony NEX owners to fully experience high quality optics without additional adapters. Giving the fact, that lenses are prepared for 35mm format, they will perfectly work with not only APS-C cameras, such as Sony NEX 7, but also with the newest Sony Alpha 7R and Sony Alpha 7.
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