The twin camera models recently launched by Sony will definitely amaze
you, once you have tested them. Suggestively Alpha (the first, the one), the impeccable
models are a new chapter for Sony, that expects to become the leader in the
arena of professional cameras.
Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R are compact full-frame cameras, providing you
a well-deserved interchangeable lens experience. Sony fulfilled its bet on
improving its popular interchangeable lens cameras, also releasing essential
NEX updates, but much more was needed, since the old APS-C sensors were quite limited.
Once you will have them in your hands, you will be surprised to notice that
fresh Sony cameras aren't perfect just for taking photos, they can be used for
1080/60p video, if you wish, you can also add a microphone to your camera or a
HDMI port. Globally, both cameras will deliver soft, vivid photos thanks to the
70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens pattern, particularly compared with Zeiss lenses' performance
(55 mm f/1.8 lens model). Encapsulated into retro-styled magnesium bodies, the
gorgeous twins will also satisfy your passion for refinement, as well as your
need for a dust and moisture resistance. Probably, the only details that will
disturb you at Alpha 7R is the loud shutter and the absence of a low-pass
filter.
Alpha 7 is the cheaper model ($1.700) freshly released by Sony,
featuring a 24.3 MP camera and full-frame CMOS sensor. Comparing with its big
brother, Alpha 7 is quicker while shooting, being enhanced with an electronic shutter.
Another advantage included by Alpha 7 is the superior autofocus with 117 phase
and 25 contrast-detect points, while Alpha 7R preserves the last feature. Both
Alpha and Alpha 7R include an enhanced Bionz X processor, enabling a reliable
RAW feature, a 25.600 top ISO, a particular area dedicated to noise reduction,
a built-in grip to securely hold your camera in any condition and updated
diffraction-reduction abilities. Sony updated its menu layout, so you don't
have to waste time anymore browsing back and forward for the desired options,
all you have to do is to easily scroll on multiple pages. The LCD performance
wasn't Sony hot point, but the new generation of cameras promises to solve this
issue, since they are equipped with a XGA OLED viewfinder, 3-inch LCD balancing
up to 84 degrees and down to 45 degrees. The result is that you will obtain a
sharp depth view. If you are a Sony loyal customer, you will immediately notice
that Sony mixed features belonging to its old Alpha DSLRs or NEXs, in order to
create a new pattern. If Sony succeeded or not, it's up to you to decide.
Alpha 7R, the model that received more positive feedback comparing with
its sibling, is estimated at $2.300-$2.400. The robust, yet light camera is
able to take pictures at full frame of 36.4 MP resolution, as well as to record
at 14-bit RAW format. Comparing with previous cameras released by Sony, the new
star provides a direct and fast access interface, so that you always have
control on your shooting. You don't have to be a professional photographer to
handle Alpha 7 or Alpha 7R, if you have used before Sony cameras or if you
carefully read its specifications, you will find it easy like a Sunday morning
to shoot in cloudy environment or nighttime. As any other ultimate gadget, Sony
Alpha 7R will simply connect to smartphones or tablets via NFC or Wi-Fi, the
app that is required for this feature is already available on Google Play and
iOS app store.
Proudly promoted as the first mirrorless camera with an accurate
autofocus on the market, Alpha 7R has to face a strong rival emerging, Leica M
240, offering the same performance, but at an increased cost ($6.950-$7.000). For
the moment, the revolutionary Sony camera is available as preorder on Sony
official store.
All in all, although they will enter on the market at a premium price
level, Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7 will draw attention through premium results,
being a worthy investment for professional photographers or amateur
photographers. From my point of view, the $600 difference of price between the
twins is a direct invitation related to a particular customer category: amateur
shooters are likely to purchase the affordable Alpha 7, while the other
customers will prefer the professional touch of Alpha 7R.
