Sony α7 & α7R

[Graham_of_Rainham]

These look very interesting...

Have you got hold of one yet Ian ?

[Ian]

Re: Sony α7 & α7R

HI Graham, went to see them today and had a play. I also have a small number of sample images. Only just got back but will be working on hands-on preview articles this evening!

Personally, I think image quality looks promising and the cameras have a solid feel to them with what appears to be good controls and layout - it's too early to judge on how good. The cameras are remarkably small and light for full frame. They are weather and dust sealed, too. Pricing is quite attractive as well. The OLED viewfinder offers a nice big view. The spec. of some of the new and proposed lenses is interesting too. You can use NEX lenses if you want as the mount is the same. The camera can crop automatically to about 16MP I understand (not yet sure if that is the A7 or the A7R). WiFi onboard is really to be expected so no surprise there. There is a good quality tilting screen but this up/down only.

At this stage it is relatively easy to notice deficiencies compared to rivals and these, are, so far:

1. Relatively noisy and unrefined shutter
2. Only 4 or 5 frames per second sequential shooting (A7R and A7, respectively)
3. No in-body image stabilisation so unless you have compatible stabilised lenses there is no IS.
4. No phase detect AF on the premium A7R model, only on the lower-spec. A7.
5. If you want to use older lenses which don't have an integrated AF motor, you need to use the more expensive SLT/mirror Alpha mount adapter, even on the A7 which has phase-detect AF on the sensor.
6. There is no touch-screen facility.
7. No onboard GPS.
8. OLED viewfinder can be stuttery.

Personally, I really don't like the styling - or at least just the 'pentaprism' area - it's too stark and angular. The grip is very nice though and very comfortable to hold.

Ian

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Sony α7 & α7R

Thanks Ian, that's an extensive pre-review and you have already answered some of the questions I had in mind to ask.

Much appreciated