Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R hands-on preview and sample images

[DPNow]

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Sony has revealed two new full frame mirrorless interchangeable lens system cameras based on what we have known until now as Sony's APS-C NEX system. The new 24 megapixel Alpha 7 and 36 megapixel Alpha 7R (R for resolution) use the same lens mount as Sony's NEX cameras but Sony has now admitted that it has abandoned the NEX brand.



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[John Perriment]

Re: Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R hands-on preview and sample images

Looks very interesting, particularly the 7R for ultimate landscapes. If I was younger, richer (or at least had a reasonable disposable income like I once did) and still serious about landscapes I would be very tempted. No, let's be honest, I'd buy one before you could say "PIN number."

For a general use, take anywhere cover almost anything system, though, I still favour the OM-D range and its lenses.

I wonder how existing APS-C NEX owners will feel about this?

[Ian]

Re: Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R hands-on preview and sample images

Looks very interesting, particularly the 7R for ultimate landscapes. If I was younger, richer (or at least had a reasonable disposable income like I once did) and still serious about landscapes I would be very tempted. No, let's be honest, I'd buy one before you could say "PIN number."

For a general use, take anywhere cover almost anything system, though, I still favour the OM-D range and its lenses.

I wonder how existing APS-C NEX owners will feel about this?

I'd have thought existing NEX users might feel slightly confused at the dumping of the NEX brand, but also buoyed by the upgrade path to full frame and the fact that their existing lenses will work on the A7 bodies at a crop resolution.

Ian

[Bob Ross]

Re: Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R hands-on preview and sample images

At first I didn't get too excited, but I began to think of it as a host for my M Leica lenses and it got more interesting. I'll be watching that front. My old Maxxum lenses could be used, but only the 85/1.4 wouldn't be embarrassed in these pixel densities.
I am wondering about your comments about IBIS and these being FF sensors. I do recall some difficulties with FF geometries of vibrating sensors. Then, it could be a size issue, too.
I think they may have a very popular idea here. The loud shutter sound in earlier K-M DSLRs was an engineering choice to absorb/convert vibrational enegy into sound rather than damp it in body mass. That we get something for the loud sound may fall on deaf ears.....hehe
Bob

[John Perriment]

Re: Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R hands-on preview and sample images

At first I didn't get too excited, but I began to think of it as a host for my M Leica lenses and it got more interesting. I'll be watching that front. My old Maxxum lenses could be used, but only the 85/1.4 wouldn't be embarrassed in these pixel densities.
I am wondering about your comments about IBIS and these being FF sensors. I do recall some difficulties with FF geometries of vibrating sensors. Then, it could be a size issue, too.
I think they may have a very popular idea here. The loud shutter sound in earlier K-M DSLRs was an engineering choice to absorb/convert vibrational enegy into sound rather than damp it in body mass. That we get something for the loud sound may fall on deaf ears.....hehe
Bob

With your Leica lenses, Bob, I would think the A7R would be right up your street. Interesting thought about shutter vibration being converted into sound, I'd never considered that before.

[Ian]

Re: Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R hands-on preview and sample images

At first I didn't get too excited, but I began to think of it as a host for my M Leica lenses and it got more interesting. I'll be watching that front. My old Maxxum lenses could be used, but only the 85/1.4 wouldn't be embarrassed in these pixel densities.
I am wondering about your comments about IBIS and these being FF sensors. I do recall some difficulties with FF geometries of vibrating sensors. Then, it could be a size issue, too.
I think they may have a very popular idea here. The loud shutter sound in earlier K-M DSLRs was an engineering choice to absorb/convert vibrational enegy into sound rather than damp it in body mass. That we get something for the loud sound may fall on deaf ears.....hehe
Bob

Sounds like an elaborate excuse to me

Ian

[Bob Ross]

Re: Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R hands-on preview and sample images

Sounds like an elaborate excuse to me

Ian

Spoken like a true E-1 owner
Bob

[Bob Ross]

Re: Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R hands-on preview and sample images

With your Leica lenses, Bob, I would think the A7R would be right up your street. Interesting thought about shutter vibration being converted into sound, I'd never considered that before.

Hi John,
The good part about the M Leica lenses is that I have had them for years and have seen how they write on all the mediums. I have shot them on a Nikon V2 and if you size that CX sensor up to FF it would be 105MP. All six lenses seem to handle that density fine. I might have some corner problems with the 28.2.8 Elmarit, but someone gave it a quick try and gave a good report. I've never been a wide angle rangefinder shooter so 28mm is my wide end and I got it for the M8 where it is eqv of 37mm.
It will be fun to watch all those lens testors out there
Bob

[mike_j]

Re: Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R hands-on preview and sample images

I'm also interested for my Leica and Zeiss lenses. I have stuck with the Leica M8, just could not justify an M9 until now though the price of good ones has dropped significantly recently.

I'm hoping to get to try an A7 or A7R next month. It's interesting that Voigtlander have introduced the VM-E Close Focus adapter which will let the M mount lenses focus closer than usual.

[majorjkg]

Re: Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R hands-on preview and sample images

"Personally, I'm not a fan of the rather stark and angular 'pentaprism' but this is a very personal point of view and I'm sure many will agree with me while others will love it."

I agree with you 100%. The NEX 7 is quite a handsome camera--the Alpha 7, not so much!

Dropping the "NEX" name was an unfortunate decision which will result in confusion. It is almost certainly the precursor to dropping the Alpha mount, leaving only the E-Mount. Maybe not next year, but soon!

Sony is calling the full frame E-Mount lenses FE, Sony should have used that name on the new camera as well (Sony Alpha FE7) or does Nikon own that right?

John