Hands on 1st Impressions: The Sony A7, A7r and RX10

341 Comments

1. For me these cameras are the future- still need to get controls sorted for professionals – but I am now shooting my weddings on all sony equipment – great review the efforts that Sony are putting into photography at the moment are huge.

2. Hi Steve: great work, but once you said the sony a7r has too many megapixels and that is it. Then you say that the a7 is the way to go. Could you simplify this? I am not a pro but love the technology of sony. Thank you for your time in this matter.

3. Hi Steve, I’m excited about this Sony A7r because I am thinking that I can once again use my collection of Canon FD lenses, I’d like to know when you get around to testing the Sony A7r with legacy glass before I commit myself, presently shoot a GH1 with the FD lenses but the RX100 has got it beat so maybe it’s time to part with the FD’s I don’t know.

4. This camera would be perfect on a stabilized handheld gimbal like the ones made by StableGimbal.com.
   I will definitely need to pick this camera up to use on my StableGimbal unit.

5. steve

   8 months ago, i was well poisoned by the RX1 and after viewing your blog. I brought the RX1 and believed that it is the camera for life……. until i heard about A7(r)……
   If i was SONY, i would be struggle to position RX1(r) in my product portfolio. With the ICL and EVF and improved focus speed. Who still want a RX1?
   I am starting to believe that the RX1 was an experiment, a bloody successful one. With this all around improved successor A7(r), RX1 is going to fade out the market very soon. For a $3000 camera like RX1, the product life is little low.

6. Wonder what Hasselblad will call it?

   • Chris, In London rhyming slang it would be My Pink Pony!

     • Could be Steve’s next competition to win a “Sony A7r”.
       Guess the name of Hasselblads new, £17,000 full frame mirrorless Camera.
       With large cumbersome grip made from White Rhino Horn.
       Or something like that……..

       • LOL

7. Steve and others:
   Reading through the comments here and trying to determine whether to get the a7 or the a7r. Is the AF on the a7 significantly better that it outweighs the benefit of the extra megapixels on the a7r? Or is the a7rAF good enough to make the extra pixels worth it. I do alot of street shooting.

8. Thanks for the thorough and helpful pre-release review, Steve. I noticed you are getting the 35 and the 55. Would getting the 24-70 (coming out in Jan.?), or the 16-70 (which would be 24-105 on the FF a7r) give the same quality as each of the primes? (They’re all Zeiss lenses.) Thanks for your further thoughts on this lens choice.

9. Oh man, Just pre-ordered an A7, now its time to scrape together the money, good thing is, in Australia Sony are offering a free metabones adaptor of your choice with a a7 or a7r body preorder, and CameraPro.com.au are offering a good price on both bodies that doesn’t include a massive mark-up over the US (We have a %10 sales tax don’t forget).

10. Steve, What about the viewfinder of the rx10 compared to the Nex 7 and how big the view is?
    Thanks

11. I’m sure your getting rid off Leica M but keeping the glass of course show us some pictures please 🙂 Castle Leslie ain’t that far from here ! Was there any UFO s !

    • Do not be so sure of anything 🙂 I will show pictures when I get to use the camera. I do not have one, nor have access to one for another week.

12. I’m using a Sony RX1r, and the most annoying thing is that it auto-focuses at shooting aperture rather than wide open. In order to focus with the lens wide open one has to manually set it on f/2.0, focus, and then adjust to the shooting aperture.

    Do you know if the A7/A7r will behave like an SLR and focus wide open, and close down for the exposure?

    Thanks.

13. Looks really nice and has quite impressive features – I think the real issue will be fast zoom lenses – they will be heavy and large – So now Sony is just releasing slow zooms and some primes.
    Sony will need to start pumping out more lenses as paying $1000 for a 35mm F2.8 is not a great way to start 🙂 as FF 35mm F1.8 lenses are much much cheaper – maybe a 35mm F1.4 for $1000

    I will get one when I seem more lenses come out especially if they can make fast zooms like 24-70 F2.8 and 70-200 F2.8 that are not as large and heavy as current DSLR lenses and of course hoping they will not be as much

14. Hi Steve, I was wondering if you thought the new Zeiss FE 35/2.8 or Voigtlander Nokton 35 1.2 Aspherical II would be the better lens for the a7r? Thanks.

    • The 35 2.8 is MUCH smaller, lighter and has AF. It is also insanely sharp wide open and provides some shallow DOF even at 2.8. The Voigtlander…great lens but I have never used it on the Sony so can not say.

      • Thanks for your input Steve and this is a great site!

15. I am interested to know if the way the sensor has been designed for the short flange lenses is going to be any sort of a problem with normal lenses used via an adaptor? I’m thinking of using it with a Canon 24 TS mark 2 lens but want to know if there will be any issues using shift on a perspective control lens? Lets hope not. I also agree with other posts here in that I have had and know of many other people who have had terrible experiences with Sony products breaking just out of warranty. As a professional I wouldn’t want it to break on a shoot and swap back to my Canon 5 d mark 3 which is frankly a bit of a disappointment in the dynamic range department! The build of the body sounds great but what is the quality of the inside components? Only time will tell.

16. Steve – Will this work with the Canon 35L f1/4 or 85 mm lens ? Those are the two lens I own. Will they need an adaptor? ( thinking of the 7r)

17. I also have the voigtlander 12mm ultra wide lens and wondering how it would do/fare on the a7r. I’ve used it on the NEX 5 and NEX 6 with very good results. I also use a ’71 vintage super pentax takumar (non smc which i de-yellowed with ultra violet sunlight) 50mm f1.4; voigtlander heliar 75mm f2.5 and and voigtlander ultron 35mm f1.7 and just love it over the kit lens 16-50mm or 18-55mm. I also use a helicoid adapter leica m to sony e mount adapter which allows me to get much closer to my subjects along with being able to infinity focus.

18. Steve can you describe the battery compartment. I have the new 5 and 6 and both have plastic covers. My sony cyber shot is the same too. Was wondering if the a7r with the better build made the battery cover better too.
    Thanks,
    Wes

19. If you want to shoot video with the a7’s which is going to be best?

20. Hi Steve – Can you confirm if focus peaking will work on the A7r when using non-Sony lenses with an adapter? Also, does focus peaking use the same method as in the RX1, where one can only focus peak when the EVF is “zoomed in” on the focal point, or does focus peaking work when the entire image is visible in the EVF? Finally, in the A7r when using a non-Sony lens, is there a way to manually set the focal length of the lens in menus so that the focal length will appear in EXIF data?

    • Focus peaking works with manual non Sony lenses with adapter (what it was made for really). You do not need to be zoomed in to have peaking and since Sony is the originator of focus peaking, it is the best implementation of it yet.

      • I use the focus peaking a lot on my old Rokkor Glass, this sensor and software goes further and shows you if the pupil of your subject is in focus for portrait and street photography , which is a brilliant enhancement, so Steve would you check that feature out when using your manual lenses with adapter please

21. Dear Steve Huff,

    Please compare it with the RX1/RX1r and let us (the people who bought these cameras) know the significance in the overall experience and image quality. I already have the RX1r and I am very satisfied with it. I am just very curious and would really like to know. Thanks, and I apprecifate your reviews and efforts! Please keep up the good work! Good luck!

    Best regards,
    Yousif

    • – I meant to compare them (the RX1/RX1r) with the A7/A7r*
      – Explain the significant differences in the overall experience/IQ in comparison with the A7/A7r**

      Sorry, I was overly excited and did not proof read what I wrote. 😛

22. The reason I would want a full-frame mirrorless camera is for the silent shutter. You said it was loud! What is making the noise? Is there a silent mode?
    I thought this would be my dream camera as a pro photog–no loud mirror slaps.

    • Still is my dream camera, as long as it performs in the real world which I will find out very soon.

      • I want a silent camera that I can shoot at 3200 ISO in meetings. Not a lot of grain. I thought this new Sony was the answer.
        Is there anything out there?

23. Hey Steve,

    I did some digging and finally answered my own question. The A7r has magnesium front plate AND the mode dial and exposure compensation dial are solid aluminum. The A7 has a plastic front plate and the two dials have a aluminum top with rubber grip surrounding them. I looked at some more photos and this seems to be the case. I know it may not be important to everyone, but to me, I like to know ALL the differences – even minor cosmetic ones. Thanks for all your work.

24. Ey Steve.. I have a couple of questions. When using the Leica-M to Nex adapter on the A73, did you have to set the camera to crop? I would like to try some manual lenses with this baby..!

    Cheers!

    • No, you will not use crop mode. You will use it as a full frame lens but you do need the adapter of course. A 50 is a 50 as it is full frame.

25. Is anyone else planning on getting the A7r and the LA-EA4 for the phase detection AF? I was thinking this would be a good compromise for shooting kids sports games, birds, etc.

    Thoughts?

26. That RX10 reminds me a bit of the Leica R9. Cool

27. Like a lot of people, I am very interested in the shutter sound. I found this online…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lUX0RubcY

    • sounds like an industrial stapler!

28. “Add to this that the lens is an image stabalized f/2.8 constant aperture 28-200…”

    If I’m not mistaken this is a 24mm to 200mm lens. 8.8mm * 2.7 crop factor = 23.76mm.
    This makes the lens even more awesome.

    Better correct that Steve! 😉

29. Steve, after all the feedback here and your great reviews on the Olympus OM-D E-M1 I am kind of confused.

    Which camera is the right decision? Besides the fact of having an FF camera with the Sony it seems that the Olympus is the better choice in terms of Price and – much more important – choice of great lenses.

    My focus is on landscapes, architecture and now my new born son. Video is a nice to have option; using my GoPro for Videos most of the time anyway.

    What would be your recommendation?

    • I like a few cameras. The M, the E-M1, RX1, the A7 series, the Nikon V1…

      All depends on what you want in a camera. Do you want a fully polished and mature camera that will not be huge and heavy yet have a pro build and loads of amazingly good lenses? E-M1. Just as capable as APS-C but with much better usability and speed.

      Do you want a superb HQ full frame? If a fixed 35 is OK, the RX1 cant be beat. If you want to try all kinds of lenses, the A7 looks like the real deal (yet still needs review). The Leica M has its quirks but is a thing of beauty if your bank acct can handle it with a lens or two (Though the Sony may outperform it in IQ).

      All depends on your needs and wants and likes.

      For me, it will be the E-M1 and a few lenses for different scenarios and an A7r for those times I want flat out resolution or creamy dreamy portraits or special effects with fast primes. Two different kinds of system.

      If I were a pro I would have no issue with either as my main system.

30. Can anyone comment on how the EVF in the A7r is different from the Nex-7 EVF? They both are 2.4M dots. Does the term ‘high contrast’ mean better DR than Nex-7? I’m not complaining, and really looking forward to the A7r, just hoping Sony have improved it, and if so, how. I know that the experience of using the EVF in the A7r will be different than Nex-7, but that can be accounted for by the improved sensor, and perhaps faster processor.

    • The EVF in the A7 and A7r is the same one as the $500 external EVF of the RX1 which is quite an improvement over the NEX-7 EVF.

      • Steve – I can’t find any info anywhere that would explain why the RX1 EVF is better than Nex-7, other than the difference in the sensor of the RX1. I am tending toward the ‘no difference’ in the EVF, but a whole lot of difference in the signal supplied to it explanation.

        • Found my answer. There is a difference: primarily in the optics, and in the OLED contrast. (3x the A99, according to my source.) Much broader dioptic adjustment than the Nex-7, as well. From my perspective, the big difference in the EVF is greater DR.

31. Would love to see the new beast testet with Leica M 3,4/21mm, 1,4/35 FLE (most important), 1,4/50 Lux (most important), 2,0/75 Cron, 2,0/90 Cron, 3,4/135 APO (most important). Means the complete bandwidth.
    Thanks for all the efforts!!!

32. Having had a couple of days since this broke to think about this camera, I can say that to me, the styling is no great shakes. A bit like a RX100 pumped up to RX1 in size and then grafting on a viewfinder and grip. No attempt to put any curves on it because that will only increase the size. Very Sony.

    Having said all that, the styling isn’t really what matters. This camera, A7R, is ground-breaking and I applaud Sony for doing it, much like they did with the RX1. Will I buy one, I’m pretty certain I will. Not sure about the grip though. Sorry Steve, but it will be through a Europe based supplier due to customs, import duties etc. Where I am, buying anything from a non European supplier is quite simply a huge pain.

33. Steve,
    Could you clarify something for me. Will using an f-mount to NEX adapter provide full frame coverage? Say I’d like to use a CV 20mm f/2.8 lens on the a7, will I get a crop mode image or a full frame 20mm image? Or is there an adapter for the F-mount in the works that will cover the full frame? I look forward to your reply.
    Cheers,
    JSV

    • If using a full frame lens you will get full frame coverage.

      • Sweet!

34. Huffy thanks for your excellent work as usual. I have an M9 and have had a M240 on back order for months now, but had just been wondering whether to wait for the next M 2xx to come along, now it looks like Sony has made it!

    Pleased to know the 35mm and 50mm Luxs work well. However I really do need to know if my beautiful CZM 18mm will work on the A7r first…. and come to think of it, I still have not sold the little gem Voigtlander 15mm that worked so beautifully on my M8.

    I started with Minolta (for the glass) and whilst I have been a bit unfaithful to Sony with the Leicas, I do still run an A900 with CZ and G glass and have a RX100 in my briefcase always. I always thought Sony’s acquisition of KM should come good, given their own production video business. Finally the A7r might do everything…with all my lenses… only better!

    Please test the wides asap…

    • What I dont get, and maybe I’m missing something here is that while everyone hails the new, and only viable, alternative to a $7000 Leica, is how are you ever going to be able to do quiet, discreet, unobtrusive, images when everyone you photograph is is going to whirl around at the loud clunk of the shutter?

      • The Leica M is not that much quieter. I just did a test with the M and in all reality, while a softer less metallic sound, it is not far off in volume. Kind of funny because I never realized how loud it was until critically listening for it. I think when out shooting, it is a non issue. Sounds like a camera and no, it is not stealth but not anything that would stop me from shooting it. Unless one is shooting secret spy shots it is not an issue.

35. ID go with the 55 since I already have a RX1.

36. Steve, please clarify a point. I’m no camera technical expert but somehow I’ve got the impression that if more pixels are packed onto the same size chip, the quality of the pixels decreases. W/respect to the new Sony’s (which I’m very excited about, being an owner of the RX100 and RX1), wouldn’t the 24mp version actually provide higher quality images than the 36mp version? I love the RX100, but I’ve always thought the images would be even better quality if the chip was 14mp instead of 20mp. And for a full frame chip like RX1, my opinion has been that 24mp is great, and about the highest I’d want it to go, with 18mp probably better. I am absolutely going to purchase one of the new Sony’s. Please clarify, thanks!

    • PS: I understand the difference between having/not having the AA filter. My question applies to cameras set up equally w/respect to the AA, 24mp without AA filter, 36mp without AA filter, or both cameras with AA filter.

    • In theory this is correct. The A7 should offer slightly better high ISO performance while the A7r will offer better base ISO performance. The A7r is for those who want the ultimate detail capability. I do not ever shoot above ISO 3200 and 99% of my shooting is below ISO 640 so for me, the A7r wins. But either way, the A7 will be better in some scenarios.

37. Let’s hope all the D800 buyers will switch to the A7r…….I have a healthy supply of quality Nikon glass :)…..a second hand D800 for 200 dollars would suit that…..for the rest….well at 19 x 11 inch print’s (the limits of both printer and bank account), I wonder wether I’ll be able to spot the difference between my OM-D and the A7r.

    The other day II went to a Candida Höfer show in Düsseldorf (and picked up some electronics for a reprap 3D printer I’m building at the Düsseldorf Conrad). Now miss Höfer is known for her large format indoor shots….well in Düsseldorf she also exhibited 11 x 19 inches and smaller. And since she is essentially a Nikon girl (that went kicking and screaming into the large format format), I must say, I like the small shots better, less formal, more lively. And guess what, she even uses a compact these days. So go figure….maybe after all it’s the photographer and not the camera….damned…..I could have kept my GF1 and saved some money…..(about 200 bucks since I sold some old analog Nikon/Fuji bodies collecting dust)

    Greets, Ed.

38. Great, and next month Leica will release their much anticipated home stereo system.

39. If you guys could only order ONE lens for your A7r, between the 35 and 55, which would you get first?

    • Even though I have an RX1 and usually prefer the 50mm, I think that I would go for the 35mm, for that extra bit of width.

40. Why does the A7 use contrast AND phase detection auto focus and the more expensive A7r use only contrast detection auto focus?

    • Probably some limitation with the 36MP sensor or because it has no AA filter. The phase detect is probably “on sensor”, unlike in a DSLR that reflects light from the mirror for PD focusing.

      • I just hope Steve will do some thorough comparisons between these 2 cameras in low ambient light. If the A7r can’t focus in low light, this can be a deal breaker.

        • Oh I will. But remember than the A7r will AF 40% faster than the NEX-7. I tested it in my dim living room and the AF was pretty much instantaneous with the 55 1.8. But I will be testing and shooting it at night for street, during the day and at an indoor party as well. Will cover all bases with the cameras.

41. I imagine a whole lot of used NEX7 and APS-C E mount lenses will start flooding the market. Maybe I’ll grab a cheap NEX7 as a color backup to my M Monochrom.

42. Hey Steve, I didn’t notice if you mentioned this yet but what battery does it use? The RX1 battery is dreadful and I have several of the Nex7 batteries so is it one of these or an entirely new one?

    • It’s the larger NEX battery 🙂

43. Ordered the A7 with the kit to start also go to try adapt some of my other lenses. I got a rokinen 85 f1.5 that is full frame also. I am thinking once I pay of my A7 I may look into the Zeiss 55 I wonder how it will compare to the Zeiss Otus.

44. I am not sure how accurate this info is (not sure why they would make up this info if it didn’t come from someone at Sony), but according to this review, the A7 has a polycarbonate front plate and 1/160 flash sync. The A7r has a magnesium alloy front plate (which supports what Sony Australia said in the announcement video) as well as a 1/250 flash sync. Even MORE obscure is that they say the A7r HAS “Electronic front curtain shutter.”

    This would mean that the A7r can do silent shooting. I am taking this with a grain of salt however, because I have not seen this ANYwhere else. Here is the link:

    http://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/advanced-compact-cameras/interchangeable-lens/first-look-sony-ilc-a7

    Would love if this could be confirmed with engineers (not product specialists as they proved their lack of knowledge already) from Sony. Anyone know someone that knows someone?

    • Interesting… Just went to Sony’s website and it says the A7 has an electronic front curtain shutter, but the A7r does NOT. ugh…

      • does an electronic front curtain shutter make the shutter any quieter?

        • I believe so – at least on other Alphas. But don’t take my word for it, I am just sharing what I’ve read. I am sure there are more knowledgable readers on Steve’s website that could enlighten us.

        • It certainly does. AND it reduces shutter wear. AND makes camera react quicker.

          Reason: Using the EVF, the shutter is always open! In order to shoot, it closes first, opens again, closes, opens again to allow EVF again. In normal mode, the shutter opens and closes (or rather, closes and opens) TWICE.

          Electronic front curtain: Shutter stays open, sensor is erased, shutter closes at the end of exposure, opens again. Voilá. On my A57, I just can’t see any negative aspect of the electronic front curtain.

          • Thanks for this operation description – electronic front curtain sounds good

      • Where did you see that? I just checked a couple of Sony’s sites, including the Australian one that SAR claimed had confirmed EFCS for the A7, and could not find this. For both cameras they say “Electronically controlled” shutter, but neither claims an electronic first curtain.

        BTW, yes, ESFC would make things quite a bit quieter: with it, the shutter just needs to close and reopen at the end of the exposure. Without it the shutter needs to close, open, close, and open again for one exposure.

        • Under the specifications for the A7 on the Sony US site. It says: Electronic front curtain shutter – Yes, On/Off.

          http://www.sony.net/Products/di/en-us/products/uxc2/index.html#specifications

          • A7 yes, A7r NO.

    • The A7r can not do silent shooting.

45. I can imagine your excitement when you write this article.. there are tons of typos…. but I forgive you! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Steve!!

    • TYPO is my middle name. This site started with typos and will always have them. Part of the secret to the success of this blog 🙂

46. Thanks for the debit card info, I placed my order through your link to Amazon.

47. Hi Steve,

    Did you happen to notice any in camera distortion correction in the A7R menu?
    I am wondering if some amount of distortion was visible with 3rd party lens such as the Leica 50.

    Thanks,
    Alex

    • Did not see it but does not mean it is not there. This camera is different than the RX1, which needed correction due to the way the lens was inside the camera. This one may apply correction to Sony lenses (not sure) but will not apply it to Leica or 3rd party lenses as it will have no idea what is on the camera. Highly unlikely there would be distortion on a 50mm lens like the Leica. What you see on the Leica M and 50 Lux is what you will see on the A7r with 50 Lux, just with more resolution, and probably more POP. Will find out soon. Will either be amazing or average or lackluster. I am hoping for Amazing like what played back for me through the EVF and LCD.

      • Sweet! Thanks for all the great info.
        Also glad to read in your article that manually focusing a Leica using the EVF is not much different to using the range finder.

        • Just wait for DxO to get there sweaty little hands on the camera and lenses…….damned these French guys and dolls make software that really makes lenses shine……..thouroughly hooked.

          Greets, Ed.

48. “To have this camera shine, use a…fast zoom”

    On the A7r, what would that be, without vignetting?
    Within the 15-150mm f2.8 range?
    Or will RX10 beat it IQ-wise?

49. I have been waiting for a FF camera to use my Leica M lenses, I don’t like M9 or M240 for couple reasons: namely the price, low ISO and no AF.

    • Well, you’re not going to get AF here either…

50. Well it’s done, can’t wait to try my Rokkor 58 1,2 and 24 2 on this frame, not getting rid of my NEX 6, love that little guy and now it has a big brother lol

51. I’d pay someone $5k if they made me an adapter for my zeiss n lenses to fit this camera

52. Hey Steve,

    DPReview says the RX10 has an “in-lens” shutter. Can you confirm that? Is it a leaf shutter, like the RX1?

    Hope you’re doing well,
    Stuart

    • Its silent, in lens. No noise.

      • This just keeps getting better… 🙂

53. im kinda curious about the RX10…looks like an all in one solution.

54. short flange distance + full frame sensor = very difficult to build lens.
    fast lenses will be really big i think

    • Leica has the same issues but they have small fast lenses 🙂 The Sony 55 1.8 is larger than a 50 Lux but not huge by any means.

55. That’s the exact same feeling I’ve got. Huff is the new Rockwell, posting impressions without even touching the actual camera with lots of referral links on every single product he manages to squeeze in to the text. The last piece missing is “I support my growing family…” part.

    • Are you kidding? I NEVER EVER post anything about a camera unless I use it and have shot with it, and I used the A7r in my home yesterday for 2 hours. Pictures of the camera in my hand are in todays post. When something is ground breakingly good, it gets a post as long as I have used it. Of course I will post links, for TWO main reasons. #1 – So readers can easily find the items for pre order and hit them QUICKLY without hassle and #2, if they do, and buy it, it helps to keep this site going. I work 60-70 hours a week on this site and have for 5 years. It costs me a huge amount of money every month just to keep it going, and what I offer here is 100% FREE and valuable info. Hundreds of reviews, user reports and thousands of informative posts in general. All free.

      If you do not like this, or if it bothers you, or if you are jealous then DO NOT come here. Simple. 🙂

      But complainers and negative people like you do not bother me in the slightest, just give me more energy to keep in pushing along, even when I ask myself if it is all worth it. There are many who find this information useful. If you do not, easy solution..do not come here.

      Have a great day 🙂

    • You’ve got to be kidding me. Obviously you should save your money and buy a clue. Steve’s site is the first place I go to when a new cam comes out because unlike many of the others, he is honest and actually USES the cameras he reviews.

    • Ignore the trolls

    • When I type in ‘A7r’ the google shows Steve’s web site among the the top of the list which shows the popularity of the site. There must be a reason for people looking at this site isn’t it? When a new leica or mirrorless came we all know which site to check first. In fact I really hope Steve will gets all the new cameras before it hits the street as we will have a good review of them.

56. Steve:

    The contrast detect AF on the a7r is reportedly 40% faster than a NEX 7. Did you get any feel regarding how the a7r AF speed compares to that of the RX1r?

    I have already pre-ordered the a7r; first time I have ever ordered a new camera on the day of announcement! Sony, right now, is way, way ahead of the competition when it comes to innovation and actually bringing innovative products to market. I wish more FE mount lenses were available immediately but I’m sure that they will be there in the month’s ahead.

    • The A7r AF speed felt quite a bit faster than the RX1. With the 35 2.8 and 55 1.8, no hunting indoors in my living room. The 55 was blazing fast and the 35 very fast. Both faster than the RX1 and NEX-7. Congrats on the pre-order! I am in as well 🙂

57. Nice review! I can tell that you’re very excited about the camera. Me too! Almost can’t sleep last night. I spend the whole day thinking about the camera imaging it in my hand. By the way, I would like to know how good is the 55mm1.8? I’m thinking about it and the Zeiss ZM 50 Planar. The SEL55F18 have auto focus and a slightly faster 1.8 aperture and also it’s weather sealed but the Plannar is cheaper and look way cooler! What do you think in terms of image quality of the 2 lenses? Thanks!!!

58. My only question is: will the Metabones EOS adapter work with this camera? I use Zeiss ZE lenses on my FS100 and I could really use this as a still camera and second video camera if the adapters will work.

    • Yes, I used that exact adapter yesterday with a Canon 24-70 on the A7. Worked great but slow to AF. IQ looked amazing through the EVF.

      • Awesome. Or I should say, curse you for making me have to spend more money!!!! heheheh AF is irrelevant to me for video. I assume the camera’s focus enhancement is as good as that on the NEX-7, which is really nice.

59. I have a feeling å7 will do much better with wide angle Leica-M than å7R (kind of like NEX-5N/6 did better than NEX-7).

    Nice to see they added APS-C crop, but why not add µ4/3 corp, x3 crop etc… Would be useful for some people, me including.

    • Sony has modified the microlenses of the FF sensor for a7 and a7r to take care of increased ray angle with a short flange distance.

60. What’s the flash sync speed on these? Supposedly they have hi speed flash sync but I’m assuming it won’t be as fast as on the RX1.

61. Is it theSony/Zeiss 24-70 f/2 High Quality Pro Zoom – $1,198 a mistake? As I check that it is only F/4.

62. Thanks Steve. This is probably the best interchangebale lens camera ever made.
    I have a RX1R on order but this camera won’t change that order, think they are complimentary.
    The RX1R is tiny and has a silent shutter so for now its RX1R and Nex-6 for me. Later on I can see a A7 arriving at my doorstep 🙂

63. Steve, when you test the A7r, would you please test the auto-focus in low, evenly lit, ambient light? Because it only has contrast auto-focus, will the A7r hunt or focus on a contrast area other than the subject? I am a bit perplexed why Sony did not incorporate phase detection in the A7r but included it in the A7. Thanks.

64. I think without the burden of heritage, Sony make a big leap in the photo industry. I have to give them a big hand.
    Leica will be in trouble for next 3 years at least. Unfortunately it’s not that Leica cannot make it, but because the heritage make them dull. Imagine what people will say if this camera was made by Leica? Probably “ugly”, “not a Leica anymore”, etc….
    This is what I have been waiting for, I will dive into it. I can see all the vintage lenses price will go up again, of course the adapter price too.

65. So, does anyone know whether I’d be able to use my Canon EF glass on a 7r via an adapter? (presumably with aperture control …) I’d love to sell my 7D and get one of these, but I have quite an investment in EF lenses, including the 35/1.4 and 100/2.8 which I really enjoy.

66. The camera’s spec look great… finally a full frame RX1 size cam..

    Unfortunately though, it is extremely unattractive in my opinion… it looks like something which was put together using hammer and nails… what’s with SONY’s design team? the RX1 was real nice but most Sony cams look like shaving razors…

    • The next time I look at an amazing picture that was shot with an ugly DSLR I will say to the photographer, dude you totally ruined that shot by creating it with such an ugly DSLR. Go out to adorama and buy a good looking camera so you can finally take some pretty pictures!

      • Dude, you can’t say that we all don’t appreciate a good looking, sexy, inspiring cameras Like the Leica MP or Hasselblad 50X etc that are not only practical like the A7 but also have some charm to them.

        Sony’s designs unfortunately don’t do it to me. They probably want to differentiate themselves from other brands and go for a new age type design but it hurts their appeal – IMHO – although I’m not sure that others don’t feel the same about that.

67. Great achievements…hats off to Sony.
    Regarding the “D800E in the palm of your hand” comment…well, D800 does use 16 bit processing. 🙂
    Please shoot tons of video samples, Steve. Can’t wait to see all the tests, from that Zeiss f/2,8 zoom especially.
    Cheers.

    • Not according to Nikon……still 14 bit NEF files for me!

      Greets, Ed.

68. This is what I’ve been waiting for. And now I’m happy I sold the M240.

    As for shutter sound… the 5N is fairly loud when compared to most SLRs. Really loud when compared to Leicas. But on the street, where I’ll be using the a7r – it won’t be heard over the noise. And I don’t do candids much, if I’m making a street portrait, I’ve already spoken with the subject and they know their photo is being taken.

69. I don’t suppose you have any aps-c emount lenses laying around to test with do you Steve?

    Can anyone confirm what the file size of the crop images would be?

70. I love to see real light coming through the huge glass viewfinders of my D700 and M-E…

71. Hi Steve,
    Great news and great move from Sony!I would like to know if I can mount an old Leica Lens Summar 50 mm on this body and if yes what adapter should I use.I am not a professional photographer and my experience with digital it is limited to compact camera usage, so your advice would help me a lot .
    Thank you very much for the information and keep the great work!

72. And i just bought an rx1 a month ago :(. I went to b&h yesterday to buy an evf and its nearly $500…ouch.

    Any idea if sony will issue a firmware uodate to the rx1, faster auto focus?

    • If it’s any consolation I’d rather have the rx1 over either of these cameras. But ouch, that is a ridiculous price for the EVF! Is there a used market for them? If not now, maybe after people begin selling their rx1’s for these cameras you’ll come across one.

73. Hey Steve, awesome post as always.
    I was wondering if you think the 24mp version will be able to handle the wide angle vintage lenses since it doesnt have the sensor like the R.

74. Steve,

    If I place an order with my debit card will I receive an email before the order ships so that I can be sure I have the funds in the account? I called B&H and the guy on the phone could not answer my question and I wanted to order on line so you could get the credit.

    • If you do so at Amazon, yes. Not sure about B&H.

75. was about to buy a used RX1 for $2k but i have to add EVF and case for better grip so its almost same price as A7 with 35mm – not sure which way to go – A7 has focus speed and better video control while Rx1 has size, shutter sound, flash and is a stop faster … decision decisions

    • It would be nice to be able to get that RX1 leaf shutter with the A7/r! Both for the sound, and for the super fast flash sync speed. I wonder if they could build the leaf shutter into the lenses and through a FW update have the body disable the focal plane shutter. Ah well, I can dream…

76. I’ll be sticking with Micro Four Thirds. This camera points into the right direction, but I need a silent enough shutter such as the E-M5 offers and obviously the native auto-focus lens selection needs to mature. Also, the resolution I get from Micro Four Thirds is sufficient for me. I don’t print wall sized fine art, I don’t do commercial fashion shoots and so on. And most of all, I don’t have a post-production workplace with huge screen size and processing power to work through RAW files that large. Buying this camera would force me to upgrade my workplace setup. I don’t want to invest in all of this at the moment.

    Mostly, with what it offers now, I see it as a camera that will drive up prices for good, old manual focus glass from Leica and Zeiss, a great alternative for the new M, especially for owners of R lenses.

    One note: it’s kind of funny that the 35mm lens choice they gave it does not have the same specification as the lens they put on the RX1. A pity. On the other hand, they need a reason to keep the RX1 alive I guess.

77. I will stick with my Sony RX100 MK1 as it produces amazing IQ and I am very happy with it.

78. This is the camera that I’ve been waiting for.
    What to get, the A7 or A7r?

79. I do not believe for a minute that Steve Huff has held this camera! He is just trying to make himself look like an important guy in the photoworld.

    So, Sony came over to his house with all these cameras and said, “Steve, you only have a few minutes to play around with this stuff! Now hurry up because we need to pack all this stuff up and drive it from Steve’s house in Arizona to Trey Ratcliffs place in Dallas so he can play around with it in his house for a few minutes, and then off Ming Thein!”

    Nice try Stevie…but quit all the blustering!

    • Lol..sorry but yes I did. They come every year. They did so with the RX1 and RX1r and NEX7 as well 🙂 I am a Pretty lucky guy!

80. That looks better than the leaked photo and kicks the pants of Leica for sure. It will be good to see what Leica means about other Full frame solutions they’ve been working on.

    I am a little skeptical on harvesting the image quality of 36 megapixel when hand held, probably requires very steady stance to truly benefit from it. It is still exciting and brings up the bar quite high.

    Good for Zeiss, kicking butt and increasing their market share.

    Wow imagine the cameras we will have in the next few years. At this progression, medium format is the new enthusiast frontier which means Leica with the “crop sensor” S is one step ahead at least although the price barrier leaves it in the pro category.

81. How was the viewfinder in the RX10? It looks like it’s the NEX7 spec and not the newer one that is in these cameras or the A99/77 cameras.

82. Oh boy, is it tomorrow yet? What a great looking camera. Can’t wait to see a size comparison to the OMD. Loud shutter is a real bug bear of mine, so look forward to hearing your thoughts on that.

83. What a world. Gave up my D800, miss my NEX7, ready to trade my D7100–was going for an EM1 until this a.m. With Sony FF announcement with the tiny body. Wow. Which way to the holy grail of cameras?

    • That’s an illusion since the goal posts are constantly shifting nowadays.

      If there’s a Holy Grail at all, it’s your personal vision.

84. Exciting, exciting, exciting! I’ve got my A7 on pre-order. I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time (ever since the NEX system was initially announced). I had hoped they’d add a full-frame emount to the line-up. Many people thought it was impossible back then. Glad to see Sony prove them wrong. Very exciting times ahead!

    A brief overview and ‘5 Reasons To Love The New A7 / A7r’ at my blogsite if interested:
    http://marsweekly.wordpress.com/

85. Why do so many people believe that photographers like to give up the AF-speed, viewfinder quality and user interface of DSLR (where the buttons are placed based on your hand/fingers and not where your fingers have to go and find where the (too small) buttons are placed)?
    It is a nice addition to the markert for travel etc. but I don’t see this more user friendly than a good Canon or Nikon DSLR, or that it could replace such cameras.

    • You clearly don’t have WORKED with a last-gen mirrorless for any lenght of time. Typical pre-assumed opinion without basis in rl experience.

86. Loud shutter !
    This is a deal breaker for me on an otherwise perfect camera.
    There is no way you’re going to be quiet and discreet with this sound
    Listen to it here – at around the 2 minute mark
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnvgceTEV3c

    • sorry, the shutter sound test is at about 5:30 minutes

87. I thought (apparently incorrectly) that Sony had made a deal with Olympus to get access to their 5 axis image stabilization, which I would expect to be part of a camera like the RX10. Oh well. So now people who like this type of camera have a choice between the Panasonic FZ200 & Sony RX10. The RX10 seems a bit pricey by comparison.

88. this is the type of camera i dreamt of. i want it so bad…

89. Thanks Steve. Do you know if the camera will have adapters for Leica R lenses?

    Will the M lenses work with all of the features of the camera and without any vignetting?

90. Sadly, no in body image stablization.

    • No, just in some of the lenses. RX1 doesn’t have it, Fuji X doesn’t have it, Leica doesn’t have it at all, D800 doesn’t have it, Canon doesn’t have it. Really only Olympus and Panasonic have it.

      • The Olympus and Panasonic cameras with inbody stabilization is with cameras with the much smaller 1″ sensor size.

        I note that the recently introduced A3000 has a much larger body. I suspect there will be future cameras based on that platform with IBIS since there is room for it.

        Until then the solution is lenses with optical stabilization.

        I also suspect there may be future Alpha mount cameras with IBIS and similar sensors to the A7 and A7R. I look forward to a variant to the A99 but with on-sensor phase detection and elimination of the SLT mirror.

        The great achievement of the A7 and A7R is the full frame 135 size sensor in a very compact body.

        I am very pleased that these cameras support crop mode for use with APS-C format E-mount lenses. Will they work in RAW mode?

        • My error! the Olympus and Panasonic have a fourthirds sensor. Sorry.

          • Well, Sony Alpha 850 and 900 had and A99 still has IBIS and all of them had a full frame sensor. Also, of note, not only Olympus and Panasonic have IBIS – Pentax has also.

            Best, Daniel

91. Are the lenses real Zeiss, real Sonars? I know it says Zeiss and all, but it’s not like those Leica lenses on Panasonic compacts (not real Leica), is it? I don’t really care for Sony sensors, but I like Sonar in any shape and form so much. The price is right too.

92. Hi Steve

    Thank you for staying up late to get us this information ASAP! I just placed an order for the A7r using your link, and now I’m eager to read your next review from Nashville! The 14bit color and easy focussing with 3rd party lenses are exciting.

    I wonder if the loud shutter noise you write about can be quieted in settings, or via future firmware.

    Really enjoy your crazy comparison articles – please keep these informative articles coming!

93. So has Mr. Huff dumped his M 240 already – MM already gone I suspect? Bad WA, waiting lists for the M 240 etc. I wonder though if other Leica users will screw their valued glass on a Sony computer. I did it with a GH2. Blasphemy…

    • My MM was sold MONTHS ago, MANY months ago and written about. My M is still here, but what does it matter what I have? What matters to you is what YOU have.

      • Tend to disagree: it’s not about having but using. Besides the idea is tempting of using adapters but the RF experience will be lost. The shutter noise may be curable though if not another version will hit the market as soon as demand will ebb off.

    • They presently screw them on a Kodak computer. So what?

94. So Sony dropped the only compelling feature that made the Alpha FF system mildly appealing: the IBIS.
    And in spite of owning part of Olympus, they’d rather not make the body a couple of milimetres thicker to accommodate the 5-axis IBIS – and, who knows, maybe an integrated ND filter, i hear they’re dirt cheap nowadays…
    Instead, let’s make thicker, heavier, more difficult to produce, OSS lenses. Sounds, logical, in a Sony kind of way…
    Add to that a shutter that can be heard from across a busy street, and there’s your blue-balls champion of 2013.
    And that 28-70 3.5-5.6 aberration is just laughable.

95. I’m excited, this will change the industry. FF small body. Great video. Great sound (according to Chris) sound in/out. Can’t wait to see it. Yipeeeeee

96. I’m perplexed!

    why buy nex a7 and not the alpha 99??

    so you lose the spirit of the mirrorless … too large to be discreet and easy to carry around as an SLR, but less practical and functional …

    sony makes too many bodies and a few lenses in my opinion …

97. Great news. Just placed an order through this site with B&H for the A7r and the 35 mm. Any information where the M adapter can be ordered, I can`t see it on the B&H page? Will sell my trusty M9 to fund the purchase.

98. I just had the mental image of some camera fundamentalists retreating into a deep cave to seek shelter from the raising sun mumbling something about “unparalleled rangefinder experience”…

99. Well Steve

    It was bound to happen. If Sony could make an RX 1, it was only a matter of time before the interchangeable lens version came along. I just want to make sure that when you test it, you take a note of the digital correction to the lenses that is done in body. That may detract from using Leica Lenses.

    This is a nikon d800 e that is palm size and cheaper. Message for Leica, wake up. Don’t release a camera, artificially hold the price up by limiting supply and expect that the competition will conveniently wait for you to get your house in order. That is just typical Teutonic arrogance.

    Thank you Sony. I expect Canon and Nikon will have to follow suit or face losing market share.
    About time. I would wager Hasselblad will release the ruby, carbon fibre, leather clad copy and charge 3 times as much as the Sony.

    Noel

100. Very interesting Steve, while I’m not about to buy one (having just forked out for a D800 a couple of months ago and it would mean a complete system change for me) I’m following all this with much interest! I do think you’re right about these cameras harking back to 70’s, despite it’s lack of on-body controls I still love the way my Nikon V1 feels in my hands and I’d rather use it than any small entry level DSLR. I don’t feel the need for a grip, the solid square shape and dinky little ridge are fine in my hands. At one point I fancied one of those old Nikon FM2’s which are kinda similar in shape.

     It comes down to ergonomics at the end of the day, one size/shape will not fit all and it’s good to have more choice at the “smaller” end and also have access to quality sensors as well. I think the V1’s dinky sensor gives better much image quality at high ISO than my old D200 which at one time was a camera used by pros, and I much prefer the way it renders the colours in the images…. so this shows how technology is never standing still in the sensor world and therefore how much would be possible with a sensor like the Sony’s!

     Back in film days any camera could have a decent “sensor” depending on the quality of the film you put in.. now it’s going back that way again. Hooray!

     I heard a (probably completely false) rumour about a Nikon camera with interchangeable sensors… now I think that’s an interesting idea too, …

101. How about the Sony A7r and new zeiss 55mm otus…now that would be awesome if a little lopsided!

102. I’m not a lover of Sony or of anything they have produced having had some costly experiences with buying their stuff in the past, like the hi-end mini-disc walkman that blew its electronic PSU rendering unusable without an external PSU which turned it into a non-walkman. My Sony Vaio laptop that cost me £1000 that lost its hard drive AND the DVD/Bluray rewriter just out of warranty. My Sony JA20ES minidisc player that won’t open the loading tray without me pulling it, so I’m probably a bit biassed against any of their new cameras. I wish everybody who buys it good luck though, on paper it sounds pretty good but I would be a bit worried about the loud shutter noise reported, I think my Olympus E-P3 is a bit loud but its a great camera for travel as it is so compact and light along with the jewel like lenses that I can use it with, my favorites being the tiny 45mm F1.8 and the panasonic 20mm.

     For my main camera I use a Canon 5D and also an ageing but fantastic EOS 1N for film and I will probably stick with Canon who have been manufacturing cameras for years and putting up to date sensors and electronics inside them, whereas Sony are an electronics giant who are trying to make camera bodies around their (to me) dodgy electronics.

     Anybody want to sell me their Canon 5D mk111 that they will want to get rid of to buy this Sony?

     • I have to totally agree with you. Sony are wonderful innovators but much of their products are build like crap, especially when you compare them to Panasonic and Samsung. Of course, these are top of the line so perhaps the manufacturing tolerances are better for Sony’s higher-end stuff.

       • The RX1 and A7 cameras are built to a higher level than any Pansonic I have ever used or touched. No contest.

         • I was agreeing with Chris in regards to lack of longevity with their consumer electronics but I’ve yet to own one of Sony’s mirrorless cameras. I can sympathize with him because I’ve owned a lot of Sony products in the past and don’t any more because well, they all stopped functioning shortly after the warranty expired. It’s been this experience that has eroded some of my faith in the Sony brand and one of the main reasons I chose the K5 over the A580. So Steve, the build quality on these is vastly superior to even the GH3? It’s hard for me to imagine that these A7s are better built than Panasonic’s flagship.

103. Hi Steve,

     According to TheCameraStoreTV video on YouTube – “Sony A7 & A7R Hands-On Field Test”, the A7R with Metabones adapter will give FULL FRAME, 36 megapixel images using Canon lenses. That is – NO CROPPING! Can you confirm this?

     RickJ

     • I shot a Canon 24-70 on the camera with an adapter. No cropping. It will not crop because it is a full frame camera using a full frame lens.

       • Hi Steve,

         Thanks for the info. This looks like great news for Canon shooters. Keep up the excellent job on your website. You’re a star.

         RickJ

       • Does that apply to FD lenses as well?

104. Steve,

     Could you please shoot a side by side video scene with the RX100 vs RX10 side by side/split down the screen, any F stop even is fine.. as long as all setting match and f stops match please. being pretty much the same chip I’m hoping the WB and picture profiles have not changed that much from the org RX100 so i can match WB/colour/look for my multicam interviews that I shoot.

     I am currently shooting a self-funded documentary film on a new cancer treatment that’s only available over here in China. I’ve been here shooting it since March 2012 ( i’m from melb, aust ) I didn’t expect to stay for more than 3 months.. but I’m still here and very low on coins as you can imagine.. So I’m currently shooting with my old Canon 550d, the Sony RX100 and a borrowed gopro Black3 for my wide angle group shot.. matching the 550d, RX100 and the gopro footage together is very painful and takes more then a day in post just trying to grade it together, each time. 🙁 now I have to convince myself that this is worth twice as much as a RX100mk2 which I’ve almost saved up enough for and was planning on getting to replace the 550d.

     This is sample of the multicam footage I’m getting with three different cam’s http://youtu.be/FSIRo8StYiM

     The idea of taking full scans of the entire chip for video so that morie is reduced sounds great to me, as most of my interviews of talking heads has this problem using the rx100 and canon 550d footage. This along with the ability to zoom into a CU with constant F-stop is perfectly suited to me…

     Please, it would be awesome of you if you can by helping us with a few seconds of side by side footage – 🙂

     Thanks, Tony
     (stuck in China)

     • also, another test us video guys would love to see is a parfocal zoom test.. keeping a subject in close focus through the zoom range as you rake it in..

       for video we need parfocal zoom. You need to keep the subject as close to being sharply focus when you zoom as you possibly can.

       is this lens also parfocal so zooming during video will not force a refocusing process ?

105. Hi Steve

     When you’re doing the review testing, I’d really appreciate a thorough look at the image quality/feel of the A7r + 35 f2.8 vs the RX1/r 35 – especially direct comparison shots of bokeh. Obviously the quiet shutter on the RX1 is a huge benefit, but is that and the 1 stop extra worth the limitations of a fixed lens? I was thinking of getting the RX1r as an addition to my Canon system, but it’s starting to look sensible to consider switching to an A7r system, and only retaining a couple of my favourite Canon lenses – the 100mm macro and 90mm T/S will work just fine on the A7r with an adapter anyway. If the new 50 is good, that will be pretty persuasive as it’s my favourite length but none of the Canon or Nikon 50s are more than barely acceptable – either because of horrible bokeh, or high cost and mediocre sharpness (the Canon 50mm f1.2)

     No matter the answer this is all good news – it’s where I was hoping cameras were going! I’m so over the attention my huge dslr gear attracts – it might provide the quality, but it’s a pain to carry and for candid work it’s hard to avoid the unwelcome attention and that “deer in the headlights” look that big bodies and huge glass causes.

     thanks so much
     Don

106. Well designed and really great camera. If this camera delivers what it promises – and I suspect it does – it might be a m4/3-killer…except for the price… How big/small is it compared to the OM-D E-M5/E-M1?

     Regards, Toby;-)

     • Ah…when I am talking about price keep in mind that I already have the lenses I want to have for my OM-D, so buying into a new system is a BIG investment…perhaps if I win the lottery? 😉

       • The Sony body is about the same size as the M1:

         The AF lenses will be larger…but they are only releasing rather modest f/stop AF lenses so these are pretty small.
         My thought is perhaps in 2 years there will be a lot of lenses an the new A7r will have phase detection…then I can sell my FF kit…MFT Kit and buy into one small high Rez “system”.

107. Looks very interesting, even though I have never been a Sony fan. I have a full stable off Zeiss ZE lenses and a couple of Canon FF cameras. While I doubt I will replace the Canons any time soon the a7r could be a good traveling body. Would anybody know what if any adapters exist that would allow Canon lenses to be mounted on this thing and still offer at least full aperture control? AF control is meaningless for me as all my lenses are manual focus. Thanks. Garrison

108. Can someone point me in the right direction: which adaptor to get to use my M lens on the new beasts? Thx

109. We all have the impression that CaNikon are sitting on the laurels (the EOS-M sure wasn’t able to dent that impression).

     At the end of the day, for a corporation it is about making money selling cameras for more than they cost. If you look at Sonys recent offers (A series SLR’s, SRT, pellical “mirrorless”, NEX mirrorless, RX1 P&S on Steroids, RX100 1″ sensor compacts and now FF mirrorless, their R&D expenditure for the imaging division must be hug. When you look at Sonys financial data, you have to wonder whether thier stategy will pay off. If they can’t make money off all tis, maybe Canon and Nikon have the better long term strategy.

     For us as consumers, having Sony stir up things

     I’d love a “cheap” FF body for my M and LTM lenses, including the Jupter-12 🙂 and maybe the A7 will be it, but I will stick with the M8 until I can pick it one up second hand.

     • Understand, Sony doesn’t have the ecosystem (particularly with native lenses) that Nikon and Canon have. That will take a few years to flesh out.

       And for those that champion adapting other lenses to these Sonys, sure, you can do it, but you’ve now got four precision mating surfaces to contend with, all of which need to be machined perfectly (adaptors vary widely in quality, and if planarity is off, forgttahboutit); you have telecentricity tolerances to deal with; you don’t know how various legacy lenses will react to this new digital sensor design … and on and on it goes.

       In the meantime, I’m more excited about the potential changes this system will bring to Nikon & Canon. You can be sure they’re watching this very closely … and will learn a lot. If analysis tells them to bite, rest assured they’ll bite down hard and release products that are superior to this. With DSLRs still accounting for 80 percent of aggregate system camera sales globally, Nikon and Canon can afford to hold back and play the waiting game for a bit longer, see if these Sony cameras really do stir the industry up, and then introduce superior products. I’m sure prototype designs are already sitting on drawing boards at both companies … just waiting for the “go” signal.

       Remember, Sony is playing in Nikon and Canon’s pond … not the other way ’round. Anyone who labors under the mistaken belief that the world’s two largest camera manufacturing megaliths are just going to stand by and allow Sony to steal critical market share from them, well, then I’ve got some real estate in East Timor to sell you.

       Also, just a few of several items missing in action from the Sonys:

       – improved battery life
       – high flash sync
       – high frame rate
       – image stabilization
       – twin card slots
       – a useful lens selection at launch; here we go again Sony

110. Steve,
     A seriousish question if there is such a thing..I currently use the Nikon D600 with zeiss zf and other lenses and get great results 🙂 other than the obvious size benefit would there be a significant improvement in overall IQ etc. I know you recently reviewed the cannon Full frame DSLR which might be an easier comparison for you? Whilst I would love to have an EVF on the D600 i would I see much real world difference? Its unlikely that in the short term I could afford any Leica lenses but have heard that via an adapter my Nikon/ zeiss lenses might work. Given the UK pricing of the camera it sits right at the tempting price to sell the D600 and trade…my question I suppose is would it be much of a trade up??

     • The D600 has a top quality 24MP Sony sensor; hard to imagine that the A7, which probably has a similar sensor, hough, due to its mirrorless design, better optimized for the lenses designed for it, will offer significantly better IQ.

       • My thoughts really I’m beginning to learn that in the end it all boils down to the lenses and until they’re available and reviewed decisions
         might best wait?

         • Meant to add this is where the Olympus line is so strong easier to make superb lenses to cover a micro 4/3rds sensor. I have the sigma 35 mm f 1.4 Artline which whilst stellar is huge for a prime compared to M4/3rd due to the sensor coverage. When I use it with my D600 I put the grip on to make the ergonomics better….Its truelly wonderful just huge-ish..I suppose we cant beat physics?

           • Ain’t it the truth. We all want the full frame look, but physics makes fools of us all. I’ll stick to primes for the size advantage alone.

111. Sadly, no in body image stabilization.

     • Just like 90% of other digital cameras. Nope.

112. Oh man…say it isn’t true. I blew my bonus on a Leica M-E and lux 35 pre asph earlier this year…and now this !!

     Don’t get me wrong, I love the hands on, think about it rangefinder state of mind its forced me into but this gem from Sony has got me thinking…ditch the body, keep the glass and go the Sony??

     And treat the wife with something from any leftover $change…that might swing the deal

113. Is the 35mm f2.8 better than Sony 24mm f1.8 from what you saw? I’m thinking of selling my Sony 24m f1.8 in order to buy it.

114. A7r; the shape of cameras to come. I like it and will try it out. I’m sure the list of compatible top quality primes will grow fast.

115. See you in Nashville Steve!!

     – Joe Gunawan
     SLR Lounge Editor

     • Sweet, see you there.

116. I’m hoping that either camera’s sensor can be used with my Zeiss 2.8 15mm with out the nasty color shift on my NEX7. If it can do that, I know the rest of my lenses will be just fine 🙂

117. I’m usually not the biggest fan of MT, but the points he makes are largely mine as well, above all the lack of IBIS and limited lens choice (plus the loud shutter you mentioned and weaker AF on the A7R): http://blog.mingthein.com/2013/10/16/sony-a7-a7r/

     I guess it will take another 1-2 years until we will have a really good FF mirrorless package, be it from Sony or from someone else…

118. If I was starting a system right now — and wanted Full Frame — I’d be looking at this or something like this.

     But I have a hybrid system — the d800 for full frame, and the nikon 1 for fast shooting and for travel — and when they break (which could take decades: I have folder cameras older than I am) then I’m fairly sure all serious electronic cameras will be similar to this and not dslrs.

     If that is the case, this is going to be something like the alpa reflex in defining the paradigm.

119. Has the look of a Nikon F3HP to me….especially with the additional drive attached…….which IMHO can be no bad thing!!!

     Good for Sony I say, they seem to have listened to and addressed the two major gripes re the RX1…….no viewfinder and no interchangeable lens ability.

     Looks good.

     • Less like the F3 and much more like the original Canon F1 that came out in 1971. Same sort of black enamel paint on the body, too.

       It’s nice to see a full frame DSLR going back to the SLR sizes of the ’70s, though. ‘Bout time. Definitely makes me curious to see what Nikon and Canon have up their sleeves.

120. Might make a good hiking/backpacking camera (light weight, high image quality presumably).
     Does not replace the DSLR with 500/600f4 for wildlife or macro or 70-200/2.8 or 300/2.8 for sports.
     I sometimes use an Olympus EM5 when I want to travel light, but find the buttons and menus limiting; this might replace that camera for me. The battery life is disappointing; I’d have to carry 7 batteries to get the 3,000 shots I get with the D800/E.
     With the DSLR we get a system; the A7r is a long way from that at the moment.
     I like to see new developments, but I don’t quite feel the excitement for this camera that many of you seem to have. I also agree that a new camera does not automatically create more compelling photos.

121. Hi Steve,

     Did you test some rangefinder lenses with the A7? I don’t have any m-mount lenses but I’m thinking of mounting some of the Contax G lenses that I have.

     Thanks

122. Three images samples can be seen here:
     http://www.sony.jp/cyber-shot/products/DSC-RX10/photo-sample.html
     My GOD! Superb! Even with 1″ sensor, the detail level is beyond my A77.

     • Thanks for putting that link up here.

       Impressive images! This has me more excited than the 7 or 7r, I can’t see myself ever buying a Sony with removable lens ever again. Waited and waited for lenses… and waited.

       Jan

     • Yes, this is what I’m talking about! The RX10 excites me more than the A7 which is simply not for me. The RX10 is like a dream super zoom! EVF, tiltable LCD for street photography, and that lens. An environmentally sealed, fixed f/2.8, 8x Zeiss lens! Those do NOT grow on trees.

       The f/2.8 combined with the relatively large 1″ sensor should be interesting. If this RX10 will be comparable in image quality to the RX100, I think it’ll be a hit, even at a high price.

       • I agree with you. Look at this B&H video http://youtu.be/vAP9guj8JTI?t=9m56s
         I really want the RX10, I hope the lens is very good. All the features and the built quality is expencive. But 1300USD is a lot. Here in Norway the 7R COSTs about 3083USD, so the RX10 would probably be prized as high as 1750USD.

         If you compare it with a Canon APS-C sensored dSLR With a 18-135mm lens it is a small camera, but almost the same weight.
         http://camerasize.com/compact/#333.25,489,ha,t

         Canon: 28,8-216mm f/5.6-9
         RX10: 24-200mm f/7.6

         Steve, you have the FL wrong; 8,8mm * 2,7crop = approx. 24mm FoV.

123. When I bought my first NEX-5 (first generation) and began shooting Zeiss ZM lenses, I was dreaming of a Leica. But it’s simple, I found it costing twice of what it was worth to me. So I began dreaming of a Sony camera that could “do the job”.The NEX-7 was a huge step in the right direction and thrilled me ever since it’s launch. I had one of the very first (november 2011) and have been using it intensively with great satisfaction ever since and am planning to keep it. Sometimes the crop factor is usefull as a kind of “natural tele”. Still I longed so much for a FF, with all the controls and a great EVF, to be able to use all my primes as they are ment to be used with the right angle and DOF that comes along with it.
     So TODAY IS THE DAY! The A7r has it all! And more! More than the M240 anyway (IMO). Every control at hand with direct access knobs and a logical menu system. A fantastic EVF (don’t give me anything else anymore – that’s since my experience with the NEX-7), a great tiltable (in both directions!) LCD, a good grip, a super compact size and a light weight. PERFECT.
     It took me half a day to like its design. It was a matter of it being different from what I expected – having read in rumors that it would be a somewhat bigger NEX-7, which would be OK for me, since I’m so fond of my NEX-7. So this was a surprise. But in the meanwhile, I LOVE IT LOOKS! I think Sony did a great job. It looks very functional, yet very tight. It makes a lot of sence how everything is placed. And it is very nicely done, with no unnecessary “tralala”. And I expect it to look even better “in the flesh”, like Steve already said.
     Anyway, I ordered my 7r an hour ago! CAN’T WAIT. This is my ultimate camera, with everything in and on it, where I have been thinking of, since the earliest days of FF digital. Downside? I don’t know if I will ever buy another camera after this one. I think, certainly not for a very long time, because this one has it all. For me anyway. More than I ever wanted, more than I’ll ever need.
     Really, HURRAY FOR SONY! THEY ARE REALLY DOING IT! This is the greatest day in my photography life, for as far as I can remember. I know this one will do the job in every way. I know with this one, I’ll be able to shoot exactly as I wanna shoot. Sony has been really listening to it’s potential buyers, and have come up with the right answers for ALL their wishes (mine anyway). Also the new sensor of the A7r features new technology that (I’m sure) will solve “corner” problems – the one thing that many questionned about. SONY HAS A HABBIT OF KEEPING ITS PROMISES, AND SURPRISE US ON TOP OF IT. Isn’t that great? This is gonna be my fourth Sony camera (after Zeiss, Contax, Canon, Olympus…, and I had this experience with every one of them. Let’s reward them, folks, by ordering this one!
     Can’t stop showing my enthousiasm, but I’ll leave some room for other comments now… 🙂

124. May I guess tomorrow you will talk about the beautiful new Pana GM1? 🙂

125. For some reason I think Olympus will join it’s shareholding company (Sony) and will release a FF mirrorless in the future that will share the same mount with Sony’s .. Maybe in 1-2 years time?

     I also think, there may be a chance Sony will move down to m4/3, and will dump APSC..

     There is also a good chance, Olympus will release prime lenses for this system ..

     When that will happen, I will buy my first FF camera and a 50mm F1.4 prime .. In fact, what I would love the most, would an Olympus PEN style camera with FF sensor and fixed 50mm F1.4 lens with EVF in the corner. That would be my ultimate wish!

     • I do not see this happening but I do sense trouble for APS-C DSLR’s soon. The E-M1 beats all APS-C offerings for me and the A7r beats all FF for me (for size, weight, performance, cost, etc). These will be my main two cameras for the foreseeable future.

       • Just recently, Olympus Executives did say that FF could be an option in the future. And I can only see it happening by joining another mount – and would make complete sense, because they would enter an already existing market. Considering the quality of their cameras (Oly) I can easily see them doing quite well in the Sony mount 🙂 Question is if Sony will allow it – but again, they do hold 11% shares in Oly .. or something like that. (With that % they are actually the largest shareholders). And there have been talks about Oly making lenses for Sony ..

         I enjoy m43 very much and won’t be rushing into FF … unless the above mentioned dream camera comes to fruition. Love the fantastic little prime lenses for the m43.

         Steve, thanks again for all the information provided. Looking forward for the reviews.
         Interesting times! 🙂

126. Steve, could you say what actual sync speed does it has? I haven’t found info about that. Thank you !

127. Hey Steve, so you got the Noctilux again? 😉

     I have a novoflex nex-m adaptor, I initially thought it might not work with the A7/r, but from what you’ve experienced it seems to be ok.

     • No, I would have to rent it.

128. So! Steve do you feel the future of APS-C in DSLR format is bleak, with the EM1 M4/3’s matching it’s capabilities on the one side and Sony’s FF A7/7R on the other ?

     • For now, the aps-c cameras seem firmly entretched in the “Good enough” domain, and this could spell demise for the format.

129. This is the game changer … and as Steve said, high-five to Sony for being the first to deliver it. I believe it had to happen eventually, and it will usher in a new trend―small, mirrorless cameras that can produce images approaching medium format (like the D800).

     That said, I think Sony might want to hire Giorgetto Giugiaro. This thing is one of the most aesthetically bland looking camera designs ever. A brick with a hump. In no way does it remind me of the Nikons of the ’70s. More like an enlarged Coolpix A.

     Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so that’s just my opinion (but based on 30 years of studying, collecting and shooting with many cameras).

     But the most important thing to keep in mind now… Wait for it…

     Watch what Nikon (and Canon) do. Guarantee they’re not sitting on their hands (even though it might seem to some as though that’s the case). Expect new product that will easily challenge and/or beat these Sony cameras.

     Remember, getting to the start line first doesn’t mean finishing first. Anyone recall the Minolta Maxxum 7000…?

     • “Wath what Nikon (and Canon) do. Guaranteed they’re not sittingon their hands.”
       I remember exactly the same words said many months ago about m4/3.
       And all we know how it ended… I start to smell a little “Kodak stubborness” from the two japanese giants.

       • I don’t think that’s what you’re smelling. 😉

130. It seems a bit odd that they included the better autofocus in the cheaper camera. I would think just the opposite, put all the best tech in the flagship. Either way, what amazing cameras. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s little surprise.

     • I can see the need for fast AF in the A7 (family camera – chasing kids, etc.). But I wonder why they wouldn’t have put it in the A7r? There must be a reason. Would love to know what it is.

       • Puzzling, isn’t it? I’m pretty sure it’s not a matter of “Can it be done?” because I’m pretty sure there’s nothing in this camera that should prevent this inclusion…though I could be wrong. This is really the only thing that bothers me about the A7r. The regular contrast-detect autofocus looks to be very fast but the inclusion of on-chip phase-detect autofocus would be so much better. It’s this reason alone that I may be more tempted by the A7. Plus, I don’t really need 36 megapixels (nor does my hard drive).

131. Will Canon EF lenses retain their autofocus functionality when used with an adapter?

     • The one I tested today did with a Metabones adapter. Shot it with a Canon 24-70 and it AF’d but slow.

132. I’ll wait for the RX10 report, I have some curiosity to know if that is a loveable camera as the R1 is (to me at least) I know that sensor tech has advanced so much in these years but I cannot avoid to think in the aps-c sensor and the screen that can be used as a medium format waist viewfinder, so lovely to shot landscapes on a tripod and take pictures of my nephew without put my cheek against the paviment lol.
     About the A7/R I think for the shutter sound I would go with a rx1 instead if I would have a need of full frame, But I love the form, it seems my Canon EF (FD mount) that has the right size and not is so huge as the film cameras with autofocus lenses.
     Oh mister Sony, can you update my R1 please @_@, hehe I’ll see the RX10 report,

133. The viewfinder reminds me of the Canon New F-1 AE finder from 1981 – and that is a good thing 🙂

134. Sigh…time for me to retire my old (but new) A77.

135. Steve, how do the lenses “feel” in your hand? Metal? Solid? Smooth Manual Focus? THX!

     • The new lenses feel “light” much like the 24 1.8 for NEX. In fact, almost exactly like that lens so if you know what that one feels like, these feel the same, just smaller. The 35 2.8 is pretty tiny.

       • Steve. The lenses are Sonnar design. The look is like the classic Sonnar you think or different and sharper but they just call it Sonnar?

         • No, they will render in a modern way, not like the classic sonnars we know.

136. Well, no need for an extra Leica M body.
     This is pretty exciting Steve, and thanks for the ‘heads up’.

137. Nice. Not sure how it resembles a Nikon from the 1970s though. Especially since I have a newly acquired F2as next to me as I’m typing this!
     If you get the chance, could you compare the quality of the Sony with the Zeiss 55 to using the Lux and adapter? From what I’ve read from 3rd party tests, the adapters really put a hit on the quality which makes sense as they move the tolerances out of the original lens design brief. Looking at the results through an EVF is not going to be the same as an actual enlargement.
     So my guess is that the system Sony lenses will perform much better than any other mfgs’ glass using adapters.

     • Looks like an Nikon F2 somewhat..same shape and style IMO. A resemblance.

       http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/f2/variants/f2titan/NikonF2Titanfront.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/f2/variants/f2titan/&h=559&w=880&sz=109&tbnid=mbgejJqGmeuFWM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=142&zoom=1&usg=__897ncVOodogr2IYIyUnTQBjsEtk=&docid=FZP3-xLa6kAb8M&sa=X&ei=CUBeUtiTOoSzqQG1rIGQDQ&ved=0CD4Q9QEwAw

       • Actually, looks much more like the original Canon F1 to my eye.

         • Minolta X700?

     • Also, using adapters does not lower the quality. I use them often and often times get better results using them over the original camera they were meant for. For example, I can use a 50 lux on the OM-D E-M1 and get sharper results at 1.4 then I can on the Leica M with the same lens. On the A7r I saw the pop, depth, and amazing eye detail I remember from the Lux and M8 and M9 at 1.4. The 55 1.8 looks like a killer lens as well, but will be different from a Summilux. Cant say which I prefer until I use them both on the camera though and open the images on my computer.

       • From the lensrental test:

         Lens adapters can be useful things sometimes, letting you mount one brand of lens on another brand of camera.
         One thing that has always bothered me, though, is the idea of doubling the number of lens-mount interfaces. When you look at the thick metal pieces on the front of the camera and the back of the lens, and then consider that they have to be lined up exactly parallel to the image sensor, it’s kind of amazing it works.
         Although it doesn’t always work. Lloyd Chambers first reported years ago that with high-quality, wide-angle lenses you could detect very small misalignments in the camera-lens mount. Misalignment of 10 microns from side-to-side was enough to cause blur on the sides of the image. Since then a lot of other people have confirmed the same thing.
         So when I hear people cavalierly talking about putting an adapter on their camera I tend to cringe. When a single camera-lens interface has enough variability to sometimes be visible, adding another large piece of metal with another mount interface seems a recipe for problems.
         Don’t get me wrong. Generally, they’re acceptable or people wouldn’t use them. But I always am curious about what acceptable looks like in the lab.”

         I think you got better results with the Lux on your Olympus than on the Leica M as the focus was off on your Leica. Your test shots showed that in the comparison.
         Anyway, this will be really interesting. I really like the idea of the electronic sensor cleaner on the Sony and want to see how well that works, especially since my M-E is at Leica for a sensor check/cleaning.. (always took care of it etc etc)

         • Ive used adapters for years, never had an issue or lack of IQ. Do mot expect any difference here but we will see soon enough.

           • thanks Steve, cant wait for your test! I have a bunch of Leica lenses and so this Sony is a huge deal. Is manual focussing easy with it? Compared to using a Leica optical rf?

138. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnvgceTEV3c
     Guys here’s one of the first hands-on……!

139. Hi all,

     It sounds like the micro lenses on the A7r (are more like Leica M) maybe different from the ones in the A7. I hope steve will try an ultra wide M mount lens on it for a test. It might be a determining factor for me on witch one to buy.

140. Steve, it seems to me only the 7R has offset micro lenses. Is that true? If so, performance of Leica wide angles will be different, possibly much worse on the plain 7.

     • Yes it does, this is mentioned here on the page.

       • Yes, but only in relation to 7R. How about plain 7? None of the press releases mention offset micro lenses on the 7. Hope I’m wrong. The only way to find out: Biogon 21/4.5.

141. This is awesome. I could not be more excited for a camera than I am for this one. This is basically EXACTLY what I want. I want a FF compact body that can use M glass, but also AF if I want it to. Not to mention should I desire to strap a big giant lens on the front of it I could always throw my Nikon Pro glass on the front it I can do that too. I’m sure I’ll mostly use Leica lenses on it and now I can finally get a 90mm Leica lens like I’ve wanted to, but never did because of how tough it was for me to focus a rangefinder.

     The M9 is getting sold and so is my Fuji which I’ve always had a love hate with.

     Heck if these end up being as good as they have the potential to be my Nikon FF could go, but probably not since I need fast AF for concerts and weddings and such which would necessitate me buying into their AF lenses too much when I already have some perfectly usable Leica lenses.

     Steve, quick question for you. I am using a Version IV 35mm Summicron which has been great and is a classic, but I am wondering if it is up to the task of resolving at 36MP. Any thoughts?

     Incredibly excited for this. As soon as the money from my M9 sale comes in my preorder goes in.

     • Remember, you can preorder at Amazon and nothing is charged until it ships. Not even an authorization. This means you can place the order, get in line, and if you change your mind before December you can cancel easily, online in your Amazon order page. Just a heads up 🙂

       • Totally forgot about that! Getting in line right now 🙂

         • Yup went ahead and preordered the body and the 55mm lens. While I have an M mount 35 and 50 I figured I may as well hop in line for the 55 just in case and can always cancel that part of it.

           Being primarily a editorial and portrait photographer I’ve always been more of a 50 and 85 kind of guy so I figure if I’m going to have one AF lens for it the 55 makes a lot of sense. I may even get it and keep my 50mm M mount. I think the 55 and my Zeiss 50mm ZM Planar may have enough character differences to possibly make it worth having both….maybe

     • If you’re looking at M-mount 90mm lenses, I highly recommend finding a deal on a used 90mm APO summicron. It’s blisteringly sharp. I always had to focus using live view on the M though, even when shooting stopped down.

142. I watched the launch vid from Sony Australia and they even called it part of nex. Lol it has the nex menu too. You can select either the alpha menu system or nex menu system. 🙂

     • Not true at all. No NEX menu on these cameras.

       • I’m just repeating what Sony Australia announced Steve. True. It has both menu systems. Go watch the Aussie launch vid: http://www.sony.com.au/launch

         • DO they SHOW the NEX menu on the camera? If not, they are mistaken as Sony told me specifically today that the NEX menu is NOT on this camera and it will use the Alpha menu. It is also not a NEX or a Cybershot camera. It is an Alpha camera with an E mount for FE lenses.

           • Yes they show both menu systems on the camera. 🙂

           • Just saw it in the video and that was not a NEX menu, it was part of the integration of the A menu, but layed out differently, sort of a gateway to the real menu. They said NEX menu but it is not the NEX menu, they are wrong on that one. The standard NEX menu is not in the camera. I was told (as DPreview reports as well) today that the NEX menu is done for. NEX Menu is DEAD. 🙂 In fact, all future mirrorless from Sony will fall under the A moniker, not NEX.

           • apparentle you can switch betwwen them Steve

           • Switch between what?

           • And no need to get firm with m Steve. I was just pointing out what Sony officially stated in their own launch vid. And NEX’s are alphas they are badges as such and even display the alpha logo when you fire them up. NEX stands for New E mount Xperience. This is e mount and according to Sony Australia also has a nex menu system as well as alpha, so is a Sony Apha Nex. But why get pad antic about it anyway? It’s just a title. I know people count the vg900 as nex. Some websites are already counting this as nex. Shakespeare coined it ‘what is in a name? Would a rose not smell as sweet known by any other name?’ 🙂

           • Not getting firm at all, just stating facts 🙂 This is NOT a NEX and does not have the NEX menu, this camera will not be in any way referred to or sold as a NEX system camera. It has one screen of blocks that take you to the standard A menu. It is in no way the NEX menu system. It is the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7r, not the NEX7 and NEX7r 🙂 Thx

           • All good Steve. I believe you mate. All just lighthearted banter. You know us Aussies. Always having a laugh. 😀

           • No worries at all, just making sure false info is not spread around. Not sure why they said that in the video but was their mistake 🙂

           • Sony’s naming convention is terrible and confusing! 🙂

143. My my! just what I was looking for, although I own lots of M film bodies I could not bring myself to buy an M8 M9 or an M, now I can go for the A7R and use all my Leica glass, and also a good number of Nikon lenses amassed over the years, my dream has finally come true. Almost went for the MM, on the back burner for now, waiting to see what the A7R will deliver in BW.
     Thanks Steve you really are on top of it all!

     • Thanks!

       • Steve…it’s like i’ve been saying for years…YOU’RE the BEST!!!!
         Thanks for always being there for all of us!!!! Ordered the same as you…thanks again!
         sori

     • Shutter sound is bad news though, surely there a way to silence it altogether…

       • sneeze at the same time. 😀
         it would be nice if they had shutter lag like in gx7.

       • agree about the shutter sound

         • Maybe a third party silencer will be available soon. ;-P

144. Hi Steve, I have a question for you: I often take photos in theaters and during jazz concerts, where the shutter noise is barely tolerated, if not at all. Until now the best compromise was E-m5.
     Can you tell me how’s the shutter of 7r (similar to X camera)?

     Can’t wait for your photos taken with M mount lenses.

     Thanks!
     Marco

     • The shutter sound is LOUD. That is the one area I found to be odd. But, I will need to use it more so when I do my full review I will go over that in detail.

       • That’s really odd indeed. I wonde if 7 has the same loud sound and if there will be an option to silent it a little bit.
         Thanks again for your quick reply.

         • I agree with you about the loud shutter. Why couldnt they make a quiet shutter ?Or at least provide a menu option. Everything seemed perfect /ideal and then I read about the loud shutter ugh ! How disappointing a loud shutter rules it out.

           • Would really, really have loved is there was a completely silent electronic shutter. Oh well… maybe the next version?

           • hi there, when shooting professional people, fashion or portrait you NEED a loud shutter sound. it is the models feedback that you took the shot. it also is a posetive feedback and tells that you liked what the person did infront of your camera. this makes the “model” more secure and helps to grow infront of the lens. …. so. only if the photographer is not brave enough to ask before he will take a photo he needs to have a silent camera. and for normal street shooting no shutter is really too loud. ….. 😉

           • In theatres and during quiet parts of wedding ceremonies a quiet shutter is highly desirable and is one of the main reasons why many pros are looking at alternatives to DSLRs.

     • Check out the camerastore guys video, it’s loud. He complained about it. I have similar requirement.
       It seems a common problem among the mirrorless, except for those w fixed lens.

145. I got the a7 and the 55mm 1.8. Your blazing fast af comment makes me happy

     • Keep in mind this was in my living room with the new 35 and 55. The 55 was the quickest and was focusing almost instantaneous when moving around the room firing away. It should be even faster outside in some light 🙂

       • Yeah…the guys from Sony would not let Steve outside with the camera because he might disappear with the rig for a few days!!! LOL.

146. Just ordered (A7, 55 f/1.8)! Steve, why did you go for the A7R? My guess is higher MP and no AA filter, right?

     • I am a huge fan of sensors with AA filters. Leica M9, Leica M, Sony RX1R, Ricoh GR, etc. I just like that extra little bit of crispness. But the A7 is also fantastic, will focus a little quicker and of course, is less expensive. All with the same body, build, etc. Congrats.

       • Looking at the video intro from Sony, they said the A7R had a magnesium front body plate instead of the plastic on that the A7 has. They also mentioned the top controls on the A7R were a little more “beefy”.

         • Well, I do not believe that this is true. I was told today, by Sony people that they are exactly the same except for the sensor and the phase detect being on the A7. I held them both, shot them both..both felt exactly the same.

           • That is interesting and makes much more sense from a simplified production standpoint.

           • The video from SONY showed much more sturdier frame fro A7r (they said better for heavy lenses without a worry abound bending issue)

           • According to the press video release of Sony Australia, the A7r has the complete front in magnesium, not the A7.

           • Hey Steve,

             I’m curious, were the top dials different between the A7 and A7r, seems to be confirmed that the front plate on the A7 is not magnesium but plastic, but I also read that the dials are “beefier” on the A7r? Did you notice any differences?

           • Sorry, just read your comment below. Thanks!

         • ‘TheCameraStore’ who did a hands-on video also reported that the A7r was magnesium-alloy but that that A7 was not. However… they said you can’t tell by handling them (they feel the same). I know the weight of the A7 is a nice 465g. Does anyone know the weight of the A7r?

       • fwiw, apparently the build is different between the A7 and A7R according to Sony. The front of the R is a magnesium plate and with more support at the lens mount for heavier lenses. If you look at their YouTube live intro (Sony Australia) they show schematics with the differences. And they mentioned the dials on the R are milled from metal (but plastic on the A7.)

         The Camera Store TV (Canada) just now released an ‘in the field’ video on YouTube. They also mentioned those differences.

         • Odd, Sony told me directly there were no differences. I held both, used both and noticed nothing different on the body or in the feel. Dials felt the same. Body felt the same. Is this the same video saying you can use a NEX menu or an Alpha menu? That is not true. But I will try to confirm if there is a build difference. I was told NO and I saw/felt no difference between the two. If I find out there is, I will of course state this in my review which will start at the end of the month. Thanks

           • The Camera Store TV folks did say in the video that they were different, but really couldn’t tell the difference.

           • Here are the details between the two. This is Sony’s official global website for both the A7 and the A7R. You can see for yourself.
             http://www.sony.net/Products/di/en-us/products/o4j5/index.html#features
             http://www.sony.net/Products/di/en-us/products/uxc2/index.html#features

             That website will give you all the true info and specs on these cameras. Often field reps are not fully informed themselves…..

           • p.s., you have to click on the tabs “supreme operability and reliability” at those links I posted to see the actual schematics of the build differences…..

           • GOOD CALL! Thanks fo the links. That makes it clear. The Camera Store video says the exact same thing. The cameras have different build.

           • The A7r is actually a little *lighter* than the A7. Is magnesium alloy lighter then the equivalent plastic components? Or is there some other reason for the weight different (and please don’t say it’s the lack of AA filter) 🙂

         • ‘TheCameraStore’ who did a hands-on video also reported that the A7r was magnesium-alloy but that that A7 was not. However… they said you can’t tell by handling them (they feel the same). I know the weight of the A7 is a nice 465g. Does anyone know the weight of the A7r?

           • The A7 uses magnesium alloy in the front chassis surrounding the lens mount and flange, whereas the A7r uses it around the back as well. The A7r also uses billet aluminum control dials, whereas the ones on the A7 are plastic.

       • Steve did mean “without AA filter.”

       • Hi Steve, great review. But I think both A7 and A7R lack the AA filter. The 3 difference being the megapixels, autofocus, and alloy in the front plate.

         • 100% INCORRECT.

           The A7r has NO AA filter, just like the RX1R
           The A7 has an AA filter. This is fact

           The build is the same between the two. Same body, same build, same shell. Only difference is the sensor, the AA filter, and Phase detect on the 7.

           That Australian video messed a few things up.

           What I say above is correct and confirmed with Sony USA.

           • Thanks, appreciate your reply.

           • Steve,
             Any idea why the announcement stream from Australia would make such a huge mistake when speaking about the magnesium front plate and button quality? They even showed what appeared to be two different “insides” photos. Seems like a huge error to make.

             Thanks in advance!

147. I just pre-ordered my A7r and am looking forward to using all of my Leica glass on it. I shoot regularly with a large group of other photographers and I’m currently the only one shooting with a Sony (an NEX 5N). I have a feeling that is about to change!

     • I go through the same thing with my NEX-7. I walk around with a group taking pics and I get laughed at because they think my camera is cute. This group usually walks around with entry level DSLR’s. After they’ve seen the images I capture and upload to various sites, they do not laugh anymore and they get upset that I can get such amazing images from such a small camera. I guess when I roll out with my a7r that I pre-ordered, they will be even more upset. It is not always about the camera, but more about the individual behind it. The a7r will just help me achieve the results I am looking for in a lightweight camera that just so happens to have a FF sensor 🙂

148. Can anyone make out those lenses?
     I can see 16-35 2.8, 85 1.4 and 24 1.8

     • Yes, the image shows all Sony Zeiss lenses made to date: (from top to bottom, left to right)
       A-mount: 1.8/135, 2.8/16-35, 2.8/24-70, 3.5-4.5/16-70 (APS-C), 2/24, 1.4/85, 1.4/50.
       E-mount: 1.8/55, 4/16-70 (APS-C), 2.8/35, 1.8/24 (APS-C), 4/24-70.

149. The A’s reminds me strongly of the topcon super DM from the sixties.

     • Ah that was it, been racking my brain for the camera that it looks like with that distinctive prism. As you say it does look like the old Topcon DM.

150. Just… wow.

151. Lovely! looking forward for your view on A7r.:)

152. Steve, did you try it with any wide angles M lenses?

     • Just a 35 so far. Will do more at the end of the month.

       • Will you be testing both A7 and A7R with M mount lenses?

         I noticed in the announcement that only A7R has the microlens array to fix short flangeback so I want to make sure that is the case (actually hoping A7 has the change too)

     • M-mount wide angle performance is important for me too. I’d be okay with color shift and mild vignetting since you can fix those with cornerfix/capture one, but I hope there’s no smearing of detail at the edges.

       Andy, this is far from a complete test, but this poster (link below) noted that there was color shift with a 21mm ZM biogon f/2.8. I wish he showed samples though – he ended up doing all his wide angle work with a sony zeiss 16-35 and LA-EA4 adapter. If the corners aren’t smeared and AF is workable, I’d consider trading my M for the Sony.

       http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_643b266c0102e29p.html

153. Bravo to Sony for having the ability and balls make these a reality.

154. Thanks for the rapid review. GAS strikes again, and yes Jim… it totally is the photographer. What this does is allow me to get rid of several other cameras which I have to strike the balance between camera/lens size and image quality. And I may be able to avoid the exercise of buying the M240, so it could actually be a very mobile, very high quality complete full frame system. That is exciting. Maybe I will now only need one camera!

     • That is the one thing that is exciting about this new camera. It is the potential to leave everything else at home and just go around using one camera. I recently went on a photography trip in Oregon with a group of guys who all have Canon gear. I too took my 5D gear with all the L lenses that cost thousands of dollars but I also took with me the small Olympus OM-D E-M5 which everyone laughed at. At the end of the day, when we compared our landscape and wildlife photography, the Olympus held the top spot in terms of overall photo quality. I am not a professional photographer and am very critical of my photos. For my next trip, I will be leaving all of my Canon gear at home and just carrying with me the new E-M1 that was just delivered this morning… 🙂

       • I own an extensive MFT kit. Includes all the good AF primes with E-P5 & E-M5 bodies.
         I also own an extensive FF kit. 5D III L primes & zooms Zeiss etc.
         Although I love my MFT kit…I find the exact opposite to be true regarding your statement above. The depth, clarity, resolution are far superior in the files coming from my FF kit. The MFT files while very good, do not touch my FF results..
         Just my experience.

155. Whoa, wait the what now?

     The 24-70mm lens is an f/2? I thought it was an f/4?

     • Sorry, that was a typo 🙂 Fixed.

156. Yeah!!! That’s super cool!!! I’m pretty sure with these cams the dreams of son many photographers became true…

157. Got my preorder in for A7, 55/1.8, and grip. Can’t wait!!!!

     • Sorry, I meant A7R.

158. This is exciting but it is a repeat of last year with the RX1 and RX100 and the year before with the NEX7. It is inevitable that every year will bring new advancements in sensor and camera technologies but at the end of the day, it is a question of who is holding the camera and not the camera itself. There are images on this site that were taken using the original Nikon 1 system that look better than images taken with the Canon 5DM3 on other sites. So while we get full sensor technologies and higher megapixels, I think it is important to remember that the talent is not coming from the camera but rather the person holding the camera… Just my 2 cents…

     • This just means I just have to wait one more year for the a9r with ospdaf and 42mp.

     • Well said Jim.

     • Agree, it is to do with technique and inspiration too 🙂

     • Your skill will increase, but your camera will not unless upgrading. those photo took with nikon 1 looks better than 5DM3, coz they are not taken with 5dm3!!! if you have the same scene taken with 5d and N1, then tell me if nikon 1 better than 5d

     • Totally true but given the same level, you are going to take better pictures with a better camera.

159. with the battery grip on the 7r kinda reminds me of the Contax RTS

     • I;m really digging the look. It isn’t as overtly retro as the more modern mirrorless trend. There’s a lot of modern design cues thrown into it but has just that slight retro edge to it when taken as a whole.

     • without lens – only body – reminds me of Contax 139 in size and weight 🙂

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