Camera review
27
SONYA7
Both the A7 and A7R have an ISO sensitivity range from 50 up to 25,600, but with different sensors and such a huge difference in pixel count, there’s nothing to say that performance should be the same. Theory suggests that noise would be worse in A7R images, since the sensor has more pixels crammed into the same amount of space. Practice indicates otherwise, and at all ISO sensitivity levels, noise is less of an issue with the A7R than with the A7 when images from each are viewed at the same size. The difference becomes most noticeable at ISO 3200 and above, where noise generally becomes more significant for both cameras. In both cases, noise increases fairly rapidly from this level up to the top, with images taken at ISO 12,800 and 25,600 suffering particularly badly. Images from the A7R appear just slightly cleaner, although in all honesty the difference isn’t huge and will probably only be significant if you plan plenty of very low light shooting. What’s also great is that the overall colour remains consistent through the ISO sensitivity range. ISO performance Despite their Alpha name, the A7 and A7R don’t feature the A lens mount seen on Sony’s DSLR and DSLT cameras, but use the same E-mount as the rest of Sony’s NEX mirrorless cameras. Until now, all E-mount cameras have had APS-C sensors, so while the existing E-mount lens system is compatible, it’s not built for full-frame. Sony is clearly looking to address this though and launched five new E-mount full-frame lenses alongside the A7 series; the 24-70mm f/4 and 28-70 f/3.5-5.6 standard zooms, 35mm f/2.8 and 55mm f/1.8 Zeiss primes and a 70-200mm f/4 telezoom. There are alternatives to E-mount lenses though. With an adaptor, you can use A-mount lenses, and there are also adaptors to fit a number of third- party lenses, including Canon, Leica and Nikon. Mount matters As mirrorless cameras, the obvious advantage of the A7 and A7R is their size. They’re less than two-thirds the weight of the Canon EOS 6D, the lightest full- frame DSLR, much more compact, and the image quality is easily as good as, if not better than other full-frame options. The differences between the A7 and A7R basically boil down to whether you want a little more resolution or a fraction extra speed. The only real advantage the A7R has is the extra 12 megapixels, and in reality the 24 megapixels of the A7 produce stunning quality and good enough for most purposes. The lower resolution of the A7 comes with its own advantages too – the files are smaller and considerably faster to work with, and this also means the top shooting speed of the camera is The verdict
ISO 50
ISO 100
ISO 200
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
ISO 6400
ISO 12,800
ISO 25,600
SONYA7R
ISO 50
ISO 100
ISO 200
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
ISO 6400
ISO 12,800
ISO 25,600
slightly faster. Price comes into it too, of course, because the extra 12 megapixels come at a £400 premium. Still, this gives you the same resolution as the Nikon D800 for £350 less. If the size and image quality of these cameras have won you over, it’s still important to consider the system as a whole before investing. Dedicated full- frame E-mount lenses are limited at the moment, so while this is sure to change, you need to ask yourself now whether what’s available will suit your needs, or whether you’re happy to use a mount adaptor for more choice. There’s no doubt that there are one or two compromises in terms of handling and performance compared to a DSLR, but full-frame quality from a camera body that’s small and light is probably most photographers’ dream – ultimately that’s what both the Sony A7 and A7R deliver.
SONYA7
SONYA7R
23/25
22/25
FEATURES
FEATURES
Nothing you’d expect to be there is missing HANDLING 21/25 Great customisation, but not the most responsive PERFORMANCE 23/25
High-res sensor is at the expense of other specs HANDLING
21/25
Identical to the A7 PERFORMANCE Excellent images VALUE FOR MONEY
23/25
Delivers on image quality VALUE FOR MONEY
23/25
24/25
You have to pay for the extra pixels.
Full-frame quality at its cheapest
OVERALL
91/100
OVERALL
89/100
PROS Image quality, custom controls, viewfinder CONS Responsiveness, focusing slower than a DSLR You won’t find a smaller camera with this kind of image quality.
PROS Resolution, customisation, viewfinder CONS Contrast-detection AF, can be slow to respond, loud shutter A good compact alternative for high- resolution full-frame photography
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