Photography News Issue 68

Photography News | Issue 68 | photographynews.co.uk

Techniques 12

Words by Kingsley Singleton

Mirrorless mainstays Sony’s full-framemirrorless cameras have revolutionised themarket and forced other manufacturers to catch up Though themirrorless revolution startedwith crop-sensored bodies, there’s nowhealthy choice of full-frame cameras, promising the image quality of DSLRs with the groundbreaking features of mirrorless. Herewe look at themain contenders... Full throttle Sony

There’s no doubting the benefits of moving from a DSLR to a mirrorless system, but with so many enthusiast photographers currently toting full- frame DSLRs, stepping down to a cropped sensor was always a bit off- putting. Fortunately, as mirrorless shooting has gathered pace and credibility, so has the number of full-frame bodies increased. Last issue, we looked at mirrorless bodies with APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors, but this time out we’ll examine the full frame models from Sony, Nikon, Canon and, more recently, Panasonic. The difference between cropped- sensor and full frame mirrorless cameras is basically one of image quality. A larger sensor – full frame being roughly 36x24mm – means that resolution can increase

without image quality suffering, or that photosites can be less tightly packed at equivalent resolutions so images are more free of digital noise, especially at high ISO speeds. Full- frame sensors will also likely have superior dynamic range meaning it’s easier to capture highlight and shadow detail in a single exposure. Pound for pound, a larger sensor is also capable of producing a shallower depth-of-field than a smaller sensor when equivalent lenses are used, so it’s an attractive option if you want blurred backgrounds. On the downside? Pushing more data means bigger buffers and more powerful processors are needed. And larger sensors are more expensive to make, so this all means that full-frame mirrorless cameras are significantly more expensive than cropped-sensor

versions. Lenses need to create a larger image circle to cover the sensor, and this means they, in turn, need to be larger – and most likely heavier and more expensive than cropped equivalents. So despite the claimed advantages in portability, full-frame mirrorless cameras are likely to be larger and heavier than cropped versions – though still smaller thanDSLRs. Of course there are other benefits of mirrorless cameras, too, like exposure preview in the EVF for more accurate working, improved autofocus speed and accuracy thanks to contrast- reliant modes like Eye AF, silent shooting for candid photography, and in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) so you don’t need IS-equipped lenses to tackle camera shake. IBIS is also a great boon for video shooting.

Fan boys might argue the toss, but there’s really little doubt that Sony currently rules the roost in full-frame mirrorless cameras. There’s a reason for that – it’s been at it the longest, and most of its cameras are now on their third generation. The full-frame range offers plenty of choice with the A7 III, A7R III and A9 meeting different requirements. All three have back-illuminated CMOS sensors, two SD card slots and in-body, five-axis image stabilisation

and excellent AF. And while some competitors can struggle with battery life – mirrorless being a more power- hungry platform than DSLR – Sony’s Z battery is a corker. Rated for 710 shots, it will likely give you double that. Tackling the models in turn, the £1829 A7 III is the all-rounder. Versatile and relatively affordable, it uses a 24-megapixel chip and allows shooting at up to 10fps. The middling resolution also means the A7 III is ideal for low- light work, and has impressive dynamic

Above Sony's A7R III boasts a 42-megapixel full-frame sensor and is renowned for its image quality

range. The AF system is excellent and covers 93% of the frame – much more than you’d find on a DSLR. Next comes the camera that inspired many photographers to switch from DSLR to mirrorless, the £2699 A7R III. This is Sony’s high-resolution model, with a 42-megapixel sensor, and the ability to record uncompressed 14-bit Raw files. It’s a combination that provides stunning detail, dynamic range and the ability to make big crops and still end up with files large enough for printing, so the A7R III is a natural fit for both landscape and studio photographers. At the top of the Sony tree is the £3399 A9, which utilises unique stacked sensor technology to provide features that are, frankly, streets ahead of its competitors. For instance, where all

other mirrorless cameras have a slight viewfinder lag or blackout, the A9 has no perceptible delay at all, and this lets you shoot sport and action subjects with no interruption. It’s the same story when it comes to shooting speed and AF performance. The A9 shoots full-res Raws at 20fps, which is faster than any DSLR can manage, and does it all with AF running. Sticking with AF, like the other Sony models, the A9 enjoys excellent face and eye detection, but adds lots more focus points – 693 for increased speed and accuracy. With 24 megapixels, the resolution isn’t remarkable, but it does mean the A9 can offer exceptional high-ISO performance and dynamic range, too. One of the only gripes of Sony’s system is its menus. Moving from a

rival system can be a challenge in itself, but the menus on Sony’s cameras can be maddeningly oblique with very useful functions hidden away, or named in obscure ways. Still, it’s a small price to pay for all the other excellent features.

Above The Sony A9 has gained a great reputation for its ability to handle fast action and has an amazing AF system

sony.co.uk