Features
24.3 MP 35mm full frame sensor
Sony, one of the world's leading makers of image sensors, combined its top new technologies to achieve the high resolution and image quality in history. This revolutionary 35mm full-frame Exmorª CMOS image sensor collects light with record efficiency to achieve high sensitivity, a wide dynamic range and an incredible new level of realism while significantly reducing noise.
Micro-engineering advances
The exceptional performance of the image sensor was achieved through various advanced sensor features. First, compressing circuitry height dramatically increases the amount of light collected by each pixel, while photodiode expansion technology increased the size of the photodiode at every pixel to improve the sensor's dynamic range and further raise sensitivity while maintaining low noise and achieving a high S/N ratio.
BIONZ X processor
Sony proudly introduces the new BIONZ X image processing engine, which faithfully reproduces textures and details in real time, as seen by the naked eye, via extra high-speed processing capabilities. Together with front-end LSI (large scale integration) that accelerates processing in the earliest stages, it enables more natural details, more realistic images, richer tonal gradations and lower noise whether you shoot still images or movies.
Detail reproduction and diffraction reduction
Two new technologies bring out the full performance of sensor and lenses. Detail reproduction technology prevents the overemphasized outlines that plague most digital images. Diffraction reduction suppresses the effects of diffraction, which causes points of light to appear blurred especially at small aperture settings (large F-numbers). By taking the aperture setting into account, this technology faithfully restores clarity to points of light and other fine details, for beautiful landscapes, portraiture, and more.
Area-specific noise reduction
Area-specific noise reduction is now more powerful than ever. It selectively divides the image into areas based on patterns (such as edges, textures and evenly coloured areas like blue skies), and then applies the most appropriate noise reduction for each area to improve image quality, especially at high-sensitivity settings. Working together with Sony's detail reproduction, it gives supremely clear, detailed images.
16-bit processing + 14-bit RAW
16-bit image processing and 14-bit RAW output help preserve maximum detail and produce images of the highest quality with rich tonal gradations. The 14-bit RAW (Sony ARW) format ensures optimal quality for later image adjustment (via Image Data Converter or other software).
Controls, customization and navigation
Despite compact dimensions, the α7 features front and rear dials for intuitive setting of exposure, a control wheel for setting ISO, and an exposure compensation dial. Quick Navi Pro displays all major shooting options on the LCD screen so you can rapidly confirm settings and make adjustments as desired without searching through dedicated menus. Button customization empowers you to shoot just the way you like, with frequently used functions assigned to the customizable buttons of your choice. You can easily assign any of 46 functions to any of 9 buttons; up to 12 key functions can be assigned to the Fn button for quick access.
Tiltable LCD screen
7.5 cm, 1.2 million dot LCD offers high resolution and flexible composition options.
Magnesium alloy body
Thanks to this outstandingly light and strong metal, the α7 weighs 474 grams with battery—less than half the weight of leading DSLRs—but has the durability for years of performance.
Substantial, ergonomic grip
The α7 is 25% less bulky than leading DSLRs, but still features a full-size grip for all-day shooting comfort.
Anti-dust system and coating
To keep your photos blemish free, an anti-dust mechanism vibrates ultrasonically whenever you switch off the camera to remove any particles adhering to the image sensor. An anti-static coating also helps prevent dust and other particles from adhering to the sensor when changing lenses.
Dust and moisture resistance
Durability-enhancing measures include sealing around the buttons and dials, as well as a protective double-layered structure that tightly interlocks panels and components.
XGA OLED Tru-Finder
This viewfinder features high 1024x768 resolution, OLED improvements and the same 3-lens optical system used in the flagship α99 despite the compact body. The viewfinder displays the effects of your camera settings, so you can accurately monitor the results. You'll enjoy rich tonal gradations and three times the contrast of the α99. High-end features like 100% frame coverage, wide viewing angle, information display modes, peaking function, and focus magnifier are also provided.
Full-frame filmmaking
The unique combination of 35mm full-frame sensor, audio production features and flexible lens interchangeability means a new level of portable moviemaking. The new accelerated BIONZ X image-processing engine also enables area-specific noise reduction and detail reproduction technology to be applied to movies for the very first time, resulting in ultra-fine detail and exceptionally low noise. Features like Picture Effect, full HDMI output for an external monitor, P/A/S/M modes, and full 1080p AVCHD Progressive format, and the choice of 60p/24p recording further expand the options.
Audio recording & monitoring
During movie recording and playback, you can monitor the sound using headphones connected to the α7 via the headphone jack, check levels with the display controls, or attach professional sound gear using the industry-standard XLR terminal adaptor kit.
Enhanced Fast Hybrid Autofocus
Numerous features contribute to the α7's autofocus capabilities: the new lightning-fast BIONZ X, high-speed full-frame image sensor output, and a newly developed Spatial Object Detection AF algorithm that conducts focusing analysis in real-time using spatial frequency information to optimally control the lens drive.
Eye AF
Even when capturing a subject partially turned away from the camera with a shallow depth of field, the face will be sharply focused thanks to extremely accurate eye detection that can prioritize a single pupil. A green frame appears over the prioritized eye when focus has been achieved for easy confirmation. Eye AF can be used when the function is assigned to a customizable button, allowing users to instantly activate it depending on the scene.
Lock-on Autofocus and area setting options
Lock-on AF adjusts the target frame size based on subject characteristics and makes use of a wide AF area to ensure usage of the optimal AF point for smooth, stable autofocusing. Just press the shutter button halfway to activate it. New BIONZ X ensures swifter subject tracking and detection performance than ever before. When using the Flexible Spot AF area setting, you can select a small, medium-sized or large AF area to match the size of your subject and help ensure the camera focuses on the intended area. Wide and Zone focus area settings are also available.
New AF area setting options
When using the Flexible Spot AF area setting, you can select a small, medium-sized or large AF area to match the size of your subject and help ensure the camera focuses on the intended area. Wide and Zone focus area settings are also available.
Full HD 60p video
Create movies of amazing clarity that play extra smoothly by recording them at Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) in the AVCHD Ver. 2.0 (Progressive) format - at the extremely high frame rate of 60 fps. The α7 also supports 24p movie recording, which gives your movies a subtle look that movie lovers everywhere associate with the cinema.
One-touch remote and one-touch sharing
One-touch remote lets you use your smartphone or tablet as a viewfinder and remote control for a digital camera, and one-touch sharing lets you transfer your photos and videos from your camera. Either way, by installing PlayMemories Mobile app to your NFC-enabled Android smartphone or tablet, you can avoid complex set-up sequences and establish wireless connection simply by touching your device to the camera. You are now ready to control your camera from your smartphone to take a photo from a previously out-of-reach spot, or simply be in your own group shot, as well as transfer them instantly to your smartphone for sharing on SNS. No NFC? No problem. You can also pair the devices manually.
Capture One (for Sony)
Capture One Express (for Sony) is a free award-winning image editing software that provides high-end image quality RAW development, easy management of your image files, and powerful editing tools. Capture One Pro (for Sony) can be bought for even more editing tools and tethered shooting capability.
Works with iMovie and Final Cut Pro X
This product is compatible with Final Cut Pro X and iMovie.
New Imaging Edge software suite from Sony
Imaging Edge app suite can maximise image quality, improve production efficiency and help you finely adjust RAW-based images. Use its “Remote” to remotely control shooting; “Edit” to develop RAW data into high-quality photos; and “Viewer” to view, rate and select photos from a list of shots.
