Sony α7#Lusso
{{Short description|Full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera}}
{{For|the similarly named Sony APS-C format camera|Sony NEX-7}}
{{use dmy dates |date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox camera
| model = Sony α7
| image = Sony Alpha ILCE-7 (A7) full-frame camera no body cap.jpg
| kind = Full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera
| date = October 2013
| sensor = 35.8×23.9 mm Exmor full-frame HD CMOS Sensor
| res = 6000×4000 (3:2) (24 megapixels){{cite web|url=http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-alpha-a7r |title= Sony α7R Review: Digital Photography Review|publisher=Dpreview.com | author = Jeff Keller | date= February 2014 | access-date=2013-10-31}}
| lens = Sony E-mount
| shutter = Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter
| shutterRange = 1/8000 – 30 sec, BULB
| metering = Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
| fmode = Contrast Detect (sensor), Phase Detect, Multi-area, Center, Selective single-point, Single, Continuous, Face Detection, Live View
| cont = 5 frame/s
| viewfinder = Built-in 2.4 million dots OLED Electronic viewfinder
| speedRange = Auto, 100–25600
| rearLCD = {{convert|3.0|in|mm|abbr=on}} Tilting XtraFine LCD, 921,600 pixels
| storage = Memory Stick Pro Duo, Pro-HG Duo, SD, SDHC, SDXC (α7R IV supports only SD family)
| battery = NP-FW50, InfoLITHIUM, 7.2 V, 1080 mAh, 7.7 Wh, Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
| dimensions = 127×94×48 mm
| weight = Approx. {{convert|474|g|abbr=on}} (camera body, card and battery)
| vidrecord = 1920×1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440×1080 (30p), 640×480 (30p)
| replaced =
| successor = Sony α7R II
}}
The Sony α7, α7R, α7S and α7C (the α is sometimes spelled out as Alpha) are four closely related families of full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. The first two were announced in October 2013,[http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9946986042/sony-announces-first-full-frame-mirrorless-ilc-cameras-a7-and-a7r Sony announces α7 and α7R: first full-frame mirrorless cameras: Digital Photography Review]. Dpreview.com. Retrieved on 2013-10-30. the third in April 2014 and the fourth in September 2020. The α7 series was the first full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera on the market.{{cite news|access-date=2018-09-09|title=Sony's New Mirrorless Cameras Are the First to Get Full-Frame Sensors|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/10/sony-7r/|newspaper=Wired}} They share the E-mount with the company's smaller sensor NEX series.
The α7 II was announced in November 2014, and is the first in the family to revise the original body and ergonomics. The α7C introduced an even more compact form factor, being the smallest full-frame camera with in-body image stabilization. The α7 series is targeted at experienced users, enthusiasts and professionals.[http://www.sony.net/Products/di/en-gb/products/uxc2/index.html Sony Global - Sony Global - Digital Imaging - α7]. Sony.net (2013-10-16). Retrieved on 2013-10-30.
The Sony α7 and α7R have the model numbers ILCE-7 and ILCE-7R respectively. In addition, the α7S, the α7 II, and the α7R II have the model numbers ILCE-7S, ILCE-7M2, and ILCE-7RM2. Sony's new model naming prefix strives to unify model names. "ILC" stands for Interchangeable Lens Camera, followed by an indicator of A-mount "A" or E-mount "E".{{cite web |url=http://blog.sony.com/2013/10/a7-faq/ |title=Your α7 and α7R Questions Answered |publisher=blog.sony.com |date=2013-10-17 |access-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102173050/http://blog.sony.com/2013/10/a7-faq/ |archive-date=2013-11-02 }}
Pre-announcement rumours speculated that the new camera would be named "Sony NEX-9".{{Cite web |title=Sony NEX Full-Frame Rumor Roundup | author=DL Cade | date=3 October 2013 | work=PetaPixel | access-date=2014-01-11 |url=http://petapixel.com/2013/10/03/sony-nex-full-frame-rumor-roundup/}}
Variations
A7 rear.jpg|Sony A7 Rear
Sony A7, A7R, A7S - by Henry Söderlund (14700037048).jpg|All three cameras of the first A7 generation: A7, A7R, A7S side by side
In 2014/2015, three new models became available forming the second generation of α7 series. They are the α7 II (ILCE-7M2), α7R II (ILCE-7RM2) and α7S II (ILCE-7SM2).
Sony continues to produce the first generation models α7 and α7S, even three years after the launch, only the α7 has been discontinued in April 2019.{{fact|date=May 2023}}
The basic α7 II model has 24 MP and has manual focus and hybrid autofocus.{{fact|date=May 2023}}
The second generation common ground is the newer and improved body design as well as the world's first five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system for a full-frame ILC. Sony claims that this can compensate a 4.5-stop equivalent of camera shake. In-body stabilization requires no special lens features, and mirrorless system cameras can typically accommodate lenses from any SLR system.{{cite web |url=http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-a7-ii/sony-a7-iiA.HTM |title=Sony α7 II Review |author=William Browley |access-date=2015-01-14}}{{cite web |url=http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2014/11/26/the-new-sony-a7-mark-ii-pricing-and-ship-dates/ |title=The New Sony α7 Mark II |date=26 November 2014 |access-date=2015-01-14}} As an upgrade of the α7, the α7 II has the same 50 Mbit XAVC-S codec as the α7S but lacks 4K video, and the five-axis stabilization is less effective in video mode than that used in the Olympus OM-D E-M1.{{cite web |url=http://www.eoshd.com/2014/11/sony-a7-ii-review-5-axis-stabilisation-video-mode/ | title=Sony α7 II review – 5 axis stabilization in video mode | author=Andrew Reid | access-date=2015-01-14}} However, the crop mode used in the α7 II does not incur "very much loss in image quality", unlike that of the Nikon D750.
On 14 June 2015, Hasselblad announced the Lusso, a variant of the Sony α7R marketed by Hasselblad.{{fact|date=May 2023}}
The third generation started in 2017, and the fourth was announced in July 2019.{{fact|date=May 2023}}
{{anchor|ILCE-7|ILCE-7R|ILCE-7S|ILCE-7II}}Model differences
| class=wikitable style=line-height:1;text-align:center |
| Model
! α7 ! α7R ! α7S ! α7 II ! α7R II ! α7S II ! α7 III ! α7S III ! α7C ! α7 IV ! α7R V ! α7C II ! α7CR |
|---|
| Product standing
| Basic | bgcolor=ffb6b6 | High Resolution | bgcolor=b6ccff | High Sensitivity | Basic Mark II | bgcolor=ffb6b6 | High Resolution Mark II | bgcolor=b6ccff | High Sensitivity Mark II | bgcolor=ffb6b6 | High Resolution Mark III | bgcolor=ffb6b6 | High Resolution Mark IV | bgcolor=b6ccff | High Sensitivity Mark III | bgcolor=dddad7 | Compact | Basic Mark IV | bgcolor=ffb6b6 | High Resolution Mark V | bgcolor=dddad7 | Compact Mark II | bgcolor=efc9c7 | High Resolution Compact |
| Announced
| colspan=2 |16 Oct 2013 | 6 Apr 2014 | 20 Nov 2014 | 10 June 2015 | 11 Sept 2015 | 25 Oct 2017 | 26 Feb 2018 | 16 Jul 2019 | 28 Jul 2020 | 15 Sep 2020 | 21 Oct 2021 | 26 Oct 2022 |
| Sensor resolution at Full Format
| 24.3 MP Exmor CMOS | 36.4 MP Exmor CMOS | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 12.2 MP Exmor CMOS | 24.3 MP Exmor CMOS | 42.4 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 12.2 MP Exmor CMOS | 42.4 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS{{cite web|url=https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7rm3#product_details_default|title=Sony α7R III 35mm full-frame camera with autofocus|website=Sony}} | 24.2 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor{{cite web|url=https://www.sony.com/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7m3-body-kit#product_details_default|title=Sony α7 III with 35-mm full-frame image sensor|website=Sony}} | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 61.0 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor{{cite web|url=https://www.dpreview.com/news/7747501993/sony-introduces-a7r-iv |title= Sony introduces the a7R IV with 61 Megapixel full-frame sensor |website=Digital Photography Review |date=16 July 2019 |access-date=16 July 2019}} | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 12.1 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor{{cite web|url=https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7sm3/specifications|title= Sony introduces the a7S III with 12.1 Megapixel full-frame sensor|website=Sony}} | 24.2 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor{{Cite web|title=Sony α7C Compact full-frame camera|url=https://www.sony.com/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7c|access-date=2020-09-16|website=Sony|language=en}} | 33.0 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor{{Cite web|title=Sony α7 IV Compact full-frame camera|url=https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7m4/specifications|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Sony|language=en}} | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 61.0 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor{{Cite web |title=Sony a7RV (a7R5) Mirrorless Camera {{!}} ILCE7RM5 |url=https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/interchangeable-lens-cameras/full-frame/p/ilce7rm5-b |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Sony Electronics |language=en}} | 33.0 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor{{Cite web |title=Sony α7C II compact full-frame camera |url=https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7cm2/specifications |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Sony |language=en}} | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 61.0 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor{{Cite web |title=Sony α7CR 61.0 MP compact full-frame |url=https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7cr/specifications |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Sony |language=en}} |
| Processor
| colspan=9 | BIONZ X | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | BIONZ XR | BIONZ X | colspan=4 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | BIONZ XR |
| ISO range
| bgcolor=ffcc99 | Expanded ISO 50-25600 | bgcolor=ffcc99 | Expanded ISO 50-25600 | Native ISO 100-102400 | bgcolor=ffcc99 | Expanded ISO 50-25600 | Native ISO 100-25600 | Native ISO 100-102400 | Native ISO 100-32000 | Native ISO 100-51200 | Native ISO 100-32000 | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Native ISO 80-102400 | colspan=2 | Native ISO 100-51200 | Native ISO 100-32000 | Native ISO 100-51200 | Native ISO 100-32000 |
| Autofocus
| 25 points CD-AF | colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 | 25 points CD-AF | 25 points CD-AF | 25 points CD-AF | 169 points CD-AF||425 points CD-AF | 425 points CD-AF | 425 points CD-AF | 425 points CD-AF | 425 points CD-AF | 425 points CD-AF | 425 points CD-AF | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Stills: 759 points hybrid | Stills & Video: 693 points hybrid |
| Maximum flash sync speed
| bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 1/250 | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 1/160 | colspan=8 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 1/250 | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 1/160 | colspan=2 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 1/250 | colspan=2 | 1/160 (full frame) |
| Max Continuous Shooting
| 5 frame/s | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 4 frame/s | colspan=4 | 5 frame/s | colspan=8 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 10 frame/s |
| In-body image stabilization
| colspan=3 bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | colspan=12 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 5-axis |
| Flash Exposure Lock
| colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | colspan=11 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes |
| Shutter Speed
| colspan=10 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 1/8000 – 30s | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 1/4000 – 30 s e-Front Curtain only (1/8000 electronic)[https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7c#product_details_default] | colspan=2 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 1/8000 – 30 s | colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 | 1/4000 – 30 s e-Front Curtain only (1/8000 electronic) |
| Electronic shutter mode
| First-curtain only | bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | First-curtain, Silent shutter | First-curtain only | colspan=11 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | First-curtain, Silent shutter |
| Gapless on-chip lens
| bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | colspan=2 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes | bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | colspan=11 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes |
| Live-view Tethered Capture
| colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | colspan=6 | Yes | colspan=7 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes (wired and wireless) |
| Custom minimum shutter speed at Auto ISO
| colspan=4 rowspan=3 bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | colspan=11 rowspan=2 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes |
| Flexible Spot with Lock on AF |
| Continuous Eye-AF
| colspan=4 | Yes | colspan=7 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes (real-time tracking) |
| AF Sensitivity
| colspan=2 rowspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 | 0 ~ 20 EV | -4 ~ 20 EV | rowspan=2 |
| 1 ~ 20 EV
| -2 ~ 20 EV | -4 ~ 20 EV | colspan=3 | -3 ~ 20 EV |
| Metering Sensitivity
| bgcolor=b0ffb0 | -3 ~ 20 EV | colspan=11 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | -3 ~ 20 EV |
| User Custom Buttons
| colspan=3 | 3 | colspan=7 | 4 | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 1 | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 4+Dial |
| Programmable settings
| colspan=3 | No | colspan=9 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes |
| Monitor pixels
| colspan=3 bgcolor=ffcc99 | 921.6 K | colspan=3 | 1,228.8 K{{Cite web|title=ILCE-7RM2 Specifications|url=http://www.sony.com/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7rm2/specifications|website=Sony.com|access-date=2016-05-16}} | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 1,444K | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 1,444 K | 1,444K | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 921.6 K | 1,036 K | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 2,095 K | colspan=2 | 1,036 K |
| Touch Panel
| colspan=6 bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | colspan=3 | Yes | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes (fully touch menu system) | Yes | colspan=2 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes (fully touch menu system) | colspan=2 | Yes |
| Viewfinder dots
| colspan=6 bgcolor=ffcc99 | 2.4 M | 3.68 M | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 2.4 M | 5.76 M | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 9.43 M | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 2.4 M | 3.68 M | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 9.43 M | colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 | 2.4 M |
| Viewfinder Resolution
| colspan=6 bgcolor=ffcc99 | XGA | Quad-VGA | bgcolor=ffcc99 | XGA | UXGA | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Quad-XGA | bgcolor=ffcc99 | XGA | Quad-VGA | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Quad-XGA | colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 | XGA |
| Viewfinder Magnification
| colspan=4 | 0.71× | colspan=5 | 0.78× | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 0.90× | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 0.59× | 0.78× | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 0.90× | colspan=2 | 0.70× |
| Memory card slot
| colspan=6 | 1 (Memory Stick Duo/SD) | colspan=3 | 2 (slot 1: SD; slot 2: Memory Stick Duo/SD) | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 2 (both slots: SD/CFexpress Type A) | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 1 (SD only) | 2 (slot 1: SD/CFexpress Type A; slot 2: SD) | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 2 (both slots: SD/CFexpress Type A) | bgcolor=ffcc99 colspan=2 | 1 (SD only) |
| Video record format
| colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 | MPEG-4, AVCHD (28 Mbit/s) | colspan=2 | MPEG-4, AVCHD (28 Mbit/s), | colspan=5 | MPEG-4, AVCHD (28 Mbit/s), | MPEG-4, XAVC S, H.265 (280 Mbit/s), | MPEG-4, AVCHD (28 Mbit/s), | colspan=4 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I |
| Video sampling
| colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 | Line skipping | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Full-pixel readout | bgcolor=ffcc99 | Line skipping | Pixel-binning at Full Format | colspan=7 bgcolor=b0ffb0|Full-pixel readout |
| Slow motion video record
| colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | Yes (720p, 120fps) | bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | Yes (720p, 120fps) | colspan=4 | Yes (1080p, 120fps) | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes (4K, 120fps) | colspan=2 | Yes (1080p, 120fps) |
| HDMI Output
| colspan=2 | 4K still and 1080p video | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 4K still and 4K video | 4K still and 1080p video | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 8K still and 4K video | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 4K still and 4K video | colspan=3 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 8K still and 4K video | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 4K still and 4K video | colspan=5 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 8K still and 4K video |
| Video Light mode
| colspan=2 rowspan=2 | No | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes | No | colspan=8 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes |
| Professional Video edit
| colspan=10 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Picture Profile w/CineGamma, |
| Other features
| bgcolor=FFFFB0 | Hybrid autofocus system | bgcolor=FFFFB0 | No optical Low-pass filter | bgcolor=FFFFB0 | Full-pixel readout video at Full Format | bgcolor=FFFFB0 | Hybrid autofocus system | bgcolor=FFFFB0 | Hybrid autofocus system, No optical Low-pass filter | bgcolor=FFFFB0 | Full-pixel readout video at Full Format |
| Lossless RAW
| colspan=3 bgcolor=ffcc99 | No (11+7 bit lossy RAW{{Cite web|title=diglloyd blog: Sony's 11+7-bit Delta Compression, Posterization in Some Situations|url=https://diglloyd.com/blog/2014/20140212_2-SonyA7-RawDigger-posterization.html|access-date=2020-11-27|website=diglloyd.com|language=en}}) | colspan=2 | Yes, uncompressed (2.0 firmware update{{Cite web|last=Ltd|first=Magezine Publishing|title=Sony Alpha A7 II Uncompressed RAW Firmware Update v2.0|url=https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sony-a7-ii-uncompressed-raw-firmware-update-28375|access-date=2020-11-27|website=ePHOTOzine}}{{Cite web|title=Sony a7R II uncompressed Raw firmware update available October 19|url=https://www.dpreview.com/articles/4879204019/sony-uncompressed-raw-firmware-update-available-october-19-a7r-ii|access-date=2020-11-27|website=DPReview}}) | colspan=7 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes, uncompressed |
| Star Eater{{Cite web|last=Norman|first=Ian|date=2017-05-03|title=Star Eater: Documentation of an Issue with the Sony Cameras for Astrophotography (and How to Fix It)|url=https://www.lonelyspeck.com/sony-star-eater-and-how-to-fix-it/|access-date=2020-11-27|website=Lonely Speck|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Sony Star Eater|url=http://www.markshelley.co.uk/Astronomy/SonyA7S/sonystareater.html|access-date=2020-11-27|website=www.markshelley.co.uk}}
| colspan=4 | Only in Bulb mode | colspan=2 | Only at 4s and above after Fw2.10, upgraded algorithm after Fw4.0, not present in continuous shooting mode{{Cite web|url=https://blog.kasson.com/the-last-word/sony-a7rii-star-eater-workaround/|access-date=2020-11-27|website=blog.kasson.com|title=Sony a7RII star-eater workaround}} | colspan=5 | Only at 4s and above, upgraded algorithm{{Cite web|url=https://blog.kasson.com/a7riii/the-sony-a7riii-eats-stars/|access-date=2020-11-27|website=blog.kasson.com|title=The Sony a7RIII eats stars}} |
| PD-AF w/ adapted lens
| colspan=3 | Only A-mount lenses w/ LA-EA2 and LA-EA4 | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes (Firmware update) | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes | colspan=6 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes |
| Operate while USB charging
| colspan=4 bgcolor=ffcc99 | No | colspan=3 | Yes | colspan=6 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Yes w/ Tethering |
| Battery Life (CIPA standards) | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 340 shots | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 340 shots | 380 shots | 350 shots | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 340 shots | 370 shots | 530 shots (EVF) / | 610 shots (EVF) / | 530 shots (EVF) / | 510 shots (EVF) / | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 680 shots (EVF) / | | | Stills: 530 shots (EVF) / 560 shots (Monitor) | Stills: 490 shots (EVF) / 530 shots (Monitor) |
| Body material
| bgcolor=ffcc99 | Combi. of magnesium alloy | Full magnesium alloy chassis and polycarb bayonet mount. | colspan=8 bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Full magnesium alloy chassis and stainless steel bayonet mount. | bgcolor=ffcc99 | Magnesium alloy used for the top, front, and rear covers |
| Weight (w/ battery and media) | 416 g | bgcolor=b0ffb0 |407 g | 446 g | 556 g | 582 g | 584 g | 572 g | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 614 g | 573 g | 723 g | 429 g | 430 g |
| Dimension
| colspan=3 | 126.9 × 94.4 × 54.8 mm | 126.9 × 95.7 × 59.7 mm | colspan=2 | 126.9 × 95.7 × 60.3 mm | colspan=2 | 126.9 × 95.6 × 73.7 mm | 128.9 × 96.4 × 77.5 mm | 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8 mm | bgcolor=b0ffb0 | 124 × 71.1 × 59.7 mm | bgcolor=ffcc99 | 131.3 × 96.4 × 79.8 mm | 131.3 x 96.9 x 82.4 mm | colspan=2 | 124.0 x 71.1 x 63.4 mm |
| Discontinued |
BIONZ
BIONZ is a line of image processors used in Sony digital cameras. It is currently used in many Sony α DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Image processing in the camera converts the raw data from a CCD or CMOS image sensor into the format that is stored on the memory card. This processing is one of the bottlenecks in digital camera speed, so manufacturers put much effort into making, and marketing, the fastest processors for this step that they can.
Sony designs the circuitry of the processor in-house, and outsources the manufacturing to semiconductor foundries such as MegaChips and (mostly) GlobalFoundries, as they currently do not own any fabrication plant capable of producing a system on a chip (SoC).[1] Sony also sources DRAM chips from various manufacturers namely Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron Technology.
BIONZ utilizes two chips in its design. The first chip is an SoC that manages overall functionality of the camera such as SD card storage management, wired connection such as USB and HDMI, and wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi and NFC that are increasingly common on modern Sony α cameras. The BIONZ SoC can be identified by its part number "CXD900xx". The second chip is the ISP (image signal processor). It handles the data directly from the CMOS image sensor, and it is directly responsible for the camera's high-ISO noise characteristics in a low-light environment. The ISP can be identified by the part number "CXD4xxx".
Features (universal for α7-series)
- Exmor CMOS full-frame sensor (with different megapixels depending on camera version)
- TruBlack XtraFine LCD screen (3 inch/7.5 cm) with tilt functionality
- 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) electronic viewfinder
- 1200-zone evaluative light metering
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
- LED-auto focus illuminator
- Multi Interface Shoe (α7R IV adds digital audio interface)
- 9+1 customizable buttons (10+1 starting with second generation) / 45+ assignable functions
Usage in Filmmaking
The Sony α7 series has been adopted by various filmmakers for its compact design and high-quality imaging. The α7S model, in particular, has been favored by independent filmmakers for its affordability and low-light capabilities. Notably, The Bastard Sword (2018), a 187-minute British fantasy film, was shot entirely using the Sony α7S, demonstrating the camera's suitability for long-form, microbudget productions. {{cite web |title=The Bastard Sword (2018) Technical Specifications |url=https://shotonwhat.com/the-bastard-sword-2018 |website=ShotOnWhat? |access-date=May 12, 2025}}
Critical reception and awards
The Sony α (Alpha) cameras, particularly the α7 and α7R models, garnered widespread acclaim from critics and industry experts. DxOMark, a reputable source for camera and lens evaluations, crowned the α7R as the highest ranking full-frame mirrorless camera, with a score of 95 (the same score as the Nikon D800, but one point behind the Nikon D800E). The α7 achieved a score of 90, higher than the Nikon Df and Nikon D4 professional DSLR cameras, and even Sony's own SLT-A99. The Verge rated the cameras 8.3 out of 10, commenting that "It might be a few years before we realize it, but when the DSLR is relegated to a niche status among specialty photographers and full-frame mirrorless cameras dominate the market, we'll have the α7's to thank as the cameras that started it all."[https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/16/5213600/sony-alpha-a7-a7r-review Sony Alpha α7 and α7R review], The Verge, By Dan Seifert on 16 December 2013 EPhotozine which rated the α7 5 stars, meanwhile praised the α7 series' price point for making them "the cheapest full-frame digital cameras currently available" while being lighter and smaller than comparable cameras.[http://www.ephotozine.com/article/sony-alpha-7-ilce-7-full-review-23179 Sony Alpha 7 ILCE-7 Full Review] ePHOTOzine 3 Dec 2013 by Joshua Waller It awarded the α7 "Camera of the Year".[http://www.ephotozine.com/article/ephotozine-s-best-cameras-of-the-year-awards-2013-23514 ePHOTOzine's Best Cameras Of The Year Awards 2013] Posted: 6 Dec 2013 by ePHOTOzine The α7R was awarded by Imaging Resource as the "Camera of the Year".[http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2013/12/11/13-best-cameras-for-2013-ir-cameras-and-lenses-of-the-year Top 13 for 2013: The Best Cameras, Lenses and Technologies of the Year] by Dave Etchells, Imaging Resource posted 11 December 2013
See also
References
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}}