Sony mirrorless camera. Sony Full Frame Mirrorless: There can only be one Alpha. year. Find your audience

At the heart of mirrorless technology is an electronic viewfinder. Its application allows to reduce the size of the camera in comparison with SLR cameras, while retaining advanced functionality and interchangeable optics.

The first mirrorless cameras, which appeared in the early 2000s, were not in demand due to their high cost and limited features. But the situation has changed in recent years. The technical parameters of modern models are comparable to DSLRs and are second only to professional technology. But the mass distribution of mirrorless cameras is held back by the high cost and undeveloped fleet of optics. The use of adapters and non-native lenses often leads to a decrease in quality.

Mirrorless technologies are being actively mastered by all manufacturers of photographic equipment, including the leaders of the "mirror" market Canon and Nikon, but so far their success in the new field cannot be called outstanding. Olympus and Panasonic are the leaders here, but in recent years Sony has become the recognized leader.

Mirrorless cameras are confidently conquering the market and, over time, may supplant DSLRs. However, novelty is a deterrent to increasing sales. Even specialized store sellers are not always ready to provide competent advice. Therefore, when choosing, it is advisable to focus on reviews, reviews and ratings of the best mirrorless cameras.

Best mirrorless cameras for hobbyists

3 Canon EOS M50 Kit

Not picky about consumables model. Eye focusing
Country: Japan
Average price: 44,990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

A mirrorless camera with the best performance if you take into account the loyal price of the gadget. Here interchangeable optics, a three-inch rotary display, Wi-Fi and bluetooth, a matrix with a resolution of 25.8 megapixels and support for 4K. In reviews, the owners of this mirrorless camera swear that 4K is dishonest, but even in Full HD, the M50 shoots amazingly.

Users, after more than six months of experience using this model, share their observations in reviews. Autofocus is gorgeous: there is tracking focus, focus on the eyes, and the ability to select the focus point with a tap on the screen when using an electronic viewfinder. With a cheap Chinese adapter, you can connect a 50 mm STM lens. The camera also accepts cheap batteries without any problems. The flexibility of the menu and many settings are also pleasing. All buttons can be reassigned. This is the best mirrorless camera for hobbyists and more.

2 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Kit

The optimum ratio of price and quality. Optical stabilizer
Country: Japan
Average price: 39,990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The advanced electronic filling is hidden behind the retro style. The advantages of the camera include a large electronic viewfinder, high sensitivity, good color rendering and fast autofocus. In the new version, a useful option appeared on the rotary touchscreen: the choice of the focus area with your finger across the screen.

But the best among competitors OM-D E-M10 Mark II makes the built-in 5-axis optical stabilizer, which is not found in all older models. With it, you can confidently shoot handheld at long exposures in low light and record video.

There are no complaints about the image resolution in the video mode, the maximum video frequency is 120 frames. The rate of fire is also great. 8.5 frames per second is enough for professional reportage photography. The buffer is not rubbery, but capacious: the maximum series of 22 shots in RAW format. Of the minuses, users note an illogical menu, but you can get used to it.

1 Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit

Most popular mirrorless camera
Country: Japan
Average price: 39 490 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Despite its compact size, this mirrorless camera will outperform most amateur DSLRs. The main competitive advantage is the best autofocus speed. A record 179 pixels provide full frame coverage, Sony can easily handle any action scene. The reporters will not be let down by the impressive shooting speed - 11 frames per second.

Tenacious tracking autofocus could make the model a leader in video quality. Full HD resolution and recording speed meet modern requirements, but the manufacturer decided not to focus on video. There is no microphone jack on the body, and users complain that the camera overheats with prolonged continuous use.

The indisputable advantage of the Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 is also its low noise level. ISO up to 3200 is rated as working, and 6400 is guaranteed to work well for a home album. Other useful features include Wi-Fi, NFC and a rotating screen.

The only drawback of a mirrorless camera is the cost, which will seem unreasonably high to novice photographers.

Best mirrorless cameras for advanced users

3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 Kit

Best for videography
Country: Japan
Average price: 43309 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

A mirrorless camera that takes mediocre photos and shoots videos gorgeous. At its disposal is a 16-megapixel matrix, the ability to record videos up to 30 minutes in 4K resolution, an electronic viewfinder, a rotary touch screen and successful tracking autofocus. In reviews, this model is called the best low-cost solution for videographers.

The software contains a variety of video assistants. There are many settings. The built-in microphone does its job perfectly. Light weight and slim dimensions make this model the best for advanced users looking for a camera for 4K video and more. Bonuses: powerful battery, good sound recording, gorgeous video detail. The main drawback is not the highest quality materials for the case. The plastic looks flimsy.

2 Sony Alpha ILCE-7S Body

Full frame camera
Country: Japan
Average price: 97385 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The launch of the full-frame Sony Alpha A7s marks a technological breakthrough in digital photography. By increasing the pixel size, the manufacturer has achieved previously unthinkable sensitivity. During daylight hours, this solution does not offer any advantages, but in the dark, Sony shows incredible results. Experts agree that when ISO is set to 6400, the use of noise reduction devices will not be required. The wide dynamic range allows you to capture details even in total darkness. Other advantages include a metal body, flip-down display and Wi-Fi.

The mirrorless camera has impressive potential for video shooting. Contrast focusing does not lose autofocus even if the subject is constantly moving. All settings are adjusted during shooting. The frame rate of the movie reaches 120 frames per second, and when connected to an external recorder, recording in 4K format is possible.

The main complaint with Sony is the weak battery. When traveling and long-term shooting, you will need a few spare blocks. In addition, the mirrorless camera has low rates of fire: 5 frames per second is not enough for reporters, but the manufacturer set itself other tasks.

A mirrorless camera is best for shooting in low light conditions. Of course, there are some shortcomings in it, which are eliminated by the released second version, but the cost of the new model is disproportionately higher.

1 Sony Alpha ILCE-6500 Kit

Quality 5-axis image stabilization
Country: Japan
Average price: 92 102 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

A neat mirrorless camera with excellent features and compact dimensions. This Alpha shoots in 4K, has a 25-megapixel camera, flip-down touchscreen and supports interchangeable lenses. 5-axis stabilization works well. Autofocus pleases not only with clarity, but also with quick response - the manufacturer calls autofocus in its creation the fastest in the world. There are many phase focusing points - 425 pieces.

In the reviews, they write a lot of pleasant things about this mirrorless camera. There are also complaints: a weak battery, not always correct operation of the focus on "non-native" lenses, and a low write speed via USB. Users note that the gadget almost does not heat up, pleases with ergonomics and low weight, it is distinguished by high-quality stabilization. The kit includes a whale lens, so you don't need any additional investment to start photographing.

The best mirrorless cameras for professionals

4 Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 Body

Image quality
Country: Japan
Average price: 141,990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Full-frame 24 megapixel sensor, which produces photos at a resolution of 6000x4000. Autofocus hybrid and pleases with the speed of operation, a large number of points, tracking function and "smart" work when shooting portraits. There are headphone, microphone and USB type-C jacks, as well as support for two flash cards at once. The screen rotates only in the up and down position, which is convenient when shooting from the belly, for example, but vertical photos from above will have to be taken blindly. But the focus points can be indicated directly on the screen: the system will understand you.

Electronic viewfinder with 100% field of view. The battery is quite capacious - it is enough for 510 photos, although in burst mode the Alpha ILCE-7M3 is capable of producing several thousand frames on a single charge. Users in the reviews note that the camera can withstand more than a 5-hour interval in active mode without recharging.

3 Fujifilm X-T20 Body

Best price
Country: Japan
Average price: 49,990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Compact, versatile Japanese quality option. The device is perfect for both video and professional quality photos. Here is a 24-megapixel sensor that creates 4K video content without cropping. The screen is touch-sensitive and rotatable, the diagonal size is three inches. I am glad that the camera does not overheat even when recording video in ultra format.

Despite the touching dimensions, the camera is capable of delivering excellent images with excellent quality. It's a shame that there is no function to change ISO when recording video. Otherwise, this is a professional mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, encrypted for a budget compact camera. The camera hit the top of the best cameras not only because of its attractive price, but also because of the surprisingly high quality of the footage.

2 Sony Alpha ILCE-A7R III Body

Support for two memory cards
Country: Japan
Average price: 189,400 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

A compact professional version with a 44 megapixel matrix and support for 4K video is also included in the top. Autofocus performs its function regularly even at dusk. When shooting portraits, autofocus is eye-guided - convenient. Matrix stabilization and helps out great when shooting. The viewfinder is electronic and of high quality. The processor is powerful and even during the saving of a captured frame, it leaves the user the opportunity to change settings and move around the menu.

The menu, unfortunately, is very overloaded - in the maze of settings it is difficult to quickly navigate and get to the desired characteristics. But even in low light, the photos do not wash and are characterized by high quality. Another nice bonus for wedding and reportage photographers is the high shooting speed. Up to 10 frames are created per second. Every megapixel of the sensor is felt and expressed in the quality of the images. The body is nice, the wheels are metal, the travel of the buttons is tight, so that every press is felt. The shutter button is smooth.

1 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Kit

High resolution images. Work speed
Country: Japan
Average price: 189898 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

A compact mirrorless option for professional photographers. Here is a 20-megapixel camera that shoots at 5184 x 3888 resolution, an electronic viewfinder, a touch-sensitive rotating LCD display. The autofocus is hybrid and works quickly, correctly and accurately. The number of focusing points is striking - 121. There is manual focusing and even an electronic rangefinder.

The body is made of metal and is protected from dust and water. The gadget sits perfectly in the hand, providing a comfortable grip with a well-thought-out body shape. Auto ISO is programmable, which allows you to get a high-quality image without noise. The detail is amazing, especially in RAW format. The white balance in the automatic mode works decently - the color reproduction is natural. For portraits and reportage photos, this is the optimal model considering the price and quality. In addition, there is excellent stabilization, fast operation (from power-on to frame processing) and tenacious focus with the tracking function.

In the time that has passed since the release of the α7 II (3.5 years), Sony itself has stepped forward very powerfully, if not having subjugated the market of professional and semi-professional cameras, then creating a serious pocket in it. The main engines of Sony's progress in this area, in addition to expanding the fleet of optics: the world's best autofocus with the ability to aim at a glance, seriously improved autonomy, new sensors and, in general, a great increase in camera response speed to the photographer's actions. The major breakthrough here was the Sony α7R II and the α9 and α7R III that followed. Now it's time to update the "personalized" camera of the series.

Compared to the α7 II, everything is improved in it. The camera received a new 24-megapixel full-frame sensor with backlighting, a hybrid focusing system (693 points of phase autofocus, 425 contrast sensors), a new battery that allows you to take up to 710 images on a single charge (using the CIPA method); it can also shoot at up to 10 frames per second, is equipped with a display with a touch-sensitive coating ... You can list for a long time, it is important to understand the main thing - Sony has tried to create its most versatile full-frame mirrorless camera. But did the company make any compromises in this process?

⇡ Specifications

	Sony α7 III
Image sensor	36 × 24mm (full frame)	36 × 24mm (full frame)	36 × 24mm (full frame)	36 × 24mm (full frame)
Effective sensor resolution	24 megapixels	42.4 megapixels	24.5 megapixels	30.4 megapixels
Image stabilizer	5-axis	5-axis	5-axis	No
Bayonet	Sony E	Sony E	Z Nikon	Canon EF
Photo format		JPEG (EXIF 2.3, DCF 2.0), RAW (ARW)	JPEG (EXIF 2.3, DCF 2.0), RAW (NEF)	JPEG (EXIF 2.3, DCF 2.0), RAW, Dual Pixel RAW
Video format	XAVC S, AVCHD 2.0, MP4	XAVC S, AVCHD 2.0, MP4	MOV, MP4	MOV, MP4
Frame size	up to 6000 × 4000 pixels	up to 7952 × 5304 pixels	up to 6048 × 4024 pixels	up to 6720 × 4480 pixels
Video resolution	up to 3840 × 2160, 30p	up to 3840 × 2160, 30p	up to 3840 × 2160, 30p	up to 4096 × 2160 pixels, 30p
Sensitivity	ISO 100-51200 expandable to 50, 102400 and 204800	ISO 100-32000 expandable to 50, 51200 and 102400	ISO 100-51 200 expandable to 50-204 800	ISO 100-32000 expandable to ISO 50, 51200 and 102400
Gate		Mechanical shutter: 1 / 8000-30 s; long (Bulb); silent mode	Mechanical shutter: 1 / 8000-30 s; long (Bulb); silent mode	Mechanical shutter: 1 / 8000-30 s; long (Bulb)
Burst speed	up to 10 frames per second with mechanical shutter	up to 10 frames per second with electronic shutter	up to 12 frames per second	up to 7 fps in normal mode, up to 4.3 fps in Live View with focus tracking
Autofocus	Hybrid (contrast + phase), 693 points	Hybrid, 399 points full-frame phase-detection AF; 255 points of phase-detection AF + 425 points of contrast-detection AF	Hybrid (contrast + phase), 273 points	Phase, 61 points, of which 41 are cross-type; Dual Pixel CMOS AF when focusing in Live View
Exposure metering, operating modes		Matrix metering, 1200 zones: matrix, center-weighted, spot, spot on standard / large area, averaged over the entire screen, over the brightest area	TTL sensor: matrix, center-weighted, spot, highlight	TTL metering at 252 points: evaluative, partial, center-weighted, spot
Exposure compensation		+ 5.0 EV in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV	+ 5.0 EV in steps of 1, 1/3, or 1/2 EV	+ 5.0 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
Built-in flash	No, X-sync 1/250 s	No, X-sync 1/250 s	No, X-sync 1/200 s	No, X-sync 1/200 sec
Self-timer		2 s, 5 s, 10 s; self-timer for shooting with bracketing; self-timer for continuous shooting (up to 3 frames)	2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; from 1 to 9 exposures with an interval of 0.5; 1; 2 or 3 s	2/10 s
Memory card		Two slots, one compatible with Memory Stick (PRO, Pro Duo) and SD / SDHC / SDXC type UHS I / II, the other for SD only	Slot for XQD / CF-Express	CF type I slot (UDMA 7 compatible) + SD / SDHC / SDXC type UHS I slot
Display	Touchscreen tilting, LCD, 3 inches, resolution 0.92 million dots	Tiltable touchscreen, LCD, 3 inches, resolution 1.4 million points	Touchscreen tilting LCD, 3.2 inches, resolution 2.1 million dots	LCD, 3.2 inches, 1.6 million dots, touch coverage; optional monochrome display
Viewfinder	Electronic (OLED, 2.36 million dots)		Electronic (OLED, 3.69 million dots)	Pentaprism SLR Linear Viewfinder, 100% Image Area
Interfaces	USB Type-C (USB 3.0), microUSB, 3.5mm headphone jack, 3.5mm microphone jack, microHDMI type D	USB Type-C (USB 3.0), microUSB, 3.5mm headphone jack, 3.5mm microphone jack, microHDMI type D, sync jack	USB Type-C (USB 3.0), HDMI Type C, 3.5mm headphone jack, 3.5mm microphone jack, remote control jack	HDMI, USB 3.0, 3.5mm for external microphone, 3.5mm for headphone, remote control port
Wireless Modules	Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (SnapBridge)	Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS
Nutrition		Li-ion battery NP-FZ100, 16.4 Wh (2280 mAh, 7.2 V)	Li-ion battery EN-EL15b, 14 Wh (1900 mAh, 7 V)	Li-ion battery LP-E6N with a capacity of 14 Wh (1865 mAh, 7.2 V)
Dimensions (edit)	126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7 mm	126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7 mm	134 x 101 x 68 mm	150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9 mm
Weight	650 grams (with battery and memory card)	657 grams (with battery and memory card)	675 grams (with battery and memory card)	890 grams (including battery and memory card)
Actual price	144 900 rubles for the version without lens (body)	230,000 rubles for the version without lens (body)	159,000 rubles for the version without a lens (body), 209,000 rubles for the version with a 24-70mm f / 4 lens	199,000 rubles for the version without lens (body)

⇡ Appearance, ergonomics and control

The Sony α7 III is a fairly compact camera. On the one hand, this is a plus, but it can also cause inconvenience. In my, female hand, it is quite comfortable, but I suppose that for male photographers the space between the grip for the right hand and the lens may seem insufficient - the knuckles will rest against the lens. It should be noted that an additional grip extension is provided for the camera, which can be purchased for more comfortable work, but I did not have the opportunity to test it in practice.

The camera itself is relatively light (650 grams with battery and memory card), but when used with the Planar T * FE 50mm f / 1.4 lens, which I used the most during testing, there is an imbalance - the optics seem too heavy for this camera. ... This nuance, however, can be corrected by purchasing an additional battery pack.

In terms of control, the Sony α7 III does not show anything fundamentally new - both design and controls have passed to it from other cameras in the family. In particular, from the model.

The front panel contains a bayonet mount, a lens release button, a selector dial on the grip handle, an IR transmitter for a wireless remote control and an autofocus lamp.

On the right side is the memory card compartment, which opens with a small lever. The top slot is for Memory Stick and SD cards, the bottom one is for SD only (the bottom one is marked as the first slot). Also here is the NFC contact pad.

All interfaces are concentrated on the left side, divided into three groups, each of which is covered with a plastic cover. The first contains a sync connector for an external flash and a mini-jack for a microphone. In the second - a mini-jack for headphones and microHDMI. In the third - USB Type-C (USB 3.0 standard) and microUSB. Both can be used to charge the camera, as well as to transfer files to a computer.

The top panel contains a speaker, a stereo microphone, a universal hot shoe interface and a group of controls concentrated on the right side: a classic mode selector, an exposure compensation wheel, a shutter release button with a power switch and two programmable keys.

Rear panel - LCD display with slide-out and tilt-out mechanism, but not 180-degree rotation. Above it is an electronic viewfinder eyepiece with a diopter adjustment wheel and a proximity sensor. All other controls are also located here: the third programmable key, the main menu button, the video recording start button, forced activation of autofocus / zoom in while viewing, exposure lock / zoom out while viewing, the second selector dial, joystick, navigation ring with four beams », Responsive to pressing, and a central confirmation button, a function key (by default, it brings up the quick menu) and keys for viewing and deleting images. The latter is also programmable.

The bottom contains only the battery compartment and the tripod socket. They are spaced far enough apart for the photographer to have access to the battery, even when shooting with a tripod.

My subjective experience with the Sony α7 III is mixed. From a utilitarian point of view, everything seems to be in order, but the expected level of comfort from the camera is not enough to work with it. For example, the exposure compensation dial is very tight here, as is the mode dial. The selector discs are quite normal. There are also questions about the keys - for example, the menu button is located too close to the viewfinder, it is inconvenient to press it.

The camera menu is very extensive - Sony α7 III is designed for serious and thoughtful work and therefore has many functions that are not obvious to the average amateur, but important for professionals. How conveniently the menu is organized is largely a matter of individual perception and habit. For example, in this regard, I am more impressed by the organization of the menu in the new Nikon Z7 - the functions are divided into sections more logically, you can find the desired parameter faster. In any case, after a few days of working with the α7 III, you also get used to its menu, and the most requested options are easily found. It is also worth noting that the camera allows the user to flexibly customize the control for himself by setting the necessary functions to the desired buttons. Moreover, you can assign different functions to the same button in the photo, video and frame viewing modes - this is very convenient.

Sony α7 III camera interface

Although the Sony α7 III's display is touch-sensitive, it cannot be used when navigating through the menus; you can only navigate between items using the controls.

The quick menu is invoked by the Fn button on the front panel. In it, of course, the user can add any functions he most demanded, but only 12 - in my opinion, this is not enough for such a camera.

⇡ Display and viewfinder

The LCD display with a diagonal of 3 inches and a resolution of 921 600 pixels is no longer very impressive by modern standards. This is just one of the fruits of the compromise that we talked about at the beginning. At the same time, the display is equipped with a touch-sensitive coating - this is an advance in relation to the previous model, the Sony α7 II. It is very convenient that the display can work in touchpad mode: when you frame the frame with the help of the viewfinder, you can nevertheless set the focus point by touching the formally turned off display.

The viewfinder here is also simplified compared to what we saw in the Sony α9 or α7R III: OLED, with a resolution of 2,359,296 pixels (versus 3.7 million pixels on the aforementioned brothers in the family or the direct competitor Nikon Z6). It uses new optics, which makes the experience noticeably different compared to the α7 II. But in any case, I admit that working with this viewfinder did not give me pleasure, and I only resorted to it in the bright sun, when pointing on the LCD screen became clearly uncomfortable.

⇡ Sensor, continuous shooting and autofocus

By far the biggest innovation of the Sony α7 III over its predecessor is the sensor. The resolution has hardly changed at 24 effective megapixels. But that shouldn't be misleading - the sensor is freshly designed, backlit, and great at high ISO performance. This is most likely a "stripped down" version of the sensor used in the α9 reportage camera. The BIONZ X processor works with this sensor, which, in turn, means a significant acceleration of data processing and an increase in the quality of this very processing.

The updated sensor works in tandem with a new "LSI" interface (mainly an additional processor) to shoot at up to 10 frames per second with one-shot AF and AE, but without displaying images in Live View mode, or up to 8 frames per second with the current image displayed ... This is a very serious level and is backed up by a very decent clipboard. The camera failed to achieve the stated burst length (up to 40 frames with uncompressed RAW), but 32 frames in RAW + JPEG format is also a very decent level. In JPEG format, burst length can be up to 85-87 shots. Shooting was carried out on a SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDXC UHS-II memory card.

The new camera borrows the impressive focusing system again from Sony α9: 693 phase sensors accompany 425 contrast sensors. Provides coverage of 93% of the frame.

The user has the opportunity to adjust autofocus in the most flexible way, so that, depending on the specifics of his work, each photographer can get the perfect result. For photographers working with manual focus, there are also convenient functions: a focusing magnifier and focus peaking (highlighting an area in the focus area with a selected color).

Portrait is the main genre in which I work, and the portrait in the open air with an open aperture I shoot most often, and this is exactly the situation when focusing is critically important. Every portrait photographer knows the feeling of disappointment when a shot that is successful in all respects has to be discarded due to the fact that the focus has "gone" a little in the wrong direction - on a lock of hair or the bridge of the nose. Constantly focusing carefully on the eyes is a habit, but the new Sony camera promises to save us a lot of work. How well does the eye AF system work? I decided to test this on the most complex model. Young children are difficult to get to pose, they are constantly on the move, and attempts to manually select a focus point here obviously fail. This is the perfect situation to test how the new autofocus works on the camera. And - it works well:

What this is connected with is not clear. In general, despite a number of mistakes, autofocus left a very pleasant impression. This camera really makes it possible to shoot dynamics, take live reportage photos, without wasting time on self-focusing, because of which the right moment is often missed. The chances of you getting a well-focused shot is very high.

For comparison, I took a number of shots with manual focus point selection. Here, too, everything worked perfectly, the camera instantly "clings" to the eyes in the specified place.

So, in daylight, autofocus is fast and accurate, but what can we expect when the lighting conditions leave a lot to be desired?

Here, too, everything is in order. The camera focuses very well in dim light, including when there are bright, distracting light sources in the frame. The percentage of focus misses, according to my observations, is not higher than in daylight. Autofocus is claimed to remain effective down to -3 EV. I can only confirm the words of the manufacturer.

Here I would also like to note one more interesting "feature" of the camera called "face registration" and "priority of registered faces". Its essence lies in the fact that we can take a picture of a certain person and add his portrait to the device's memory, so that then, when autofocusing on a group of people, the camera itself selects the desired character and focuses on him. This can be useful when shooting events where it is important to focus on specific people. For example, when photographing a wedding, we can register portraits of the bride and groom in the camera's memory, so that when filming them with guests, we can be sure that the main characters of the scene will be the newlyweds.

Professional DSLRs were once divided into two conditional segments - reportage and studio. The older models of "system" cameras in Alpha Sony decided to split in exactly the same way. In many ways, they are similar, they differ significantly in performance and quality of shooting.

Sony Alpha A7S

Sony Alpha A7S

12.2 megapixels 3 "98,900 rubles.

The most expensive camera in our selection is the Alpha A7S, a dedicated videography version of Sony's full-frame mirrorless cameras. Photographers should consider one of its more affordable products, if only because its sensor resolution is limited to 12 megapixels. Low resolution here is a guarantee of the camera's excellent ability to collect light in separate cells of the matrix. In video mode at ISO 409,600, the A7S is capable of truly transforming night into day without significant loss of image detail.

Almost the entire area of ​​the frame is used for video shooting with honest pixel-by-pixel readout of the signal. This eliminates the possibility of a variety of distortions. A feature that must be taken into account by videographers who are going to work with ultra-high definition video: A7S does not know how to save 4K clips to a memory card, as, say, Panasonic DMC-GH4 does. Recording a stream with a resolution of 3840 × 2160 pixels with color subsampling 4: 2: 2 is possible only when outputting it via HDMI to an external recorder. In stand-alone mode, the device reads data from the sensor in full, digitizes, but then reduces to Full HD format. The result is videos with a maximum bitrate of 50 Mb / s with AVCHD encoding.

The camera is capable of using a special S-Log2 gamma when recording. Thanks to it, the dynamic range of the footage is expanded by 1300%, but the videos must be specially adjusted with color correction. An optional XLR set-top box allows you to connect the camera to specialized audio recorders. Various shooting aids are offered to assist the operator. Highlighting the contrasting edges of objects with adjustable parameters (focus-picking) will facilitate manual focusing and precise control of depth of field. Zebra - highlighting areas outside the dynamic range on the screen - will help you set exposure, control highlights on the subject, and adjust lighting. A7S supports timecode recording for subsequent synchronization of video from multiple cameras during editing. For different shooting conditions or different projects, the creation of profiles of brightness, gamma and chromaticity is available, as well as a number of other tools, which of course are fully present.

For this camera, Sony offers the new FE 28-135 F4 Power Zoom, specially designed for videographers. Its distinctive features are a built-in compendium, cogwheel control rings for transferring rotation from automatic aperture, zoom and focus control systems, and colossal (in comparison with the camera, of course) dimensions. At the same time, it has its own zoom drive. The speed of the focal length can be adjusted with a lever on the lens barrel itself.

Sony Alpha A7 / A7R

Sony Alpha A7

Sony Alpha A7R

24.3 Mp / 36.3 Mp 28-70 mm F3.5-5.6 3 ”59 900 RUB / 83 900 RUB

Professional DSLRs were once divided into two conditional segments - reportage and studio. The older models of "system" cameras in Alpha Sony decided to split in exactly the same way. In many ways, they are similar, they differ significantly in performance and quality of shooting.

The A7 has fewer photodetectors on the sensor substrate, which increases the capacity of the individual cells, and hence the effective light sensitivity. The camera is equipped with a fast hybrid autofocus with 117 active points, it can shoot 5 frames per second in a series with an active tracking focusing mode. For some reason, the camera body was not made entirely of metal: the front panel is made of a composite polymer. But all the gaps between the parts of the case and buttons, as well as wheels and levers are protected from dust and moisture. There is no front curtain in the shutter - its functions are performed by the electronically controlled forced discharge of the charge from the cells before the exposure of the frame. Due to this, it was possible to increase the range of shutter speeds with the flash to 1/250 s. At the same time, the moment you press the shutter button, camera vibrations are minimized, and the pop of the shutter becomes quieter. All these features allow the A7 to be attributed to the segment of cameras more adapted for shooting sports and reporting, where it is often important to get a picture regardless of the conditions, to capture the right moment without careful preparation, possibly at the cost of small losses in the result.

The A7R, on the other hand, is entirely tailored for scenes where you can leisurely approach a careful selection of parameters, building a composition, and lighting patterns. All for the sake of achieving the perfect shot, the technical quality of which must be taken care of by the appropriate electronics. Focus speed is not so important here, so contrast AF with 25 active focusing zones should be enough for the eyes.

The elaboration of all the nuances of the scene in the picture should be provided by a high-resolution sensor, from the surface of which a low-frequency filter, smoothing the image, has been removed. In addition, a new dual-core Bionz X processor is working on improving detail, noise suppression and color reproduction. It is equipped with multi-zone sharpening and diffraction reduction algorithms. Obviously, landscape photographers who are more likely to use small apertures (where diffraction is negatively affected) to maximize depth of field will appreciate this software tool.

Unlike the A7, the A7R is fully "clad" in magnesium armor. In both cameras, the responsiveness required by demanding photographers is provided due to the ability to quickly access all the most important shooting settings using hardware - buttons, wheels, levers placed on the body. Some of them can be reprogrammed in accordance with the user's preferences. There is an opinion that a serious photographer cannot do without a viewfinder, which is why the rotating display with a diagonal of 3 inches with a resolution of 1.23 million points is supplemented in this camera with an eyepiece. The viewfinder, of course, is electronic, but it demonstrates an excellent resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels.

For top-end mirrorless cameras, the base is the Sony E system used in NEX cameras. Accordingly, all released to this moment "mirrorless" optics are compatible with the new device, with the only proviso that only a part of the sensor corresponding to the APS-C format will be used for shooting (the rounded black edges are cut off automatically). FE series optics are compatible with cameras without reservations. Since the release of the new cameras, it has been replenished with 5 lenses, not counting the video graphics FE 28-135 F4 Power Zoom. A fully working set includes a wide-angle zoom of 16-35 mm, a standard zoom of 28-70 mm and a telephoto lens of 70-200 mm. Lenses 35 and 55 mm partly meet the needs of photographers in high-aperture optics. You can expand your arsenal by using lenses of the Sony / Minolta A system, but you will have to install them through rather bulky and expensive adapters.

Specifications:

	Manufacturer
Average price*
Size, mm
Effective pixels, million
Lens, focusing	Bayonet (compatible optics)
Digital zoom, magnification
Image stabilization ***
Photography	ISO sensitivity **
Exposure range, sec
Subject programs
Manual white balance
Connecting an external flash
Aspect ratio 3: 2
Aspect ratio 16: 9
Video and sound	Video, pixels
Video sound
Sound commentary
Voice recorder
	LCD monitor, inches
Viewfinder****
Memory cards
Nutrition*****
Dimensions, mm
Date of announcement

Sony NEX-7

Sony NEX-7

24.3 Mp 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 3 ”41,000 rubles.

Despite its long presence on the market, the NEX-7 has not lost its relevance yet. The camera was originally designed for serious, thoughtful shooting with extensive manual control. Actually, this, and even advanced for its time filling, allows you to put the device on a par with the most functional and powerful "system" compacts.

Owners of "system" cameras Sony A and accessories to them NEX-7 may also like the presence of a full-fledged brand "hot shoe" of the old model. You can install old, but no less wonderful Alpha flashes into it without additional adapters. In case the need arises to illuminate the subject in the absence of external blitz, the camera has a built-in fold-out flash.

At the time of the appearance of the device, the hybrid autofocus system had not yet been mastered by the manufacturers of "system" cameras, but the contrast method of focusing in the NEX-7 also works out reliably and quickly. Autofocus is flexible enough to control and has useful functions such as tracking a pre-selected subject until the shutter is released. The delay from the moment you press the button to the shutter is minimized here by replacing the mechanical front curtain with an electronic one. The camera manages to take 14 photos in RAW format when shooting at 10 frames / s and in general differs even from modern "system" NEX and A cameras of the lower and middle classes in higher responsiveness and performance.

Specifications:

	Manufacturer
Average price*
Size, mm
Effective pixels, million
Lens, focusing	Bayonet (compatible optics)
Digital zoom, magnification
Image stabilization ***
Photography	ISO sensitivity **
Exposure range, sec
Subject programs
Manual white balance
Built-in flash guide number, m
Connecting an external flash
Aspect ratio 3: 2
Aspect ratio 16: 9
Shooting speed (frames per burst)	10 fps (14 RAW)
Video and sound	Video, pixels
Video sound
Sound commentary
Voice recorder
	LCD monitor, inches
LCD monitor resolution, thousand pixels
Viewfinder****
Memory cards	MS PRO, PRO-HG Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC
Nutrition*****
Dimensions, mm
Date of announcement

Sony A6000

Sony A6000

24.3 Mp 16-50 mm F3.5-5.6 3 ”34,000 rubles.

Sony A6000 is an example of the technical sophistication of the amateur segment cameras by adding as many functions as possible. The built-in viewfinder is small, but the OLED-matrix installed in it has 1.5 million dots. Near the eyepiece there is an eye proximity sensor, which automatically switches the display of the image from the display to the viewfinder and vice versa. However, modern amateur photographers would rather prefer to compose a frame and navigate the menu on a 3-inch screen with a tilt angle adjustment mechanism. The camera offers various software interface options for users with different skill levels and different needs, and therefore will be available to beginners, without prejudice to the needs of experienced photographers. For the latter, among other things, there are 2 parameter control wheels and 6 function keys to which you can assign various settings from a list of 47 items.

Hybrid autofocus, which is rarely found in lower models, has become firmly established in the middle segment. A6000, as a representative of this category of photographic equipment, of course, was equipped with a sensor with sensors for determining the phase difference. They are distributed over almost all areas of the frame, and there are 179 pairs in total. The Bionz X processor, borrowed from the A7, delivers the responsiveness to autofocus performance during continuous shooting at 11fps.

The A6000 is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi interface supplemented by an NFC chip. The functionality of the camera can be expanded with software modules that can be purchased and downloaded from the PlayMemories brand store directly through the interface of the unit.

Sony A5000 / A5100

Sony A5000

Sony A5100

20.1 Mp 16-50 mm F3.5-5.6 PZ 3 ”18,700 rubles.

24.3 Mp 16-50 mm F3.5-5.6 PZ 3 "29 900 rubles.

Introduced earlier this year, the A5000 frustrated that compared to its predecessors, it seemed to be a step back in terms of performance and functionality. The A5100, which replaced it, is clearly called upon to win back the surrendered positions.

Physically, the models are very similar, except that the imitation of perforated smooth leather in the finish has been replaced by the reproduction of natural textured leather with wrinkles, and a couple of buttons have changed their location. The accessory connector or hot shoe was not returned to the camera. The A5100, like the A5000, has a built-in flash that is fully retractable into the body. The screen of the novelty has undergone a significant improvement. The resolution of the three-inch panel with a 16: 9 ratio has grown from 461 thousand points to 921 thousand. He still knows how to turn upward 180 degrees, but now he also responds to touch.

The sensor has grown in resolution and is also used to determine the sharpness not only by contrast, but also by the phase difference (additional sensors are distributed over 92% of the frame). Thanks to this, focusing can be performed on any object in the scene, without the need for subsequent correction of framing. In particular, it makes shooting with a tripod much easier. Both cameras use the Bionz X processor, but the A5100 uses it more efficiently. So, the range of available values ​​of photosensitivity has significantly increased, the speed of continuous shooting has increased by a third. The most significant increase in functionality is in the area of ​​video recording. Frankly, it is difficult to imagine an amateur who could effectively dispose of the proposed set of tools. The A5100 supports full-quality video streaming via HDMI, concurrent recording of Full HD and 720p clips to a card, displaying zebra stripes on the screen during shooting, and a number of other specific video graphics functions.

At the same time, the creators of the camera clearly assumed that the user of the A5100 would operate with the concepts of “bright”, “dark”, “I want to blur the background” or “I want everything clear” than with photographic terms, so the Photo Creativity shell was provided for creative shooting in the camera. allowing you to manage settings without getting too technical. There is a set of more complex shooting tools, but it will not be very convenient to use it. The A5100, like the A5000, has a fully functional Wi-Fi module. Interaction with the Sony PlayMemories app store is also supported.

Sony QX1

Sony QX1

20.4 MP 16-50 mm F3.5-5.6 PZ - 19,990 rubles.

The most unexpected novelty of autumn 2014 in the segment of "system" cameras is the Sony QX1. We have already seen photographic attachments for smartphones in all possible variations: a mid-range compact, an ultra-zoom and a camera with mid-range fixed optics. APS-C mirrorless set-top box is clearly something new.

The schematic diagram of turning a camera into an add-on for Sony smart phones has already been worked out. The display, almost all controls and unnecessary body parts are removed from the camera. The dimensions of the QX1 were enough to fit a fairly large battery, a motherboard with a sensor, and an empty space equal in depth to the rear flange of Sony E optics. A micro SD / MS Micro slot is provided for storing photos and videos. Despite the fact that almost all the footage can be immediately transferred to the memory of a paired mobile device, the card is still needed (the initial saving goes to it anyway, and copies are sent to the phone). It is also the first camera in the QX series to capture RAW images. Due to their large volume and poor support by mobile applications, they are not transferred to the phone - they can be transferred to a computer the old fashioned way, via a USB cable, or by means of a card reader.

QX1, like all other similar devices, is completely controlled from a mobile phone. A special program, released in versions for Google Android and Apple iOS, provides access to all camera functions - menus, settings, viewfinder. Its interface is entirely borrowed from Alpha and NEX cameras with touch control. The new camera has one very useful detail: the frame for mounting on the phone is now equipped with a swivel mechanism. Thus, the display can be rotated relative to the camera. For shooting from very difficult angles, the QX1 can simply be removed from the phone, taken in the other hand, and then directed as anywhere: since the communication between the devices is carried out via a wireless Wi-Fi interface, direct contact between them is not needed.

Photographically, the QX1 fully reproduces the characteristics and functionality of the Sony A5000. They even managed to provide a place for a lift-up flash with a guide number 4. The very idea of ​​photographic adapters for phones is great, and there may well be a future for such devices - at least in the amateur segment. However, in this particular case, the final implementation plays an important role. With the "compact" QX models, in particular, there have been problems with responsiveness to user input.

The first was the A900, launched four years ago. Both cameras have the same 35mm sensor and essentially the same 24MP resolution. But these cameras also have a lot of differences. The A900 is a traditional DSLR without video or Live View. But the new A99 has a beautiful Sony SLT design, combined with the latest technology.

Like previous SLT cameras, the A99 uses a fixed translucent mirror. It allows most of the light to pass into the main sensor for full-time Live View. At the same time, the rest of the light is reflected upward towards the traditional detection phase of the AF system, which is typical for SLT models. This makes it possible to enjoy fast and confident continuous autofocus during Live View. Even the most advanced DSLRs struggle to achieve this achievement. Interestingly, the A99 is additionally equipped with progressive detection AF points that are actually built into the sensor itself. This allows the photographer to set the range of distances over which the autofocus system should operate.

Along with all Alpha DSLRs and SLTs, the A99's sensor is equipped with an Image Stabilizer. It works with any lens you want to use. The viewfinder in the Sony Alpha A99 is only available electronically. But, based on an OLED matrix, combined with a fully articulated 3-inch screen, this is the best viewfinder to date.

Continuous shooting speed at full resolution is 6 frames per second, and in Tele-Zoom mode 10 frames per second. The tough magnesium alloy case also features a built-in GPS slot and dual SD card slots, as well as an uncompressed HDMI video output port. Sony has found it worthwhile to equip the A99 with a standard hot shoe, but there is no pop-up flash.

And at the end of the introduction, we note that the camera is capable of shooting 1080/50 / 60p video with continuous autofocus. It also features a built-in stereo microphone, a new disc for silent control, uncompressed HDMI audio transmission, and an optional XLR adapter. As you can see, this camera is packed with features and we will likely compare its capabilities with other competing models more than once.

(module Yandex direct (7))

It will go on sale presumably at the end of October at an estimated cost of $ 2800. That is, at the same price as the Cyber-Shot RX1 camera, which was presented almost simultaneously.

Now let's move on to a deeper acquaintance with the new full-frame Sony Alpha A99 camera:

12 september 2012 SAN DIEGO unveiled the long-awaited Sony A99. This digital camera sets a new standard for professional-grade DSLR performance. It harmoniously combines all the advantages of full-frame shooting, as well as the speed and high technology of a translucent mirror.

The successor to Sony's flagship A900 DSLR, the A99 features a new 24.3 MP full-frame image sensor, a unique dual phase detection AF system and a host of other innovative technologies. They work together to create the best picture and video quality in Full HD, which is exactly what we are used to receiving from Sony Alpha line cameras.

Mike Kahn, director of Alpha at Sony, said the new A99 brings together the company's wealth of experience in image sensors and a truly innovative approach to camera design. This gives new insights into what can be achieved with a full-frame DSLR camera.

A new level of image quality

The new flagship model A99 combines a 24.3-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor with the advanced BIONZ image processor for a unique level of performance in both stills and movies.

The performance of the full-frame sensor is boosted by a newly developed multi-segment low-pass filter, which increases its resolution. Supported by the new front-end LSIs, the BIONZ processor is capable of processing high-volume image signals from the sensor at very high speeds. Using a powerful new Area-Specific Noise Reduction (NR) algorithm, the camera supports 14-bit RAW images with rich gamut and low noise.

The evolved BIONZ processor also gives the A99 a more than impressive maximum sensitivity range (extended mode) of ISO 50 to 25600 - nine stops. Its incredible processing power allows the camera to shoot at up to six frames per second at full resolution or up to 10 frames per second in continuous shooting mode.

Another feature The A99 is that for the first time in history, a digital camera is equipped with a unique dual autofocus system. This focusing system is based on 19-point AF using 11 cross-type sensors. At the same time, it is supplemented with 102-points of the focal plane with detection of the autofocus phase and superposition on the main image sensor. Using the technological capabilities of a translucent mirror, allows the light to reach both AF phases. There is a simultaneous, continuous and more accurate measurement of the distance to the object than with other cameras. This unique dual autofocus system delivers ultra-fast, accurate autofocus that keeps track of not only in focus, but even if the subject is temporarily out of frame.

Depth-limiting continuous autofocus (AF-D) uses a dual autofocus system for wider, tighter frame coverage. This greatly improves autofocusing for fast or erratic moving subjects against difficult backgrounds. In addition, during movie shooting, AF provides a reliable depth of focus and ensures that the camera maintains proper focus. Even when objects or people cross the focal plane.

The new AF range control allows photographers to manually select the foreground-to-background distance that the autofocus system will not respond to. This feature is extremely useful for shooting sports or animals through wire mesh, especially when there are difficult backgrounds that often distract the camera's AF system.

Designed for videographers and filmmakers

The new A99's ability to capture video is based on Sony's expertise in professional camcorders. It is about combining the unmatched resolution and sensitivity of full-frame sensors with several advanced features designed for professional video production.

The flagship model A99 is the first full-frame DSLR to offer 60p / 24p Full HD progressive video recording in line with AVCHD Version 2.0. The process of filming is accompanied by continuous autofocus, which allows you to track moving objects non-stop. Additional enhancements include live video output via HDMI, continuous recording, and the use of dual memory card slots.

For added convenience when shooting video, there is a new software multi-command dial located on the front of the camera body. It lets you silently adjust general settings while shooting, including exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, aperture, and more.

The camera's sound recording features are designed to meet the high demands of the most discerning videographer. Headphones can be used to accurately monitor the recording. A special connector is provided for this. In addition, for audio balance, an optional XLR-K1M adapter kit can be used, which adds a high-quality mono microphone and pro-standard XLR connections for high-quality audio recording.

The no-compromise option for advanced photographers

The OLED XGA electronic viewfinder provides 100% viewfinder coverage while maintaining exceptional brightness, contrast, clarity and good resolution. This ensures high detail of the scene and subject being shot. The unique electronic viewfinder also supports 100% field of view of DT lenses, which are optimized for APS-C sensor cameras. The angle of view is automatically converted to record the image.

Complementing the EVF is a 1229k dot 3-position tiltable LCD monitor with White Magic technology to improve overall screen brightness. This is especially useful for framing and shooting outdoors in bright sunlight.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the A99 is the world's lightest 35mm full frame interchangeable lens digital camera. It is made of high strength magnesium alloy, and weighs only 733g (excluding lens and battery). Translucent mirror technologies, which eliminate the need for a heavy glass pentaprism moving mirror mechanism, also contribute to an extremely lightweight design.

In addition, the camera is waterproof. All buttons and controls in it have increased durability. Reworked the shutter unit, which has passed the test of approximately 200,000 actuations. This also ensures the endurance and reliability of the camera.

Improved camera ergonomics include a redesigned grip and differentiated multiple switch and button designs. Which allows your fingers to intuitively control the settings. New exposure of lock modes prevents accidental rotation. The newly developed Navi Pro interface provides quick, intuitive one-handed controls and easy access to general shooting options.

The A99 camera model can also be operated via a connection to a remote computer. Supported features include switching between stills and videos, plus automatic camera-to-PC transfer of images to streamline workflow in studio environments.

New lenses and accessories

The A99's ability to shoot full-frame makes it the ideal partner for new 300mm F2.8 G SSM II (SAL300F28G2) lens... It is designed to meet the specific requirements of sports photography and wildlife photography. This bright super-telephoto lens offers significant improvements in camera optical design and image processing over its predecessor.

Sony has developed a Nano-AR coating that delivers flawless photo and HD video quality while limiting flare and ghosting. It also increases the contrast. In addition, the new LSI drive circuit offers faster and more accurate autofocus with enhanced subject tracking ability. The new lens is also dust and moisture resistant, making it an ideal candidate for outdoor shooting.

A new high-aperture lens Carl Zeiss ® is currently under development. It is optimized for superior results with the new 35mm Planar T * 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM full sensor cameras. It will be available next spring.

Exclusively for the A99 camera, a completely new vertical lever VG-C99AM. It can accommodate and manage the operation of three batteries at the same time (including the camera's own on-board battery). Also resistant to dust and moisture. Its grip is ideal for long photo shoots in the studio or outdoors.

New range powerful outbreaks The HVL-F60M (GN60, meters at ISO 100) with built-in LED is ideal as a creative photo and video application. Wireless connection of multiple flashes is also provided. The Quick Shift Bounce system controls the uniformity of lighting. Adjustments can be made quickly using the intuitive Quick Navi flash control system. The flash is also dust and moisture resistant. The HVL-F60M comes with a flash adapter and color conversion filter for use with LED lighting.

The A99 is compatible with 49mm and 55mm lenses. New lenses The HVL-RL1 offers highly efficient LED lighting for small subjects and is ideal for macro photography. A high output level is achieved (about 700 lx / 0.3m), which is about four times brighter than the previous model, and the operation can be switched between full ring and half ring diode light.

(module Yandex direct (9))

New XLR-XLR K1M Adapter Kit is designed to meet the most demanding audio recording requirements. It has two standard audio jacks for connecting professional microphones and mixers to the camera. Adjustment of two channel levels is possible for maximum operational flexibility. The adapter kit is supplied with the ECM-XM1 professional microphone. When using XLR-K1M Kit with Model A99, an additional bracket is required.

RMT-DSLR2 - remote controller remote management which allows wireless shutter release. You can start / stop photo and video recording. It is compatible with the newer A99 models as well as other cameras that have a receiver for the remote control.

LCS-BP3 - specially developed by backpack for easy carrying of the camera. It houses the A99 body, the supplied telephoto zoom lens plus the VG-A99AM vertical grip, as well as 3-4 spare lenses, accessories and a laptop up to 15.5 "diagonal.

ADP-MAA is new adapter which allows the use of the Multi Interface Shoe for accessories designed for the Auto-lock Accessory Shoe. This adapter will be shipped with the new HVL-F60M flash and the aforementioned HVL-RL1 lens. It allows you to connect accessories to your camera.

Finally, protection screen PCK-LM14. It is a semi-rigid plate that protects the camera's LCD screen from dust, scratches and fingerprints. It also comes complete with a top cover protector.

New cards memory Sony's SDXC UHS-I - SF-64UX (64GB) are ideal for burst shooting with the A99. They provide ultra-high speed information transfer. Excellent compatibility gives excellent transfer rates up to 94 MB / s (read). Also transfers data to a PC at high speed, including video and large RAW files.

The new memory cards are water resistant and designed for use over a wide range of operating temperatures. For additional preservation of data integrity, the company has provided Sony's File Rescue software. It can help you recover files with photos and video frames that may have been accidentally deleted.

Today, there are four full-frame mirrorless cameras in the Sony Alpha line. This is not to say that any of them are more advanced or simpler models. Each camera has its own purpose, and the photographer can choose the creative tool with the most suitable set of characteristics.

Sony Alpha A7. Availability and performance

The most versatile and at the same time affordable camera from the family of Sony full-frame "sevens" is the Sony Alpha A7 (full name is Sony Alpha ILCE-7). We can say that this is the basic model of the series, on the basis of which the other three models are created by applying a different matrix or adding a stabilizer.

The Sony Alpha A7 uses a 24-megapixel 24x36 mm sensor. As in the Sony A6000 camera, the Sony A7 implements phase focusing sensors directly on the matrix, but due to the larger matrix area, the sensors do not completely cover it. This is the only reason the camera does not belong to the 4D focus family. The Sony Alpha A7 is a powerful creative tool perfect for almost any task. The burst speed is 5 frames / s, the control is finely tuned. The shutter can operate on the principle of an electronic front curtain, starting the exposure without any delay immediately the moment the shutter button is pressed. The viewfinder has a huge resolution of 2.36 million pixels by modern standards, an x0.71 magnification and 100% coverage of the frame area.

The camera is equipped with a Wi-Fi interface that allows you to remotely control the camera and quickly share pictures with mobile devices. This feature is implemented in almost all modern Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras (except for the A3500). By the way, the protocol for exchanging information over Wi-Fi between a camera and a smartphone was recently discovered by Sony. Perhaps soon we will see third-party applications, and even special remote controls for these cameras.

You can additionally install special applications in the cameras that expand the functionality of the camera and give the photographer new opportunities. This method of expanding the functionality of the camera after purchase is a direct competitor to flashing (this method is used by other manufacturers). However, installing applications is safer for the camera, and it is cheaper for the manufacturer. This means that the cost of producing new firmware is not included in the price of the camera. Applications can be downloaded from the official website www.playmemoriescameraapps.com. Their choice is very wide! There are also paid apps (after purchase, you can install it on 10 different cameras), but most are still free.

The Sony Alpha A7 sensor is a sweet spot in terms of resolution and noise level. You can shoot at high ISOs up to 3200, inclusive, without fear of getting an unnecessarily high level of noise. The potential of 24 megapixels is enough for high-quality printing of a picture for an entire magazine spread.

ILCE-7 SETTINGS: ISO 640, F8, 1/60 s, 40.0 mm equiv.

Sony Alpha A7R. Highest resolution

It's not just that I dwelt in detail on the description of the main characteristics of the previous model. Within the family, the "sevens" practically do not differ in a number of properties, and their bodies are similar as two drops of water. The whole difference is hidden inside. For example, Sony Alpha A7R (full name Sony Alpha ILCE-7R) has not 24MP, but 36MP 24x36 mm matrix. Moreover, the matrix is ​​devoid of a low-frequency optical filter to provide even greater image detail.

A low-frequency optical filter (in English documentation it is also called OLPF) is used in modern matrices to artificially reduce the sharpness of the image. It is necessary to guarantee to avoid the appearance of the so-called moiré pattern - distortions caused by the imposition of regular textures in the subject of the image on the matrix pixel grid. But when using a 36-megapixel sensor, such distortions can be obtained only in very rare cases. But the gain in detail when the low-pass filter is abandoned is significant.

ILCE-7R SETTINGS: ISO 100, F8, 1/125 s, 24.0 mm equiv.

Sony Alpha A7R is the perfect tool for landscape photography enthusiasts, as well as for portrait, studio, and product photography. It will also appeal to those who make money on photo stocks, where higher-resolution images can bring more income. In this camera, everything is done for the sake of maximum detail in images. The manufacturer had to abandon the use of phase sensors on the matrix, and due to the large volume of files, the rate of fire slightly decreased from 5 to 4 frames / s relative to the Sony Alpha A7. It also uses a classic shutter without an "electronic front curtain" (it is noisier and formally has a longer response delay, although in practice this is not felt).

ILCE-7R / FE 35mm F0 ZA SETTINGS: ISO 100, F8, 1/320 s, 35.0 mm equiv.

Sony Alpha A7S. Sensitivity and dynamic range

It is the smallest megapixel full-frame camera on the market today. The resolution of the Sony Alpha A7S matrix (full name is Sony Alpha ILCE-7S) is only 12 megapixels. However, this is enough to print a magazine page in the highest printing quality. However, in difficult shooting conditions, when there is not enough light, this camera will outperform all other models with a high matrix resolution. The large pixel Sony Alpha A7S can capture more photons of light, which means that the noise level when shooting at high ISO will be lower. The same is the case with dynamic range: when shooting high-contrast scenes, details in shadows and details in highlights will be better worked out. According to the results of instrumental tests, the Sony Alpha A7 matrix takes the first place among all modern cameras. This sensor model is no longer used in any other camera.

Until now, we have only talked about the photo capabilities of cameras, but all cameras of the modern Alpha family can shoot high-quality Full HD video. However, even against the background of its successful brothers in video shooting, the Sony A7S stands apart. Firstly, this camera is able to record video with very low noise at high ISO (thanks again to the unique matrix). Secondly, when shooting video, you can fully realize the widest dynamic range of the matrix. For this, a special S-log2 Gamma profile is provided. This is Sony's color correction technology that provides smooth tones, reduces overexposed and underexposed areas, and increases the dynamic range up to 1300%! However, without color correction at the post-processing stage (processing the captured video on a computer), the image captured using S-log2 will look low-contrast.

Video recording to a memory card is possible in Full HD resolution with a frequency of up to 50/60 frames / s (for HD, the frequency can be increased to 100/120 frames / s) and a bit rate of up to 50 Mbps. By using an external recorder connected to the camera's HDMI output, 4K video can also be recorded. The camera outputs an uncompressed video stream with a resolution of 3840 x 2160. Each frame of such a video is an 8-megapixel photo!

The Sony A7S uses the Full Pixel Readout technology, which allows you to read data from the matrix in its entirety during video recording and immediately compress it to the desired resolution using a powerful processor. In other cameras and even camcorders, information is most often used to read information from individual pixels, skipping entire rows and columns of light-sensitive elements. Full Pixel Readout allows you to get a better picture, free from distortions and artifacts. Another feature of the Sony A7S sensor is the ability to shoot with a completely silent shutter release. The mechanical shutter is then disconnected.