Sony a7r Review

It’s common knowledge that Sony is constantly pushing the boundaries of camera technology simply because it can. So the business was not satisfied with only releasing the world’s first small system camera to incorporate a full-frame sensor; instead, they released two models of the A7.

The anti-aliasing filter has been removed from the A7R, although it boasts a full-frame sensor with a staggering 36.4 million pixels.

Because the letter R in A7R’s name refers to resolution, achieving the best picture quality possible is the primary focus of this particular model. Removing the AA filter may increase the formation of moire patterns, but it also ensures that the maximum amount of detail that may be resolved is achieved.

In addition to the sensor, Sony has also released a new processing engine. The Bionz X processor boasts three times quicker speeds than its predecessor. Moreover, it enables various capabilities, such as capturing full-high-definition video and a speedy focusing technique.

Sony a7r Build Quality.

The sole difference between the A7R and the ordinary A7 is that the A7R has the letter “R” etched onto the camera’s body. Other than that, the build quality and design of the A7R are virtually identical to those of the A7.

It has a pretty substantial grip, and the overall tiny size of the camera is imposing when considering the size of the sensor that is housed within, especially when compared with other full-frame cameras currently on the market, such as the Nikon D600 and the Canon EOS 6D.

For example, a large number of knobs and buttons on the camera, which allow easy access to many essential features, should be appreciated. These photography enthusiasts are passionate about their craft. A mode dial can be found on the top of the camera and is used to select between the many exposure modes the camera offers. One of these settings is called aperture priority.

A dial for exposure correction can also be found on the back of the camera, and it is positioned such that it is easily accessible from the spot where your thumb would usually rest.

Sony a7r Performance

It should be said that anticipation was relatively high for the A7R, given that it incorporates one of the most groundbreaking advancements in photographic technology. We have been exceptionally pleased with the work that Sony has been producing as of late, and we did not see any reason why the, therefore, would not measure up to all of the expectations placed on it. However, we are relieved that our expectations have not been dashed.

The colors and powerful without appearing to have an excessive amount of saturation. Creative Styles provide a lot of room for experimentation for photographers who want to do something a little more creative with their photographs. If you change the contrast and saturation of an image, you may do it directly with the camera.

The A7R delivers results that are quite comparable to those of the ordinary A7 in terms of color reproduction, metering, and white balance.

In most cases, the all-purpose metering system does a fantastic job of delivering correct exposures. Still, I discovered that in regions with a lot of contrast, dialing in some exposure compensation is required.

Similarly, the automatic white balance performs OK but tends to gain this due to warmer tones when exposed to artificial illumination. Again, this can be remedied by selecting a white balance setting that is more suited.

Sony a7r Image Quality

During this evaluation, the Sony A7 captured photographs of exceptionally high quality. The ISO range of the SonyFurthermore, A7 is rather extensive and highly useable, reaching up to 25 more than satisfactory results 3200 and 6400 yield more than good results, and even ISO 12,800 and 25,600 are suitable for usage in an emergency.

However, the RAW examples show how much processing the camera undertakes by default since they are significantly noisier than their JPEG counterparts across the board, regardless of the ISO value.

The 24-megapixel photographs come out of the camera slightly soft when using the default creative style. For the best results, you should sharpen them some more by utilizing an application such as Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you may adjust the degree of sharpening that the camera applies automatically.

The night shot turned out well thanks to the camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and its Bulb mode, which allow lots of room for creative experimentation during nighttime shooting.

The efficient Dynamic Range Optimizer function may extract additional data from an image’s shadow and highlight sections without adding any noise or other artifacts that aren’t wanted. The High Dynamic Range mode combines the results of two separate photos taken at various exposures into a single image. The result is an image that has a higher dynamic range than what would be produced by a single photograph.

However, it does yield some excellent effects even though it can only function with JPEGs and stationary subjects. Even after all these years, they are still using Sony’s Sweep Panorama a delightful experience. While the many Picture Effects enable you to create unique looks in a short amount of time, which would generally need you to spend a significant amount of time in the digital darkroom, the Creative Styles make it simple and quick to adjust the JPEG photos captured by the camera.

Sony a7r Specs

Body type	SLR-style mirrorless
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	7360 x 4912
Other resolutions	7360 x 4144, 4800 x 3200, 4800 x 2704, 3680 x 2072, 2400 x 1600
Image ratio w h	3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	36 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	37 megapixels
Sensor size	Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm)
Sensor size notes	No optical low-pass filter
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Bionz X
Color space	sRGB, AdobeRGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	100-25600
Boosted ISO (minimum)	50
White balance presets	10
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Extra fine, fine, standard
File format	JPEG (DCF 2.0, EXIF 2.3)RAW (ARW 2.3)
Image parameters	Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn Leaves, Black & White, Sepia
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-present. Selective single-pointSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes (4)
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	25
Lens mount	Sony E
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Tilting
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,230,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	Xtra Fine LCD
Live View	Yes
Viewfinder type	Electronic
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	0.71×
Viewfinder resolution	2,359,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/8000 sec
Exposure modes	AutoProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual
Scene modes	Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur
Built-in flash	No
External flash	Yes (via Multi constant shoe)
Drive modes	Single, continuous, speed priority continuous, self-timer, bracketing (AE, white balance, DRO)
Continuous drive	4.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures))
Metering modes	MultiCenter-weighted spot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±5 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes
Videography features
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Format	MPEG-4, AVCHD
Videography notes	headphone and microphone ports, XLR support via adapter
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (micro-HDMI port with 4K still, uncompressed video output)
Microphone port	Yes
Headphone port	Yes
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	with NFC and wireless control via the PlayMemories Mobile app
Remote control	Yes (wired)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	340
Weight (inc. batteries)	465 g (1.03 lb / 16.40 oz)
Dimensions	127 x 94 x 48 mm (5 x 3.7 x 1.89″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	No
GPS	None

Sony a7r Verdict

Sony is working hard to establish a reputation in the image industry as a legitimate competitor. At the moment, it is accomplishing this goal through invention and experimentation, one notable example of which is the A7R.

An exciting development, particularly for the market for tiny system cameras, is the introduction of the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame interchangeable lens camera, which we now have in our possession.

Given the pricing level at which the A7 and A7R are available, becoming suggests that established DSLR makers may be starting to become scared. This is especially true when considering the availability of the two cameras.

The image quality is excellent, particularly regarding the level of detail. The colors have a gorgeously brilliant quality, and the fact that the camera allows for some degree of color output customization is very much welcomed.

Sony a7r FAQs