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Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2013
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
October 16, 2013
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight
The Sony a7 scores a 63/100 in general specifications. Launched in 2013 with a price of $1700, this mirrorless camera measures 127 x 94 x 48mm and weighs 474g (1.04lbs). Considering the years that have passed since its release, the Sony a7 still holds up decently in today’s market. Its size and weight make it a convenient option for photographers looking for a compact and lightweight camera.
Sony a7 Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 receives a score of 70/100 for its optics. This camera boasts 24 megapixels, a shooting speed of 5 frames per second, and utilizes a CMOS sensor. The processor is a Bionz X, and the DXOMARK score for the sensor is 90. With a full-frame sensor size, the Sony a7 has a Sony E lens mount and a 3:2 aspect ratio. However, it lacks image stabilization.
In the current market, the Sony a7’s optics remain competitive. The 24-megapixel resolution offers detailed images, while the 5 fps shooting speed is suitable for most photography needs. The CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor ensure high-quality image processing. The full-frame sensor size provides excellent low-light performance and a shallow depth of field, which is ideal for portrait and landscape photography. The Sony E lens mount supports a wide range of lenses, but the absence of image stabilization may affect image sharpness in certain situations.
Considering these specifications, the Sony a7 offers solid optics for photographers. Although it may not be the top choice for those seeking advanced features, it remains a reliable option for many users.
Optics
Sony a7
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24 MP
Image Resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 4000 px
Sensor Type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor Size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
23.9 x 35.8 mm
Sensor Format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full Frame
Frame Rate
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5 fps
Lens Mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony FE
Image Processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz X
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
25,600
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
25600
Minimum Shutter Speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
117
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder Type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
2,359,000 dots
Sony a7 Video Performance
The Sony a7 has a video score of 56/100, which is a modest rating compared to other cameras in the market. The camera’s maximum video resolution is Full HD, with dimensions of 1920 x 1080. This resolution is lower than the 4K video capability found in many modern cameras. The maximum video frame rate is 60fps, which provides smooth and clear footage.
Unfortunately, the Sony a7 does not have a built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a feature that is increasingly common in today’s cameras. This lack of time-lapse capability may be a drawback for some users.
Considering the video capabilities of the Sony a7, it is evident that the camera falls short in some aspects compared to the more advanced options available in the market. While it may be suitable for casual users or those who prioritize other features, those who require high-quality video performance may want to explore other options.
Video
Sony a7
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max Video Resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max Video Dimensions
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080 px
Max Video Frame Rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 p
Time-Lapse Built In
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video File Format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4
Sony a7 Features and Benefits
The Sony a7 features section receives a score of 57 out of 100. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 1,230,000 dots, the display is clear but lacks the convenience of a touchscreen. However, the camera compensates with a flip screen, allowing for versatile shooting angles.
Despite not having GPS capabilities, the Sony a7 is equipped with Wi-Fi, enabling easy sharing and transfer of photos. The absence of Bluetooth may limit connectivity options, but the Wi-Fi feature remains useful for most users.
In the competitive camera market, the Sony a7’s features are decent but not groundbreaking. The lack of a touchscreen, GPS, and Bluetooth are noticeable drawbacks. However, the flip screen and Wi-Fi capabilities do provide users with functional benefits.
Features
Sony a7
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External Flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather Sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen Type
LCD
Touch Screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen Size
3"
Screen Resolution
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1,230,000 dots
Flip Screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live View
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Sony a7 Storage and Battery
The Sony a7 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. This camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. In comparison to other cameras in today’s market, having only one memory card slot may be a limitation for some users who require more storage capacity or backup options.
The Sony a7’s battery life is 340 shots per charge, using an NP-FW50 battery. This battery life is relatively low compared to many modern cameras, which can offer more than 500 shots per charge. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, making it less convenient for on-the-go photographers who may need to recharge their batteries quickly.
Considering these factors, the Sony a7’s storage and battery capabilities may not meet the expectations of some users in today’s fast-paced and high-capacity photography market.
Storage and Battery
Sony a7
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
NP-FW50
Battery Life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.'
24.8 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.'
14.2 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better'
Does the Sony a7 Have Built-in Image Stabilization?
The Sony a7 does not have built-in image stabilization. However, many compatible lenses offer optical stabilization to help reduce camera shake and blur in images.
Does the Sony a7 Support 4K Video Recording?
The Sony a7 does not support 4K video recording. Its maximum video resolution is Full HD 1080p at 60 frames per second.
What Size Sensor Does The Sony a7 Have?
The Sony a7 features a full-frame 24.3MP Exmor CMOS sensor, which provides excellent image quality and low-light performance.
Does the Sony a7 Have a Dual Memory Card Slot?
The Sony a7 does not have a dual memory card slot. It only has a single SD card slot for storage.
Does the Sony a7 Have a Touch Screen?
The Sony a7 does not have a touch screen. However, it has a 3-inch tiltable LCD screen for composing images and navigating menus.
Does the Sony a7 Have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
The Sony a7 has built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote control capabilities, but it does not have Bluetooth connectivity.
Does the Sony a7 Have GPS?
The Sony a7 does not have built-in GPS. However, you can use the PlayMemories Mobile app to geotag your images with your smartphone’s GPS data.
Is the Sony a7 Weather Sealed?
Yes, the Sony a7 features a durable magnesium alloy body with weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture, allowing for use in various conditions.
Does the Sony a7 Have a Built-in Flash?
The Sony a7 does not have a built-in flash, but it does have a multi-interface shoe for attaching external flashes and other accessories.
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Mirrorless
Full Frame
3:2
Full HD
3"
