Sony Alpha 7 - Marvel from Sony (Part 2)

However, the Sony Α 7 has built in Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication). Unlike the 7R, the 7 features a hybrid AF system and syncs with flash at a faster 1/250 sec.

Ergonomics

Although, Sony claim that its new E mount is compatible with all other E mount lenses, other E mount lenses have been designed for APSC size sensors and therefore have a smaller image circle. In such cases, the Α 7 will automatically crop the image to a lower 15 million resolution. The hand grip of the Α 7 was adequate but not as comfortable as the hand grip of the Olympus OM-D EM-1.

The Alpha 7s are much smaller than their full-frame interchangeable lens peers (such as Nikon's D610 and the Canon EOS 6D), an achievement made possible primarily because they're not SLRs

The ‘Auto Dynamic Range’ feature, whereby at the push of a button, the camera shoots three exposures and picks up the best details from them to create a single image, is a definite plus point. One of the drawbacks of the NEX-series was that the body was far too small compared to the lenses. This problem would be accentuated with the full-frame sensor of the Α 7. Sony will have to use all its technological prowess to produce lenses that match the smaller body of the Α 7 in weight and size.

Sony Alpha 7: The World's Lightest Full-Frame Camera With Interchangeable Lens

Performance

On the test bench the Sony Α 7 performed extremely well. The camera produced extremely impressive pictures with very good central sharpness at all focal lengths. Expectedly, corners were slightly soft. Darkening of corners was seen at all apertures at the wide-angle end. Distortion control was excellent with only slight barrel distortion at 28mm.

From SLRs with dual autofocus systems and Translucent Mirror Technology
to its NEX mirrorless line-up, Sony has gone down virtually every avenue in digital imaging.

Noise control was impressive although noise reduction sets in very early after ISO800. Flare control was impressive and control over chromatic aberration was also very good. White Balance performance was overall very satisfactory though we did not check the WB performance in fluorescent lights. Autofocus worked well except in low light and low contrast situations. Continuous autofocus was not as fast or precise as the normal mode. The camera takes a while to be ready after the on/off switch is put ‘on’. Overall, Sony put in a very impressive performance.

Value For Money

The MRP for the Α 7 along with the 28-70mm lens is Rs.1,14,990. Expect prices to ease as soon as supplies improve. At around this price, the camera is good value.