Buy Now, Pay Later
As low as
/ mo
Learn more
- – Up to 36-month term if approved
- – No impact on credit to apply
- – Instant approval decision
- – Secure and straightforward checkout
Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.
Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Apple Pay, and PayTomorrow. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.
Learn more about financing & leasing here.
Free shipping on this product
30-day returns
Learn more
This item is eligible for return within 30 days of receipt
To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
Availability:
Only 1 left in stock, order soon!
Arrives
Jun 29 – Jul 7
Recently Viewed
Features
- Up to 4 FPS in Speed Priority Continuous shooting
- ISO 100-25600(AUTO ISO 100-6400)
- 1080/60p/24p HD video (AVCHD/MP4). Brightness Control (Viewfinder): Auto/Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2)
- 3" tiltable LCD with 921,600 dots. Operating temperature: 32 - 104 degrees F
- 1/2-inch XGA OLED color electronic viewfinder with 2.4M dots
- Raw and Raw + JPEG shooting
- Multi-interface shoe (optional external flash sold separately)
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo card slot
- Compatible lenses: Sony E-mount Full Frame, operation with Minolta/Konica Minolta Maxxum A-mount lenses confirmed via optional LA-EA3/LA-EA4 adapter
Description
No other full frame, interchangeable-lens camera is this light or this portable. 36MP of rich detail. A true-to-life 2.4 million dot OLED viewfinder. Wi-Fi sharing and an expandable shoe system. It's all the full-frame performance you ever wanted in a compact size that will change your perspective entirely. NFC: One-touch remote, One-touch sharing
Compatible Mountings: Sony E-mount Full Frame
Aspect Ratio: 169
Photo Sensor Technology: CMOS
Supported File Format: RAW
Image Stabilization: Sensor-shift
Maximum Focal Length: 55 Millimeters
Optical Zoom: 4 x
Maximum Aperture: 3.5 Millimeters
Expanded ISO Minimum: 50
Metering Description: Multi, Center-weighted, Spot
Compatible Mountings: Sony E-mount Full Frame
Aspect Ratio: 169
Sensor Type: CMOS
File Format: RAW
Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
Maximum Aperture: 3.5 Millimeters
Expanded ISO Minimum: 50
Photo Sensor Resolution: 36.4 MP
Photo Sensor Size: Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm)
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/8000 Seconds
Minimum Shutter Speed: 30 seconds
Exposure Control: Aperture priority, Automatic, Program, Shutter priority
Form Factor: SLR-style mirrorless
Effective Still Resolution: 36.4
Special Feature: Lightweight
Color: Black
Screen Size: 3 Inches
Shooting Modes: Aperture Priority, Automatic, Landscape, Manual, Night Portrait, Portrait, Shutter Priority, Sports
Item Weight: 1 Pounds
Video Resolution: FHD 1080p
Viewfinder: Electronic
Flash Modes: Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Wireless
Camera Flash: Built-In
Skill Level: Professional
Specific Uses For Product: Photography, Videography
Compatible Devices: Sony E-mount lenses, Minolta/Konica Minolta Maxxum A-mount lenses (with optional adapter)
Continuous Shooting: 10 FPS
Aperture modes: F3.5–F5.6
Viewfinder Magnification: 0.71x
Flash Sync Speed: 1/160_sec
Connectivity Technology: HDMI, NFC, USB
Wireless Technology: Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi
Video Output: AVCHD
Total USB 3.0 Ports: 1
Total USB Ports: 1
Total Video Out Ports: 1
Total USB 2.0 Ports: 1
Hardware Interface: HDMI, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SDHC, SDXC, USB
HDMI Type: Type D Micro HDMI
Display Type: LCD
Dots Per Screen: 1.44 million dots
Display Fixture Type: Tilting
Display Maximum Resolution: 287,200 pixels
Has Color Screen: Yes
Display Resolution Maximum: 1230000
Touch Screen Type: Capacitive
Flash Memory Type: SDXC
Write Speed: 4 fps
Flash Memory Speed Class: UHS-II or 3
Flash Memory UHS Speed Class: UHS-II
Flash Memory Video Speed Class: UHS-II
Flash Memory Bus Interface Type: SDIO
Compatible Flash Memory Type: SD
JPEG Quality Level: Basic, Fine, Normal
Supported Image Format: JPEG, RAW (.ARW)
Dynamic Stops: 15 Stops
Bit Depth: 14 Bit
Total Still Resolution: 61 MP
Maximum Image Size: 61 MP
Maximum Focal Length: 55 Millimeters
Optical Zoom: 4 x
Lens Type: 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) color electronic viewfinder
Zoom: Optical Zoom
Camera Lens: 28-70mm focal length, variable aperture of f/3.5-5.6, Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization
Real Angle Of View: 0.59 Radians
Digital Zoom: 4
Number of Diaphragm Blades: 7
Metering Methods: Multi, Center-weighted, Spot
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Flash torch
Self Timer: 10 Seconds
Crop Mode: 169
Brand: Sony
Model Name: Sony a7R
Built-In Media: AC-UB10 AC Adapter, Body Cap, Eyepiece Cup, Hot Shoe Cover, Image Data Converter Version 4 Software, Micro USB Cable, NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1020mAh), PlayMemories Home App, Shoulder Strap, Sony Alpha a7R Mirrorless Digital Camera, Warranty
Are Batteries Included: Yes
Model Number: ILCE7R/B
Remote Included: No
Model Series: Alpha 7
Series Number: 4
Global Trade Identification Number: 87
Generation: 1
UPC: 845251096903 027242874787
Manufacturer Part Number: ILCE7R/B
Manufacturer: Sony
Warranty Description: 1 year coverage for labor, 1 year coverage for parts
Age Range Description: Adult
Digital Scene Transition: false
Digital-Still: No
Movie Mode: Yes
Image Capture Type: Video
Night vision: No
Auto Focus Technology: Center, Continuous, Contrast Detection, Face Detection, Live View, Multi-area, Selective single-point, Single
Focus Features: Contrast Detect AF
Autofocus Points: 25
Focus Type: Manual Focus
Focus Mode: Single-Servo AF (AF-S)
Autofocus: Yes
Frequently asked questions
If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is:
Jun 29 – Jul 7
Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
- Klarna Financing
- Affirm Pay in 4
- Affirm Financing
- Afterpay Financing
- PayTomorrow Financing
- Financing through Apple Pay
Learn more about financing & leasing here.
Similar Products
Top Amazon Reviews
Style: Base
Set: Base
I am a long time Canon person with 6 Canon mount lenses and a Canon 5D Mk III. I bought the Sony A7R because I wanted to try the higher resolution that has long been available for Nikon 800E users but not for Canon fans. I bought the A7R with the Metabones Canon EF adapter but also the Sony/Zeiss 35MM F2.8 and the Sony/Zeiss 24-70mmm F4.0. I am still getting used to the a7R and where all the buttons are located. Right off the bat, you have to love the size and lightweight of the body. I think that the a7R and 2 lenses and flash would weigh the same as the Canon 5D and 1 lens. I have also owned Leica equipment and the a7R reminded me of how easy it is to just have the camera around since it is smaller and lighter. The programmable buttons are great and I think after set up the camera can do everything I would like. I feel confident that when I take a picture it will turn out well. I also like the options for wireless controlling the camera from the iPhone app or small wireless remote control. I have also gotten a small Sony flash. OK, downsides. The major complaint is the shutter which is a little loud and has a lot of moving parts. Normally with the 35mm, I just snapped away. However, I can think of many situations where you might wish it was quieter. Second, not a real complaint but my adapting to the Sony is the electronic viewfinder and how quickly it goes to sleep to save power. You have to push down on the shutter button to get it to wake up. Which leads me to No. 3 - power consumption. The camera does consume its battery relatively quickly. I have gotten the grip accessory which lets you insert two batteries. A good thing to get and it actually makes the camera easier to hold. With the 35mm F2.8, the Sony focuses quickly and the pictures are very sharp - excellent - from F4.0 onwards. The 35mm really shows off the high resolution of the Sony 36.4 MP and you can pixel peek all day long. You can read some of the reviews of the 35mm and you know that this lens is one of the best available at any price. This is a great lens to leave on the camera all the time. It is very compact and the combination A7R and 35mm is a great combination for traveling or walking about. It gives you the portability of a small snapshot camera but the resolution of the most professional large body device. I just got the Sony 24-70mm F4.0 so I cannot comment. On adapting Canon mount lenses, I have tried the A7R with the Canon 24-70 F2.8 L II - the new one - with the Metabones adapter. My major issue is that the focusing took a long time with some hunting. I guess I should be amazed that it worked at all! The auto exposure worked fine and the Canon lens really showed its great resolution at all focal lengths. I don't think this is the combination for street shooting but it would work for some carefully composed pictures. The Canon 24-70 on the Canon 5D III is works beautifully so I think the fault is the hybrid mixing of two systems. I also used the A7R with several Zeiss Canon mount lenses I have - the 21mm and the 18mm - and they worked fine and are very sharp. In this case, the focusing is manual. My conclusion is that native Sony/Zeiss lenses work great and focus quickly. Canon mount lenses do not focus as quickly but it is a cheap price to pay to be able to use your Canon lenses on the Sony system when you want. The bottom line for me is that I really enjoy the a7R. It is small and compact and is the kind of camera that you will carry on that next trip to Asia or Europe - or to see the kids play. The light weight and size make it easy to throw in a briefcase or camera bag. Finally, with the Metabones adapter, you can use your other lenses and see if they are up to 36 MP. I am happy I bought the a7R and I am still finding out its many features. Fun!
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2014 by MarkABee
Style: Base
Set: Base
Update: If you watch the shutter speed and use center focus to find same focus plane subject areas, this is a fine shooter. The images are clean, have great dynamic range, and coupled with Sony G or Sony Zeiss lenses, yielding better images that stands up to pixel peeping. Way more resolution than 90% people will need. Not a pro, but this original A7r is still awesome. The Sony system has confounded me. I've had faster, better cameras, so-called better glass, but when you look at the results, this Sony has better looking files as long as you stay with the system. Adapters are fun, but when you can concentrate on shooting, the results are there. ----------------------------------------- Ok, I'm a little late to the party. Here is a superfast review. I chose the A7r not A7r II, because most FE lenses are already OSS and I have not printed 30x40 for almost 3 years. Updated to 3.10 firmware so I don't know what the previous version were like. Typical Sony NEX style menus slow down handling. Shutter not as loud as people say. I guess nobody remembers film slrs. Sounds like a muted thunk or double thunk. The only Sony FE lens I have is the 24-70 F4, bunch of E lenses, adapters to everything. Before the 24-70 lens arrived, I tried all existing lenses- pretty useless and slow to focus. Plus, the 36MP unfiltered sensor is extremely unforgiving. Read that again: "the 36MP unfiltered sensor is extremely unforgiving." My Canon EOS to E autofocus adapter is amazing, but very slow and unreliable for pro use. Also, none of my Canon primes nor zooms focus speed comes close to a native FE lens. Not even close- don't do it. Yes, you can manually focus all of them...if you have time. It just doesn't feel good as you are using the newer tech. The color signature for the adapted lenses is a lot cooler than I remember on my Canon or Nikon gear. With the FE 24-70 F4, the focus is fast, faster than my Fuji XE-1 and just as snappy as my old Sony NEX 5n. I don't see why people complain about it. Startup is also quick. Image review is a little slow. Plus there is no built in flash for daytime fill. The detail level of this sensor is incredible, easily besting any normal sensor with AA filter. You can crop easily. You may never need this much data. The only thing that bothers me is that we have returned to the slr weight and size. My old Canon T2i is almost the same size, but it is not full frame. I worry about dings and dents because it is rather heavy, coming from the NEX series. It only makes a 24mp NEX style camera even more a perfect compromise. I will make some large prints and report back. Mini Update: F4 in full frame has more shallow DOF than any crop sensor lense. So, after returning to full frame (from film and my old 5D), what I need to relearn: Need higher shutter speeds to avoid shake, DOF is very shallow, landscapes/small aperatures/low ISO need tripods, high ISO is available but looks horrible in poor light, the camera + lense has gotten quite heavy, no small fill flash for shadows, and more. Removing the baffle on Sony E lenses is easy. But they all have serious vignetting, except the Sigma 19 and 30. On initial inspection, using the full frame with 1.5 clearimage zoom with all APS-C designed lenses is better than APS-C crop mode. You still get the 1.5x lens factor, but maybe more megapixels of real no AA filtered data. Extrapolated crop mode images don't look as good as Clearimage 1.5x images. I think Sony purposely degraded APS-C lenses to force you to buy full frame lenses- I don't blame them. Most of the APS-C lenses have much lower resolution. The Sony E 50mm 1.8, Sigma 30 2.8, and Sigma 19mm all have nice crispness to their images. The others do not. I will try the 55-210. If the images with Clearimage at 1.5x look better than the APS-C mode, then I have a complete lens set for the A7r without having to spend anything. All that said, the 2.8 lenses, 30 and 19 have limited appeal because they are neither that fast, nor have great bokeh nor cover an important range like the 50 1.8 (85ish for portraits) or for telephoto use. More to come...the A7r is like the jack of all cameras with the sensor being the focal point.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2016 by mousepotato
Style: Base
Set: Base
If it is digital, I have probably used it. I began with a Sony CD Mavica MVC-CD200 2.1 Megapixel camera. Yeah, that was about 13 years ago. Since then, I have gone from the Olympus C-8080 to a Canon 20d to 30d to Nikon D2x to a Canon 5D II, III, Leica M9-P, Pentax 645D, and now finally at the a7R. There was some dabbling in between with 6x7 film, 4x5 film, 35mm film, but I always ended up back at digital due to the convenience. (I live 2 hours from the closest film processing option.) On a side note, I do hope film never dies, as I can see myself maybe going back to a 4x5 along with my current digital lineup. That being said, I am stunned by the quality of the files coming out of this sensor. I usually do not look at a camera anymore unless it is at least FF/MF and has no anti-aliasing filter. Ergo the Sony immediately caught my attention with its compactness and sensor features. I am primarily a landscape photographer, and I cannot put this thing down! I daresay I have had thoughts about selling the 645D due to its new potential as a costly paperweight, however I don't think I'm quite there yet. The sharpness is stunning when used with the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 and the 24-70 is excellent as well. Sharpness rivals that of my M9-P and is as sharp if not sharper than my 645D. That being said, if I had to break this review down to my MOST favorite feature, I'd certainly have to go with DYNAMIC RANGE. This camera picks up so much micro-detail in photos AND the latitude you get in post is one of those things that cannot be described, only seen. Being a landscape photographer, I was always about multiple exposures in order to be able to combine the most amount of information into a photo in post-production. I am NOT one of those HDR fanatics who make images look like they were put out by Lisa Frank (don't ask me how I came up with that reference.) With the dynamic range of this camera, I can take one properly exposed image and get that HDR look I want with sliders in Lightroom instead of HDR Efex Pro II. Don't get me wrong, those plug-ins still serve a purpose. What I am telling you is I have yet to use it since buying the a7R. I do recall there being a lot of critique with regard to shutter vibration. I know a lot of heavy-hitting review/photography sites that explored this issue in LENGTH, with the forum comment pages stretching to the moon. Subsequent conclusions were drawn up to the effect of each side of the argument: It shakes. It doesn't shake. You WILL find evidence to support each viewpoint. Sheesh, I read so much on the issue that I even started to believe it myself after making this large purchase. But, I had to remind myself that this is simply a high resolution, FF sensor with no in-body stabilization. Basically, it is a film camera. Old rules apply here. To be cautious, I always use f 1/2x focal length AT LEAST on all my shots. If I'm on a tripod, I don't care what I use...I have used this camera both on and off a tripod, and I have only seen blurred images when I did not follow my own rule. I have not seen blurred images on a tripod yet unless my focus was off. When it comes to big sensors, focus MUST be precise as well. Spend time focusing a 4x5 wide open and you'll have a good idea about what precision is. For reference, I see the same blurring issue in my 645D when using slower shutter speeds while hand-holding the camera. This issue was not invented by Sony, but by photography. I will touch upon ISO a little here as I have hitherto had little experience with the a7R at high settings. I did take some photos recently of hotel rooms while testing out this baby without flash just to see what they looked like at 6400...the noise in the photos looked more like monochrome grain, and not that toxic pink blue red artifact-happy manure I am so used to in images taken with cameras that came out in 2009-2011. That helped in maintaining a very decent level of detail that is most certainly usable in professional applications, as well as being easier to eradicate. I guess I wouldn't be honest if I did not touch upon some of the things I wish were changed in the a7R. First, flash sync speed. I think 1/160 is a little slow for 2014. Second, I wish Sony had done more for weatherproofing. Coming from the 645D, I will have to be less brave with this one. While I always insure each individual camera, I'd rather not have to suffer a premiums increase because I put in a claim. Lastly, the button layout is the least "function-oriented" layout I have seen on a camera...but maybe that's to be expected with modern-day cameras. Oh, one more thing, I HATE having a green "auto" option on the top dial...makes the camera feel less professional, even though this is not the case.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2014 by AMR
Style: Base
Set: Base
I have a Nikon D4, Canon 1D4, 1Ds3. I'd never owned a pro-level Sony before. I usually run around, say, Paris with multiple pro-bodies around my neck. I still will do that, but now I can also take the occasional stroll with nothing but the Sony A7R. To be sure, this camera, imho, doesn't replace a DSLR. Fast-paced action ? The A7R is out of its depth. But, if you have time to shoot, it is truly wonderful. I have the Zeiss 35mm 2.8 lens which, despite its tiny size, delivers great results. I've used my Canon and Nikon lenses on the A7R with great success. For the first time ever I LOVE manual focus. It's so easy on the A7R - focus magnification and peaking make it a piece of cake for landscape, portrait, street photography. Since I love to shoot at big apertures (1.2, 1.4), this is actually easier than with AF. The precision and ease to achieve it is truly astonishing. Quibbles - the magnifying button is in a stupid location. The plastic covers on the various plugs are gimpy. If you own legacy glass or are planning on buying old manual focus lenses, this is your camera. I could never do manual focus on the D4 with such ease. The EVF is surprisingly great. Sure, its no huge D4 viewfinder, but especially in difficult light situations it's great to see exactly what you'll get. Image quality is unsurpassed. I wouldn't worry about file size, even my 2013 MacBook Air has no trouble, let alone my iMac and MacPro. I'd advise getting spare batteries. I got some Wasabis that work fine. I actually like that the camera can be charged through USB, as I have an ANKER portable USB charger, so I can charge the camera without a power outlet. Another advantage - it doesn't advertise "professional photographer here!" No layperson would think the camera plus 35mm lens costs almost $3400 (with tax). There's barely any learning curve either. For every-day photos/snapshots functions such as smile recognition, registering faces etc. come in very handy. The only thing I am missing is GPS. I certainly recommend this camera without hesitation.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2013 by LvB
Style: Base
Set: Base
We need more experienced reviewers giving insight on this camera so I figured I would give my two cents on this camera. Not a seller or number of FE lenses out there. Here is what matters it has amazing detail and of course that detail is effected by the glass. I have shot a Leica 50mm .95 lens on it was stellar. Better then that lens on the M9 even... Now I also shoot a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 AIS lens on this and it was amazing as well. No getting around how beautiful this sensor captures images. Even an old Canon 50mm 1.8 looks great on this camera and it only cost 20 dollars. So the sensor is amazing and what the camera does with those images is superb. After all this is the same lens also found in the Nikon D800E but in a much more attractive package and a very convenient size. The camera feels amazing it is built very will with nice attention to detail. It feels like a modern classic and will be one of the awesome cameras that will be a fun camera to pass down 20 years from now to your child if they get into photography. I dont care to much for auto-focus cameras as I usually do not use AF lenses to begin with but the peaking manual focus aid is amazing and makes manual focusing a breeze. (For those saying they cant focus manually you need to make sure the picture is metered right or else it wont sow the peaks) So stop complaining and understand the camera and also take a well metered photo :) I did get to use the AF lens for a little while and it does well during the day with no real issue per say. I do notice some delays in low light but that is the room for improvement on this camera that could make this a 5 star camera. It is however still very useful though and will work just not as fast as the A7. Again though if you are not taking fast action or moving shots its better to manual focus anyway. If you do not shoot in RAW then I would not get this camera and just grab an A7. The whole point of the A7R is to grab the most detail so that is why the low pass filter has been removed to give you more detail and fine tune the image to pure perfection. I am sure if you are one that would buy this camera you do post processing anyway. Gorgeous camera and truly ground breaking and a camera that will be a historical camera for the books. This is the first and a well executed first at that. Sony is making moves and as a long time fan of Nikon I must say they have my attention. So much that the fumble with Nikon's DF I went straight to Sony with this camera and I love it. Pure photography with this beauty and it has a lot of adapters made for other cameras mount systems makes this a universal camera that can take any lens so don't fret so much with its limited lenses. Trust me the success with this camera will make a ton of lenses come to this FE E mount system. But I love old Leica glass so I will keep using those on this beauty.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2014 by Things I think are the best to get
Style: Base
Set: Base
It is light weight and compact with excellent image quality. However, my copy had a severe shutter shock problem. I tested it with the 70-200 mm and at the long end, I can't get a sharp picture Out of it. I was very disappointed as I wanted to love this tiny FF mirrorless camera. I decided to wait for the Mark 2 version price to drop a little. The Mark 2 has electronic shutter and 5 axis IBIS; it is well worth the extra money. Edit: I bought the Mark 2 but wanted to try this again as a backup since it is so light weight and the sensor is terrific. I planned to use it only on wider angle lens such as the 35 mm f2.8 ZA. However, it was so hard to get good sharp images at 1/30 while I could hold it to 1/8 with the Mark II. The mechanical shutter just jerks around when I push the shutter. I think with good practice, it might be able to be tamed somewhat but I gave up eventually. Such as nice camera but with major flaws.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2016 by W. Wong
Style: Base
Set: Base
I have been shooting this little guy nearly every day for a year now and know it inside and out. I'm a working, full time photographer and I shoot Sony. There - I said it. My Nikons and Canons sit in the studio and make excellent gifts for my kids, my nieces and nephews when birthdays or holidays sneak up on me. I am SO pleased with this little body I don't even know where to start. The resolution and low light capability are nothing short of amazing. Paired with a Zeiss 55 FE1.8, there is NOTHING out there - at any price - that will challenge the resolution and separation this little set up will produce; in a wide range of conditions, even at twice the bulk and weight. I have dozens of exceptional lenses and around 10 bodies left, and by FAR - the A7r with the Zeiss are my bread and butter - day in, day out. It is not a forgiving rig - make no mistake - it will amplify any and all errors on your part, so be prepared to revisit your basic skill practice. It is SO sharp that any technique weakness you have WILL be apparent. I spent the first day setting the customizable button settings and haven't touched the mode dial since - it's on M and will stay there for ANOTHER 100k exposures. The EVF is phenomenal and compared with just the last generation, is largely lag free. I primarily do portraits and environmental editorial work and for my niche, it absolutely ROCKS. The EF focus is a portrait artist's dream feature and it works under most conditions once you learn how to use it. There is a learning curve for this body, but the results are so spectacular it's a non-issue. Landscapes are right at the peak of this little guy's power curve and in capable hands, you will HAVE to go to medium format to overtake it. Resolution and sharpness (with the right glass of course) is stunning, colors are absolutely perfect and I have found no weakness in any use where a tripod is a viable option - NONE. The stories of a loud shutter are grossly overstated. The myths of shutter shake are complete BS. Any image that comes out with anything less than breathtaking sharpness and resolution is due to operator error - period. Sports? Not my first choice. Fast action? Probably not. Uber long lenses and wildlife? Maybe but the tiny body hanging off a 400mm f2.8 is disconcerting, visually as well as tactically. Huge glass needs a hefty body for balance and the A7r just doesn't have it, and while the shutter isn't a lot louder than any other FF dslr, the lack of a first curtain or silent mode makes other options better for skitterish critters. Pros for me: Size and weight are ideal. Solid but not heavy or bulky. INFINITE glass possibilities. All my old Minoltas, Voightlanders, Leicas, Zeiss, and (now) repurposed Canon and Nikon FF glass produce BETTER results on the A7r than they ever did on their native bodies. A (finally) standard hot shoe means lighting possibilities are VASTLY improved over previous Sony offerings. Strobes, speed lights and bare bulb - old or new - they're all usable again - YAY EVF is astonishing. WYSIWYG and it really is WYG Focus peaking makes focus stacking SO easy, even a caveman like me can do it. Tethered use - via lightroom or Capture one - sorely absent in previous Sony models. Wireless triggers (ramp, bulb, interval and time lapse in addition to a zillion different triggering methods like light, vibration, sound, facial recognition, etc) open up some amazing possibilities. While not silent, it is small and unobtrusive for street use - not at all intimidating and it can actually be carried all day without a chiropractor on call. (And there are some truly phenomenal 20-40mm pancakes out there that SHINE on this body) Good 3rd party batteries are cheap and perform well, and they're small - easily fit 3+ in a pocket. Assign almost any button to the functions YOU use most - and there are PLENTY of buttons. Highly customizable as far as your presets and ranges - if you know what you normally use and have some time under your belt, you rarely need to go into the menus. Eye Focus - a life saver for super fast glass in a portrait setting - and YES - it really works ;) If I do my part, this little body delivers STUNNING images consistently. With the dedicated lenses, no switching to fine tune (with auto zoom!) focus manually - and with peaking, precise control is easy Cons for me Limited multiple exposure capability (but I'm hoping for a firmware update to address it beyond the 2 exposure current limit) CD focus only unless using the Sony adapter with PD (which works well most of the time but it's noisy as hell and feels like something might break) Useless for IR - the filter is ridiculously effective - I'll have one converted when I can swing a second A7r body) Battery life. Around 300 images with EVF and LCD in use and radio trigger on top (but I carry several batteries at all times, so not a game breaker - and swap out is a 10 second deal). Movie button is poorly placed (I have it shut off so it only works if mode dial is set to movie though - so again not a big problem) On a speed plate, the LCD is hard to swing out ... and speaking of LCD - I miss the fully articulated screen on the A77 at times like overhead or ground level shots and especially for verticals In a nutshell, for my work, it isn't perfect but it's pretty darn close. It's paid for itself many times over just in the last several months, and has never missed a beat. If and when it dies, I'll gladly buy another. This is NOT a camera for beginners in any sense. Less than flawless technique is mercilessly punished and glaringly obvious. That having been said, with the right glass, when you get it right, the results are TRULY breathtaking. After ~30 years, 4 of my best 10 images have been made with this body in the last year and I have no reason to believe it's going to let up any time soon. 10/10 if it fits your shooting style and intended use.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2015 by Huckleberry
Style: Base
Set: Base
Edit: Found the most recent RAW file I could that I still had on file to check shutter count on the lens. Shutter actuations 64548. In case someone is curious of the lifespan of the unit I received. First off this is a great camera. It uses a special RAW format that you need to download to be able to edit it photoshop (no big deal) and the quality is superb. I used this camera with the Carl Zeiss lens and loved everything about it. After six months of use, the shutter blade bent after somehow catching on itself. I figured no big deal, I'll just send it back to Sony and have them fix it while it's still under warranty. They returned to me after viewing the broken blade and said I handled the shutter too ruff and that it was my fault the blade broke. Yes I've taken a lot of photo's with the camera, but how does that turn out to being me handling it too ruff. The camera has never been dropped or even knocked up against anything. Extremely dissatisfied with Sony. I expected better. On a side note. I had a Sony Nex-3 that the camera stopped recognizing the lens and wouldn't autofocus as well as a Nex-5N that the shutter froze shut. Currently have a Nex-5T in use while waiting for the a7R to come back. I should have realized the pattern and stopped purchasing Nex/Sony cameras a while ago, but I just love the quality and easy of use.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2014 by Jon