Packing light for a holiday but still want professional image quality from your camera? Feast your eyes on the Sony A7 and A7R, two compact digital cameras that boast full-frame image sensors and interchangeable lenses.
The A7 has a 24-megapixel resolution and will start at $1,700 for the body only. The A7R has a higher 34-megapixel sensor, no anti-aliasing filter, and starts at $2,300.
Controls
Both models offer full manual control over all settings as well as automatic and scene modes if you don't want to play around with the dials.
Layout
The layout is identical to the previous full-frame compact, the RX1, which I found to be simple to operate.
OLED viewfinder
There's a 3-inch OLED viewfinder on the back of both models.
Professional model
The A7R is apparently the more professional version of the two models, with a higher resolution, no anti-aliasing filter, and a higher price tag.
Full-frame sensor
That's a full-frame sensor stuffed inside. It's much bigger than the sensors you'd typically find inside compact digital cameras, allowing for greater dynamic range and lower image noise.
Lenses
Three new lenses will be available for the camera that are specifically designed for use with full-frame sensors.
Alpha lenses
You can use any of Sony's Alpha range of lenses, though, once you pop on an adapter.
Adapter
Here's the adapter. It's not tiny by any means, but it won't take up a lot of room in your camera bag.
Battery grip
You can get a battery grip for the camera, too. It extends battery life and allows for a more secure grip. There are buttons on the side to help with shooting in portrait orientation. It'll set you back $299.
Camera cross section
It might look pretty, but if your camera does this, gather up all the pieces and send them back.
35mm sensor
Here's the 35mm sensor. It's not really much use by itself.
28-70mm lens
This 28-70mm lens is available only as part of a kit with the camera.
35mm prime
This 35mm prime has high-quality Carl Zeiss optics and an f2.8 aperture. Prices for additional lenses weren't known at the time of writing.
Size vs. features
The cameras are much bulkier than standard compact digital cameras, or indeed Sony's interchangeable lens NEX cameras. They're the smallest interchangeable lens cameras with a full-frame sensor, though.
Inputs
There are inputs for mics and headphones -- handy for capturing professional audio.
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