New Sony A7 and A7r readers tests…

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SONY A7R Unboxed, Size comparison with M9 & OM-D, plus lens adapters for M Mount and Canon

SAR readers are receiving their A7-A7r cameras. You are free to send me your testings so that I can post them on SAR. Here is a first roundup (more will follow soon):

Readers mail:

Chandler: “I found some really interesting video quality tests featuring the a7, a7r, RX10, and the 7D:
Part 1 – Noise in Video Mode (a7r, RX10, 7D): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnXYhXPvXeo
Part 2 – Dynamic Range/Noise (a7, a7r): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cch1LJxP634
Part 3 – Underexpose > bringing it back in post (a7, a7r, RX10, 7D): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5zYH7YhRW8
Part 4 – Moire and Image Detail (a7, a7r, RX10, 7D): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zEQlGd0FC8
Part 5 – Video Autofocus (a7, a7r): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmj17IFjyT4
On personal note, I am utterly shocked at the quality of the RX10 footage. It clearly surpasses the a7r and a7 not only in the image detail/moire test but matches it on the noise front and holds detail in the blacks better! Whatever Sony did to get that full-read-out of the 1″ chip on the RX10 is amazing, and I hope they find a way to implement that feature on APS-C/Super 35mm sensors in the near future!”

Ohm: “Though I may be in the minority here, I would like to share with Ai/S Nikon lens users the ins and outs of the Sony a7r, which I picked up just today. I’ve put up a few pictures showing Nikon lenses attacked to the a7r via the excellent Novoflex adapter.
I feel that the a7r will be a good system, but it isn’t ready to replace a dedicated Nikon SLR- at least not for manual focusing. Even with focusing aids, it seems that the a7r isn’t as good a platform with fast glass like the Nikkor 50/2 Ai. It works, but it works as via proxy- and at times slowly.
But I’m a still life audio photographer. The D800 got in my way. I have time to shoot and Sony’s live view is far better than Nikon’s. So is its wireless tethering options for iPhone and iPad. I use these tools as I set up a shot, often moving reflectors and flags a hundred times in order to get the right light.
Anyway, I am putting together a few thoughts (and images) of the a7r with the tools of my trade and will compile a list of do’s and don’ts for the system. I’m quite excited, but am not confident that the a7 or r will replace a good OVF system for fast manual glass usage for event photographers who are on flashes and strobes and in need of the best interface for their lenses.
You can find my growing summary here:
http://ohm-image.net/opinion/photophile/sony-alpha-a7r-and-novoflex-nexnik-and-astatnex”

Miguel: “RAW2NEF support for SONY A7 and A7r ARW files is complete, and ready to receive the A7s next week. Find here a complete release, including Windows binaries for 64 and 32 bit, a Mavericks Mac Os binary, and the source code to compile it in any other Mac OS version. http://bagnonm.blogspot.com.es/search/label/RAW2NEF“

Albert: “Just got my a7r, put it on Noctilux 0.95…Woo, I am 100% impressive. The color it render (even jpg) is better than M240 in my mind. Still, M9 is still the best but the details it brings, IMPRESSIVE! These may be news anymore. Use as you want. Or just enjoy how Sony bring to us.  Have Fun!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68666702@N00/10867671625/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68666702@N00/10867954923/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68666702@N00/10867980193/sizes/o/in/photostream/
All are full size jpg.”

Byhyew: “Admin, I just did a review with a production sample A7 and Voigtlander 21 1.8 combo.
It was freezing on the Eiffel Tower and I didn´t bring a tripod.
But I was able to quickly snap some shots at ISO400 and ISO800, if I recall correctly, with the camera held on the fence.
I posted my review on xitek, at http://forum.xitek.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1237149&pid=50839317&ordertype=1&extra=#pid50839317
The 100% images are available on FLICKR, at http://www.flickr.com/photos/23000374@N05/10967370475/”

Cityusam: “Legacy lens test:
http://cityusam01.blogspot.com/2013/11/sony-a7-with-21mm-28mm-leica-ltm-m.html
http://cityusam01.blogspot.com/2013/11/sony-a7-with-35mm-leica-ltm-m-mount-lens.html
http://cityusam01.blogspot.com/2013/11/sony-a7_14.html
http://cityusam01.blogspot.com/2013/11/sony-a7-with-75mm-leica-ltm-m-mount-lens.html”

Anonymous: “Sony A7R Menu Walkthrough on Youtube.”

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Specs and Preorders in US and Canada:
Dedicated Sony announcement page at Amazon US (Click here).
Sony A7r body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony A7 body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony RX10 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 24-70mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 35mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 55mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
70-200mm A-mount at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A to E adapter with mirror at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
A7/A7r leather case at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
A7/A7r vertical grip at Amazon, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony W Series Battery Charger at Amazon, BHphoto.
Sony FA-CS1M Off-Camera Shoe at BHphoto.
Semi-Hard LCD Screen Protector for A7-A7r at Amazon, BHphoto.

Specs and Preorders in Europe:
Sony A7r body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT,  WexUK, WexDE.
Sony A7 body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon FR.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit Sony  DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon FR.
Sony RX10 at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE.
Zeiss 35mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT,
Zeiss 55mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT
Zeiss 24-70mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, SE, PT
Sony G 28-70mm lens at Sony DE, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO.

Asia:
A7r at Digitalrev.
A7 at Digitalrev, Amazon Cina.
A7 with 28-70mm lens at Digitalrev.

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DxO: Best lenses for the A77. NEX-5t test too.

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Best normal-tele primes list.

Dxomark posted a double Sony related testing:

1) Best lenses for the Sony A77 (Click here to read). As expected most of the times Zeiss lenses are on top :)

2) NEX-5T sensor text (Click here to read). They write: “It’s human nature to feel disappointed that Sony didn’t improve the sensor between this and the NEX-5R but the few improvements in features over that model are welcome nonetheless.“

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First Zeiss 55mm FE lens review via SLRgear! Says it “is a fantastic fast prime lens”

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We finally got a first review of the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 FE. Thanks to SLRgear.com (Click here to read it). And the testing show an impressive performance of the lens! SLRgear writes:

Optically, this lens is a stellar performer, as many Zeiss lenses are, with very sharp images on both the new full-frame cameras as well as sub-frame Sony cameras. Other factors like chromatic aberration and distortion are practically nonexistent with this lens, but there is noticeable vignetting, particularly on full-frame cameras at wider apertures — a pretty small price to pay for outstanding performance otherwise.

This lens is a real surprise. I want one, I preordered one :)

It will ship in late December and you can get it at (Click on the shop name to check lens price and availability): Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. In Europe at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT.

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Specs and Preorders in US and Canada:
Dedicated Sony announcement page at Amazon US (Click here).
Sony A7r body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony A7 body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony RX10 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 24-70mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 35mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 55mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
70-200mm A-mount at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A to E adapter with mirror at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
A7/A7r leather case at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
A7/A7r vertical grip at Amazon, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony W Series Battery Charger at Amazon, BHphoto.
Sony FA-CS1M Off-Camera Shoe at BHphoto.
Semi-Hard LCD Screen Protector for A7-A7r at Amazon, BHphoto.

Specs and Preorders in Europe:
Sony A7r body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT,  WexUK, WexDE.
Sony A7 body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon FR.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit Sony  DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon FR.
Sony RX10 at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE.
Zeiss 35mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT,
Zeiss 55mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT
Zeiss 24-70mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, SE, PT
Sony G 28-70mm lens at Sony DE, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO.

Asia:
A7r at Digitalrev.
A7 at Digitalrev, Amazon Cina.
A7 with 28-70mm lens at Digitalrev.

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Interview with Sony A7-A7r developers: Faster lenses are in development!

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DC.watch (google translation here) interviewed the Sony team who developed the A7-A7r cameras. As you can see from the picture this is quite a young team! If these guys are reading SAR than let me say one thing: Well done guys! You really did a great job! I can imagine it was quite a challenge (and an excitement) to create something completely new. Doesn’t happen very often in the camera industry where usually company tend to focus on conservative development of existing camera.

They have been interviewed by DC.watch and I will report some of the key info. The google translation tool is messing up a lot so please excuse me in advance if there is some mistake. Hope Japanese Friends can check up my text :)

These are the names and roles of the people on the picture:
Front row left (sitting): Sokabe Taku, the Responsible Designer
Front row middle (sitting): Sudo Takahiro, Design Leader
Front row right (sitting): Daisuke Sato, Product Planner
Back row left (standing): Hosoi Masaharu, Responsible for optical design.
Back row middle (standing): Hasegawa Yoichi, Responsible for autofocus design.
Back row right (standing): Foshan Sakiken, Responsible for quality design.

Some key info from the interview:
– They confirm the NEX name is gone forever. Everything is branded as ALPHA now.
– Right from the start the main goal was to create something small. A DSLR quality in a small package.
– One of the hardest challenges was to add the 1/8.000 shutter in such a small body
– The A7r contrast AF is faster than in other Sony mirrorless cameras due the new algorithm and Bionz X processor. AF is 35% faster than the one on the NEX-7. And that has been achieved by keeping a high accuracy
– The LAEA4 adapter and Sony A99 translucent tech are “almost” equal.
– EVF brightness has been increased by 30% and contrast is three times higher over the external FDA-EA1MK EVF.
– 4K video recording has not been added on the 7-series because of power consumption issues such as thermal dissipation.
– To place the EVF in the middle has the advantage on larger lenses that you are on the optical axis.
– The body would have become large with the EVF placed ion the corner like it is on the NEX-7.
– we are actively involved in the development of larger aperture lenses.

Again, thanks Sony guys for working hard to fulfill our …dreams :)

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Specs and Preorders in US and Canada:
Dedicated Sony announcement page at Amazon US (Click here).
Sony A7r body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony A7 body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony RX10 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 24-70mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 35mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 55mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
70-200mm A-mount at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A to E adapter with mirror at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
A7/A7r leather case at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
A7/A7r vertical grip at Amazon, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony W Series Battery Charger at Amazon, BHphoto.
Sony FA-CS1M Off-Camera Shoe at BHphoto.
Semi-Hard LCD Screen Protector for A7-A7r at Amazon, BHphoto.

Specs and Preorders in Europe:
Sony A7r body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT,  WexUK, WexDE.
Sony A7 body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon FR.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit Sony  DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon FR.
Sony RX10 at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE.
Zeiss 35mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT,
Zeiss 55mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT
Zeiss 24-70mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, SE, PT
Sony G 28-70mm lens at Sony DE, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO.

Asia:
A7r at Digitalrev.
A7 at Digitalrev, Amazon Cina.
A7 with 28-70mm lens at Digitalrev.

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Sony A7 test at Cinema5d.

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Sony A7-first look from Johnnie Behiri on Vimeo.

Cinema5D (Click here) posted a new A/ first imrpession review seen from a videomaker perspective:

As you might see in the video above, the quality of video indeed improved over previous models. The “soft” look (out of the box) that bothered me with the A99 is now a bit better. Also, the low light capability of the camera is better. All the clips in this video were shot at ISOs between 800-1250.

More tests:
A7 images with Rokkor MC 50mm f1.4 by Phillip Reeve.
A7R + Zeiss biogon 35/2 ZM and Planar 50/2 ZM at Xexets
A7 hands-on at Chadwadsworth.blogspot.
The Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 almost covers the Full Frame area from the A7/A7r (Dchome.net)

Specs and Preorders in Europe:
Sony A7r body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT,  WexUK, WexDE.
Sony A7 body at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon FR.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit Sony  DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon FR.
Sony RX10 at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE.
Zeiss 35mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT,
Zeiss 55mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT
Zeiss 24-70mm at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, SE, PT
Sony G 28-70mm lens at Sony DE, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO.

Specs and Preorders in US and Canada:
Dedicated Sony announcement page at Amazon US (Click here).
Sony A7r body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony A7 body at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony A7 with 28-70mm kit lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS. TheCameraStore Canada.
Sony RX10 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 24-70mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 35mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Zeiss 55mm at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
70-200mm A-mount at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
Sony A to E adapter with mirror at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
A7/A7r leather case at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
A7/A7r vertical grip at Amazon, BHphoto, SonystoreUS.
Sony W Series Battery Charger at Amazon, BHphoto.
Sony FA-CS1M Off-Camera Shoe at BHphoto.
Semi-Hard LCD Screen Protector for A7-A7r at Amazon, BHphoto.

Asia:
A7r at Digitalrev.
A7 at Digitalrev, Amazon Cina.
A7 with 28-70mm lens at Digitalrev.

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A7 for preorder in Canada. And Black Friday deals links.

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Canadian readers can finally preorder the A7 kit directly at Sony Canada (Click here). One small thing I forgot to mention is that US readers can earn Sony Rewards Points at Sony store on both, the A7r (Click here) and A7 (Click here). You can use these points to purchase stuff here: http://www.sonyrewards.com/en/home/welcome

And US readers can enjoy daily Black Friday deals on all larger online stores. Just click on the banner to see what great deals you can find today (on Sony and non Sony stuff). By using these links to purchase products you will support SAR! Thanks!

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(SR4) Sony increases resources for Alpha development (including hybrid cam).

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One of my trusted sources told me that Sony increased the financial resources for the Alpha segment development for the years 2014-2016. Part of the new resources goes to the Hybrid A-E mount Sony camera that is due for a late 2014- early 2015 release.

I should get more info about the hybdrid model soon. Stay tuned on SAR as usual!

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Message to sources: You can send me more info anonymously by using the contact form you see on the very right of your browser. You can also contact me directly at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com.

For readers: Subscribe the RSS feed (Click here) and Twitter (Click here) stream and the Facebook fan page (Click here) in order to not miss any news!

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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!

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