Hasselblad Lusso

Sony α7 series

Company type	Product line
Industry	Digital cameras
Founded	October 2013
Headquarters	Tokyo , Japan
Products	Full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras
Website	www.sony.com/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7-series

The Sony α7, α7R, α7S, and α7C represent four interconnected series of full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. The initial two models were released in October 2013, followed by the third in April 2014, and the fourth appearing in September 2020. The α7 lineup was pioneering as the first full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera available commercially. These cameras utilize the Sony E-mount, which is also compatible with Sony's smaller sensor Sony NEX series.

In November 2014, the α7 II was introduced, featuring enhancements in body design and ergonomics. The α7C debuted as a more compact full-frame camera, distinguished as the smallest model equipped with in-body image stabilization. The α7 series is primarily designed for advanced photographers, hobbyists, and industry professionals.

Model identifiers include ILCE-7 (α7), ILCE-7R (α7R), ILCE-7S (α7S), ILCE-7M2 (α7 II), and ILCE-7RM2 (α7R II). Sony's naming system standardizes model designations with "ILC" indicating Interchangeable Lens Camera, followed by "A" or "E" denoting A-mount or E-mount respectively.

Prior to launch, speculation circulated that the camera might be named "Sony NEX-9".

Variants

Between 2014 and 2015, Sony released the second-generation α7 series: the α7 II (ILCE-7M2), α7R II (ILCE-7RM2), and α7S II (ILCE-7SM2). Production of the first-generation α7 and α7S continued for several years, with only the α7 ceasing production in April 2019.

The α7 II model incorporates a 24 MP sensor accompanied by manual and hybrid autofocus capabilities. This generation introduced a redesigned body featuring the industry’s first five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system for full-frame interchangeable lens cameras, capable of counteracting up to 4.5 stops of shake. This stabilization operates internally and functions with all lenses, improving flexibility. While sharing the 50 Mbit XAVC-S codec with the α7S, the α7 II does not support 4K video and offers less effective video stabilization compared to rivals such as the Olympus OM-D E-M1. Its crop mode retains higher image quality relative to competitors like the Nikon D750.

On June 14, 2015, Hasselblad unveiled the Lusso, a variant of the Sony α7R rebranded under its own name.

The third generation commenced in 2017, with a fourth generation announced in July 2019.

Comparison of Models

Model	α7	α7R	α7S	α7 II	α7R II	α7S II	α7R III (A)	α7 III	α7R IV (A)	α7S III	α7C	α7 IV	α7R V	α7C II	α7CR
Market Position	Basic	High Resolution	High Sensitivity	Basic Mark II	High Resolution Mark II	High Sensitivity Mark II	High Resolution Mark III	Basic Mark III	High Resolution Mark IV	High Sensitivity Mark III	Compact	Basic Mark IV	High Resolution Mark V	Compact Mark II	High Resolution Compact
Announcement Date	16 Oct 2013		6 Apr 2014	20 Nov 2014	10 June 2015	11 Sept 2015	25 Oct 2017	26 Feb 2018	16 Jul 2019	28 Jul 2020	15 Sep 2020	21 Oct 2021	26 Oct 2022	29 Aug 2023
Full-frame Sensor Resolution	24.3 MP Exmor CMOS 6000 × 4000 pixels	36.4 MP Exmor CMOS 7360 × 4912 pixels	12.2 MP Exmor CMOS 4240 × 2832 pixels	24.3 MP Exmor CMOS 6000 × 4000 pixels	42.4 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS 7952 × 5304 pixels	12.2 MP Exmor CMOS 4240 × 2832 pixels	42.4 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS 7952 × 5304 pixels	24.2 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS 6000 × 4000 pixels	61.0 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS 9504 × 6336 pixels	12.1 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS 4240 × 2832 pixels	24.2 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS 6000 × 4000 pixels	33.0 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS 7008 × 4672 pixels	61.0 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS 9504 × 6336 pixels	33.0 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS 7008 × 4672 pixels	61.0 MP Exmor R BSI-CMOS 9504 × 6336 pixels
Image Processor	BIONZ X									BIONZ XR	BIONZ X	BIONZ XR
ISO Range	Expanded ISO50–25600 Multi frame NR:100–51200	Expanded ISO50–25600 Multi frame NR:100–51200	Native ISO100–102400 Expanded ISO50–409600	Expanded ISO50–25600 Multi frame NR:100–51200	Native ISO100–25600 Expanded ISO50–102400	Native ISO100–102400 Expanded ISO50–409600	Native ISO100–32000 Expanded ISO50–102400	Native ISO100–51200 Expanded ISO50–204800	Native ISO100–32000 Expanded ISO50–102400	Native ISO80–102400 Expanded ISO40–409600	Native ISO100–51200 Expanded ISO50–204800		Native ISO100–32000 Expanded ISO50–102400	Native ISO100–51200 Expanded ISO50–204800 (Stills),100–102400 (Video)	Native ISO100–32000 Expanded ISO50–102400 (Stills), None (Video)	-	Autofocus System	25 points Contrast Detection AF w/117 points Phase Detection AF	colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 |25 points Contrast Detection AF	25 points Contrast Detection AF w/117 points Phase Detection AF	25 points Contrast Detection AF w/399 points Phase Detection AF	169 points Contrast Detection AF ||425 points Contrast Detection AF w/399 points Phase Detection AF	425 points Contrast Detection AF w/693 points Phase Detection AF	425 points Contrast Detection AF w/567 points Phase Detection AF	425 points Contrast Detection AF w/759 points Phase Detection AF	425 points Contrast Detection AF w/693 points Phase Detection AF	425 points Contrast Detection AF w/759 points Phase Detection AF	bgcolor=b0ffb0 | Stills:759 points hybrid Video:627 points hybrid	Stills & Video:693 points hybrid	-	Maximum Flash Sync Speed	bgcolor=b0ffb0 |1/250 s	bgcolor=ffcc99 |1/160 s	colspan=8 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |1/250 s	bgcolor=ffcc99 |1/160 s	colspan=2 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |1/250 s	colspan=2 |1/160 s (full frame) 1/200 s (APS-C)	-	Continuous Shooting Rate	5 fps	bgcolor=ffcc99 |4 fps	colspan=4 |5 fps	colspan=8 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |10 fps	8 fps	-	In-body Image Stabilization	colspan=3 bgcolor=ffcc99 |No	colspan=12 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |5-axis stabilization	-	Flash Exposure Lock	colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 |No	colspan=11 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |Yes	-	Shutter Speed Range	colspan=10 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |1/8000 –30 seconds	bgcolor=ffcc99 |1/4000 –30 seconds e-front curtain only (1/8000 electronic)	colspan=2 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |1/8000 –30 seconds	colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 |1/4000 –30 seconds e-front curtain only (1/8000 electronic) -	Electronic Shutter Mode	First-curtain only	bgcolor=ffcc99 |No	bgcolor=b0ffb0 |First-curtain, silent shutter	First-curtain only	colspan=11 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |First-curtain, silent shutter -	Gapless On-chip Lens Design	bgcolor=ffcc99 |No	colspan=2 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |Yes	bgcolor=ffcc99 |No	colspan=11 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |Yes -	Live-view Tethered Capture Capability	colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 |No	colspan=6 |Yes	colspan=7 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |Yes (wired and wireless) -	Custom Minimum Shutter Speed at Auto ISO Setting	colspan=4 rowspan=3 bgcolor=ffcc99 |No	colspan=11 rowspan=2 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |Yes -	Flexible Spot with Lock on Autofocus
Continuous Eye-AF Support	colspan=4 |Yes	colspan=7 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |Yes (real-time tracking) -	Autofocus Sensitivity Range	colspan=2 rowspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99 |-3 ~20 EV	-4 ~20 EV	rowspan=2 |-1 ~20 EV	-2 ~20 EV	-4 ~20 EV	colspan=3 |-3 ~20 EV	bgcolor=b0ffb0 |-6 ~20 EV	colspan=5 |-4 ~20 EV
Metering Sensitivity Range	bgcolor=b0ffb0 |-3 ~20 EV	colspan=11 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |-3 ~20 EV
User Customizable Buttons	colspan=3 |3	colspan=7 |4	bgcolor=ffcc99 |1	bgcolor=b0ffb0 |4+Dial
Programmable Settings Availability	colspan=3 |No	colspan=9 bgcolor=b0ffb0 |Yes
Monitor Resolution (pixels)	colspan=3 bgcolor=ffcc99 |921.6 K	colspan=3  1,228.8 K	bgcolor=b0ffb0  1,444K / up to 2,359.2K(A7RM3A)	bgcolor=ffcc99  921.6 K	bgcolor=b0ffb0  1,444 K / up to 2,359.2K(A7RM4A)	1,444K	bgcolor=ffcc99  921.6 K	1,036 K	bgcolor=b0ffb0  2,095 K	colspan=2  1,036 K
Touchscreen Panel Support	colspan=6 bgcolor=ffcc99  No	colspan=3  Yes	bgcolor=b0ffb0  Yes (full touch menu system)	Yes	colspan=2 bgcolor=b0ffb0  Yes (full touch menu system)	colspan=2  Yes
Viewfinder Pixel Count	colspan=6 bgcolor=ffcc99  2.4 M	3.68 M	bgcolor=ffcc99  2.4 M	5.76 M	bgcolor=b0ffb0  9.43 M	bgcolor=ffcc99  2.4 M	3.68 M	bgcolor=b0ffb0  9.43 M	colspan=2 bgcolor=ffcc99  2.4 M
Viewfinder Resolution Details	colspan=6 bgcolor=ffcc99  XGA (1024×768 pixels)	Quad-VGA (12801440×960 pixels)	bgcolor=ffcc99   XGA (1024×768 pixels)	UXGA (16001200×12001200 pixels)	bgcolor=b0ffb0   Quad-XGA (20481536×15362048 pixels)	bgcolor = ffcc99   XGA (1024768×768pixels)	Quad-VGA (12809601440×960pixels)	bgcolor = b09fbf   Quad-XGA	(20481536×15362048pixels)	colspan =
Viewfinder Magnification	colspan =
Memory Card Slot Type
Video Recording Formats
Video Sampling Specifications
Slow Motion Video Recording
HDMI Output Availability
Video Light Mode Options
Professional Video Editing Features
Additional Features
Lossless RAW Format Support
Star Eater Phenomenon Mitigation
Phase Detection Autofocus with Adapted Lenses
Operation While USB Charging Enabled
Battery Life per CIPA Standards
Body Construction Material
Weight Including Battery and Media Cards
Physical Dimensions
Discontinued Status

BIONZ

BIONZ refers to a series of image processing units incorporated in Sony's digital camera lineup, notably within numerous Sony α DSLR and mirrorless variants. Its primary function is to transform raw data captured by CCD or CMOS sensors into the format saved on memory cards, a vital process that directly impacts the device’s operational speed and overall performance.

While Sony engineers the BIONZ processors internally, their production is contracted out to semiconductor manufacturers such as MegaChips and GlobalFoundries, since Sony does not currently possess its own system-on-chip (SoC) fabrication facilities. Memory components, specifically DRAM chips, are procured from industry leaders including Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology.

The architecture of the BIONZ platform comprises two distinct chips: an SoC responsible for managing broad camera operations (denoted by part numbers starting with "CXD900xx") like storage management, USB connectivity, HDMI output, Wi-Fi, and NFC; and an image signal processor (ISP) tasked with processing sensor data and affecting noise reduction in low-light conditions (part numbers beginning with "CXD4xxx").

Features (common across α7-series)

• Full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor (megapixel count varies depending on the model)
• 3-inch (7.5 cm) TruBlack XtraFine LCD screen with tilt functionality
• 0.5-inch electronic viewfinder
• Evaluative metering system featuring 1200 measurement zones
• Integrated Wi-Fi and NFC modules
• LED autofocus assist lamp
• Multi Interface Shoe (with the α7R IV including an additional digital audio interface)
• 9+1 programmable buttons (increased to 10+1 from the second generation), offering over 45 assignable functions

Application in Cinematography

Sony’s α7 series has become increasingly favored by filmmakers due to its compact form factor coupled with high-quality imaging capabilities. The α7S variant is especially sought after in independent film circles because of its cost-effectiveness and exceptional performance in low-light environments. For instance, the British fantasy feature The Bastard Sword (2018) was entirely filmed using the α7S, demonstrating its practicality for extended shoots on limited budgets.

Critical Acclaim and Honors

The Sony α lineup, particularly the α7 and α7R models, has garnered significant praise from reviewers and industry professionals alike. DxOMark rated the α7R as the top full-frame mirrorless camera at the time, awarding it a score of 95—comparable to the Nikon D800 but slightly below the D800E. The α7 achieved a score of 90, surpassing professional DSLRs such as the Nikon Df and D4 as well as Sony’s own SLT-A99.

The Verge assigned an 8.3/10 rating to the α7 series, highlighting its influence in shifting market preference from DSLRs toward full-frame mirrorless systems. EPhotozine granted the α7 a five-star rating while commending its affordability as making it the most accessible full-frame digital camera available, noting its lighter weight and smaller size compared to rivals. The α7 earned "Camera of the Year" accolades from EPhotozine, whereas Imaging Resource bestowed the same title upon the α7R.

See also

• Sony α7II
• Sony α6000
• List of Sony E-mount cameras
• List of lightest mirrorless cameras