Sony a7
Announced October 16, 2013
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sony a7 is a groundbreaking full-frame mirrorless camera that offers high-quality imaging in a compact, affordable body. Although it delivers impressive performance and ergonomics, users may find the native lens selection limited and the battery life disappointing.
Weighted from 23 reviewer scores
Pros
- Strong video features including clean HDMI output and audio monitoring
- Excellent image quality and high-ISO performance
- High-quality electronic viewfinder and tilting LCD
- Compact and lightweight full-frame body
- Extensive manual controls and customizable settings
Cons
- Sluggish autofocus performance, especially for action
- Short battery life and lack of an external charger
- Limited and expensive native lens selection
- Slow startup times and shutter lag
- No built-in flash
- Launch price $1,699 (USD)
- Sensor 24.3MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization None
- Burst 5 fps electronic 5 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 23 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 80/100
The Alpha 7 has broken new ground in the full-frame market, in terms of both size and price.
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When we reviewed Sony's A7R mirrorless camera, we were thrilled by its combination of a full-frame image sensor and a compact body. The Sony A7 offers both, and yet it's even more affordable.
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The Alpha A7 and A7r are a wake-up call for the photographic industry, especially to Canon and Nikon.
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The Alpha 7 is a great camera for the photo enthusiast looking for a high-quality, lightweight camera that will reward with excellent images, but be prepared to invest in Zeiss prime lenses to do the sensor justice.
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The Sony Alpha 7 is one of, if not, the cheapest full-frame digital cameras currently available, undercutting both the Canon EOS 6D and Nikon D610, whilst also being considerably smaller and lighter.
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In terms of operational speed and all-round performance, the A7 delivers on most counts. Shutter lag is only notable by its apparent absence, and image processing times are slightly faster than the A7R thanks to the smaller Raw files that the A7 produces.
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Our original review of the Sony A7 was enthusiastic but cautious. There weren’t many lenses and there were some handling quibbles, but it was an exciting new camera.
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The Sony Alpha 7 is a fast-shooting, full-frame mirrorless camera that is capable of capturing some impressive images, but we prefer its sibling, the 7R, overall.
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Sony has done it again – introducing a camera that's ahead of the curve.
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The Alpha a7 is an exceptional performer you can take anywhere, producing very sharp images with excellent detail and accurate color.
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It really takes some unbelievable pictures.
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If you’re prepared to invest in the extra quality that these lenses provide or intend to use existing glass, you’ll be rewarded with excellent images from a camera that’s perfect for the photo enthusiast looking for a high quality but lightweight camera.
- Digital Trends 9/10
Once in a while we are treated to a groundbreaking camera that astounds us. For 2013, it’s Sony's Alpha A7 compact mirrorless full-frame camera.
- CNET 8.3/10
Sony Alpha ILCE-7 (A7) is a great alternative to similarly priced entry-level full-frame dSLRs, as long as you don’t need speedy continuous shooting.
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If you need big image quality but don't want to haul big gear around, the A7 and A7R are the answer.
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The Sony a7 is an interesting full-frame mirrorless camera. It boasts a number of useful features and capabilities, making it easy to take high-quality photos.
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Sony shows with the A7 and A7R that it still isn’t afraid to shake up the industry by delivering a state of the art product at an affordable price point.
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With the A7, Sony has created a camera that has a brilliant viewfinder, excellent ergonomics and an outstanding sensor. The resulting experience is unique in the mirrorless world.
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There’s no doubt about it – the a7 is an extraordinary camera. Full-frame quality in such a small, light and reasonably priced package is a stunning achievement, and a watershed moment for CSCs.
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The Sony A7 is currently the lowest priced full frame sensor camera, so there’s simply a buzz that starts with pricing.
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I just got my Sony A7, and I'm impressed.
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[R]eally, really nice camera.
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This single advantage is really fantastic and I would buy this camera just because of that.
