The A7 is better suited for studio and portrait. It's a great camera to use everyday as well but definitely not for sports action or telezoom. There's no telezoom lens until April and it's only 200mm.
If you buy the A7/R with the Zeiss 35mm, 55mm and 24-70mm then you will have a solid system for portrait, studio and walk around system. You will probably be able the take the best pictures you've ever taken for something this compact.
Pros
1. Amazing Picture Quality especially in RAW(ARW new format). Update your software to read this format. IQ higher than 5DMK3 but lower than Nikon D800.
2. There are dedicated dials for aperture, shutter and exposure. No messing around with menus.
3. Great EVF. The eye detection works great. It will turn off the screen and turn on the EVF when you put your face up on it.
4. Hybrid AF has decent PDAF especially in daylight. Much faster and more accurate than any of the NEX series. Slower than my 5DMK3 and Nikon D800.
5. Available Zeiss lenses are some of the best on the market regardless of what system you compare to. Check DXOmark to confirm.
6. Very portable with the 35mm
7. In camera usb charging. Great for traveling because there's one less thing to lose/carry/forget.
8. NFC is convenient to quickly sling photos to your Android devices. Apple devices uses wifi which is also fast but a little less convenient.
9. SD memory slot actually support UHS-1 speeds!! finally! My Nex 5R was severely handicapped because it only supported Class 10.
10. Full Frame sensor. Compared to APS-C Nex series: less noise, more picture, etc...
11. Video quality looks great. It has continuous focus and works well. Quality is higher than a Nikon D800 but lower than the 5DMK3.
Cons
1. Slow AF low light compared to DSLRs
2. Battery life is short. Buy extra batteries and external charger!
3. Bigger lens can throw the balance off and make it easy to slip out of your hands.
4. Shutter vibrations confirmed to blur pictures under 1/160. Keep shutter speed 1/160 at least. Recommend 1/250.
5. Very limited FE mount lens selection. You can use other E mount lens but most lenses will force you to crop.
6. In camera usb charging. Charge time unacceptable ~5-6 hours.
7. No dual memory slots.
8. AF too slow to be effective for sports or anything fast moving.
9. Scene modes doesn't work that well sometimes because of shutter vibrations. I don't think most people will be using these modes anyways.
10. Annoying squishy feeling shutter button. There's no click to it at all.
11. No touch screen. Don't understand this decision. I want a touch screen because it makes videos a whole lot easier.
I don't see a point in reiterating what many reviews have already said so I will just answer the most common questions and misinformation. I will also update more as I go.
The high ISO problem in Auto mode and shutter vibrations
From what I've researched, these cameras have sensor shakes due to the shutter impacts. Anything slower than 1/160 sec shutter speed will show up in the picture. It is easily noticeable when you are at 1/60 and below. I highly recommend you use 1/250 or faster speed. I normally choose higher shutter speed anyways since the 55mm and 35mm does not have OSS. But OSS does not eliminate the shutter vibrations, just the hand shakes problems. So regardless of what lens you use, use high shutter speed.
I honestly don't see much IQ degradation from ISO 320 to 1600 due to noise or details. It's when you hit 6400 that it becomes a problem. The sony A7/R will still have better IQ at ISO 1600 than an OMD EM1 at ISO 320. I wouldn't call that a con.
In manual mode, auto iso should work properly if you choose aperture and shutter speed yourself. It should only come up with the correct ISO or the picture will be too bright. The complaints here sounds like people moving up from enthusiasts cameras and not fully knowing the professional side. Auto everything doesn't work and you don't use it. Pros will use some auto settings but not fully auto. The most common modes are aperture priority, shutter priority and manual. The high ISO problem also disappear when you turn off DRO. I prefer HDR over DRO anyways.
If you buy this camera and pair it with good lens like the Zeiss 55mm and 35mm, then most of your problems are solved. You will actually get better IQ than a 5DMK3 with a 50mm 1.2L(I have this set up as well so I know). The 5DMK3 will have better AF, AF speed, and much much longer battery life though. Depending whether you are shooting from a Tripod or not, your choices are clear.
The battery problem.
We don't have much choices here. I hate the idea of a compact pro camera that can only get 340 shots. The good news is there is actually a battery grip. The bad news about that is it adds more bulk, weight and kind of defeating the whole purpose of being compact.
However, I do like the added bulk of the grip. It does balance out the camera when you use bulkier lens like the Zeiss 55mm. It also gave me better grip and I feel more confident about not dropping it. Having 2 batteries does give me roughly the same amount of shoot time as a 5DMK3 with no battery grip. The bonus with the A7 is that it is still lighter and less bulky than the 5DMK3.
It cost about $250 and there's bundles here for $250 with some accessories with a half decent SD card for back up. I would pick the one with the wall battery charger. I hate the in camera charging for obvious reasons.
Good luck and I hope I answered the questions.
I wish I could rate the camera as 4.5 stars. It seriously meets most marks. What it lacks is battery life(easy to fix) and good native lens collection(takes some time). There are only 4 FF Zeiss lenses but they are amazing. The 55mm Zeiss($1000) rivals the $4000 Otus for Nikon. I highly recommend you use the Zeiss 35mm and 55mm lens with this. It's actually relatively cheap compared to its performance.
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This Item  Sony a7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera - Body Only |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $498.00 | -8% $2,298.00 List: $2,499.99 | $948.99 | -9% $2,089.95 New Price: $2,298.00 | $939.95 | $1,228.04 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 10 | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 10 | Get it May 15 - 20 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Auto focus | ||||||
| Image stabilization | ||||||
| Picture quality | ||||||
| Sold By | TONY'S Camera Shop | Amazon.com | Minty Gadgets (we track serial numbers) | Electronics Basket | 6ave | TREASURE ISLAND SALES - S/N Recorded |
| display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| lens type | Other | Wide Angle | — | Wide Angle | interchangeable | interchangeable |
| shooting modes | Landscape; portrait mode; macro; night portrait; night scene; sports mode; sunset; handheld twilight; anti-motion blur | Auto, Programmed, Aperture, Shutter speed, Manual, Movie | Movie | Automatic | — | AUTO, programmed AE, aperture priority, shutter-speed priority, manual, movie, sweep panorama, scene selection |
| connectivity tech | NFC, HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB | — | HDMI, USB | Wi-Fi | NFC, HDMI, USB |
| video resolution | FHD 1080p | 4320p | 1080p | 4320p | FHD 1080p | FHD 1080p |
| optical zoom | 4 multiplier x | 8 multiplier x | — | 8 multiplier x | 4 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x |
| magnification | 0.71x | 0.78x | — | — | — | 0.71x |
From the manufacturer
Sony α7
Perfection for all
Meet the full-frame, palm-sized α7: portability and capability in one. Packing a 24.3MP 35mm Full Frame sensor into a body half the weight of leading DSLRs, this is an exciting new landmark in the compact full-frame market.
Beautiful form. Robust function.
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Full frame, compact form
At just 14.67 oz with battery, the α7 is about half the weight of leading DSLRs. And being less bulky as well, there’s no more giving up quality for portability.
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Eye Autofocus
For perfect portraiture, this function creates sharp focus on faces even when partially turned away from the camera with a shallow depth of field, thanks to enhanced eye detection.
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Where speed meets precision
Get the speed of phase detection (117 focus points) and the accuracy of contrast detection, plus more accurate eye detection, lock-on autofocus for moving subjects, and autofocus area setting options.
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Built light, built to last
Crafting the α7 from magnesium, the world’s lightest structural metal, means that the camera you carry with you today will also be with you tomorrow.
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Great images await
With 24.3 megapixels, a 35mm full-frame Exmor sensor, BIONZ X processor and most advanced autofocus, the α7 offers outstanding detail, sensitivity, and quality.
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Smarter viewfinder, better photos
OLED (XGA) Tru-Finder with 100% frame coverage, 1024x768 resolution, high contrast, real-time settings updates, and accurate bokeh. 5 display modes and color temperature and brightness adjustment.
In the α7, Sony balances the precise control working photographers need, with the ergonomics they want. The result is carefully-crafted knobs and dials, robust functions, extensive customization potential, and recording and connectivity options, in a lightweight body 25% smaller than leading DSLRs.
Accurate bokeh display
Sony’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) presents the image directly from the sensor, so you see exactly what the finished image will be.
Zoom in on what’s important
With the Tru-Finder viewfinder, make adjustments before and during the process. So instead of wondering what you got, you can capture what you want.
Fine-tune your focus
Get instant confirmation of the most sharply-focused areas of your image with the peaking function. Adjust sensitivity and highlight color to suit.
Composition without guesswork
XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder lets you see exposure adjustments before you shoot—and never take your eye off the subject.
One step further
One-touch NFC & Wi-Fi Connectivity
The α7 has two forms of wireless sharing capability built in; NFC One-touch allows image transfer with a single tap to any NFC-compatible smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Wi-Fi allows quick uploading from many locations.
Glass worthy of a first-class camera
Sony designed a new set of E-mount lenses precisely for the internal geometries of the new full-frame range. In addition, previous-generation α owners can use the full range of E-mount lenses, or A-mounts with an adapter for a professional range of 50+ lenses.
Recommended Lenses
 SEL-2470Z |  SEL-1635Z |  SEL-70200G |  SEL-55F18Z |  SEL-85F18 |  SEL-50F18F | |
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Customer Reviews
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293
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248
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263
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457
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629
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5,762
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Price
| $698.00 | $998.00 | $1,098.00 | $898.00 | $548.00 | $198.00 |
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E mount Lens
| FE 24-70 mm F4 ZA OSS | FE 16–35 mm F4 ZA OSS | FE 70-200 mm F4 G OSS | Sonnar T* FE 55 mm F1.8 ZA | FE 85mm F1.8 | FE 50mm F1.8 |
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Body compatibility
| E-mount series | E-mount series | E-mount series | E-mount series | E-mount series | E-mount series |
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Minimum focus distance
| 1.32 ft (0.4 m) | 0.92 ft (0.28 m) | 3.15 ft | 1.64 ft (0.5 m) | 2.63 ft (0.8 m) | 1.48 ft (0.45 m) |
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Maximum magnification ratio(x)
| 0.20 x | 0.19 x | 0.25 x | 0.14 x | 0.13 x | 0.14 x |
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Filter diameter (mm)
| 67 mm | 72 mm | 77 mm | 49 mm | 67 mm | 49 mm |
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Weight
| 15.1 oz (426 g) | 18.3 oz (518 g) | 52.21 oz | 10 oz (281 g) | 13.1 oz (371 g) | 6.6 oz (186 g) |
Recommended Accessories
 NP-FW50 |  BC-TRW |  ECM-XYST1M |  ECM-AW4 |  VCT-VPR1 |  RM-TDSLR2 |  HVL-F45RM | |
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Customer Reviews
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1,651
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1,075
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640
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206
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275
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1,833
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115
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Price
| $59.95 | $48.00 | $138.00 | $178.00 | — | $28.00 | $378.00 |
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Accessory Type
| Battery | Battery charger | Microphone | Microphone | Tripod | Remote Commander | Flash |
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Product name
| Rechargeable Battery Pack | Travel charger for battery | Mic For Multi-Interface Shoe | Wireless Microphone | Remote Control Tripod | Wireless Remote Commander | External Flash |
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Dimensions
| appr. 1.31" x .75" x 1.81" | appr. 1.06" x 1.44" x 3.12" | appr. 3" x 2.5" x 1.5" | appr. 3.03" x 3" x 1.38" | height range: 17.25” to 57.75” | appr. 3.75" x 1.68" x .56" | appr. 2.75" × 4.5" × 3.5" |
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Weight
| appr. 1.5 oz. | appr. 2.4 oz. | appr. 3.53 oz | appr. 1 oz. | max load: 6lbs 10oz | appr. 1oz. | appr. 11.2 oz |
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Compatibility with α7
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
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Sony's first full-frame FE mount mirrorless camera.
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Reviews with images
Great image quality, but be prepared to pick up extra batteries
I've been shooting on this camera for over a year now, and I feel like I can give a comprehensive review.Pros: Great image quality, the lens ecosystem is wide open (I've been shooting with a lot of old Minolta glass), very small and light body. The electronic viewfinder is a great feature; the ability to use a level, focus peaking, grids, zebra stripes etc while looking through the viewfinder is invaluable, especially if you're shooting manual focus.This camera is ergonomically great! Being able to reach all of the dials for shutter speed/aperture/whatever you program them for without taking your hand off the grip is hugely appreciated.Cons: On the expensive side, especially for first-party native lenses or if you want to use pricey auto focusing adapters.The battery life is also pretty bad, as a result of Sony trying to keep the battery consistent across A-series bodies. I'd say you probably have 300-400 shots on a charge.While the camera itself is light, the first party lenses are typically about the same weight as the body itself! I wouldn't be surprised if my zoom lenses start developing creep from how far they pull the body down while I'm carrying it.Lastly, this is a minor nitpick but Sony seems to have included "DLC" for their A-series cameras. What this means is that you have to pay to unlock certain features, such as the ability to keep the shutter open for longer than 30 seconds (I believe it's an extra $4.99 but I could be wrong). I suspect you'd be dissapointed if you bought this camera for astrophotography and wanted to use it right out of the box.The bottom line? This is a cool piece of technology with a few glaring flaws. However, if you want to pick up a cheap mirrorless full frame, I'd say that it's your best option. I've included some sample photos that have only been minimally processed.
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
Qualia
what a fantastic camera
Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2020Style: BaseSet: BaseVerified Purchase
Matthew B.
Good high quality camera to start off with
Reviewed in Canada on December 9, 2017Style: w/ 28-70mmSet: BaseVerified Purchase
Matthew B.
Reviewed in Canada on December 9, 2017
And if you do buy the camera here are some tips I'd suggest and I've heard:
Make sure you don't expose the sensor too much, and get a small can of compressed air to get things out of the cavity if you something happens to get in.
The battery isn't the best so buy a few extra batteries packs (and get a charging hub that doesn't over charge the batteries)
Images in this review
Christopher E Sit
Fast shipping, excellent price, great camera
Reviewed in Canada on October 30, 2018Style: w/ 28-70mmSet: BaseVerified Purchase
chris schoenne
Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on October 27, 2016Style: BaseSet: BaseVerified Purchase
