Sony: New Alpha 7S full-frame camera

The new camsera is equipped with a newly developed, 12.2 MP Exmor CMOS sensor paired with a powerful Bionz X image processor, allowing it to shoot at a sensitivity range of ISO 50 – 4096002 with unprecedented dynamic range and low noise.

According to a press release, the new model is also the world’s first camera to utilize the entire width of a full-frame image sensor in 4K video acquisition, and does this without cropping or line skipping as it can read and process data from every one of the sensor’s pixels. This allows 4K video shooters to utilize all of the artistic and creative benefits provided by the unique sensor.

The camera also features a newly developed on-sensor technology that allows it to optimize the dynamic range throughout the entirety of the ISO50 – 409,600 sensitivity range.  This on-sensor technology also broadens the range of tonal gradation in bright environments and minimizes noise in dark scenes, allowing the camera to deliver impressive results in these extreme conditions where other cameras (and image sensors) typically struggle.

The camera can process data from all of the sensor’s pixels and output stunning HD and 4K (QFHD 3,840 x 2,160 pixels) video while utilizing the full-width of the sensor. In addition to the benefits for low-light shooting, the read out of all pixels frees the video from aliasing, moire and false color artifacts (as opposed to pixel binning) to achieve the highest quality video.

In video mode, the Alpha7S can output 4K video4 at QFHD (3,840×2,160) to an optional external 3rd party 4K recorder, and can record full HD (1,920×1,080) at frame rates of 60p, 60i, 30p and 24p directly to a compatible memory card.  Video modes can be changed from full-frame to APS-C (super 35mm equivalent) if desired, and in this crop mode, the camera can support high frame rate 120fps shooting at standard HD resolution (1,280 x 720p), creating a 5x slow-motion effect.

The Alpha7S is also equipped with S-Log2 gamma allowing the expansion of the dynamic range by up to 1300% to minimize clipped highlights and loss of detail in shadows.  Additionally, for the first time ever in a Sony alpha camera, the Alpha7S adopts the workflow-friendly XAVC S recording format in addition to AVCHD and MP4 codecs.  XAVC S format allows for full HD recording at a data rate of 50 mbps with lower compression for improved video quality.

Other specialist video functions on the new camera include a picture profile that can adjust settings like gamma, black, level and color adjustment, and can be saved for use in a multi-camera shoot.  It also has Full HD and 4K base band HDMI® output, time code/user bit for easier editing, synchronous recording feature with compatible devices,  various marker and zebra displays on both the LCD screen and viewfinder and can dual record XAVC S as well as MP4 (1280×720, 30p).

The camera is also equipped with the same high-precision Fast Intelligent AF system as the Alpha7R camera, with improved low-light AF sensitivity that can go as low as -4EV.

Directly compatible with the growing family of E-mount lenses, the new camera can also be used with A-mount and others lens systems with optional adapters. The company’s complete alpha lens system now includes 54 total lenses for both A and E mounts, including several premium offerings from Carl Zeiss® and G Series Lenses. Sony has announced development of a brand new, full-frame power zoom 28-135mm F4 lens E-mount lens that is an ideal match for the powerful movie capabilities of the alpha7S model.

Pricing and availability of the Alpha7S full-frame interchangeable lens camera will be announced later.