Sony Alpha 7 and 7R Release Date: Mirrorless Cameras to Launch in December

Sony will release its first full-frame image sensor, mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses in December, Wired magazine reported.

The Sony Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R, which are prices between $1,500-$2,000, are the first mirrorless cameras, aside from the NEX lineup and will have higher-resolution. The 7R will have 36 megapixels for a professional level photographer, while the Alpha 7 has 24 megapixels and is aimed at anyone looking for a DSLR alternative, Wired reported.

According to Wired, the Alpha 7 is built for more focus and shooting with a hybrid phase and contrast detection autofocus system, along with top continuous shooting speeds at full resolution. Both the 7 and 7R can capture videos professionally, too.

The 7 and 7R both capture 1080p video at 60fps and 24fps with full manual exposure controls. Headphone jacks, audio-level controls, and the ability to output uncompressed video from the camera via HDMI also "sweeten the deal" for videographers, according to Wired.

Most DSLR camera's with full-frames are big and bulky, but both Sony Alpha's have a smaller body with tilting LCD screens, which is another first for full-frame cameras, Wired reported. The design means the cameras are just as good as a pro-grade DSLR cameras yet are much lighter and compact.

Even the Alpha 7, which is easier for non-professionals, has a full line of manual exposure controls with shutter speeds up to 1/8000 of a second. Both cameras are equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities and can run Sony's own "camera-centric" apps, Wired reported.

According to Wired, after they Alpha's launch in December, there will be five different mirrorless lenses available but will also be compatible with Sony's existing E-mount lenses, as well as with Sony's DSLR lenses.

Real Time Analytics