Sony Alpha a7

The world's first compact full-frame mirrorless camera

Sony Alpha a7
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Sony
Model ILCE-7

Key Features

SENSOR 24.3MP Full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor
PROCESSOR BIONZ X image processor for high-speed processing
AUTOFOCUS Fast Hybrid AF with 117-point phase-detection and 25-point contrast-detection
PHASE DETECTION On-sensor phase detection covering a wide area of the frame
VIDEO Full HD 1080p at 60fps, uncompressed HDMI output
STABILIZATION None (relies on lens-based OSS)
BURST RATE Up to 5 fps continuous shooting
VIEWFINDER 0.5-inch XGA OLED electronic viewfinder with 2.36M dots
DISPLAY 3.0-inch tilting TFT LCD with 921k dots
CONNECTIVITY Wi-Fi, NFC, Micro USB, Micro HDMI, 3.5mm mic/headphone jacks
MEMORY CARD Single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot (UHS-I compatible)
WEATHER SEALING Dust and moisture resistant magnesium alloy construction
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 340 shots per charge (CIPA) using NP-FW50

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Sony Alpha a7

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✓ Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present Dedicated physical dial
Dedicated ISO Button ~ Limited Customizable via C-buttons
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ~ Limited Via front/rear command dials
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ~ Limited Via front/rear command dials
AF-ON Button ✓ Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✓ Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✗ Not Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✓ Present
Drive Mode Control ~ Limited Via rear control wheel

How-to Use Sony Alpha a7

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Sony Alpha a7 Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Sony Alpha a7

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor Full-frame Exmor CMOS
Resolution 24.3 Megapixels
ISO Range 100-25600
Autofocus Fast Hybrid AF
Shutter Speed 1/8000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 5 fps
Video 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p)
Stabilization None
Viewfinder 2.36M dot OLED EVF
LCD 3.0-inch tilting LCD
Memory Card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity Wi-Fi, NFC, USB 2.0, HDMI
Battery Life 340 shots
Weight 474g (with battery and card)
Dimensions 126.9 x 94.4 x 48.2 mm