Which Sony A7 camera? How to choose the right model

At the start of the Sony Alpha A7 series, there was the A7, A7R and A7S. Things were quite simple. The A7S was the one for video, the A7R was the high resolution model, and the A7 was the more affordable option. It was quite easy to choose the right camera.

The situation has since gotten a bit more complicated. We had the introduction of the Mark II and Mark III versions of each camera and the Mark IV version of the A7R. Sony has not officially discontinued any of the A7 series and they are still available for purchase.

And now we also have the

Sony A7C

.

So how do you know which is the best Sony A7 camera to choose? Well, in some ways, the original distinguishing features still come in handy:

Sony A7R series = high resolution

With 61 million effective pixels on its full-frame sensor, the

is the highest resolution model in the A7 range. It allows the camera to capture an enormous amount of detail and, thanks to Sony's fantastic sensor construction expertise and BSI design, noise is extremely well controlled. That said, we recommend making ISO 12800 the maximum value you use if possible.

Meanwhile, its predecessor, the 42.4Mp A7R III has the same sensor as the A7R II. Both resolve more detail than the original A7R which has a 36.4MP sensor, but they cannot match the A7R IV.

Where the A7R III scores against the A7R II for image quality is with the dynamic range improvement at lower sensitivity settings. However, we are only talking about 0.5 EV. And while that might be important for landscape photography, if you're using ND gradients or composite images, it's not so bad.

The A7R III also looks more rounded than the models that came before it. Its autofocus system is impressive and is even suitable for sports shooting. Sony has improved the grip with each successive model. Therefore, the handling of the A7R IV is significantly better than that of the A7R and a little better than that of the A7R III. Like the A7R III, the newer camera has a touchscreen, but Sony hasn't gone overboard. Unfortunately, it's only really useful for zooming in and out of images or adjusting the AF point.

There's also a joystick that simplifies AF point adjustment on the A7R III and A7R IV (and A7 III). Of course, if you're shooting still lifes, macros, or landscapes, this might not be a major issue for you. It's a bit bigger and easier to find on the A7R IV than on the Mark III camera.

What is the best Sony A7R series camera?

If you find the Sony A7R available at a bargain price, it's worth considering. But it wouldn't be our top pick among the A7R series cameras. Its AF system isn't a patch on the latest version and handling can get boring. The Eye AF (human and animal) available with the A7R III and A7R IV is superb, but if you want it to work for humans in video, you'll need to upgrade to the latest model.

If you don't need fast AF point selection and the fastest focus, or improved dynamic range, then the A7R II seems like a good solid proposition. It also makes a significant saving over the A7R III. However, if you can afford it, the A7R III makes a solid upgrade.

The A7R IV, however, is one of the best cameras available today.

Sony A7R III Review

Sony A7R IV Review

Sony A7S-series = Video

While the A7S, A7S II and

A7S III p>

are aimed at video cameras, Sony has not skimped on the video features of the A7R II, A7R III, A7R IV and A7 III. However, where the A7S models win is with their low-light capability. They all have a native sensitivity that peaks at ISO 102400.

Their low pixel count (12Mp) means they handle noise extremely well.

What the A7S and A7S II do not do. It doesn't do well in low light, however, is the focus. This isn't a problem for many videographers who focus manually, but it's a little behind. Fortunately, the

Sony A7S III

solves this problem. It has a hybrid AF system with 759 phase detection points and 425 contrast detection points, real-time eye AF (human and animal) for photos and videos. Its AF system is also said to work down to -6EV.

Naturally, if you're considering the A7S series, video is your primary concern. Both the A7S and A7S II are proven in this area and deliver high quality results. As the A7S III has only just been announced, we can't verify Sony's claims just yet, but on paper this is the company's most capable 4K camera to date.

It features full-sensor readout and can shoot 4K video at up to 120p or Full HD footage at up to 240p, with full-sensor readout without pixel removal and with the hybrid autofocus system in stock.

There's also 10-bit color depth and 4:2:2 color sampling available in all recording formats.

Additionally, Sony has introduced new and improved codecs including XAVC SI 4K (all intra), XAVC HS 4K (Long GOP) and XAVC S 4K (Long GOP), plus there is S-Log2 and S-Log3 and the improved S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine color science.

Sony has also upgraded the A7S III's dual card slots so that as SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II media they can accept the new CFexpress Type A cards. higher quality in enhanced S&Q modes (slow and fast).

Sony also answered one of the biggest requests made for the A7S III and gave it a vari-angle touchscreen. This means it's easier to see the scene than when shooting above or below head height, and for many it makes an external monitor unnecessary.

If you like the idea of ​​a vari-angle screen for vlogging but aren't sure about the price of the A7S III, take a look at the

Sony A7C

. Announced in September last year, it boasts a class-leading 24MP full-frame sensor, the Bionz X processing engine and excellent autofocus capability along with a reasonable video specification. There's no raw video capability, but you shoot high-quality 4K footage in S-Log2 or S-Log3.

However, Sony didn't give the A7C the revised menu structure of the A7S III or its excellent touchscreen control. . Also a 0.39-inch type, the A7C's viewfinder is also quite small for a full-frame camera.

What is the best Sony A7S series camera?

Along with the Sony A7S III has just announced that there will likely be great deals available on the A7S II. This camera has done a great job for many videographers and the A7S III doesn't improve on resolution. Where it wins, however, is with the improved handling and feature set that should make creating great looking 4K videos a little easier.

Read our Sony A7S III review

You can order the Sony A7S III from

Adorama in the United States

and

Wex Photo Video in the UK

Sony A7 Series = The Affordable Option< /p>

While the A7 II was pretty decent, the A7 III is much better. Plus, at launch Sony priced it quite aggressively for a full-frame camera at £2,000/$1,998 (body only) or £2,500/$2,198 with the 28-70mm lens. . However, as you can see in the table below, its price has dropped since its launch.

Those still aren't numbers to sniff at, but that cash gets you a very capable AF system that's a step ahead of the A7 and A7 II. It also brings better maneuverability with mini-joystick control, a touchscreen and two card ports.

The A7 III's full-frame sensor also has a 24.2 million pixel count, which aside from being a popular figure, strikes a good balance between detail resolution, file size and noise control. . Throw in 4K (3840 x 2160) video recording with S-Log plus a battery that has much longer life than the A7 II and the Mark III seems like an easy decision.

Sony now has another "affordable" full-frame camera, the A7C. However, its current street price is a bit higher than the A7 III and while it does bring a vari-angle screen, in other respects it's not as well specified. Unless you really want a vari-angle screen, we'd recommend going with the A7 III, but keep in mind that the

Sony A7 IV

can't be that far being announced.

Sony A7 III Review

What is the best Sony A7 series camera?

In the UK, the Sony A7 II can be had for around

£999 body only.

That's tempting below the A7 III's current £1700 asking price. But the new camera gives you so much more that we'd be tempted to save a little longer.

It's a similar story in the United States. The A7 III costs around $2,000 and the Mark II around $898.

Which Sony A7 Camera Should You Choose?

If you are still unsure which is the best Sony A7 for you at this point then plump for the A7 III. It is a versatile device designed for passionate photographers. Don't be fooled by Sony calling it a "basic full-frame camera." It's far from basic. Sony wants to redefine the genre.

With the A7 III, you'll be able to shoot a wide range of subjects, including fast-moving sports and action. Noise is also well controlled and the level of detail in images will not disappoint.

If you want more resolution, the A7R IV is the best choice and its AF system is amazing. If video is your primary concern, go with the

Sony A7S III

.

Of course, if you're really torn and feel like you might need to be able to combine hi-res shooting with lightning-fast autofocus and 16-bit raw video recording, the 50Mp

Sony A1

is the camera for you. It's currently available to pre-order for £6500/$6500, but looks like the camera that will see many professional photographers, including sports photographers, wedding photographers and journalists switch to mirrorless photography.