Try the latest Sony Alpha cameras including the new Sony A7R V 61 megapixel powerhouse with the full E-Mount lens range on Tuesday 6th December. This is a great opportunity to try the full Sony range and find out what works for you and your practice whether you’re shooting stills or video, a traveller or studio-based.
Save the date 6th December – we are finalising the programme for the day and will set up booking soon.
Sony
Experts from Sony will bring the latest releases including the A7R V. At our events we also have a wide range of full frame and APS-C cameras and lenses to try. The Sony continue to be disruptors in the professional photography and video markets, the A1, A7R mark IV, A9 mark II and A7s mark III have all been received with high praise worldwide. Sony E-mount lens range is always growing with professional standard native prime, and zoom, lenses available in the Sony G-Master range.
Trade-up
Consult with experts on each brand and work with our sales team to get the best deals on the day. Thinking of switching systems ? We can evaluate your current kit for trade-in and provide extra discounts for purchases on the day. Bring your current cameras and lenses in for a free trade-in valuation to find out how much you could save on an upgrade when you trade in your existing kit.
The current Sony Alpha mirrorless lineup
Sony have a wide array of camera lines within the world of full frame mirrorless cameras (and even more in its APS-C crop sensor cameras) so you may well wonder – Which is the one for me?
The high resolution A7R range is now up to its fifth version. These “R series” cameras focus on the highest pixel count possible to render fine detail for high resolution printing. The current model, the A7R V, has a 61 megapixel sensor and is a popular landscape camera witht he processing power of a versatile all-rounder. The A7R V is ideal for events as well as finding a home in product, fashion and commercial photography both in studios ands on location.
Sony Alpha 7, or a7 cameras are all full-frame mirrorless bodies now up to the fourth iteration. These bodies combine the best tech with a standard resolution sensor for solid all-round photography and video performance. The A7 IV is the latest Alpha or “a” 7 series camera body.
For video and extreme low-light sensitivity the A7S line is for you. Now up to the third model these cameras have comparatively low 12 megapixel full frame sensors but get the maximum readout possible from each pixel for superior high ISO performance and the lower resolution speeds up processing for high bitrate full frame 4k video: Find out about the A7S III.
The A7C is a compact A7 body, if small and light is your main aim the A7C packs A7 tech into a remarkably bijoux package. The A7C is the first of its kind and launched in September 2020.
The a9 and a9 II are full frame high speed camera bodies with features for press and sports photographers such as built in ethernet port for filing images over FTP direct to a picture desk. These cameras have high maximum frame rates and fast autofocus tracking. Find out more here.
Last but by no means least the Sony a1 combines high resolution with high speed for phenomenal 50.1 megapixel images record at 30 frames per second with no blackout in the viewfinder. This considerable chunk of tech is the new Sony flagship camera body which launched in March this year. Find out more about the Sony alpha One.
Sony has launched a new full camera body in their full frame alpha 7 mirrorless range: The A7 IV.
This body is the successor to the Sony A7 mark III. It boasts a healthy 33 megapixels, high speed shooting, 4k 60p video and Face, Eye and animal AF. The Sony a7 IV is a strong new professional camera from the manufacturer. We’ve picked out some highlights from the spec below, and explore where the A7 IV fits in the alpha mirrorless range. Let us know your thought in the comments.
The Sony A7 IV with its variable angle LCD.
The Sony A7 IV body only: £2399 Sony model number ILCE-7M4
Our sales team are taking pre-orders. To put your name down or to talk through more details call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com
Image Quality 33 megapixels
33 megapixels on a full frame sensor deliver images that can be printed, withstand generous cropping and with excellent sensor technology from Sony can deliver great performances at high ISO for use in low light environments.
The key technology is the Sony Exmor R back-illuminated sensor. Back illumination places the pixel wiring behind the pixel so that the (microscopic) wires do not block the path of light into the sensor this enhances the light-gathering power of each pixel as there is a clear path for the light to enter the sensor.
Not only is the Sensor capable of gathering light better but it is paired with a new Bionz XR imaging processor which delivers outstanding professional image quality even in low light.
Don’t miss a moment – the processing power of the A7 IV Bionz imaging processor facilitates burst shooting rates up to 10 frames per second with fast buffer clearance to capture the action.
The resolution and price point makes the Sony a7 IV an ideal wedding camera as it has the resolution for high quality edits and printing, plus the low light performance needed for covering events, all without the higher cost of more specialist Sony alpha bodies.
Exceptional Autofocus
Mirrorless cameras offer the unique advantage over DSLR bodies that the image focuses on the imaging sensor so that when focus locks on you are guaranteed sharp shots. With real-time Tracking and Eye AF technology with algorithms to identify and lock onto the eyes of humans, animals, and birds the Sony A7 mk4 will track your subject while shooting photos or recording videos.
There are 759 phase detection AF points across the frame.
The fast and accurate autofocus will keep sampling during high speed continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second making it a powerful wildlife camera as it can keep focus on the eyes while the action unfolds. The tracking autofocus also locks on and stays with the subject while recording video, more detail on the video spec below.
A close up of the controls available on the Sony A7 IV top and back covers.
Fast Connectivity: USB type C 3.2 plus Wifi and Bluetooth
Dual high speed memory card slots deliver high speed image transfer with we via the Fixation preferred method: a separate card reader. Also via USB, built in ultrafast WiFi and Bluetooth.
With USB-C gen 3.2 compatibility wired image transfer is super fast straight out of the camera. There is an automatic Bluetooth image backup mode that allows you to save, transfer and share images instantly.
The dual card slot can be used to double the camera’s recording capacity by loading in extra GBs of space. We recommend using the dual slot as a backup which offers you more security in the case of a corrupted memory card.
The Alpha 7 IV connectivity enables live streaming options up to 4K15p or Full HD 60p without the need for a capture card making it a high quality streaming camera whenever you need to go live.
Vital stats for the dual memory card slot:
Slot 1 can take CFexpress type A cards, UHS I or UHS II SD cards.
Slot 2 is UHS I/II compliant for SD cards only.
Video specifications
The Sony a7 IV has a wide range of features including video and in the roaring twenties that means its a 4k camera. We know that not all 4k is created equal so let’s bust some jargon on the video spec.
Video Resolution
Record 4K video at up to 60p with full pixel readout. No image information is skipped or binned during video recording which delivers a more accurate video file.
Colour bit depth and chroma subsampling
The a7 IV can record in 4:2:2 10 bits. 4.2.2 refers to the amount of colour data recorded, twice as much colour pixel information as 4.2.0. 10 bits refers to the bit depth of each colour recorded offering a wider gamut of colours for increased subtlety in colour variations, this opens the door to producing HDR video content.
These settings may not be apparent straight out of the camera, or when viewed on standard screens, but they offer much greater latitude in post production for example if you were sending work to a colourist for grading. It is also essential for smooth chroma key or green-screen effects as the extra colour information helps create a smooth smooth isolation of your subject.
Picture profiles for Video
S-CINETONE or S-LOG 3 picture profiles offer a cinematic look and ease of editing with all the colour advantages above.
Additional Video features
The camera features a digital audio interface to attach professional audio microphones. The built in microphone, as good as it may be, will never replace the clarity of a dedicated mic and a good audio interface gets the best out of the microphone you choose.
A heat dissipation structure is built into the camera to prevent overheating during long recording sessions.
Breathing compensation is a setting to counter the effect of “breathing” – a slight focal length shift which occurs when moving the focus of some lenses.
The Sony A7 IV body only: £2399 Sony model number ILCE-7M4
Our sales team are taking pre-orders. To put your name down or to talk through more details call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com
The new A7 IV in the Sony Alpha mirrorless lineup
Sony have a wide array of camera lines within the world of full frame mirrorless cameras (and even more in its APS-C crop sensor cameras) so you may well wonder – hasn’t there been a mark IV Sony camera before?
You are here! The A7 IV above is the latest Alpha or “a” 7 series camera body. Sony Alpha 7, or a7 cameras are all full frame mirrorless bodies now up to the fourth iteration these combine the best tech with a standard resolution sensor for a good all round photography performance.
The high resolution range A7R is also up to its fourth version. These “R series” cameras focus on the highest pixel count possible to render fine detail for high resolution printing. The current A7R IV has a 61 megapixel sensor and is a popular landscape cameras, it is also used for product, fashion and commercial photography.
For video and extreme low-light the A7S line is up to the third model. These cameras have comparatively low 12 megapixel full frame sensors but get the maximum readout possible from each pixel for superior high ISO performance and high bitrate full frame 4k video; find out about the A7S III.
The A7C is a compact A7 body, if small and light is your main aim the A7C packs A7 tech into a remarkably bijoux package. The A7C is the first of its kind and launched in September 2020.
The a9 and a9 II are full frame high speed camera bodies with features for press and sports photographers such as built in ethernet port for filing images over FTP direct to a picture desk. These cameras have high maximum frame rates and fast autofocus tracking. Find out more here.
Last but by no means least the Sony a1 combines high resolution with high speed for phenomenal 50.1 megapixel images record at 30 frames per second with no blackout in the viewfinder. This considerable chunk of tech is the new Sony flagship camera body which launched in March this year. Find out more about the Sony alpha One.
The Sony A1 is a high resolution, high speed, mirrorless camera body with some impressive headline specifications and some remarkable technology under the bonnet. Built for professional photographers and videographers the A1 has something to suit photographers covering everything from weddings to wildlife via sports, portraits and news. Whether used for stills, video or both, there are features that will appeal to everyone.
Sony A1 Features
The Sony A1 specification exceeds any expectation of what a flagship camera body can offer. Sony has thrown out the notion of a trade off between shooting speed and resolution by combining a 50 megapixel sensor and a burst rate of 30 frames per second.
50.1 Megapixel Sensor
The high resolution sensor allows photographers to crop into their images without sacrificing detail. The sensor feeds in to an upgraded BIONZ XR image processor with eight times the processing power of the BIONZ X engines in previous Sony bodies. The 50.1 megapixel sensor exceeds the requirement for 8k video recording (which is 33.1 megapixels in photography-talk).
30 frames per second blackout-free continuous shooting
The impressive processing power of the camera is able to record 50 megapixel images at 30 frames per second while delivering a constant feed of image information to the electronic viewfinder so that you can view your composition throughout shooting. With the capacity to record high resolution still images at 30fps the Sony A1 can also record 8K 30p video and lower resolution 4K 120p for slow-motion.
Fast sensor readout for high speed AF and AE
The new sensor and processor enables 120 AF/AE calculations per second even while recording images at 30 frames per second. This means the Sony A1 will continuously track subjects and can adjust for flickering artificial lighting steadily, while taking a burst of photographs. To put this in context this is twice as responsive as the Sony A9 II camera body, the high speed camera lunched by Sony at the end of 2019. The Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals is improved, and a new Realtime Eye AF for birds has been added to the AF system.
High speed electronic and mechanical shutter
Sony have improved features in both their mechanical and electronic shutter systems. The electronic shutter provides silent and vibration-free shooting. Both the electronic and mechanical shutter offer anti-flicker shooting. For the first time in the Sony Alpha series the electronic shutter is compatible with flash synchronisation up to a sync speed of 1/200th sec. The mechanical shutter synchronises up to 1/400th sec, faster than any other full-frame digital camera.
Connectivity: Wi Fi, Ethernet and SuperSpeed USB
Filing your images, or transmitting footage is fast with a variety of connection options. Sports photographers working in press centres can file images via 1000BASE-T Ethernet LAN connection direct from camera. If you are on the move you can use built-in WiFi to send files from the camera. High Speed USB Type-C connection allows tethered shooting to a PC for smooth transfer of large files.
Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master is an extreme wide angle zoom lens for full-frame Sony alpha bodies. It is perfect for getting close to the action, or capturing a whole scene in one image. The constant f/2.8 aperture is an industry standard for professional zoom lenses, it enables photography in low light at any focal length you select.
The Sony FE 12-24mm f2.8 G Master lens launches at £2899
To place an order, contact our sales team on 020 7582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com
Key Features
Innovative Optics – Sony G Master Precision
Sony has preserved incredible image details at extreme wide angles and wide open at f/2.8 by applying the full range of G Master imaging technologies. The FE 12-24mm f/2.8 features four aspherical elements in a complex build of 17 elements. Three are XA elements (extreme aspherical) to manage the distortion and aberrations that can come with wide angle glass. Not here, the combination of XA, Aspherical, ED (extra-low dispersion) and Super ED elements effectively reduce chromatic aberrations for crisp detail while a new Nano AR Coating II minimises ghosting and lens flare.
Bright f/2.8 aperture
The constant aperture of f/2.8 permits shooting at any point in the zoom range without having to resort to slower shutter speeds or higher sensitivity which could take away from the shot. Low light scenes which need low-noise such as night landscapes and astro photography are possible with this lens and the 12-24mm zoom range offers more framing options in one unit.
Professional build and control
Shoot anywhere with weather sealing for resistance against dust and moisture. The Sony 12-24mm f2.8 G Master also features a focus hold button for locking on to your subject without taking your hand from the lens. Alternative functions can be assigned to the focus hold button in the camera menu for more control options.
XD Linear motors – Four of them
Count ‘em four. Two for the main focus movement and two for the floating elements which correct chromatic aberrations as lens elements are moved further apart. XD linear motors are quiet with minimal vibrations for smooth focusing and precise focus tracking. Floating element groups allow lens designers to engineer more compact lenses. Another benefit is that the focus is made faster by reducing the distance traveled by each element group
To place an order, contact our sales team on 020 7582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com
When Nikon announced their flagship DSLR the Nikon D6 following the Canon EOS 1DX mark III and the Sony A9 II, the “big three” camera manufacturers had each released a flagship full-frame camera body in the space of six months. In this article we compare the main specifications of all three bodies.
The Nikon D6, Sony A9 II and EOS 1Dx mark III compared
We have not yet had our hands on a Nikon D6 so cannot do a working comparison of the cameras. However, now the specifications are released, we can put the stats of each camera side by side. There are some similarities as the manufacturers compete for the same audience: The cameras all feature built in wifi connectivity as well as Ethernet ports for Wired LAN connections. The resolution is low across all bodies, they are made for fast and high quality image recording, and fast transmission which a low file-size helps with. Mirrorless technology is the main differentiation in the bodies with those brands adopting newer technologies achieving higher burst rates for continuous shooting – significant for sport photography in particular.
Full write ups on the cameras are on our blog for further reading: [gdlr_button href=”https://www.fixationuk.com/nikon-launches-the-d6/” target=”_self” size=”medium” background=”#FFE100″ color=”#000000″]Nikon D6: Feb 12th 2020[/gdlr_button] [gdlr_button href=”https://www.fixationuk.com/canon-launches-the-eos-1dx-mark-iii/” target=”_self” size=”medium” background=”#BF1920″ color=”#ffffff”]Canon EOS 1DX mark III: Jan 7th 2020[/gdlr_button] [gdlr_button href=”https://www.fixationuk.com/sony-a9-mark-ii/” target=”_self” size=”medium” background=”#FFA500″ color=”#000000″]Sony A9 II : Oct 3rd 2019[/gdlr_button]
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