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Sony A7s, FHD camera, with 12Mp sensor, big DR
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    Announced, just 1080p camera with low resolution, high DR sensor.

    image

    Specifications

    • 12MP CMOS sensor, without Phase AF
    • 1080p24 and 1080p60 recording with 50mbps
    • hdmi output - 3840 × 2160(30p/24p) / 1920 × 1080(60p/24p) / 1920 × 1080(60i),YCbCr 4:2:2 8bit/ RGB 8bit
    • seems to be regional locked (PAL/NTSC versions)

    Available at

    We have few PAL Sony A7s bodies for European members. All of the cameras do not have any limits.

    Price: $2589
    Shipping: Price includes fast shipping for Western Europe/US/Canada/UK/Australia&NZ. Contact for any other regions.
    I want to buy this camera.

    PR

    SAN DIEGO, April 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Joining the acclaimed alpha7 and alpha7R family of the world's smallest full-frame interchangeable lens cameras1, Sony's new alpha7S model puts extraordinary sensitivity, low noise and spectacular 4K video quality into the hands of professional photographers and videographers.

    The innovative alpha7S camera features a newly developed, 12.2 effective megapixel 35mm 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.

    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 alpha7S gives Sony the most complete, versatile lineup of full-frame cameras in the market today," said Neal Manowitz, director of the interchangeable lens camera business at Sony Electronics. "Between the alpha99, VG900, RX1, alpha7, alpha7R and now alpha7S models, we have completely revolutionized what it means to be a 'full-frame' camera, bringing a new level of quality and portability to enthusiast photographers and videographers."

    Wide ISO Sensitivity (ISO 50 - 409,6002) and Impressive Dynamic Range

    Sony, the world's largest manufacturer of image sensors, has developed a unique 12.2 MP sensor with extraordinary sensitivity that allows the alpha7S camera to collect dramatically more light than traditional cameras and to produce beautifully detailed, low-noise images in even the darkest environments.

    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.

    World's First Full-Frame Camera with Full Pixel Read-out (without pixel binning) during Movie Shooting

    With the new alpha7S camera, the high-speed read out of the 35mm full-frame image sensor combined with the high-speed processing of the BIONZ X processor enables significant improvements in video quality.

    These powerful components allow the camera to process data from all of the sensor's pixels and output stunning HD and 4K (QFHD 3840 x 2160 pixels) video3 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.

    Additional Pro-Quality Video Functions

    In video mode, the alpha7S can output 4K video at QFHD (3840x2160) to an optional external 3rd party 4K recorder, and can record full HD (1920x1080) 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 (1280 x 720p), creating a 5x slow-motion effect.

    The alpha7S camera is also equipped with S-Log2 gamma. Common to Sony's range of professional video cameras, S-Log2 expands 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 (1280x720 @30p).

    The camera also has a Multi-terminal interface shoe that is compatible with Sony's XLR Adaptor Microphone Kits (XLR-K1M plus a new model under development), allowing the use of professional microphone systems.

    Low-light Shooting Advantages

    The high ISO sensitivity range of the alpha7S camera is extremely effective for still image shooting, especially in low-light conditions, where the camera can shoot at high shutter speeds while keeping noise as low as possible. This is particularly useful for shooting indoor, dimly lit sporting events or other situations where most cameras typically struggle.

    The camera is also equipped with the same high-precision Fast Intelligent AF system as the alpha7R camera, with drastically improved low-light AF sensitivity that can go as low as -4EV.

    Expanding alpha Mount System and New Power Zoom Lens for Movie Shooting

    Directly compatible with the growing family of E-mount lenses, the alpha7S camera can also be used with A-mount and others lens systems with optional adapters. Sony'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.

    As a whole, Sony's E-mount lens system is particularly well-suited for video shooting, with a variety of models containing "movie-friendly" features like smooth focusing, powered zoom control, and silent iris/aperture control. Building on this, 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 at a future date.

  • 1100 Replies sorted by
  • joe1946joe1946

    12mp full frame and cinema 4K (4096x2160) would be 1:1 with that sensor just like on the GH4.

  • woolhatswoolhats

    Yes..12mp full frame..4k..Thats the way to go..

  • kurthkurth

    If priced right, it could pull the rug from beneath the gh4's feet. I'll guess $2299 body.

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @joe1946

    yep, but it also mean that it'll be some cropping

  • RenovatioRenovatio

    So it's a Full Frame but it does have a crop in 4k mode, right?

    Waiting for sunday. Is the mount "problematic"? Which lens could be adapted?

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @Renovatio

    GH4 also has crop in 4K :-)

    Is the mount "problematic"? Which lens could be adapted?

    It is E mount - http://www.personal-view.com/faqs/camera-usage/lenses-mounts-faq

  • RenovatioRenovatio

    So even there's a Full Frame sensor, there are some m43 lenses that can cover without vignetting? Maybe i'm wrong here

    But what about Nikon dx lens? Will be very smart if you can put some Nikon F dx lens and no vignetting..

    Thanks

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @Renovatio

    You can use most FF (!) lenses. Not DX and m43.

  • joe1946joe1946

    I picked up a Nikon Tokina full frame 24-200mm for $80 on ebay because the AF did not work but I could only use it in MF with Nikon-NEX adapter on my full frame VG900 anyway :) https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/12706355585_80e9b321bc_k.jpg

  • RenovatioRenovatio

    Ok, it's a bit problematic, as full frame lenses seems to be more expensive of course. But with Vintage option, this camera could be very interesting.

    We'll see. Thanks

  • itimjimitimjim

    Fingers crossed regarding compression.

  • kurthkurth

    Yeh...been waiting for ff home for my fd's ! Maybe...maybe not. I want to see what sony does with their codecs.

  • joe1946joe1946

    Will it cost $2K or $4K that is the question. On Sony's NAB blog they say "4K for 2K, 4K for 4K, and 4K for all". Could the 4K AX100 be the $2K and the 4K A7s be the $4K ?

    https://blog.sony.com/nab/

  • mattherematthere

    Full frame would be nice, and if it's 12mp sensor has the dynamic range and iso it should have with pixels around twice the size of the 5d mkIII it should be interesting.. but I'm not sure I'd be interested in the Sony at more than twice the price of the GH4?

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    Main problem here can be "It's a Sony" approach. Make simple wavelet compressed rgb and raw recording, and it is all :-)

  • disneytoydisneytoy

    Sony really needs to put out some decent lenses and less bodies. I'd get an A7r, but no fast 35mm, no 2.8 zooms.

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    I'd get an A7r, but no fast 35mm, no 2.8 zooms.

    You can use any A mount lenses, or any manual FF lens.

  • RRRRRRRR

    I don't get this urge to use native lenses on a mount which is perfect for adapting. You can use EF lenses with very little performance loss. Nevermind that there are a host of vintage lens options.

  • endotoxicendotoxic

    Sony will make sony approach to this camera, this means 27mbit for 1080p 70mbit for 4k. This sensor should not make heavy aliasing and moire due to its low resolution.. should be a beast on low light also. GH series has long set of options for video. Dont expect 10bit 4:2:2 from this Sony camera, not even from ts HDMI.

  • RRRRRRRR

    @endotoxic - let's see.. I'm all too aware of shabby encoding from the fs700.

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    So, no 4K, only via HDMI.

    Just a7 with different sensor, and 50mbps for 1080p.

  • itimjimitimjim

    Is that it? FF with 4k output, only HD internal. 50mbps bit rate. Looks like a low light DR monster but mostly crippled.

  • TronTron

    Yeah, that was my understanding as well. As nice as ISO 409,000 will be, I prefer to be able to record to an SD or a recorder. Strange how it used to be you couldn't get an uncompressed/clean output, now it's all you can get on some cameras :) ETA: At least for 4K. It will also be great for starlapse if it has an electronic or very durable shutter.

  • RenovatioRenovatio

    Iso will go from 200 to 102400, in video mode.

    Also, it's the First FF non-pixel binned sensor, but who cares? It's not the future, i've to admit.

  • paglezpaglez

    Clean hdmi is 422 8 bits. Yes, 8 bits

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