The Sony a7CR is a high-resolution camera primarily aimed at professional photographers and content creators. With the 61MP BSI CMOS sensor, Bionz XR image processing, and dedicated ‘AI’ processing unit, this camera offers exceptional detail, wide dynamic range in good light, and low noise in poor light.
Additionally, the a7CR supports features such as Pixel Shift Multi Shooting for creating high-resolution images, and automatic video framing functions.
Full-frame 61.0 megapixel Exmor R™ image sensor
The reduction of noise from the back-illuminated sensor, gapless on-chip lenses, anti-reflective optical coating, elimination of the optical low-pass filter typically placed in front of the sensor, and other innovative technologies provide high resolution, high sensitivity, low noise, and wide dynamic range.
BIONZ XR™ Image Processing Engine
The latest BIONZ XR image processing engine minimizes processing latency while enhancing the processing power for movies and photos, providing natural gradations, realistic colors, low noise, superior image quality, and fast menu response.
High sensitivity and high dynamic range with low noise
The advanced imaging technology allows sensitivity settings from ISO 100 to ISO 32000 for photos and movies. The dynamic range at lower sensitivities is a large 15 stops for smooth, realistic gradations from deep shadows to bright highlights.
Consistently Accurate Exposure and Color Reproduction
The advanced artificial intelligence processing unit achieves accurate white balance even when the subject is in shadow. Skin tones, foliage, and other materials are reproduced with natural colors under almost any lighting, with vibrant gradations, such as the roll-off of highlights in portraits.
Advanced 5-axis image stabilization
A high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyroscope sensors, and optimized image stabilization algorithms effectively detect and correct shake, providing a significant 7.0-step advantage for handheld shooting.
Pixel Shift Multi Shooting adapts to changing conditions
The Pixel Shift Multi Shooting function uses the in-body precision image stabilization system to capture multiple images with pixel shift, which are later composited on a computer to achieve overwhelming resolution in a single image. Composite images of 16 images with approximately 240.8 million pixels (19008 x 12672) can be produced from data equivalent to approximately 963.2 million pixels.
Anti-Flicker Shooting
Flicker from artificial light is automatically detected and the timing and speed of the mechanical or electronic shutter are precisely controlled to minimize its effects.
RAW and HEIF image size selection
Three sizes (L/M/S) of lossless RAW compression include M and S outputs at the same resolution (25MP/15MP) for full-frame and APS-C, ensuring a seamless workflow. The Light mode for JPEG and HEIF images produces images that are easy to share.
The Creative Look supports various expressions
The Creative Look function offers 10 presets that can be used as-is or edited to create a variety of "looks" that can help creators enhance the mood of their photos or movies within the camera.
AI Processing Unit for Advanced Subject Recognition
The artificial intelligence processing unit supports the recognition of human subjects using human form and posture data, as well as the recognition of non-human subjects, such as animals, insects, and vehicles. This enhances the performance of Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking functions and makes the fast hybrid AF acquisition and tracking of subjects more accurate and reliable over a wider area.
Estimation of human posture using a skeleton-based model
With the innovative AI processing unit, the a7CR can use object shape data to accurately recognize movement, providing significant improvement in human eye recognition. The human posture estimation technology recognizes not only the eyes but also the position of the body and head with great accuracy. This makes it possible to lock onto and track a subject looking away from the camera or with their face partially covered by a helmet or sunglasses, for example.
Recognition of a wider range of subjects
The AI processing unit supports the recognition of more subject types, including the eyes of an even wider range of small animals and birds. A new combined Animal/Bird setting eliminates switching. The entirety or leading edge of cars/trains and airplanes, as well as the heads of insects, are also recognized.
Persistent Real-Time Tracking
AI-based real-time tracking can be activated by specifying the subject and pressing the shutter button halfway. The camera automatically tracks the subject, allowing the user to focus on framing the composition. Subject recognition performance and tracking reliability have been significantly improved in a wider range of shooting situations.
The wide-angle high-density AF reliably captures subjects
The BIONZ XR engine and updated algorithms achieve significantly improved Fast Hybrid AF performance. Up to 693 phase detection points cover approximately 79% of the image area, accurately acquiring focus even when the subject is small. The a7CR includes phase detection and contrast detection AF for fast and stable focus acquisition even in single AF mode (AF-S).
High-precision autofocus works even in dark scenes with EV -4.0
The latest AF algorithm allows for AF shooting in low-light conditions, at EV -4.0 (AF-S, ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens) even in dark scenes and indoors, and features a useful focus priority function.
Full-time DMF
When taking photos with AF-C or AF-S autofocus, the lens focus ring can be rotated for instant transition to manual focus mode at any time. This makes it easier to change focus to a different subject on the go.
Focus bracketing for capturing the best shot
The camera will automatically capture up to 299 images with sequentially shifted focus points, with customized intervals and sequence defined by the user. Choose the perfect shot or post-process multiple shots to achieve creative composite materials with impossible depth of focus.
Continuous AF/AE shooting at up to 8 fps
Continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking is possible up to 8 fps with the mechanical shutter or 7 fps during silent shooting, capturing even fleeting movements or changes in expression with exceptional detail. The power of the BIONZ XR engine allows continuous shooting of more than 1000 JPEG images, enabling you to capture every vital moment.
Portability for high-definition video recording
The α7CR offers exceptionally detailed 4K video capture with 6.2K oversampling, as well as the mobility needed for gimbal or drone shots. It also features S-Cinetone™ for a cinematic look, log file recording, real-time tracking with advanced subject recognition, Active Mode image stabilization, breathing compensation, and many other enhancements.
Full-frame recording 4K 60/50p
The latest BIONZ XR processing engine and updated algorithms achieve significantly improved movie image quality. In addition to focus support, the camera's advanced AI processing unit is also used to achieve accurate white balance, even in challenging situations where the subject is in the shade. Skin tones, foliage, and other materials are reproduced with consistently natural color under almost any type of lighting, and gradations such as highlight roll-off in portraits are exceptionally vivid.
6.2K Oversampled Video for Stunning 4K Images
4K movie recording is possible in full-frame and Super 35mm formats. With full pixel readout without pixel binning, approximately 2.6 times the required data can be condensed into 4K with high resolution and detail and minimal moire and jaggies.
S-Cinetone makes it easy to create a cinematic look
Sony's S-Cinetone picture profile offers more faithful color and skin tone reproduction, with natural mid-tones essential for healthy skin, as well as soft colors and beautiful highlights, giving creators a cinematic look without the need for color grading.
Log recording and LUT
The α7CR features an S-Log3 gamma curve to maximize the 14+ stops of dynamic range. S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3. Cine color gamut settings are also provided for further control in post-processing, and user-selectable LUTs (Look Up Tables) can be applied to preview the look of the processed footage.
Image stabilization in active mode supports handheld movie shooting
The active mode provides precision stabilization for video shooting with advanced gyroscopic sensors and an optimized algorithm. Camera shake is detected and compensated accurately, while additional stabilization is provided through compatible lenses in synchronization with the camera body.
Real-time tracking also supports focus during movie recording
AI-based real-time tracking provides a dramatic improvement in real-time tracking performance, automatically recognizing, tracking, and focusing on the eyes of a specific subject.
Easy, stable transfers to smartphone
The stability of the connection when transferring images from the camera to the Creators' App for mobile devices on a smartphone has been significantly improved. Transfers continue in the background even if the smartphone screen is suspended or another application is launched.
Easy, high-quality live streaming
Connected to a computer or smartphone via USB, the α7CR can function as a 4K (2160p) web camera. Large aperture lenses, shallow depth of field, and bokeh can be used to great effect for online meetings and live streaming, along with advanced AF features such as real-time recognition AF.
The Creators' Cloud is a platform that supports creative work from shooting to production, combining Sony's advanced camera technology with cloud-based artificial intelligence. It is also a place for discovery and collaboration with other creators around the world. Explore web, mobile, and desktop applications that provide efficient solutions integrating cameras with shooting and production apps and services.
Specifications are collected from official manufacturer websites. Please verify the specifications before proceeding with your final purchase. If you notice any problem you can
report it here.
Ideal addition to professional equipment.
Highly capable sensor in all lighting conditions, although with 62mp it shows noise earlier than other cameras, especially in low light where you need to increase the ISO.
Also, such a sensor produces extremely large Raw files, but there's no question of wanting to lower the compression. That's why the A7CII exists.
Very lightweight body, ideal to combine with Sony's new compact G lenses, so it can be as discreet as possible in street environments.
Although it is not intended for professional use, e.g., due to only one SD card slot, it can certainly deliver excellent results.
A quite negative aspect is the exceptionally poor/low resolution of the viewfinder.
Especially when you pay over €3000 for a camera.
In summary, an exceptional camera that cannot be placed among the flagships in minor details. But for the everyday demanding photographer, it is flawless.
If your budget does not limit you, I highly recommend it