The a7 uses a 24.3 megapixel CMOS sensor with a low-pass filter and on-chip phase detection. This 'Hybrid AF' is supposed to result in speedier AF, supporting the camera's ability to shoot at 5 fps with continuous autofocus. The more expensive a7R, on the other hand, has a 36 megapixel sensor with no optical low-pass filter and a more conventional contrast-detect AF system.

Both the a7 and a7R can record video at 1080/60p and 24p, with manual exposure control, headphone and mic ports, an audio meter, zebra pattern, XLR support (via adapter), and live, uncompressed HDMI output.

Sony a7 key features

• 24.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with OLPF
• E-mount with support for FE, E, and A-mount lenses (with adapter)
• Bionz X image processor
• Hybrid AF system with 25 contrast-detect and 117 phase-detect points
• Sealed alloy and composite body
• Multi-Interface Shoe
• 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots (640x480, RGBW)
• XGA (1024x768) electronic viewfinder
• Diffraction correction technology
• Full HD video recording at 1080/60p and 24p; uncompressed HDMI output
• Wi-Fi with NFC capability and downloadable apps