Sony - Alpha a7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with 28-70mm Lens - Black

Popular photography recently gave this camera's big brother, the a7r, camera of the year for 2013. Additionally they rated these cameras as the best picture quality of any interchangeable lens camera they have ever tested. High praise for a camera that deserves the title. The camera is well designed and feels expertly crafted. The button lay out (all of which are fully customizable with 45 different internal features) feel thoughtfully placed and provide a professional tactile experience. I have effortlessly captured some of the best images of my career with this camera. Weather sealed and dust resistant, I can take it anywhere. Also, for video users, the camera has clean HDMI output and a multi interface hot shoe on top of the camera allows for data transfer. This means that I can have stereo XLR audio running into this camera (with adapter sold separately) while also making use of it's ability to capture 1080p video in 60fps. A rarity in the digital camera world. Auto focus on this camera is also a beast. It has both contrast based auto detection and phase detect auto focus, making it's AF incredibly fast. Not to mention that during video or burst shooting mode it will track objects, shifting focus automatically if the user wants, while the subject comes towards or away from the camera. This is also not typically seen in digital SLR's. During burst shots the camera will also auto focus on every single frame as the user moves the camera to track, for example, a football player. All of these facets come together behind an incredibly precise imaging sensor from Sony who has become, and now is, the #1 imaging sensor manufacturer in the world. The camera line deserves it's title, "Camera of the Year." A melding of technologies long sought after by professional photographers to exist in one device. Sony has nailed it.

I did as much reading as I could before I bought this camera but quickly discovered that it would not focus very well in low light. Since this was my first step into full frame and for the purpose of shooting weddings and receptions, it was not going to fill the need I had. I returned it after trying to use it for roughly 3 weeks. Is an awesome camera for brighter lit subjects and especially landscape photography.

Bought this camera for work based on reviews - love the quality of build, the user interface, the ability to shoot really good video. Couldn't be happier with the quality of the shots; however, when using the video function it drains the battery very quickly. And for some reason you cannot shoot while it's plugged in and recharging - this is a major oversight in my opinion.

I've had my A7 for a few weeks now and I love it! I currently own an RX-100, A77, A57 and NEX-5. The reason I purchased the A7 was that I was tired of lugging around my A77 when traveling. The A7 and RX-100 will be the cameras I take from now on, especially when going overseas. I love the fact that it's a full-frame camera. It's about the same size as my NEX-5. The A7 has many features...if you own Sony SLT's, you'll find the A7's menu similar. I'm very satisfied with the photos produced. I guess the only downside(s) with the camera are the limited lenses available, although if own Alpha lenses already, you can purchase an adapter (LA-EA4). Another issue would be the battery, which is the same used in NEX models. I'm only able to shoot approx. 300 shots compared to my SLT's where I can get about 400-500 shots. The reason I stick with Sony is that they are always technologically ahead of the other companies.

I am a very beginner with photography and know very little about cameras, so take my opinion with that in mind. I did do quite a bit of research though before making this purchase. Because I wanted to do landscape photography, from what I've seen a full frame camera is a good choice. They are more expensive though for the most part compared to smaller sensor cameras. This particular model has been out since Oct. 2013 and Sony has since come out with newer versions of this camera. The Sony A7 has 24 mp. I plan on learning and practicing quite a bit with this camera and if after a years time I feel like an upgrade is justified, I may sell this one and upgrade to a newer version with higher mp's. We'll see when that time comes. I bought the kit version which comes with a lens. I actually bought an "open box" camera from Best Buy, at a $300 discount. It was supposed to be in excellent condition. I received it within two days of purchase, which was awesome. But it was missing some accessories, and it had some substances on the sensor which was causing dots on the photos. I used the camera clean mode but it wouldn't come off. I called customer service, and with no problems at all they overnighted me another camera, which was in excellent condition and had all the accessories. It looked virtually brand new to me. Free accessories came with the camera, which included an additional battery. From what I've researched battery life is an issue with this camera, so the extra battery + is needed for an all-day event. There are many excellent video reviews/instructionals on-line. It's probably worth your time to watch them if you are thinking about making a purchase. Overall, I am very pleased with the camera, and Best Buy's service and price. I included two photos. They are in jpeg format because there was a limit to the size of file that I could upload here. The raw format has much better pic quality. Thanks for reading!

I went from an old Canon to using the A6000 and thought I had found a perfect camera but when I got the A7 I was amazed at its capabilities. It's the first full frame I have owned but I am truly happy with my purchase.

This is an amazing camera. Giving me the results I was looking for. Quality of an DSLR in a much smaller package. I downsized from a Canon 6D and am not regretting it one bit.

Small and easy to use with the mirrorless advantage of being able to see exposure and dof through the EVF before you take the picture. The kit lens is very good, but I dumped it for the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 and the image quality is outstanding. Highly recommend this camera.