A Comprehensive Guide to Sony's Full-Frame α Series Loved by Creators | Focus #139
cover image by Ryuzi Azuma
The Sony full-frame α series is captivating for its high performance and Sony's unique cinematic expression. Its lightweight and portable body is especially favored by many creators and professionals.
In this article, we will clearly introduce the history and evolution of the α series, the features of each model, and the high-quality E-mount lenses.
The Beginning of Full-Frame α
Introduced in 2013, the Sony α7 and α7R garnered significant attention as mirrorless cameras equipped with full-frame sensors. Evolving from the previous NEX series with APS-C sensors, the larger sensor made these models highly anticipated products for creators and professionals. The α7 offered approximately 24.3 megapixels, while the α7R provided about 36.4 megapixels, catering to different needs.
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Characteristics and Features of the α Series
The current Sony α series offers a variety of models to meet diverse needs. Below are some of the representative models and their features.
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α1 Flagship Model
The α1 is Sony's flagship model, embodying the pinnacle of their technology. With a resolution of approximately 50 megapixels, 30fps continuous shooting, and 8K video recording capability, it is ideal for those seeking the highest performance.
α9 III High-Speed Shooting Model
Suited for sports and wildlife photography, the α9 III features blackout-free continuous shooting and fast autofocus. With a resolution of about 24 megapixels, it captures fast-moving subjects without missing a beat.
α7R V High-Resolution Model
The α7R V, with approximately 61 megapixels, is perfect for landscape and portrait photography. Its incredible resolution and detail rendering create impressive works.
α7S III Ultra-Sensitive Model
Strong in low-light environments, the α7S III is also ideal for video shooting. Its 12-megapixel sensor provides clear images with reduced noise even in dark settings. It supports 4K120fps video recording, making it suitable for creative video production.
α7 IV Balanced Model
The α7 IV offers balanced performance with a resolution of about 33 megapixels and excellent autofocus capabilities. It supports both still images and video, making it a highly versatile model.
The Appeal of Genuine E-Mount Lenses
To maximize camera performance, high-quality lenses are essential. Sony's genuine E-mount lenses include over 70 options ranging from ultra-wide 12mm to super-telephoto 600mm. Brands like G Master, G Lens, and Carl Zeiss are particularly known for their high quality and reliability.
With the growing demand for video, advancements such as noise reduction, the addition of aperture rings, enhanced image stabilization, and autofocus integration have been remarkable. This allows for smoother video and more precise photography.
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The Joy of Choosing Lenses
Choosing lenses requires careful consideration of your shooting style and purpose. Since the announcement of the Sony E-mount, the technology has been open, allowing for a wide range of third-party lenses. However, non-genuine lenses may have functional limitations, so it's important to choose lenses that suit your usage.
With its diverse models and high-quality lenses, Sony's full-frame α series meets the needs of a wide range of users.
