ILCE-7CR

The latest BIONZ XR^TM image processing engine and class-leading⁰ full-frame image sensor deliver fine subject detail in a compact, lightweight body. With a 61.0 effective megapixel, back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor – adapted from our acclaimed α7R V – it delivers extraordinary resolution into new spaces.

The back-illuminated sensor’s noise reduction, gapless on-chip lenses, anti-reflection optical coating, elimination of the optical low-pass filter that is usually positioned in front of the sensor and other original technologies deliver high resolution, high sensitivity, low noise, and wide dynamic range.

With up to eight times⁰ more processing power than previous types, the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine minimises processing latency while markedly boosting movie and still image processing power. The BIONZ XR image processing engine helps to deliver natural gradations, realistic colour, low noise, and generally superior image quality while fast, stress-free menu response is maintained regardless of the real-time processing load.

In addition to delivering stunning 61.0-megapixel⁰ resolution, advanced sensor technologies from Sony allow sensitivity settings from ISO 100 to ISO 32000¹ for both stills and movies. Dynamic range at lower sensitivities is an impressively wide 15 stops² so that smooth, realistic gradations are achieved from deep shadows to highlights.

The latest processing engine and AE algorithm are capable of detecting the skin area in faces and controlling exposure accordingly when shooting stills and movies. Auto exposure is accurate even in backlit situations when the subject’s face is dark, when the subject’s face is over-illuminated in direct sunlight, or when the subject is not directly facing the camera.

A high-precision image stabilisation unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimised image stabilisation algorithms effectively detect and correct camera shake. 7.0-step in-body optical image stabilisation⁰ is a huge advantage for handheld shooting. The new stabilisation algorithm provides precise detection and control right down to the single-pixel level, taking full advantage of the sensor’s 61.0-megapixel resolution to bring out the finest subject details. 

[1] Yaw  [2] Roll  [3] Pitch

Pixel Shift Multi Shooting uses the precision in-body image stabilization system to capture multiple pixel-shifted images that are later composited on a PC to achieve overwhelming resolution in a single image. 16-image composites with approximately 240.8 million pixels (19008 x 12672 pixels)⁰ can be produced from data that is equivalent to approximately 963.2 million pixels.

The Creative Look feature provides 10 presets that can be used unmodified or edited to create a variety of “looks” to help creators fine-tune the mood of their stills or movies in-camera.

When shooting stills with the mechanical shutter, flicker from artificial light sources is automatically detected, and the timing of image capture is adjusted to minimize its effects. When shooting stills or movies under LED lighting using the silent electronic shutter, the Var. Shutter function reduces high-frequency flicker problems by allowing the shutter speed to be finely controlled.

Lossless RAW image compression provides efficiency with no loss in image quality, allowing more images to be shot in continuous bursts. Three image sizes (L/M/S) can be selected to suit the application. M and S sizes have the same numbers of pixels (26M/15M) in full-frame and APS-C modes, allowing seamless switching while maintaining the same image resolution. A new “Light” image quality selection, with smaller file sizes for easy sharing, is provided for JPEG and HEIF images.

The α7CR is equipped with an AI processing unit specifically designed for more accurate recognition of subjects and recognition of a wider range of subject types⁰.

Equipped with an AI processing unit, the α7CR uses skeletal information and pose estimation technology to recognize subject configuration and movement with high accuracy, allowing it to recognize the positions of not only the eyes but also the human body and head with even greater precision. This makes it possible to lock onto and track a subject facing away from the camera or with their face partly obscured by a helmet or sunglasses, for example.

The AI processing unit supports recognition of many subject types⁰. Animal recognition now recognizes the eyes of some grazing and small animals as well as eyes, heads and faces of dogs, cats and similar animals. Bird recognition now more easily pinpoints the eyes of various birds as well as faces and bodies. A new Animal/Bird setting eliminates the need to switch. The whole or the end of Car/Train and Airplane subjects, and the heads of Insect subjects, are recognized when those subjects are selected.

The camera is equipped with AI-based Real-time Tracking that can be activated by specifying the subject and half-pressing the shutter button. The camera will then automatically track the subject, leaving the user free to concentrate on framing and composition. Subject recognition performance has been greatly improved, offering higher tracking reliability from the moment the function is initiated and making it more useful in a wider range of shooting situations.

The immense processing speed and power of the BIONZ XR engine and updated algorithms achieve notably improved AF performance. Up to 693 phase detection points⁰ cover approximately 79% of the image area in a high-density array, accurately acquiring focus even when the subject only occupies a small part of the frame. The α7CR includes both phase detection and contrast AF systems, with phase detection emphasised to ensure fast, stable focus acquisition even in single AF (AF-S) mode.

Continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking is possible at up to 8fps with the mechanical shutter⁰, or 7fps during silent shooting¹, capturing even momentary movements or expression changes in exquisite detail. The power of the BIONZ XR engine allows continuous shooting of approx. 320 JPEG images², letting you capture every vital moment. Even when shooting or cropping closer to APS-C, 26M resolution and high image quality are maintained, allowing continuous shooting of birds in flight with AF/AE tracking, for example.

The latest BIONZ XR processing engine and updated algorithms achieve notably improved movie image quality. The powerful processor enables 60/50p frame rates, to capture motion fluidly and precisely, and increase post-production flexibility. In addition to focus support, the camera’s advanced AI processing unit is also used to achieve accurate white balance, even in tricky situations where the subject is in shade.

Full-frame and Super 35mm formats can be selected for 4K movie recording. Full pixel readout in the Super 35mm mode without pixel binning makes it possible to condense approximately 2.6 times the amount of data required for 4K movies (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) into high-resolution, high-detail 4K⁰ with minimal moiré and jaggies.

Sony’s S-Cinetone picture profile provides the same colour science that delivers more faithful colour reproduction and skin tones throughout the highly regarded Cinema Line. S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin, plus soft colours and gorgeous highlights. This lets creators concentrate on shooting while achieving a cinematic look without the need for colour grading.

The α7CR has an S-Log3 gamma curve to maximize its 14+ stops of latitude⁰. S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3. Cine colour gamut settings are also provided for further post processing control, and user-selected LUTs (Look Up Table) can be applied to preview how processed footage will look.

Breathing compensation suppresses focus breathing (change in a lens’s angle of view with changes in focus) when shooting movies. Sony’s Clear Image Zoom technology is used to automatically maintain a consistent angle of view through focus changes with compatible lenses, for more stable images. Breathing metadata can also be used with the advanced breathing compensation capabilities of the latest Catalyst Browse/Prepare software application during post production.

16-bit RAW video can be output to an external recorder⁰ via an HDMI cable¹ while recording XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K, or XAVC S-I 4K to internal card media. Proxy recording is also available. 10-bit 4:2:2 video can be recorded internally using Long GOP or Intra compression, for more natural gradations and greater editing freedom. An HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) picture profile preset supports the BT.2020 colour space with 10-bit depth for smooth, natural gradations.

Active Mode⁰ provides a precision stabilisation unit, advanced gyro sensors, and a state-of-the-art optimised stabilisation algorithm for movie shooting. Camera shake is precisely detected, and the algorithm controls the optical stabilisation system for exceedingly smooth, stable movie footage. In addition, compatible lenses that include built-in image stabilisation¹ sync with the body to provide highly effective control, stable framing and smooth handheld footage.

AI-based Real-time Tracking provides a dramatic improvement in Real-time Tracking performance, automatically recognizing, tracking, and focusing on the eyes of a specified subject.⁰ A custom button assigned to [Tracking-On] or [Tracking-On Hold] can be used to temporarily track a selected subject regardless of the subject’s position in the frame and the focus area setting.

A supplied grip extension provides an even better hold for maximum comfort and minimum fatigue through long shooting sessions, even with heavy large-aperture or telephoto lenses. The grip extension does not interfere with battery replacement or tripod mounting. The grip extension can be left off for normal shooting, and then attached for improved handling when a large lens is to be used for an extended period of time.

A 2.36 million-dot (approx.) XGA OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.70x magnification delivers high resolution and contrast. Viewfinder brightness is approximately the same as the α7R V for bright, clear, easy viewing. When shooting stills, the [Finder Frame Rate] can be set to [Standard (60fps)] or [Fast (120fps)] for a smooth viewfinder image with minimal motion blur.

The vari-angle LCD monitor allows for framing in any position or angle, regardless of whether you are shooting stills or movies. The menu and function menus can be operated by touch. Either long-pressing menu items or pressing the Delete key allows frequently-used functions and settings to be registered in My Menu, letting you efficiently call up those functions and settings that you use most often.

A lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy is used for the top cover, front cover and rear cover, ensuring that the camera operates reliably in hard-working professional environments. 

Connection stability when transferring images from the camera to the Creators’ App mobile application⁰ on a smartphone has been greatly improved. Once started, transfers continue in the background even if the smartphone display sleeps or another application is launched¹. Workflow from shooting to sharing has been notably improved overall.

Connected to a PC or smartphone⁰ via USB, the α7CR can function as a 4K (2160p) webcam. Large-aperture lenses, narrow depth of field, and bokeh can be used to create unique imagery. Advanced AF functions such as Eye AF can also be used to great advantage for online meetings and live streaming events.

A new Auto mode identifies⁰ a wide variety of subjects¹ for stills and movies, letting the camera recognize them automatically.

 

 

 

Search filters can be applied during playback. Large image libraries can be filtered according to date, folder, still/movie, rating, protect status, FTP, and other parameters, making it easier than ever to find specific images.

 

 

Dynamic active Mode is an advanced electronic stabilization and further improves stability. The Framing Stabilizer automatically maintains your subject’s position in the frame, using Dynamic active Mode and AI-based subject recognition.