Sony A7 and A7R NEX-FF cameras to feature OM-D-like viewfinder

The upcoming Sony full frame cameras with E-mount lens support will go by the names of A7 and A7R, sources have revealed.

There has been a lot of chatter regarding the Sony NEX full frame cameras. Sources are claiming that the company will launch a couple of such devices soon. It appears that their time has arrived, as they are rumored to be unveiled by the end of this month.

Before their official announcement, people familiar with the matter have been able to snatch the name of the cameras, along with some specs, and further information about their designs.

Sony NEX-FF cameras to be called A7 and A7R, rumored to feature 24MP and 36MP sensors, respectively

It is rumored that they will be called Sony A7 and A7R. The former is the cheaper version and will feature a 24-megapixel sensor, while the latter is the more expensive model and will come packed with a 36-megapixel sensor.

The A7 will support a faster continuous speed with more frames per second than its 36MP counterpart, while its autofocus system will be “different” from the one on the A7R. The choice of words is not explained, therefore it could take a while to figure out what “different” means.

All Sony high-end cameras to bear “Alpha” branding, regardless of lens mount

The Japanese manufacturer considers them to be high-end models, therefore they will boast the “Alpha” brand. It appears that all Sony high-end shooters will go by the name of Alpha, regardless of their lens mount.

This means that the A7 and A7R might be the last “A” NEX cameras of this year, as the high-end lineup will be completed by these two additions.

The viewfinder on the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Micro Four Thirds camera is placed in the middle of the device. It appears that the Sony-Olympus partnership will see the former borrowing this design idea for the A7 and A7R NEX-FF cameras.

Sony A7 and A7R to sport Olympus OM-D-like viewfinder

Sony has a clear plan regarding the design, as well. Both A7 and A7R are the same size as the RX1 full frame compact camera. Additionally, they will look like the NEX-7 and they will even borrow its grip and controls.

The surprising change comes from the viewfinder. They will both sport electronic models which will be placed in the middle, à la Olympus OM-D cameras.

Cheaper NEX-FF to be priced around Nikon D600 and Canon 6D level

The Sony A7R will cost around $3,000, which is nothing uncommon for a high-end device with a full frame sensor. On the other hand, the A7 will be priced at $2,000, in order to fall into the category of the Nikon D600 and Canon 6D.

The prices of the competitors have dropped in recent times and they are expected to drop once again, but this will not deter Sony. As the A7 and A7R are being prepared for their official launch, Amazon is selling the D600 for $1,896.95 and the EOS 6D for $1,895.