For the last year, the Nikon D800 (and especially the Nikon D800e) have reigned as the highest-scoring camera in DxO’s extensive and widely-cited tests. For those willing to carry the moderately large 2.2 pound camera, and shell out $3K to buy one, you get massively sharp, colorful 36MP images. However, the Sony a7R is threatening to knock the Nikon D800e off its pedestal…

The a7R scored a record 95 for a mirrorless camera on DxO’s tests – tying the Nikon D800 and coming in only a point behind the Nikon D800e. Like the D800e, the a7R does not have an anti-aliasing filter, augmenting sharpness at the expense of occasional moire problems. It is also on the slow side for an expensive camera, firing 4 fps (similar to the Nikon D800 and Nikon D800e when used in full-frame mode). However, the big news is that it weighs under a pound! At less than half the weight of full-frame DSLRs, the Sony a7R and its lower-end cousin the Sony a7 set a new record for performance in a small package.

Videographers will love that the Sony a7R features the option for uncompressed HDMI output, as well as a tiltable LCD for shooting in awkward locations.

What do you give up for the small size & weight?

The Sony cameras are also less expensive than the Nikon’s, about $500 less for the Sony a7R and $1000 less for the Sony a7. For that lower price you give up an optical viewfinder and more importantly, autofocus performance. The Sony a7R, in particular, relies entirely on contrast to drive its autofocus system, so it will likely not make low-light action shooters happy. The Sony models work with existing E-mount lenses, and are expected to begin shipping in December, although you can preorder the Sony a7R or the Sony a7 at B&H now.

This isn’t the first time Sony has pushed the performance envelope in mirrorless. We reviewed its ground-breaking Sony NEX-6 and compared it to similarly priced DSLRs.

You can see the test results for the three cameras and judge for yourself at the DxOMark website.

Official product description for the Sony a7R:

The Alpha a7R Mirrorless Digital Camera from Sony incorporates a full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor into an E-mount body thus providing the light gathering capability and detail-rich imaging of a full-frame sensor with a compact, lightweight and versatile mirrorless interchangeable lens camera system. Differing from the full-frame Sony Alpha a7, the Alpha a7R omits the low-pass filter from its 36.4MP sensor, thus optimizing its high resolution, detail-rich imaging capability. In addition, the sensor features a new gapless lens design to increase corner-to-corner light collecting efficiency.The standard ISO sensitivity range of 100-25600 provides rich saturation in bright light and clear, low-noise images in low-light situations.

The new BIONX X image processor offers fast processing and operation speeds including fast, intelligent autofocus and 4 fps burst shooting. Front-end LSI (large-scale integration) improves the early stages of image processing resulting in more natural details and richer tones. 14-bit RAW output preserves the detail provided by the sensor.

The new autofocus system is optimized for the full-frame sensor including flexible spot focus areas in addition to multipoint, center-weighted, and zone focusing. Manual focus assist can be optimized for full-frame or APS-C-format shooting zones and new Eye AF Control provides highly precise eye-detection for shots that place the focus directly on the subject's eye, even when they are partially turned away.  

Full HD 1080 video capture with 24p/60i/60p frame rates is supported in both AVCHD and MP4 codecs. Uncompressed video can be recorded off-camera via an HDMI connection, and both built-in and external stereo recording is available. HDMI and wireless output allow for viewing of still images on ultra-HD 4K television. The 3.0" tilt-able LCD has a 1.23M-dot resolution and WhiteMagic technology for better visibility in bright light. A high-contrast 2.4M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder provides 100% coverage, a wide viewing angle and features the same 3-lens optical system used in the Sony a99 DSLR.

Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capability enable easy wireless transfer of images as well as remote shutter control from smartphones and tablets. Remote Control via a USB connection enables still photo adjustment control and now includes video capture control. The Quick Navi Pro interface system makes can display all camera adjustments on the LCD for rapid setting changes when needed.

The advanced Sony Multi-Interface shoe expands compatibility options for flash, microphone, and other accessories, and as an E-mount full-frame camera, the Alpha a7 is compatible with all present E-mount lenses as well as new E-mount full-frame Zeiss and Sony G-series lenses. Lens mount adapters with a tripod mount are also available to use A-mount lenses on E-mount cameras and an optional dedicated battery grip enables stable extended shooting and vertical orientation stability.

Full Frame Compact Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Sony Alpha a7R incorporates a full frame 35.9 x 24 mm sensor into the compact, lightweight form of the E-mount mirrorless cameras providing the imaging prowess of full frame and the convenience and versatility of mirrorless.

36.4MP Exmor CMOS Sensor with No Optical Low Pass Filter

The 36.4MP resolution and outstanding performance of the Alpha a7R are optimized by removing the optical low-pass filter. In combination with the new BIONZ X image processing engine this design increases resolution and enhances the reproduction of the finest details. In addition, the sensor includes a new gapless lens design that fills the space between neighboring pixels to significantly increase light collecting efficiency and realize high corner-to-corner image quality. Differing from the Sony Alpha a7, the Alpha a7R with its omitted low-pass filter, gapless lens design sensor and contrast-detection AF provides the utmost in high-resolution, finely detailed capture. With 36.4 effective megapixels, the Exmor CMOS sensor captures high-resolution, low-noise images with rich tonal gradation and low-light sensitivity. The normal ISO range on the Alpha a7R is 100-25600.

Gapless, On-chip Sensor Lenses

Sony optimized the design and positioning of the sensor's on-chip lens (OCL) covering every pixel to significantly enhance light-gathering efficiency. A gapless on-chip lens design eliminates the gaps between the micro-lenses to collect more light. Moreover, each on-chip lens is optimally positioned depending on its location to accommodate the sharper angle of light entering the periphery, which is caused by larger sensor dimensions being teamed with the E-mount's short flange-back distance.

BIONZ X Image Processor

The new BIONZ X image processing engine reproduces textures and details in real time via extra high-speed processing capabilities. Together with front-end LSI (large scale integration) that accelerates the earliest processing stages, it enables more natural details, more realistic images, richer tonal gradations, and lower noise whether you shoot still images or movies.

Fast Intelligent AF

The high-speed image processing engine and improved algorithms combine with optimized image sensor read-out speed to achieve high-speed AF despite the use of a full-frame sensor.

Compatibility with Sony's E-mount Lenses and New Full-Frame Lenses

Maintaining its lightweight form, the Alpha a7R is fully compatible with Sony's present APS-C E-mount lens system and the new line of E-mount compact full-frame lenses from Carl Zeiss and Sony's premier G-series.

3.0" Tilt LCD Monitor

The tiltable 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD Display offers a 1,229K-dot resolution and makes it easy to photograph from low or high angles, swinging up 84° and down 45°. WhiteMagic technology dramatically increases visibility in bright daylight. The large display delivers brilliant-quality still images and movies while enabling easy focusing operation.

2.4M-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder

With its 3-lens optical system the viewfinder faithfully displays what will appear in your recording, including the effects of your camera settings. You'll enjoy rich tonal gradations and improved contrast. High-end features like 100% frame coverage and a wide viewing angle enable comfortable and stable eye-level composition.

Full HD Movie at 24p/60i/60p with Uncompressed HDMI Output

The Alpha a7R supports in-camera AVCHD codec frames rates in super-smooth 60p, standard 60i or cinematic 24p. MP4 codec is also available for smaller files for easier upload to the web. Also, it is possible to capture Full 1080 HD uncompressed clean-screen video files to external recording devices via an HDMI connection in 60p and 60i frame-rates.

Built-In Wi-Fi and NFC

Connectivity with smartphones for One-touch sharing/One-touch remote has been simplified with Wi-Fi/NFC control. In addition to Wi-Fi support for connecting to smartphones, the Alpha a7R also supports NFC (Near Field Communication) providing convenient transfer of images to Android smartphones and tablets. Users need only touch devices to connect; no complex set-up is required. Moreover, when using Smart Remote Control - a feature that allows shutter release to be controlled by a smartphone - connection to the smartphone can be established by simply touching compatible devices.

Direct Access Interface

Quick Navi Pro displays all major shooting options on the LCD screen so you can rapidly confirm settings and make adjustments without searching through dedicated menus. When shooting opportunities arise, you'll be able to respond swiftly with just the right settings.

New Eye AF Control

Even when capturing a subject partially turned away from the camera with a shallow depth of field, the face will be sharply focused thanks to extremely accurate eye detection that can prioritize a single pupil. A green frame appears over the prioritized eye when focus has been achieved for easy confirmation. Eye AF can be used when the function is assigned to a customizable button, allowing users to instantly activate it depending on the scene.

14-Bit RAW Output

14-bit RAW image data of extremely high quality is outputted by the Alpha a7R. This data preserves the rich detail generated by the image sensor during the 14-bit A/D conversion process. When developed with Sony's Image Data Converter RAW development software, these images deliver particularly high quality photographic expression and rich gradation.

Wired Remote Control with Video Capture Control

Remote Camera Control allows you to control your Alpha a7R from your computer using a USB cable. It has been updated to include video capture control.

Multi-Interface Shoe

The Alpha a7R features the advanced Multi-Interface Shoe that dramatically expands compatibility with Sony digital imaging accessories such as flash units, microphones, lights, and monitors thus increasing the potential of your photo and movie shooting.