Full frame cameras offer a number of advantages over APS-C cameras, not the least of which is a bigger sensor that offers improved image quality and better low-light performance.
Additionally, when you use a full frame camera, you don't have to worry about figuring out the effective focal length of a lens because a full frame camera has a crop factor of 1:1.
That means that a 24mm lens behaves like a 24mm lens, an 85mm lens behaves like an 85mm lens, and so forth.
The problem with many full frame cameras, though, is that they can be quite pricey with some exceptions like Sony A7 iii.
Good thing there's a great budget-friendly option in the Sony Alpha a7...
Editor's Tip: Ready to upgrade your kit but don't want to spend a ton of money. See how far your budget can go if you buy pre-owned gear.
Sony Alpha a7 Specs
The Sony Alpha a7 was released in the fall of 2013 and was Sony's first full frame mirrorless camera.
The original a7 marked new territory for Sony, which has now become the leader in the mirrorless camera market.
Even though the camera is now five years old, its specs are still impressive:
- 24.3-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
- Bionz X image processor
- Hybrid autofocus system with 25 contrast-detect and 117 phase-detect points
- Native ISO range to 25600
- XGA electronic viewfinder
- 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots of resolution
- Full HD video at 1080/60p
- Wi-Fi & NFC
Honestly, if you read those specs on a camera released in 2018, the only thing that might jump out at you is a lack of 4K video capabilities.
That being the case, this camera is still a feature-packed rig, even by today's standards.
Though Sony has upped its game over the last five years in the sensor resolution department, the 24.3-megapixel sensor is nothing to balk at.
Likewise, the a7's autofocus system is still something to behold. Let's dive into some of these features and benefits a little more.
The Sony Alpha a7's Sensor is Still Top-Notch
As noted above, the a7's sensor is nothing to balk at five years after it was first introduced.
Just imagine how impressive it was back then...
But today, the a7's sensor is still a fantastic feature, offering beautiful detail, excellent color and contrast, superb dynamic range, and low-light performance that rivals even some of the top-end cameras coming out today.
And, it's full frame! Remember, years ago, this was a groundbreaking piece of technology from Sony, and while we've been spoiled as of late with even more epic cameras with more epic sensors (like the Sony a7R and the Sony a7 II, for example), the original a7's sensor is still a remarkable piece of technology.
For a Cheap Full Frame Camera, the Sony a7's Size Can't Be Beat
Something else to appreciate about the a7 is its size and ergonomics.
I usually shoot with a Nikon D850, which is not a small camera. So on occasions when I want to work lean and mean, I have a Sony a6300.
But not everyone wants two or three camera bodies floating around, so opting to buy a Sony a7 as your primary camera will get you excellent performance in a small package.
In fact, the a7 can sit in the palm of your hand because it's just 127 x 94 x 48 mm in size and weighs only 27.1 ounces without a lens attached.
And while some small cameras like this are difficult to handle because they're so small, Sony integrated a nice, beefy grip to help you keep ahold of the camera.
What's more, virtually all of the buttons and dials on the camera are easy to reach with your right thumb, even as you have the camera grip in your hand.
Editor's Tip: Don't let your old camera gear just sit around collecting dust. Trade in your old cameras and lenses and use the money to upgrade your gear.
The Sony a7 Has Tons of Goodies
In the catch-all department, the Sony a7 has all sorts of features that any photographer would appreciate.
There's a high-resolution 3-inch tilting LCD screen, a big and beautiful electronic viewfinder, NFC, Wi-Fi, and it's compatible with all kinds of legacy lenses.
Additionally, though it doesn't offer 4K shooting, its video features are solid, with 1080/60p available. The a7 also has headphone and microphone ports, manual audio adjustments, and uncompressed HDMI output for improved video performance.
There's a dual-axis electronic level, a USB charging option, and this thing has great build quality as well.
Final Thoughts
The Sony a7 has plenty of features that make it one of the best cheap full frame cameras available today.
A top-notch sensor, excellent low-light performance, solid autofocus system, and good video capabilities are just a few of the a7's pros.
Whether you're looking for a primary camera, a secondary camera, or you want to upgrade from an APS-C to a full frame, the Sony a7 is a great choice.
Get more details on the Sony a7 pros and cons in the video above by Mattias Burling.