<p>Sony Alpha 7R at a glance: 36.3-million-pixel, full-frame CMOS sensorSony Bionz X processorISO 50-25,600Sony E mountNFC and Wi-Fi connectivity2.359-million-dot EVF3in, 921,600-dot LCD screenAround 1,699 body onlySony Alpha 7R - Introduction</p><p>I first heard speculation that Sony was planning a full-frame compact system camera at the photokina trade show back in 2010. However, it was really only after the release earlier this year of the Cyber-shot DSC-RX1- the world's first digital compact camera with a full 35mm-sized sensor - that the talk really started to hot up.</p><p>In its RX series, Sony has created a strong line-up of cameras that have exploited a gap in the market - and it is this philosophy of identifying niches that lies behind the Alpha 7 and 7R.</p><p>By placing a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor in a mirrorless compact system camera, Sony has created another world first. Of course, Leica has used full-frame sensors in its digital rangefinder cameras for some years, but the high price tag of the M-system cameras excludes many photographers. So Sony has not only fitted a full-frame sensor into a camera that is smaller and lighter than a Leica M-series digital rangefinder, but it has done so at a fraction of the cost. The Alpha 7 costs 1,350 body only, while the Alpha 7R is 1,700. These are not pocket-money prices, by any means, but a Leica M (Type 240) will set you back around 5,000, and that's before you have bought a lens for it.</p><p><a href="http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/reviews/compactsystemcameras/129465/1/sony-alpha-7r-review-preview">Keep reading...</a></p>