When sharpness matters

(Article updated 2. March 2025)

Or, when sharpness doesn’t matter

Taking this photo with a 61 megapixel full-frame camera, using arguably my sharpest lens (the venerable SEL55F18ZA)… it can be funny how none of this comes together as being remotely important in this type of image:

I started using this lens on the A7R, which has 36.4MP. I keep wanting more and more MP, and they come in handy when you want to go macro, or zoom in a lot, but otherwise, anything over 10MP will be great for me and I will be just fine! The RX1 that I have is 24MP and some of my best images are taken using that camera.

This article of mine backs up these opinions somewhat. As a camera enthusiast as much as a photographer, I believe that if one is honest about one’s intentions, then things will work out OK. By that, I mean, to not kid yourself that getting a new camera will make you photos better. Not necessarily directly, in any case. I am fortunate enough to have 3 camera bodies and one fixed lens camera - my 12 year old A7R, 12 year old RX1, 5 year old A7mk3 and the 1 year old A7CR. I could take the same photo with all of them, give or take. They offer different user experiences for sure, but being all Sony, they are all extremely siimlar. In theory, I could have a telephoto on the highest resolution lens, and a wide angle on another body, but I’ve yet to do this in practice. The A7R I barely use now, but selling it on for not much money seems a little painful somehow. The RX1 is a keeper. If I had to have just one camera, it would be that. The A7mk3 is actually the camera I could see myself living without, though it’s the most “real camera feeling” of the bunch. The little thumb joystick at the rear is a great addition. The newest of the bunch, the A7CR, I bought to treat myself and remind myself of the fantastic NEX-7 I had back in 2013. Most of my photos from 2013 were taken with that camera. Here’s a (link to the flickr album)(https://www.flickr.com/photos/martindesu/albums/72157632608749834/with/8487054299).

So, I now walk around with over 60 MP of full frame power between my eye and any given scene. I have no excuses not to take a great photo. But the MP are not there to have the sharpest photo or even the most detail. The low noise, and flexibility in post-edit are why I like to have such resolution. Also, in the event I print my images, FF sensors over 24MP tend to yeild almost film-like results.

But, it could well be, that when you’re out walking around in the fog, 60 MP are not even close to being utilised. But it’s still nice to have them. It’s a bit like driving a car with a bigger engine.

A great photo is not made from the equipment. This becomes more and more evident to me as I spend more and more money on equipment. I’ll summarise some technical stats below for your interest.

---

Sony A7R vs Sony A7CR: Comparison

Feature	Sony A7R (Mark I)	Sony A7CR
Megapixels	36.4 MP	61.0 MP
Sensor	Full-frame CMOS	Full-frame BSI CMOS
Processor	BIONZ X	BIONZ XR
ISO Range	100–25,600	100–32,000 (expandable to 50–102,400)
Autofocus	Contrast-detect AF (25 points)	Hybrid AF (759 phase-detect + 25 contrast)
IBIS (Stabilisation)	❌ No IBIS	✅ 7-stop IBIS
Max Burst Rate	4 fps	8 fps
Video	1080p @ 60fps	4K @ 60fps, 10-bit 4:2:2
Viewfinder	2.4M-dot EVF	2.36M-dot EVF
LCD Screen	Fixed, 3.0”	Vari-angle, 3.0”
Weight	~465g	~515g
Release Year	2013	2023

Key Differences:

• The A7CR has 61 MP, nearly double the 36.4 MP of the A7R.
• The A7CR has IBIS (in-body stabilisation), while the A7R does not.
• The A7CR has a much better autofocus system, with 759 phase-detect points compared to the A7R’s basic 25 contrast-detect points.
• Video quality is significantly better on the A7CR (4K 60p, 10-bit 4:2:2 vs. 1080p 60p on the A7R).
• The A7CR is 10 years newer, meaning better low-light performance, dynamic range, and overall image quality.

---

A little about the Sony SEL55F18ZA:

Key Features:

• Focal Length: 55mm (prime lens)
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Mount: Sony E-mount (Full-frame & APS-C compatible)
• Optics: Designed by Zeiss, featuring Sonnar T* coating for reduced reflections and improved contrast
• Autofocus: Fast and accurate with linear motor
• Build: Metal construction, dust and moisture resistant
• Weight: Approx. 281g

Why It’s Popular:

• Excellent sharpness, even wide open at f/1.8
• Beautiful bokeh and subject isolation
• Compact and lightweight for a full-frame prime
• Great for portraits, street photography, and general use

It’s one of Sony’s sharpest lenses and a favourite among photographers who want high-quality optics in a small package.

Read my review of the lens here