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Archive 2015 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3
  
 
Steve Spencer
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p.3 #1 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


snapsy wrote:
I've handled four A7's, three A7r's, three A7s's, and one A7II, and all behaved similarly in regards to their propensity for giving a false AF confirmation. They have varied in frequency and the specific LV conditions under which it occurs but the general behavior of allowing a false confirmation was common to all bodies. The fact that some photographers have seen this and others haven't can be more logically explained by the different situations and ways the bodies are used between photographers.

Did you test the A7 II with the new firmware? For some the IBIS was causing difficulty in AF confirmation before the upgrade, that the upgrade seemed to fix.
Jan 19, 2015 at 10:39 AM
brett maxwell
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p.3 #2 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


swanny66 wrote:
I am somewhat confused why someone would spend a few thousand on a system that, with a few simple clicks of a mouse, will tell you what warts it has. It is really simple. And because a person didn't choose to spend the time doing that they have to start a thread bashing said system? I hope they don't breed.....

I've read nearly every A7(r/s/II) thread on this forum for the past 6 months, and read a few dozen reviews elsewhere. I knew the potential issues, but I was left enough on the fence that I wanted my own personal experience. I'll return the A7II and sell the 55/1.8 for maybe a $50 loss, and that's the risk/cost I knew going into this trial.

I'm glad to see half the posters here get where I'm coming from, the other half is sure a sensitive bunch.
Jan 19, 2015 at 11:11 AM
chez
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p.3 #3 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


brett maxwell wrote:
I've read nearly every A7(r/s/II) thread on this forum for the past 6 months, and read a few dozen reviews elsewhere. I knew the potential issues, but I was left enough on the fence that I wanted my own personal experience. I'll return the A7II and sell the 55/1.8 for maybe a $50 loss, and that's the risk/cost I knew going into this trial.

I'm glad to see half the posters here get where I'm coming from, the other half is sure a sensitive bunch.

Brett, don't worry about what others say. Don't understand why they are getting so worked up. Your post is very civil and to the point. I own a A7R and for what I use it for, it is great...but I'm not under any illusion that it is for everyone. It is actually really good to have people post their experiences with gear ( good and bad ) as that is the only way we all get a rounded view. What's the use of reading only good reviews...that does nothing for me. I want to real meat and potatoes and if people only want to hear good things about their gear, then maybe they should stay away from reviews all together.

Really too bad people can't seem to accept other people's views if they don't line up with their own expectations or experiences.

Good luck with your future gear.
Jan 19, 2015 at 11:15 AM
echelonphoto
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p.3 #4 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


I agree with Chez...sometimes the ONLY way to know if a camera will work for you is to use it extensively. I am still on the fence with my a7II. There where many glowing reviews on this camera in the last two months...so...as one poster said...the truth is only one click away is really not reality...the defects only become known as real photographers start to post on forums like this. It is very valuable place to learn about a system and posts like yours are essential...but you always get the "bystanders" who have no stake in the outcome but to gloat and place "user error" blame on honest, hard working folks like us.

For me...I have to find something that works in a lighter, smaller profile...if any of you ever get shoulder arthritis (something I don't wish on anyone) you will find out that every ounce of weight matters. Most mornings even a coffee cup feels heavy.

I am going phase my Sony in gradually and if it works for me .I will keep it. If I find that I need something else...I will sell it...it is still a great system for the right person.
Jan 19, 2015 at 11:24 AM
echelonphoto
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p.3 #5 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


Sorry for the multiple replies....even the very best camera system has its faults...I have been using Canon successfully since the old 2mp D30 and have had just about every model they make. My totally digital conversion from film occurred with the debut of the original 5d
I thought I was in heaven when I got it...finally a camera that had enough resolution and consistency to enable me to part with my beloved hasselblads...I could even use a zoom lens with it! What freedom! But thru the years some Canon products have had their hiccups...many bodies going the CPS to fix front or back focusing...the new 5d mark 3 originally had a problem with delayed focusing when using flash on camera...this was well documented and Canon finally came out with a firmware fix over a year later...I actually sold my first mark 3 because of this. Things have always improved due to user feedback...so...keep it coming.
Jan 19, 2015 at 11:33 AM
vario1
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p.3 #6 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


VladiD wrote:
I think Brett explained this in his last paragraph rather well.

I too find the A7s not sufficiently responsive for fast, docu-style shooting during events or fashion shows. The MLCs have a bit of ways to go before reaching the overall robustness of the dSLR platform.

One of the owners of GetDPI forum would argue this statement since that is what he shoots with his A7II.
But, as always, YMMV.
Joe
Jan 19, 2015 at 12:42 PM
flash
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p.3 #7 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


brett maxwell wrote:
I've read nearly every A7(r/s/II) thread on this forum for the past 6 months, and read a few dozen reviews elsewhere. I knew the potential issues, but I was left enough on the fence that I wanted my own personal experience. I'll return the A7II and sell the 55/1.8 for maybe a $50 loss, and that's the risk/cost I knew going into this trial.

I'm glad to see half the posters here get where I'm coming from, the other half is sure a sensitive bunch.

I think I can also add, that when you're working with a camera it needs to suit your way of shooting. Even among wedding photographers there are many different styles of shooter with different demands on their gear. And there's what you're already using. My last DSLR's were a 5D2 and a Sony a99. SO my experience is different to someone packing a Nikon D750. When someone compares any camera to a Nikon body it means nothing to me.

Reviews and opinions are very useful, but sometimes nothing replaces actually trying something out for yourself.

Gordon
Jan 19, 2015 at 03:40 PM
johnvanr
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p.3 #8 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


aman74 wrote:
Well, firstly, some people seem to be quite ok with the AF, the fact that you weren't, with admittedly VERY little testing doesn't really say much. The OP seemed to be mostly speaking of AF, not sure why all this other stuff about seeing positive info on forums has to come into play.

Some fuzzy logic in your blog post as well. You said the weight increase between the A7 and A7II was significant, but that same or more weight difference doesn't seem to matter to you when comparing like cameras. The A7II is still significantly lighter than the other FF...Show more →

I'm more than happy to discuss my blogpost in detail, but I don't think this is the right place. Please feel free to post your comment on my site and I will respond there without hijacking this thread.
Jan 19, 2015 at 03:57 PM
Cliff L.
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p.3 #9 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


vario1 wrote:
One of the owners of GetDPI forum would argue this statement since that is what he shoots with his A7II.
But, as always, YMMV.
Joe

And why, exactly, should this mean anything to anyone on this forum? I have it on good authority that people on other forums use other cameras...
Jan 19, 2015 at 05:11 PM
swanny66
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p.3 #10 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


brett maxwell wrote:
I've read nearly every A7(r/s/II) thread on this forum for the past 6 months, and read a few dozen reviews elsewhere. I knew the potential issues, but I was left enough on the fence that I wanted my own personal experience. I'll return the A7II and sell the 55/1.8 for maybe a $50 loss, and that's the risk/cost I knew going into this trial.

I'm glad to see half the posters here get where I'm coming from, the other half is sure a sensitive bunch.

I get where you are coming from. It didn't work for you and your type of photography. What I don't get is how it requires a thread stating it did not work for you. The same reviews and threads you read are out there for everyone to read. I am no fanboy as my camera life has brought me from Olympus, Leica, Contax, canon, Nikon, Leica, Nikon,Sony. When I decided to choose a different system that fits my needs I did not feel the need to go on a forum and state why. I just never really understood what gain that was for me or anyone else. It is me and my shooting and how I shoot that made the decision.


Jan 19, 2015 at 06:14 PM
echelonphoto
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p.3 #11 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


Any information like this is a tremendous gain for others who might be considering to buy the camera...it has already brought out some weak points of the camera...def. good to know for potential buyers...you certainly don't have to read it if you don't want to
Jan 19, 2015 at 07:03 PM
swanny66
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p.3 #12 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


Did you write a thread on why you broke up with your girlfriend/boyfriend? Because it is important for everyone to know why you did after all.


Jan 19, 2015 at 08:31 PM
johnvanr
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p.3 #13 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


We're you thinking of getting the same girlfriend?

Don't know about you, but I think people are a bit more unique than a mass-produced camera.
Jan 19, 2015 at 08:40 PM
swanny66
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p.3 #14 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


Eh. Don't oversell the human race


Jan 19, 2015 at 08:47 PM
aman74
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p.3 #15 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


molson wrote:
And why, exactly, should this mean anything to anyone on this forum? I have it on good authority that people on other forums use other cameras...

Point missed I think. He was merely pointing out that someone shooting the same kind of work had a different experience.

I don't really see a problem with the OP, but in the end, it's really not helpful. Some people using the camera for the same kind of work like it and some don't...so the only way you're gonna know is to try it. Had some detail been provided that might have helped, but just saying it doesn't stack up to Nikon, speed wise, isn't really news.
Jan 20, 2015 at 06:30 AM
johnvanr
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p.3 #16 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


swanny66 wrote:
Eh. Don't oversell the human race

My apologies...
Jan 20, 2015 at 06:41 AM
Zorak Zoran
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p.3 #17 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


I don't understand the backlash happening here. It's nice having people discussing why the system didn't work for them. I have an A7, it's the best camera I've ever owned, but I'm a total amateur, I don't really care if I miss a shot. But when it's your job, and you lose a nice moment because your camera took 5 seconds to boot, or missed focus completly, you can tell other potential buyers that it didn't answer your needs.

For me, and my style of shooting, the A7 is a blast. It small, quite cheap for the IQ you get, and when it locks focus it really does, perfectly. Another things I love, I could really learn photography with it, as it comes with an EVF (wysiwyg is awesome to understand how a camera works), dials for everything. Plus I could buy a lot of old lenses for a small price, and learn manual focusing, zone focusing, because I needed to in order to use them.

So my experience is that the A7 is best camera ever created, but it's MY experience, I'm not a professionnal, payed to take pictures, and relying on the gear to get money. When it's the case, the real weakness of the system may be a show stopper, and it's interesting to know.

What I would have prefered, is an experience from someone possessing an A7 like me, and upgrading to the A7II, I'm on the fence to buy one, IBIS is great for my use, as I hate tripods, and I would like to know if the improvements in AF are really noticeable.

Anyway, have a nice day everyone, and don't get so defensive for nothing, it's just a camera.
Jan 20, 2015 at 08:27 AM
wolfloid
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p.3 #18 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


What I don't get is how it requires a thread stating it did not work for you. The same reviews and threads you read are out there for everyone to read.

Fine, you don't get it. For me as a potential buyer of the A7II it's another opinion, which is useful. It does not have to be reviews or nothing. In fact I'm somewhat sceptical about the approaches in many reviews and don't necessarily find them particularly trustworthy or balanced, nor do they address all the concerns that interest me and the sort of shooting I want to do and the conditions under which I will use the camera. I very much appreciate the OP and I'm very glad he made his point in a balanced way. Please keep the personal, informed experiences coming.
Jan 20, 2015 at 09:02 AM
TMaG82
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p.3 #19 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


brett maxwell wrote:
I've read nearly every A7(r/s/II) thread on this forum for the past 6 months, and read a few dozen reviews elsewhere. I knew the potential issues, but I was left enough on the fence that I wanted my own personal experience. I'll return the A7II and sell the 55/1.8 for maybe a $50 loss, and that's the risk/cost I knew going into this trial.

I'm glad to see half the posters here get where I'm coming from, the other half is sure a sensitive bunch.

I agree with everything that you wrote. Sometimes you just have to drink the juice yourself to see if it's all that. You can read and read and read, but until you experience it yourself then you won't know. You won't win against the internet.

You could ask questions about a camera, the response you'll get it to go and hold it and try for yourself. You go to the store, get a general feel for it and you're supposed to figure out in the 10-15 minutes of handling if it's for you. You post that you don't like it based on your intial handling, then you'll get bashed for basing your opinion on a brief handling and not by shooting in real world conditions. You buy/rent said camera, give it a honest try then decide it's not for you. Then you'll get bashed for not reading up on it and not being able to determine ahead of time that it won't work for you.

I'm still trying to find the optimal system (I'll refrain from using the word perfect, since it'll never exist). I thought that the a7ii would be it. A combination of a FF sensor, IBIS, the new video codec, deeper grip, and faster AF. But it didn't work for me, missed a lot of shots, still was lacking in AF for my needs, etc.

I'm looking forward to seeing what an a7000 could bring, especially if it brings back the controls of the NEX-7 with the tri-navi controls and the rumored weather sealing, IBIS, 4k, and a new refresh of the 16-70 f/4, especially if it's sealed as well. I could see that combo with a 35 1.8 prime being a great option.


Jan 20, 2015 at 11:42 AM
AGeoJO
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p.3 #20 · Returning my A7II, sticking with Nikon plus m4/3


I don't think that anyone is questioning Brett's method/approach; everybody seems to be in agreement that certain folks require certain specifications/performance factors of certain cameras and that the need/requirement varies widely among users.

There is nothing wrong with him doing what he did but it is more the announcement to "the rest of the world" that people "frowned" upon. At this point, I am not even sure that it is the appropriate verb, "frown upon", in describing that. BTW, it is quite a common practice in the Canon or Nikon board to post something like that when they are about to switch camp or just have completed the switch. Most folks don't mind and take on the "who cares" or "whatever floats your boat" attitude but some get annoyed and would comment or post something to the effect of "make sure that the door doesn't hit you on the way out" attitude towards those kind of posts.

Does it make sense ?
Jan 20, 2015 at 01:03 PM
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