I've preordered. I really like small FF cameras, and I already have Sigma FP and RX1R as well as small FF cameras (along with my Sony A9), but both suffer from not having any in-built EVF. Sigma's LCD viewfinder accessory is too big and makes the form factor quite different (no longer a small camera with that). Sigma also has quite much color shading with my wider adapted M/LTM lenses though the sensor cover is thinner and my A9 has none of that (though it has more sensor cover related FC with those lenses). Sigma has some attractive video capabilities but I don't shoot video at all.
I don't really enjoy the shooting experience with the screen only as much as I do with a viewfinder so having an EVF in A7c is a key point for me, but the small size / usability of that EVF is also my main concern. I've tried the camera hands-on for 5 minutes at Sony showroom with the 28-60mm kit lens and I couldn't make any clear conclusions about the EVF in that time for use with MF lenses, but I hope it will be manageable. Expecting to receive the camera on 10/23.
I am interested, in the concept but not this implementation. I would like a camera in that form factor but it would have to have a decent EVF, joystick, front wheel and more custom buttons and not cost more than the A7 camera it matches in specs.
Fred Miranda wrote:
It would be interesting to know how much FM members like the new A7C...or not.
It is virtually certain that I will buy one. I like to wait for the first production run to shake out and for the initial reviews, but I am having a hard time doing that with this camera. The A7C's compactness combined with class-leading image quality and NEX-like ergonomics is very appealing to me for use as a non-intrusive documentary and travel camera.
Lenses will be important going forward. There are already excellent AF and MF lenses now available that are small and light. If Sony additionally comes through with new small FE lenses that are about as good as their 10-18 & 16-70 & 24/1.8 aps-c lenses, I will be very happy. I would like small, light, high quality zooms to go with this camera and a small selection of small & light high quality primes.
As for the EVF, I am sure that I will be able to make that work for the photography that I do. Not everything has to be perfect to make a camera very desirable and very well-designed in terms of specific strengths that support specific interests and uses.
I pre-ordered again, oh my, ain't I the fickle one? I just need to see the thing in person, the EVF, et al. It could be a good inconspicuous cam for walking about the neighborhood and travel - if ever I travel again.
Already have all the CV lenses I could want - haha - of the diminutive variety and assorted others.
So, come October/November, I'll see.
I'm sorely tempted, though I might be sad downgrading from 42MP, no matter how good the AF tracking is. I'm also doing a lot less travel in the next year so it feels silly to buy something new at the moment. I could also buy a used RX1rII for the price, which is maybe closer to what I really want. So I'll likely buy neither and continue waiting...
No. I'm always a believer in the signals makers send to the market as to what is a product's major intended usage. This one is a luxo vlogger LCD-centric camera for Instagram/teen media app content producers, cunningly decked out with Leica-esque externals and clean (silver!) top panel to attract some trad guys. You have only to check the video reviews, and observe how they use the camera.
The heart of any MF lens-friendly camera is it viewfinder and here we have a backward step to an APS-C item. The emphasis on AF tracking, mic/controls interfaces, the addition of the fold out screen and the appendage EVF are the other big design tells, in an otherwise excellent form factor. Another is the lack of controls we all take for granted as we shoot *with the camera at eye level*, but which won't matter for the intended less quality/controls-conscious LCD-centric audience, holding it out at 12-18 inches.
Imagine an a7rIII EVF, a plain screen, front dial/Cn and the new IBIS with a 42mp sensor, no vid gear connects, what stills shooter would not prefer that, for $2500 (current a7rIII sale price at BH) and 550g or so? Put a silver top on it, even. They could still do that, all parts exist, just need assembly in the same camera. Call it a7r MF, Leica it up a bit, put in variable magnification options, offer it with an OEM 'Techart' spivved up and functional.
I will get it once I have the money, being in graduate school for infinity years isn't fun on the finances, but I should have enough saved up after Christmas. Very excited, and I think it will be a nice upgrade from my A7II (which I will likely keep for MF lenses and as a backup).
