The A7iv is a "larger" "dslr" style camera - that is the centered viewfinder, top hump, etc. With it's larger size, it has two card slots and I believe at least some more external control features (buttons, dials, wheels) compared to the A7Cii and/or spaced a bit farther apart. (You'd want to check detailed reviews on that, though).
The A7Cii is smaller, more "rangefinder" in style, rectangular with the finder in the upper left corner. One card slot.
If you want a more compact kit, expect to use smaller or lighter lenses, the A7Cii might suit you better, the A7iv if tending to larger lenses where the body size might not make much difference.
Not everyone likes the viewfinders on the A7C series. Others do just fine with them. This is something you'll want to check out in person.
The A7Cii, like the A7CR and A6700, got the A7Rv's enhanced subject identification and tracking (and possibly some other functionality). Those features are unlikely to end up on the A7iv via firmware updates.
I don't know if there are any image "quality" differences.
Much of your decision will be subjective, in the end. But he named most of the factors, subjective and objective.
I think it is worth clarifying a little on the issue of viewfinders. If you look around for people's opinions on the A7C viewfinder, you may encounter a lot of critical discussion of the viewfinder of the original version of the A7C. However, the viewfinder in the A7Cii and A7CR is much better than in the original A7C. Some may say that it is still not good enough, and some may say that it *is* now good enough. That preference - and whether you like having the viewfinder at the side of the camera, or in the centre/at the top, is very subjective.
What did you like in your Fuji bodies? Perhaps that will have some bearing on your decision for what kind of Sony body you would be more comfortable with. Do you want a larger body for comfort, or one that is as small as possible for portability?
You would probably benefit a lot from holding both camera bodies in the hand, in a camera shop, to see which one feels like it fits you better. But of course that isn't always possible. And as Craig says, the size of the lenses you're going to use may factor in to whether one body or the other really makes sense.
Both cameras have the same kind of rear screen, where you have to flip it out to the side to gain any kind of vertical pivot, so there's no difference of note there, whether you like or dislike that style.
I think arguably, for the uses you described, you have little need for dual card slots.
The added subject tracking software functionality of the C is objectively an improvement on the IV, but it's worth keeping this in context - the IV's autofocus is already superb and at a level that you are unlikely to be let down or held back by.
I shoot the A7RV and A1. I absolutely love shooting both cameras and would likely feel the same if I shot the A7IV.
I also have the A7CR that I acquired to augment my other two bodies. While I appreciate the small size, I find the shooting experience to be rather dismal compared to my other bodies. Then there is the rather lengthy list of compromises made compared to its big brother, the A7R5 (or A7IV). I would never consider making this my only camera.
On the other hand, there are many on this forum that seem to be quite satisfied with the A7CR/A7CII. You might be one of those folks. The only way to find out is to research the list of technical differences and to compare the two at your local camera shop.
The Tamron lens you mentioned would be an excellent choice, IMHO.
I have the A7CII and love it but it is also my second/backup camera. As mentioned above there are some items on the A7CII that are lacking compared to the A7IV and vice versa. If possible, get to a camera store and get both models in your hands and compare. You can get some great advice here but nothing compares to touching and using the camera to make the best decision.
I’ve owned both, and I think it mainly comes down to how much do you use the EVF and do you like having a joystick for setting your focus point. Switching between the cameras those are the two things I find myself missing from the A7IV the most. Some times the light weight and size of the A7C outweighs those omissions, some times not and I reach for the IV.
It really depends what lenses would you use ? If zooms then A7IV is a better choice I guess. I shoot similar things to you. I was a Fuji shooter for years with X-E3, now I have Canon R8 and I am looking to either add X-E3 again or just go all in for A7C II as I miss small form factor. Canon R8 is really small for a FF body but with two kids and wife I need really small package with one small prime lens for our trips and that's where A7C II really shines. I also handled this body with 50 f1.2 GM and 70-200GM with additional A7C II grip. Both were fine for me and I have big hands plus I will never shoot couple hours wedding with this so no big deal.
'Another upgrade that improves usability is Sony's move from a 0.59x magnification electronic viewfinder to one that is 0.7x. The a7C II still uses a 2.36M dot panel, though, which is a bit underwhelming. With such thin margins differentiating various models in today's market, a 3.69M dot panel would've made this camera stand out more from the pack. The EVF sees its magnification increased to 0.70x, but the panel remains a 2.36M dot affair, which some folks may find disappointing, with the individual pixels being visible.'
Thank you all for sharing your perspectives. I have a friend with an A7 iv and spent a few minutes handling his camera. I liked the feel, the grip and the buttons/knobs. Mostly, I enjoyed using the EVF. While I didn't get an opportunity to do the same with the A7Cii, I feel that I'll like the better EVF on the A7 iv and not necessarily miss the smaller form factor of the A7Cii. With the Fuji, I was using the EVF a lot. Expect that to continue with my new camera as well. The better EVF on the A7 iv may be a deciding factor for me.
I also see myself reaching for zooms more than primes, so that may also be another vote for the A7iv.
bayarun wrote:
Thank you all for sharing your perspectives. I have a friend with an A7 iv and spent a few minutes handling his camera. I liked the feel, the grip and the buttons/knobs. Mostly, I enjoyed using the EVF. While I didn't get an opportunity to do the same with the A7Cii, I feel that I'll like the better EVF on the A7 iv and not necessarily miss the smaller form factor of the A7Cii. With the Fuji, I was using the EVF a lot. Expect that to continue with my new camera as well. The better EVF on the A7 iv may be a deciding factor for me.
I also see myself reaching for zooms more than primes, so that may also be another vote for the A7iv.
Thanks again. I think I'll go for the A7iv.
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The A7CII has better skin colors. It has an AI-chip the A7IV lacks. The A7IV might have a better viewfinder, but the actual output of the A7CII is better for SOOC.
steamtrain wrote:
The A7CII has better skin colors. It has an AI-chip the A7IV lacks. The A7IV might have a better viewfinder, but the actual output of the A7CII is better for SOOC.
I thought I was crazy. Have owned A7IV & now have A7Cii. Skin tones seemed better to me and colors across the board seem better. Have been very happy with candid family shots with A7Cii.
On the topic of tones.. does Sony A7Cii B&W look almost silver tone? It’s very different than the B&W/Monochrome from ny X-Pro2.
TCinFL wrote:
I thought I was crazy. Have owned A7IV & now have A7Cii. Skin tones seemed better to me and colors across the board seem better. Have been very happy with candid family shots with A7Cii.
On the topic of tones.. does Sony A7Cii B&W look almost silver tone? It’s very different than the B&W/Monochrome from ny X-Pro2.
Does the skin tone thing apply to the raw files? or only the jpegs.
I have used different Sony cameras extensively, although not A7IV, and now I have A7C II as my second camera. I had my doubts about A7C II, but I decided to give it a go.
This far A7C II has been a positive surprise. The much discussed EVF is not that bad at all, although with strong eyeglasses the experience can be different. But AF is super, ergonomics is good considering size of the camera and all operations are quick. All in all, after 2-3 thousand pics I like the camera. Maybe A7C II is the way to go unless one wants a traditional DSLR style camera.
Skin tones etc. are an endless and deeply subjective topic. I use C1 as raw converter and never had a problem with Sony colors.
I'd get the A7CII, but only along with small prime lens, like Samyang 35 2.8 or Zeiss 35 2.8 for carry around. If you planning to use only that zoom or bigger primes A7IV balances better with those lenses, and camera body size difference become irrelevant.
Sure, normal size Sony cameras balance better with larger lenses. However, I have used A7C II mostly with 24-70 GM II, and it is not too bad. Grip is about the same as with 3rd generation A7 bodies. I have Small Rig plate under the camera, and it helps a little.
One cannot also overlook the weight saving in camera body if lightness is important.
I also shot birds with 200-600 G. With that big tele camera grip size is not that important because one anyway holds the weight of the system from the lens. However, when shooting birds A7C II controls were a little cramped.
Lukacs wrote:
I'd get the A7CII, but only along with small prime lens, like Samyang 35 2.8 or Zeiss 35 2.8 for carry around. If you planning to use only that zoom or bigger primes A7IV balances better with those lenses, and camera body size difference become irrelevant.
aCuria wrote:
Does the skin tone thing apply to the raw files? or only the jpegs.
Yes. Often I do very little editing. 90% in LR on iPhone/iPad. .. but I’m not a pro. Casual travel/family stuff.
I did it for the smaller size, and it fits really well in hand with a thumb grip. I don’t prefer the bottom plate because I actually like my pinky under the body. Ergo has been great, reminds me of the RX1Rii I had.
EVF is shoddier, but I’m in my autofocus phase, and *gasp* I’ve been shooting straight from LCD these days. I’m gone full casual with my newborn, so this is a good fit.
Whenever I’m able to make it out for landscapes and backpacking trips again, I’d love for an SLR style body again, but who knows when that’s going to be.
