p.2 #1 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
First blush impressions:
- The A7C II viewfinder is better than I expected, but so is the A7C's. It's small, but not terrible at all. Not a deal breaker.
- After initial setup, the different menu systems do not bother me.
- I'd have to shoot more to know if the extra control dial would be very meaningful to me or not. I typically shoot manual with auto-ISO and use EC to adjust exposure. I adjust aperture frequently, but pretty much leave shutter speed alone unless a particular subject requires adjustment. I'm more concerned about accidentally adjusting shutter speed on the back dial.
- I actually like the grip and grip material on the A7C just fine, except - and this may be the make it or break it - my middle finger rubs against the lens uncomfortably (in this case a Batis 85mm). However, I'm planning to use a primary mix of the Viltrox 20mm f2.8, 35mm f2.8, and 55mm f1.8 - none of which have as wide of a profile as the 85mm. Once those lenses arrive, the grip of the A7C may be ok. The strange plus-side to the cramped grip is that with my finger wedged between the lens and the grip, I actually have a more solid one-hand hold.
I haven't looked at any files, and frankly, I don't foresee the image quality difference to play into my decision. The utility of the A7C II as a better backup video camera may be worth considering though...
p.2 #3 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
After playing around with both a little bit more, the decision to go with the A7C and send back the A7C II was actually pretty easy.
At $1200 new and as a second body to the A7RV, it will do what I need just fine. The primary concern that I had was the viewfinder, which is frankly a non-issue. If I were shooting with it as a primary camera, I'd spring for the A7CR. The A7C II just doesn't offer $1000 worth more value to me, personally. At standard prices, it would be a harder decision...I realize I stumbled across a particularly good deal.
Generally speaking, I hope they can continue to refine the cameras to make them a bit thinner/lighter, incorporate a higher resolution viewfinder (the A7C II/R magnification is adequate) and I hope that they outfit them with a rear screen that can be tilted on-axis for waist-level shooting, as with the A7RV.
p.2 #4 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
I think further miniaturization of the components would be worthwhile in a successor. It might allow for the A7rV screen and maybe a better evf and a wash for total size and weight. And whatabout the out of focus areas with the electronic shutter and fast apertures? Is there a fix to this, or is it primarily a non issue for folks?
Personally, I’d like to pick up an a7cR in the next few months, but I’m also keen to see what kind of smaller bodied fixed lens rx successor might be in the pipeline first, before I decide.
p.2 #5 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
A7rV EVF and screen would be a bold ask in a low end FF camera such as A7C II. A7Cr is a little different case as there is definately to differentiate it from its more economical sibling. I am not sure high resolution being enough to justify the price difference as Sony 33mpx sensor so excellent.
That being said, A7C type camera with better EVF would be wonderful. Current EVF, despite being an improvement from original model, is barely ok(ish) for general photography - I definately would do not like to use MF lenses with current A7C cameras! (A7 IV level EVF would make a big difference here.)
Stacked sensor will be the next step but I am ok with current A7C II mechanical shutter with electric first curtain. In practice it is fairly quiet and fine for this camera. 1/4000 speed is a little limiting but in practice typical user does not hit it often.
Justin Stone wrote:
I think further miniaturization of the components would be worthwhile in a successor. It might allow for the A7rV screen and maybe a better evf and a wash for total size and weight. And whatabout the out of focus areas with the electronic shutter and fast apertures? Is there a fix to this, or is it primarily a non issue for folks?
Personally, I’d like to pick up an a7cR in the next few months, but I’m also keen to see what kind of smaller bodied fixed lens rx successor might be in the pipeline first, before I decide.
p.2 #6 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
Joseph Marney wrote:
After playing around with both a little bit more, the decision to go with the A7C and send back the A7C II was actually pretty easy.
At $1200 new and as a second body to the A7RV, it will do what I need just fine. The primary concern that I had was the viewfinder, which is frankly a non-issue. If I were shooting with it as a primary camera, I'd spring for the A7CR. The A7C II just doesn't offer $1000 worth more value to me, personally. At standard prices, it would be a harder decision...I realize I stumbled across a particularly good deal.
Generally speaking, I hope they can continue to refine the cameras to make them a bit thinner/lighter, incorporate a higher resolution viewfinder (the A7C II/R magnification is adequate) and I hope that they outfit them with a rear screen that can be tilted on-axis for waist-level shooting, as with the A7RV.
Did you test the AF between the two bodies? My main priority is AF - in particular EyeAF/FaceAF. I'm very happy with the A7C but wouldn't mind the updated AF and higher res from the new model, but don't think it's probably worth nearly twice the price here in the UK?
p.2 #7 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
tuomkok wrote:
A7rV EVF and screen would be a bold ask in a low end FF camera such as A7C II. A7Cr is a little different case as there is definately to differentiate it from its more economical sibling. I am not sure high resolution being enough to justify the price difference as Sony 33mpx sensor so excellent.
That being said, A7C type camera with better EVF would be wonderful. Current EVF, despite being an improvement from original model, is barely ok(ish) for general photography - I definately would do not like to use MF lenses with current A7C cameras! (A7 IV level EVF would make a big difference here.)
Stacked sensor will be the next step but I am ok with current A7C II mechanical shutter with electric first curtain. In practice it is fairly quiet and fine for this camera. 1/4000 speed is a little limiting but in practice typical user does not hit it often.
I have very little experience with using a mechanical shutter, either with EFCS or fully mechanical--I have always used silent electronic shutter on my A1 and A9 bodies.
I would be very interested to know what your experience has been with the A7CII's mechanical EFCS under LED lighting. This is my main concern with buying either A7Cxx camera, or buying any other non-stacked camera.
p.2 #8 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
I had the a7Cii. Unless you also buy the Sony 24, 40 and 50 small lenses I found that you don't actually save that much space and weight compared to the a7RV. At the end, I found the a7Cii to small for my hands, I lacked the custom buttons, UI and handling of the a7RV, so I sold it. YMMV.
p.2 #9 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
I found the original A7C hard to operate with gloves on, the on/off button was small, grip wasn't deep, and like the OP, my middle finger constantly rubbed against the lens. Poor me. Anyway, all those issues are gone on the 7CII
Of course the A7RV's viewfinder is better. It always will be. The A7C series is literally designed to be more compact and cheaper. I don't understand why this forum has chose to bash this topic to absolute death.
Regarding AF as @newdom asked. The subject recognition works better in the A7CII, it can focus on the eye, even if the head is turned 80% away which is one of my favorite things about the new "AI Chip". Needless to say, the A7C AF is very good - the tracking is a night and day improvement over the A7III, using Lock-On AF: Expand Flexible Spot.
Startup time, feel of the softer grip, and 2 claimed stops of improved IBIS are other improvements.
Edit for @chiron: to address banding question. I use flicker mode+EFCS if I'm nervous of any banding effects under artificial mode. Haven't seen lines yet. Original A7C had this option too.
p.2 #10 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
IF im not mistaken the AF system on this A7RC and A7CII is the same as the A7RV and A9III. It's far better than before these newer models . Tracking is almost flawless on it . Model turns away your still tracking . I had the A7c and nice cam but not up to today's tech now. It's pretty simple and my number one rules don't buy backwards not with Sony. That's just the AF as many improvements on the cams today.
p.2 #11 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
I’ve owned both and the A7CII is much better, imo. Autofocus is better, IBIS is better, the camera is quicker to turn on and start shooting, having a front dial is huge for usability, actual touch functionality makes the camera feel more modern, and I like the new app better than the old one.
All that said, I don’t think the viewfinder is a huge improvement but I didn’t compare them directly. I had the A7C then sold it to get an A7RIV. Got the A7CII a little over a year after that so I forgot how good/bad the viewfinder was. If the viewfinder is the only improvement you care about I would put that extra $1,200 towards a lens.
p.2 #12 · A7c vs A7c II - Q for those who have shot with both
The body is still much lighter than current DSLR style A7 bodies. It is very different feeling to have (say) 35 GM attached to A7cII or A7rV. Slip the camera to a smallish bag, and the difference feels even greater because there is no viewfinder hump extending up.
The new 24-50 G is a natural choice with the A7c cameras. I have been thinking about a two lens kit: 24-50 G and 85/1.8.
That being said, A7rV viewfinder is one of best piece of tech Sony has ever produced I have no real problems with A7cII viewfinder but I admit it is the biggest downer in this camera. Those using MF glass will be even more frustrated with the small viewfinder.
patotts wrote:
I had the a7Cii. Unless you also buy the Sony 24, 40 and 50 small lenses I found that you don't actually save that much space and weight compared to the a7RV. At the end, I found the a7Cii to small for my hands, I lacked the custom buttons, UI and handling of the a7RV, so I sold it. YMMV.
I have no real problems with A7cII viewfinder but I admit it is the biggest downer in this camera. Those using MF glass will be even more frustrated with the small viewfinder.