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Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

campy
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p.1 #1 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

I have been re-evaluating my cameras and lenses. I have the Canon R5 which I like a lot along with some cheaper RF lenses as well as some good EF L lenses. I also have a Fuji X100f which I haven't really connected with other than the size. I am fully retired now and hope to do more travelling which is why I bought the Fuji. Would any of the cameras mentioned in title be a big upgrade to the Fuji taking sizes into consideration. I am thinking of using it for just family and travel photos and the R5 for action or longer focal lenses. I should also mention the RX1R III is not worth the asking price in my opinion.

Jan 04, 2026 at 10:21 AM

AGeoJO
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p.1 #2 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

I would say it is not a big upgrade as you described, if it can be considered as such, from APS-C to full frame. On the wider end, you can get ultra wide lenses in FF format. Of course, if ultra wide angle is your preference. In case of the A7c R you can get more cropping power. Current Sony lenses, as well as those from 3rd party lens manufacturers, such as Sigma, and more recently, Viltrox and TTArtisan have smallish prime lenses in their lineup. If you are more a zoom fan, Sony has smallish zoom lenses in their lineup now. Their G zoom lenses, 20-70mm f/4, 24-50mm f/2.8, 16-24mm f/2.8 are really excellent performers. Good luck!

Jan 04, 2026 at 10:36 AM

Jonas B
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p.1 #3 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

I have owned all the three Sony cameras you mention but not the Fuji X100. I was for some time very interested in the Fuji X100VI, seduced by the look of the camera. I also often use one days only for days so the fixed lens wasn't a problem to me.

However, when downloading some images from the X100 I was disappointed by the poor (compared to the Sony FF) image quality. The difference isn't that big if posing on social media (of course) or printing small. When printing moderately big (checked by looking at 100% size images) there really is a difference.

If that doesn't matter there is no reason not to go for the Fuji. One focal length, keep it simple, be happy. If the image quality matters as described above _or_ you want to change the lens from time to time the Fuji won't do much for you.

Taking size in consideration... You'll need to check this yourself, at a camera store or at least at camerasize.com. Don't trust any random guy on the Net...

Jan 04, 2026 at 10:49 AM

milend
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p.1 #4 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

Jonas B wrote:
If that doesn't matter there is no reason not to go for the Fuji. One focal length, keep it simple, be happy. If the image quality matters as described above _or_ you want to change the lens from time to time the Fuji won't do much for you.

FWIW, that was my thinking when I bought the X100VI. Unfortunately, the poor AF performance ruined the whole experience for me and I'm now using my Sony A7IV full time (if I want to travel light, I use the 40mm F2.5). I sold the X100VI shortly after I bought it.

I want the AF to be rock-solid, so I know I won't miss shots or be frustrated (I just stay 100% of the time in AF-C and either track subjects or focus-recompose).

Jan 04, 2026 at 11:46 AM

Tarekith
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p.1 #5 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

I was on the waiting list forever for the X100VI and eventually decided to get the A7CR instead since I was sick of waiting. I had experience with the first A7C and liked the size, and the increase in MP was real benefit to me as I could crop a lot with the smaller lenses I liked on the A7C series.

A few months later I was finally able to get my pre-order for the X100VI, but only kept it for a couple of weeks as the A7CR was better in just about every way for my uses:

- With a small G lens the CR is almost the same size as the X100, which ended up being a bit bigger than I was expecting. Yes on paper the X100 is smaller, but in the hand the difference is negligible. Neither will actually fit in your packet and both are heavy enough I'd not want to anyway.
- Autofocus and sharpness on the CR is miles ahead of the X100.
- More resolution, more cropping
- Weather sealed! This was a big one for me, not having to put an attachment and filter on the X100 to make it weather sealed. With those, it was basically as big as the A7CR.
- I honestly didn't use the Fuji film sims as much as I was expecting, so didn't miss those at all.

Jan 04, 2026 at 12:54 PM

serhan_
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p.1 #6 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

Big difference btw RX1R II vs A7C series will be the Sonnar lens vs faster af/IBIS. RX1R II battery is too small also. However it is hard to replace the Sonnar lens esp with if you want to keep it compact. I prefer tilt screen of RX1R II to articulating screen...

I used RX1R II as a travel/family camera and it wasn't wide enough for architectural shots, but now I am testing the converter lens options from X100VI, Freewell 0.75x and 1.5x give more options for RX1 series, eg 0.75x is equiv to 24-25mm and 1.5x is 50mm for wide open tighter portraits (corner shading gets worse stopped down with 1.5x)...

Jan 04, 2026 at 01:44 PM

Tschanrm
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p.1 #7 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

I've owned all these cameras. Well, technically my company owned the R5! My quick take in order: A7CR-->a7C (gen 1)-->Canon M6 Mark II w/EVF-DC2 w/adapted lenses

RX1R II is overpriced for what it is and has reliability issues. The A7C gen 1 is an amazing value right now if bought second hand. It will do everything you need for vacation and hobby photos. If you want an upgrade on resolution, HEIF encoding and EVF (minor upgrade), splurge and get the A7CR. From a weight perspective the a7c/a7CR is far more noticeable on a shoulder or in a deep pocket w/prime lens than x100. Like you, I also did not love the X100 and I've tried the T/V/VI, mostly because of the goofy AFC which was fixed with the Gen 6 bodies.

Lastly why not look at the M6 MII w/evf? It's a decent camera, af is better than the X100, and can be bought very reasonable. Button layout is similar to R5. You can then share EF lenses between the R5 and M6 (I believe the M6II can store 3 EF lens correction profiles).

Jan 04, 2026 at 10:59 PM

Lukacs
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p.1 #8 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

I had A7CR but ended up selling it for an A7RIVa because I couldn't adapt the flippy screen, I feel myself at home with a simple tilt screen, and not satisfied with low resolution screen, however it's less problem in a 33MP camera (A7CII) for critical MF.
If you are ok with 1M dot flippy screen hard to go wrong with either A7CR and A7CII, but I think it's very personal why you love a camera to shoot with. I use A7RIVa with 35GM and 65APO for more separation, with Voigltander 21 3.5 for wide angle and sunstars, and 50 F2 Air for lightweight fast lens, and 80% of time I use a GFX100RF.
I also have a EOS M6II with 22 f2 and 32 f2, however I barely use it because of the GFX, but I confidently recommend this little gem if you don't want brake the bank and want a nice compact setup.

Jan 05, 2026 at 07:48 AM

tuomkok
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p.1 #9 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

I agree, A7CII/r is a technically good camera spoiled by the screens. LCD is like 10 years ago, and not very good even then. EVF does not work with glasses, and is miserable even for those with good eyesight.

I think everyone interested should first check if she/he can accept the compromises made in shooting experience. Personally I just did not like the camera although it was very useful for me and gave good results.

Jan 05, 2026 at 04:53 PM

nineblade
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p.1 #10 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

I have an A7CII and a Fuji X-E5 (basically an X100VI with an interchangeable lens).

I think the A7CII is a great travel camera, as it's rather compact, but it needs to be paired with some rather compact lenses. If you want to use regular lenses, it becomes bulky, and you're probably better off with a regular A7R type camera. The compromises being:
- Poor viewfinder
- Not quite so snappy shutter response
- 1 single card slot

The menu and controls are much better than Fuji, imo.

That said while I recognize Fuji's challenges, I think it's great as a travel camera. I've been happy with my X-E5, so I don't know what shortfall on Fuji you're trying to make up with on Sony.

Jan 05, 2026 at 09:07 PM

jeffbuzz
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p.1 #11 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

The main advantage of any a7C* variant over the X100 is you can change lenses. The Sony will always be slightly bigger and heavier, even with small lenses like the Samyang 35mm f/2.8.

If the size of the Fuji is the primary appeal, look at the smaller APS-C Sony a6400. With the 16-50mm kit lens, it's within 50 grams of the Fuji and essentially the same physical size. You can use any E-mount lens on it so you've got much more flexibility than the X100. The downsides compared to the a7C is that the a6400 uses a smaller battery that won't give you as much runtime and it lacks IBIS. You can always add stabilization with a lens, unlike the Fuji.

Jan 05, 2026 at 09:34 PM

SSO-Images
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p.1 #12 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

Like the original poster, I am fully retired and a happy user of the Canon R5, primarily for bird and wildlife photography. When I decided I wanted a lighter, more compact system for travel without sacrificing image quality and resolution for cropping versatility, I researched various mirrorless options from Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Leica. My key criteria for a travel setup were:

Full-frame sensor: Essential for the dynamic range and low-light performance I'm accustomed to.
Lightweight and compact design: Must be easy to carry all day.
Interchangeable lenses, not fixed.
High resolution: Crucial for aggressive cropping, a habit from my bird/wildlife photography days.

After much deliberation, weighing compromises across different brands, I chose the Sony A7CR.

It's not without its drawbacks. The Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), in particular, is a noticeable step down from the R5 and a bit challenging for me as a glasses wearer. Furthermore, the very compactness that makes it great for travel made the ergonomics a challenge at first. As a dedicated back-button autofocus shooter my whole life, I found the small, recessed back-button on the A7CR intolerable for my shooting style and have resigned myself to using the shutter button for focusing. These were known compromises I was willing to accept, so I have no regrets about the purchase.

For my travel lens kit, I focused on versatility and weight savings with zoom lenses. I settled on the excellent Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G lens as my primary workhorse. However, realizing from a recent trip to Europe that about 15% of my favorite shots were ultra-wide angle (captured on my phone), I added the incredibly compact and light-as-a-feather Viltrox 14mm f/4 lens to my kit. This tiny prime easily tucks away into my Peak Design 6L Everyday Sling camera bag alongside the A7CR and 20-70mm zoom, creating a highly capable, yet minimalist travel setup.

Jan 06, 2026 at 11:02 AM

MikeEvangelist
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p.1 #13 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

SSO-Images wrote:
For my travel lens kit, I focused on versatility and weight savings with zoom lenses. I settled on the excellent Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G lens as my primary workhorse. However, realizing from a recent trip to Europe that about 15% of my favorite shots were ultra-wide angle (captured on my phone), I added the incredibly compact and light-as-a-feather Viltrox 14mm f/4 lens to my kit. This tiny prime easily tucks away into my Peak Design 6L Everyday Sling camera bag alongside the A7CR and 20-70mm zoom, creating a highly capable, yet minimalist travel setup.

That's my exact travel kit as well. It's compact, incredibly versatile, and performs at a very high level.

Jan 06, 2026 at 11:42 AM

AGeoJO
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p.1 #14 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

SSO-Images wrote:
Like the original poster, I am fully retired and a happy user of the Canon R5, primarily for bird and wildlife photography. When I decided I wanted a lighter, more compact system for travel without sacrificing image quality and resolution for cropping versatility, I researched various mirrorless options from Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Leica. My key criteria for a travel setup were:

Full-frame sensor: Essential for the dynamic range and low-light performance I'm accustomed to.
Lightweight and compact design: Must be easy to carry all day.
Interchangeable lenses, not fixed.
High resolution: Crucial for aggressive cropping, a habit from my bird/wildlife photography days.

After...Show more →

I am using the A7c R for my travel needs, too and down to the lenses, G 20-70mm and Viltrox 14mm. I added a cheapo thumb grip to the camera and to me, it enhances the ergonomic of the setup. As matter of fact, I operate the AF back button using my backside, the knuckle part of my thumb. It works fine but I understand that that may not work as well from some people. I don't like the viewfinder that much as well, especially for verticals shooting. I resort mostly now to the screen for composing and that helps a lot for vertical shot, especially if I need a lower shooting point.

Jan 06, 2026 at 11:52 AM

SSO-Images
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p.1 #15 · Seeking advice on A7CII, RX1R II and A7CR

I am using the A7c R for my travel needs, too and down to the lenses, G 20-70mm and Viltrox 14mm. I added a cheapo thumb grip to the camera and to me, it enhances the ergonomic of the setup. As matter of fact, I operate the AF back button using my backside, the knuckle part of my thumb. It works fine but I understand that that may not work as well from some people. I don't like the viewfinder that much as well, especially for verticals shooting. I resort mostly now to the screen for composing and that helps a...Show more →

I also use a thumb grip by SmallRig, which helps in holding the camera. I think I'll further experiment with the AF-ON button using the fat part of my thumb to activate it. For someone with a large hand like me, finding these tiny buttons are a challenge. I also used the SmallRig viewfinder eyecup for a little while, but I got rid of it as it actually hinders the view rather than helping it. I now use the left hand to cup around the viewfinder, and that seems to be most effective. For all of my Canon cameras that I've owned, I always used a wrist strap, so I installed a wrist strap on the A7CR, as well, and that also helps supporting the camera, especially one-handed while finding the back button functions.

Jan 06, 2026 at 02:14 PM


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