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A7II vs A7RII

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Cheyne

Cheyne

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How much of a difference is there really between the two? I own the A7II and I quite like it, how ever there’s loads of people and reviews online that say the A7II is “Meh” and missed the mark. Yet, those same reviewers are totally blown away by the A7RII.

Most people say that the the only main differences between the two are the resolution differences, the AF points, 4K video and the BSI sensor.

So, im a bit confused. There must be a more improvements over the A7II then are being led on because I can’t see an 18MP increase in resolution and slightly better ISO handling + 4K video being the difference between “meh” and “amazing”.

I’ve read all the specs, I can see the differences on paper, but I’m keen to hear from people who have used both A7II and A7RII. Did you find the A7RII to be that much better? resolution aside I mean.
I’m also keen to hear about the difference in the EVF, I know its slightly improved but theres not much written about this.
 
Faster af, better eye af, etc. Batis 85mm in low light was a struggle with A7 II/A7R and much better with A7R II... You can check dpreview videos for eye focus and low light af comparison to dslrs...
 
Cheyne said:
How much of a difference is there really between the two? I own the A7II and I quite like it, how ever there’s loads of people and reviews online that say the A7II is “Meh” and missed the mark. Yet, those same reviewers are totally blown away by the A7RII.

Most people say that the the only main differences between the two are the resolution differences, the AF points, 4K video and the BSI sensor.

So, im a bit confused. There must be a more improvements over the A7II then are being led on because I can’t see an 18MP increase in resolution and slightly better ISO handling + 4K video being the difference between “meh” and “amazing”.

I’ve read all the specs, I can see the differences on paper, but I’m keen to hear from people who have used both A7II and A7RII. Did you find the A7RII to be that much better? resolution aside I mean.
I’m also keen to hear about the difference in the EVF, I know its slightly improved but theres not much written about this.

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My husband and I own both a7II and a7RII. Our thoughts:

http://www.lightfinity.net/thoughts-about-a7ii-vs-a7rii/

Honestly if you don't care for the use case scenarios that the a7RII enables, stick with the a7II. It's a great camera, and if the a7RII didn't knock our socks off so much, we would have just stuck with the a7II ourselves.

I think the a7II didn't get as much attention because the Nikon D750 really knocked it out of the park in 2014, and had better high ISO performance and autofocus than the a7II. The a7RII is the first camera to be a combo D810 and D750 with features that neither camera has, which is why people are much more excited for it.

As for the EVF in the a7RII, it's really huge and high resolution. It's better to look at than the a7II's EVF, and the difference is noticeable. But I still prefer to shoot with the LCD most of the time, because habit. :P

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Hmm, interesting. I was afraid of that, im an EVF shooter about 98% of the time and that part of the A7RII did sound good. Not good enough to fork out another $1400 but it adds up.

Is the ISO performance massively better? Sample photos online seem to indicate no, but from what people have been saying, it is. I personally find ISO 6400 on the A7II to be on the verge of un-usable, lots of noise, needs fairly descent post work to clear it up. I've read that ISO 12800 is usable on the A7RII.

Again hoping to get some feedback from people who have used both and now have a good feel for both cameras and their strengths. It's hard to tell sometimes with these perfect studio scenario ISO tests.
 
Cheyne said:
Hmm, interesting. I was afraid of that, im an EVF shooter about 98% of the time and that part of the A7RII did sound good. Not good enough to fork out another $1400 but it adds up.

Is the ISO performance massively better? Sample photos online seem to indicate no, but from what people have been saying, it is. I personally find ISO 6400 on the A7II to be on the verge of un-usable, lots of noise, needs fairly descent post work to clear it up. I've read that ISO 12800 is usable on the A7RII.

Again hoping to get some feedback from people who have used both and now have a good feel for both cameras and their strengths. It's hard to tell sometimes with these perfect studio scenario ISO tests.
Click to expand...
 
Cheyne said:
Hmm, interesting. I was afraid of that, im an EVF shooter about 98% of the time and that part of the A7RII did sound good. Not good enough to fork out another $1400 but it adds up.

Is the ISO performance massively better? Sample photos online seem to indicate no, but from what people have been saying, it is. I personally find ISO 6400 on the A7II to be on the verge of un-usable, lots of noise, needs fairly descent post work to clear it up. I've read that ISO 12800 is usable on the A7RII.

Again hoping to get some feedback from people who have used both and now have a good feel for both cameras and their strengths. It's hard to tell sometimes with these perfect studio scenario ISO tests.

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You can see some 100% crops of ISO 12800 here:

http://www.lightfinity.net/sony-a7rii-autofocus-in-low-light/

At lower ISOs, it feels like ISO 2000 on the a7RII is very clean, more like ISO 800, which is in turn also cleaner than what I've been used to in the past, even at 100% viewing. But I'm more used to APSC performance.

I don't post-process the high ISO things. No noise reduction; just resample down for Web resolution. We don't really print anything taken at high ISOs and see them as more snapshots.

If you have need of very good high ISO performance the a7RII does seem to give better. That is just a feeling though, not arrived at through any rigorous testing.

--
http://www.lightfinity.net
 
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Thanks for those links guys ..

That guys sample photos on Talkemount looks like what i've been seeing. Nothing huge. There is a difference but not enough to put me over the edge.

How have you found editing the RAW images? They're around 50MB a file right? That concerns me a bit as i'm confined to using a laptop which doesn't have an amazing proc. How does lightroom handle processing those files?
 
I bought the A7ii in April and thought it was very, very good. Combined it with the FE 55/1.8, the 24-240 and the 35/1.4 and it took beautiful photos. I love working in post and had no concerns with noise at 6400 ISO. Happy camper! Then came the A7RII... I tried to convince myself that, as merely an enthusiast, I surely didn't NEED the "improvements" that came with that price tag. But I just couldn't get it out of my head. So I finally decided to pre-order from Best Buy. I figured I could use it for a couple of weeks and if I didn't think it was worth the $$$ I could just return it (I have 45 days at BB because of Elite status - yeah, I buy too much). If I did find it worthy I would just sell the A7ii - ideally I would have loved to have both - but I couldn't justify the cost. The larger, brighter EVF was really the tipping point for me. I'm 56 and my eyes just aren't what they used to be and it makes seeing what I'm shooting so much easier. The LCD is great but I just can't see it all that well in bright sunlight - my limitation, not the camera's! So I ended up putting the A7ii on eBay and it was snapped up before the day was done. I'm extremely happy with my decision - I honestly loved the A7ii and might have stayed with it if my eyes were 20 years younger! Also, there are a few downsides to working with higher resolution images so you may want to search through the forum and see if that impacts your decision at all. Good luck!
 
Cheyne said:
Hmm, interesting. I was afraid of that, im an EVF shooter about 98% of the time and that part of the A7RII did sound good. Not good enough to fork out another $1400 but it adds up.

Is the ISO performance massively better? Sample photos online seem to indicate no, but from what people have been saying, it is. I personally find ISO 6400 on the A7II to be on the verge of un-usable, lots of noise, needs fairly descent post work to clear it up. I've read that ISO 12800 is usable on the A7RII.

Again hoping to get some feedback from people who have used both and now have a good feel for both cameras and their strengths. It's hard to tell sometimes with these perfect studio scenario ISO tests.
Click to expand...
 
Have the A7ii (love it), very much tempted by the A7rii, but wondering, if the difference is worth the cash. If I sell my A7ii used and buy a new A7rii, for the difference I could buy (almost) BOTH 16-35mm AND 90mm macro lenses.

Another consideration that has not come up in this thread: what lenses do you have? Unless you have the top-notch lenses designed for 50MP sensors, then all these extra pixels will do is magnify your lens flaws.

Plus all the extra hard drive space and processing time. For me, 24MP seems to be the "sweet spot". I will wait and see what Sony comes up with next (A7sii ? Aiii ?). And by then the A7rii will be much more affordable too.

PS: Now I must resist the temptation to spend the $2000 I just saved (by NOT upgrading) pulling the trigger on above mentioned lenses, hahaha
 
You may want to buy a decent eye-cup for the Sony. Makes a world of difference too. Hoodman is about to release one for Sony (can be pre-ordered from B&H). If you don't want to wait, can use the one they make for Nikon and add a $7 thingy from chinese eBay vendors that goes between.
 
Just remember the A7R-II is made mostly to replace the A7R. Sure some minor "growing up" over the A7II, but nothing so VASTLY different. The A7II records 4K on an external recorder - so it's not that is "isn't" an option.

I'd say if you had an A7R and were waiting to upgrade just like those from the A7 to A7II then I'd buy it. Otherwise, the A7R-II vs. the A7-II is NOT worth the upgrade yet and marketing/consumer hype is getting the best of you.

Even as an editorial pro photographer who shoots for TV, magazines, etc (Even have a billboard in Times Square at the moment), I see no reason to upgrade an A7II to an A7R-II. Financially and tech wise my advise would be to wait for the next generation camera (1-2 years from now at the current rates) or wait to see what tech will be released via firmware after the initial sales period of the A7RII. (Some features on the A7II were later released via firmware to the A7)

Also, as my business does have the funds to purchase the newer cameras, doesn't mean it should! Something we often forget and easy can talk ourselves into doing.
 
Alpha Photo said:
You may want to buy a decent eye-cup for the Sony. Makes a world of difference too. Hoodman is about to release one for Sony (can be pre-ordered from B&H). If you don't want to wait, can use the one they make for Nikon and add a $7 thingy from chinese eBay vendors that goes between.
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Thanks Alpha Photo! I had considered a Hoodman but that was before now (and I didn't realize there was one coming out for Sony). Heading to B&H now... 😊

Edit: Just looked at the eye cup and it states it is for all the A7's except the Rii. I don't know if it will fit since the Rii has a larger EVF.
 
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Cheyne said:
How much of a difference is there really between the two? I own the A7II and I quite like it, how ever there’s loads of people and reviews online that say the A7II is “Meh” and missed the mark. Yet, those same reviewers are totally blown away by the A7RII.

Most people say that the the only main differences between the two are the resolution differences, the AF points, 4K video and the BSI sensor.

So, im a bit confused. There must be a more improvements over the A7II then are being led on because I can’t see an 18MP increase in resolution and slightly better ISO handling + 4K video being the difference between “meh” and “amazing”.

I’ve read all the specs, I can see the differences on paper, but I’m keen to hear from people who have used both A7II and A7RII. Did you find the A7RII to be that much better? resolution aside I mean.
I’m also keen to hear about the difference in the EVF, I know its slightly improved but theres not much written about this.
Click to expand...
 
EdwardWestonNYC said:
Just remember the A7R-II is made mostly to replace the A7R. Sure some minor "growing up" over the A7II, but nothing so VASTLY different. The A7II records 4K on an external recorder - so it's not that is "isn't" an option.
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The A7II most definitely does NOT record 4k video in any capacity. Its completely remarkable that anybody could possibly get that incorrect considering the entire purpose of the A7S was that is COULD record 4k video on an external recorder.
 
Oh bummer, I didn't realize Sony also increased the external dimensions of the A7rii EVF. Here is the link that got me started:
this solution (getting cheap Nikon style eye cup for my A7ii and then replacing the rubber with the Hoodman for Nikon cup) works extremely well.

You may want to keep an eye on that eBay seller, if he comes out with a Nikon style eye cup for A7rii you might be "in business".

I am very sensitive to stray sunlight from side or from above. With proper eye cup I find the clarity of the EVF improves enormously. It also adds stability pressing the eye cup against your face and cheeks.
 
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robonrome said:
For me it's actually the little things that I prefer about the A7rii...being able to zoom in playback straight to the focus point I appreciate, but it's a small thing.

The image quality of the rii is "better" and I love the detail, but the a7ii is no slouch.

As to AF...maybe it's a bit better in low light, but not much... more-so if you care about things like continuous eye AF. I haven't really tried to extend my use of the AF modes enough to be authoritive on this though.

Honestly from my pov unless you feel you need the Ultimate IQ, 4K or use Canon or A mount lenses you want to adapt the ii isn't that much better than the A7ii. Certainly not the 2.5X cost I paid anyway... if you're someone who can wait, might be better to buy another lens and let the rii drop a thousand as it no doubt will over the next 12 months.
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I'd like to see how well it tracks a subject walking toward the camera in comparison to the A7II.

The buzz around this camera has not died down, but how is it really in video, for normal people that use eye-AF and face detection?
 
Member said:
You may want to buy a decent eye-cup for the Sony. Makes a world of difference too. Hoodman is about to release one for Sony (can be pre-ordered from B&H). If you don't want to wait, can use the one they make for Nikon and add a $7 thingy from chinese eBay vendors that goes between.
Click to expand...
The a7r2 does have a more comfortable eye cup I've noticed. There is a soft rubber trim and I am taking my glasses off less often to shoot because you're getting more of the screen in view. Very nice.
 
Kinda making the same choice right now, and to get the A7RII I would need to sell off my D750. Got the A7II 2nd hand and to be honest, it's a very nice camera with very good iq but I only have the 28-70 for now. I own the 24-120/F4 and 50/1.8G for my Nikon. If selling the Nikon and A7II, I would have anough money to get the A7R2 but without any lens, so that would add to the cost.

I'm very much thinking about keeping the A7II *and* Nikon and just get some nice lenses for the A7II and then see where that takes me. If I need the D750 for stuff the A7II cannot do, I still have the option. When selling it, there's none and I would end up with less(er) lenses.

Of course, the EyeAF of the A7R2 intrigues me a lot, and the 4K video could be something pretty cool to play with (although I only have a 1440p monitor, 1080p tv and projector).

Frankly, it's more about the lenses for me right now than the body. For my D750 I have the amazing 24-120/F4, a reach and aperture unavailable with Sony right now and primes are dirt cheap. If I would get the A7R2 and selling my Nikon stuff, I would need to buy the FE55/1.8 (900 euro) + 24-70/F4 (so so reviews - 1.000 euro), adding almost € 1.900 euro to my cost of switching.

On the other hand, it might seem I have too much cameras on hand now :) It's really coming down to making a choice which only I can make.

option 1 :

* A7II + 28-70 for 'light' FF stuff, adding a nice prime later on

* D750 + 24-120/F4 + 50/1.8 for the 'high quality' stuff

option 2 :

* sell D750 + lenses + A7II

* get A7R2 with my 28-70 kitlens and add the 55/1.8 (cost : 900 euro)
 
Alpha Photo said:
Oh bummer, I didn't realize Sony also increased the external dimensions of the A7rii EVF. Here is the link that got me started:
this solution (getting cheap Nikon style eye cup for my A7ii and then replacing the rubber with the Hoodman for Nikon cup) works extremely well.

You may want to keep an eye on that eBay seller, if he comes out with a Nikon style eye cup for A7rii you might be "in business".

I am very sensitive to stray sunlight from side or from above. With proper eye cup I find the clarity of the EVF improves enormously. It also adds stability pressing the eye cup against your face and cheeks.
Click to expand...
I just looked at the Q & A section on the eye cup at B&H and someone asked if the new Hoodman will fit the a7rii and the answer was yes. I think I will take a chance and order it. It's only $20.00 and B&H is great on returns if it doesn't work.

I'm also sensitive to stray sunlight and if I'm trying to manual focus there's no way I can get precise with the LCD (my eyes, not camera).
 
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