Dave Sanders
Senior Member
None of what you posted is overly damning of Sony, though it is of the results he found in that situation. I wouldn't be quite as sweeping as him as I don't agree with some of his basic assertions but I can see through it. Knowing the limits of one's gear is a good thing, as Iliah has so capably pointed out. My Sony cams are tools I use to excecute a vision and I appreciate knowing their shortcomings. The situation he is showing is rare, though not unprecedented. I do not forsee it being much of a problem for me but I appreciate knowing about it. I can make up my own mind, as can you.
As for his opinions on Nikon:
The lack of an EVF option is a gross tactical and strategic error, because it is the EVF that can bridge the gap to mirrorless! Seen in that light, it’s borderline suicidal in today’s camera market, what with Sony encroaching fast. The EVF makes a DSLR into a larger mirrorless-like camera, which is half the battle. Mirrorless is about size (sure), but it’s also about the EVF and its many benefits.
I am hoping that the D810 is the end of the line in the sense that all future DSLRs from Nikon (and Canon) will have an EVF option. At some point (end of 2014), it’s beyond stupid to not offer this valuable feature.
Regarding image quality, a true 14-bit file with excellent electronics means that the game is all about lenses for the D810, notwithstanding Nikon’s hyperbole about amazing NIKKOR lenses (hint to Nikon: buy Sigma).
Nikon NIKKOR lenses are certainly very good (some are excellent), but all ƒ/1.4 Nikon lenses have relatively low micro contrast, which impairs autofocus accuracy (or focus by eye), regardless of how good the AF system is.
There is more but I don't care to dig it up as I sit poolside watching my daughter and her friend perform some very suspect synchronized swimming.
Also, his take on Sony VS. Leica:
Sony is so aggressive it’s impressive. While I get grumpy over some crappy aspects of Sony physical and software design (and I’m baffled why such crap goes into an otherwise fine product), I have tremendous respect for Sony’s competitive chops vs the zero innovation at CaNikon and Leica (Pentax is doing some innovative stuff in the DSLR realm, but no full frame camera as yet).
The longstanding 'killer' advantage of the M system for light weight vs a DSLR remains, but consider just how low in weight the Sony A7R II system is (a little more bulk but)
A7R II: 625g with battery and memory card vs 720g for M240 + EVF, before adding a grip
Zeiss Batis 25/2: 335g
Zeiss Loxia 35/2: 340g
Sony 35/2.8: 132g
Zeiss Loxia 50/2: 320g
Sony 55/1.8: 281 g
Zeiss Batis 85/1.8: 475g
Sony camera bodies have been sucky and still are in multiple ways: cheap feeling, poor ergonomics, crapware in the menus, rapid depreciation*, and so on. But the A7R II usability is vastly superior to the Leica M for many purposes: autofocus, high-res EVF, much higher megapixels, 4K video, programmable buttons to suit one’s shooting needs, etc*.
I don't personally agree with his opinion on Sony ergonomics or menus, I find them fine, but many do. Sony appears to anger him because they are so close. He dislikes Nikon lenses (unjustifiably, in my opinion, but that is due to his paid Zeiss bias) and his favourite lenses are all currently for the FE system. I agree and wish I could currently afford both Batii and the 90 Macro.
Anyways, we are both two smart guys and yet have come to two different conclusions on this. We've done so without any name calling and have generally had a productive conversation. I shall open a Yellow Dog Chase My Tail Pale Ale to celebrate.
--
Dave Sanders
As for his opinions on Nikon:
The lack of an EVF option is a gross tactical and strategic error, because it is the EVF that can bridge the gap to mirrorless! Seen in that light, it’s borderline suicidal in today’s camera market, what with Sony encroaching fast. The EVF makes a DSLR into a larger mirrorless-like camera, which is half the battle. Mirrorless is about size (sure), but it’s also about the EVF and its many benefits.
I am hoping that the D810 is the end of the line in the sense that all future DSLRs from Nikon (and Canon) will have an EVF option. At some point (end of 2014), it’s beyond stupid to not offer this valuable feature.
Regarding image quality, a true 14-bit file with excellent electronics means that the game is all about lenses for the D810, notwithstanding Nikon’s hyperbole about amazing NIKKOR lenses (hint to Nikon: buy Sigma).
Nikon NIKKOR lenses are certainly very good (some are excellent), but all ƒ/1.4 Nikon lenses have relatively low micro contrast, which impairs autofocus accuracy (or focus by eye), regardless of how good the AF system is.
There is more but I don't care to dig it up as I sit poolside watching my daughter and her friend perform some very suspect synchronized swimming.
Also, his take on Sony VS. Leica:
Sony is so aggressive it’s impressive. While I get grumpy over some crappy aspects of Sony physical and software design (and I’m baffled why such crap goes into an otherwise fine product), I have tremendous respect for Sony’s competitive chops vs the zero innovation at CaNikon and Leica (Pentax is doing some innovative stuff in the DSLR realm, but no full frame camera as yet).
The longstanding 'killer' advantage of the M system for light weight vs a DSLR remains, but consider just how low in weight the Sony A7R II system is (a little more bulk but)
A7R II: 625g with battery and memory card vs 720g for M240 + EVF, before adding a grip
Zeiss Batis 25/2: 335g
Zeiss Loxia 35/2: 340g
Sony 35/2.8: 132g
Zeiss Loxia 50/2: 320g
Sony 55/1.8: 281 g
Zeiss Batis 85/1.8: 475g
Sony camera bodies have been sucky and still are in multiple ways: cheap feeling, poor ergonomics, crapware in the menus, rapid depreciation*, and so on. But the A7R II usability is vastly superior to the Leica M for many purposes: autofocus, high-res EVF, much higher megapixels, 4K video, programmable buttons to suit one’s shooting needs, etc*.
I don't personally agree with his opinion on Sony ergonomics or menus, I find them fine, but many do. Sony appears to anger him because they are so close. He dislikes Nikon lenses (unjustifiably, in my opinion, but that is due to his paid Zeiss bias) and his favourite lenses are all currently for the FE system. I agree and wish I could currently afford both Batii and the 90 Macro.
Anyways, we are both two smart guys and yet have come to two different conclusions on this. We've done so without any name calling and have generally had a productive conversation. I shall open a Yellow Dog Chase My Tail Pale Ale to celebrate.
--
Dave Sanders
