A7 III

Catcher05 · Feb 17, 2016

A72 as we know came out in 2014, for now there are only 2 FF cameras (except A7S series which is more for videos and I lean towards stills - video is another topic), a72 and a7r2 that bear the latest technology for Sony FF in some way. The reason I left out prior or original iterations (A7 and A7R) because I don't think there are many people interested in buying them now 'cause they're sluggish, AF is just horrible, they're VERY loud and no silent shutter, no IBIS, just to mention a few drawbacks.

Now those 2 priced $1700 and $1900 respectively. I wonder if it's about time to introduce A7III that perhaps won't have the latest 42 MP but maybe it'll have TS and of course will not inherit the bad stuff that those 2 have. Price? I'd take it for $2200.

What do you think especially on the time it may come out? Or do you think we won't see A7 mark 3 at all? Give me your thoughts please.

TLopez · Feb 17, 2016

Not in the immediate future, but possibly before the end of the year.

I'm getting the A6300 for now, then A7RII once A7RIII is announced so the II prices fall....

A7 Kit can be had for £750 new.

Catcher05 · Feb 17, 2016

TLopez said:
Not in the immediate future, but possibly before the end of the year.

I'm getting the A6300 for now, then A7RII once A7RIII is announced so the II prices fall....

A7 Kit can be had for £750 new.

I had A7 - too many drawbacks, I wouldn't buy it even for $900.

What makes you say that for A7III?

golfhov · Feb 17, 2016

Catcher05 said:
A72 as we know came out in 2014, for now there are only 2 FF cameras (except A7S series which is more for videos and I lean towards stills - video is another topic), a72 and a7r2 that bear the latest technology for Sony FF in some way. The reason I left out prior or original iterations (A7 and A7R) because I don't think there are many people interested in buying them now 'cause they're sluggish, AF is just horrible, they're VERY loud and no silent shutter, no IBIS, just to mention a few drawbacks.

Sounds about right. That sluggish AF that makes it impossible to take photos of average subjects. The loud shutter is an absolute killer. I may actually be losing my hearing from the sonic vibrations on that thing. Absolutely makes sense to never consider a body without IBIS. Camera shops should probably remove all that ancient unusable equipment from their shelves

Catcher05 said:
Now those 2 priced $1700 and $1900 respectively.

? I thought the a7rii was 2900?? Has thier been a massive price drop?

Catcher05 said:
I wonder if it's about time to introduce A7III that perhaps won't have the latest 42 MP but maybe it'll have TS and of course will not inherit the bad stuff that those 2 have. Price? I'd take it for $2200.

This makes absolutely no sense. I am sure Sony will put out another camera but I do not see a place for it right now. Sony seems very competitive with their current products. The release of the a6300 shores up thier missing slot for "affordablish" 4k

Catcher05 said:
What do you think especially on the time it may come out? Or do you think we won't see A7 mark 3 at all?

You probably will but not soon

Catcher05 said:
Give me your thoughts please.

I am surprised that Sony has continued to sell the a7 and a7r. At the price they are at now it will give consumers a tough choice about features in the a6300 or a great sensor in the a7xx for a similar price.

As regards your assessment of the original a7 cameras. I find this quite silly. Only a few years ago they represented the pinnacle of innovation and still offer some great photographic capabilities. The a7ii and a7rii are obviously improved products but they were released at a higher price. Many of us have a budget. If it were not for a budget why would the a7ii even exist. The a7rii is better in every possible way except for price.

rythie · Feb 17, 2016

If you want something better than the A7II you buy the A7rII. A A7III would most likely incorporate many of the features of the A7rII, so it would most likely hurt the sales of the A7rII so don't think Sony will be keen to do that.

In the future I think Sony is going to have to either release the A7rIII first or at the same time as the A7III.

I'm not sure what the future of the A7s series is. Seems like they should just go ahead and make a small video camera instead, with a better flipout screen and no 30min recording limit similar to the GH4.

TLopez · Feb 17, 2016

Catcher05 said:
TLopez said:

Not in the immediate future, but possibly before the end of the year.

I'm getting the A6300 for now, then A7RII once A7RIII is announced so the II prices fall....

A7 Kit can be had for £750 new.

Click to expand...

I had A7 - too many drawbacks, I wouldn't buy it even for $900.

What makes you say that for A7III?

I hear ya, I was not overly impressed with the A7. Has the focusing improved on the A7RII?

Bstevs · Feb 17, 2016

TLopez said:
Catcher05 said:

TLopez said:

Not in the immediate future, but possibly before the end of the year.

I'm getting the A6300 for now, then A7RII once A7RIII is announced so the II prices fall....

A7 Kit can be had for £750 new.

Click to expand...

I had A7 - too many drawbacks, I wouldn't buy it even for $900.

What makes you say that for A7III?

Click to expand...

I hear ya, I was not overly impressed with the A7. Has the focusing improved on the A7RII?

A7ii focuses better than the A7, A7RII focuses better than both, has more focus points and continuous eye detection. A6300 will focus better than any sony camera.

Sean_Jayhawk · Feb 17, 2016

Bstevs said:
TLopez said:

Catcher05 said:

TLopez said:

Not in the immediate future, but possibly before the end of the year.

I'm getting the A6300 for now, then A7RII once A7RIII is announced so the II prices fall....

A7 Kit can be had for £750 new.

Click to expand...

I had A7 - too many drawbacks, I wouldn't buy it even for $900.

What makes you say that for A7III?

Click to expand...

I hear ya, I was not overly impressed with the A7. Has the focusing improved on the A7RII?

Click to expand...

A7ii focuses better than the A7, A7RII focuses better than both, has more focus points and continuous eye detection. A6300 will focus better than any sony camera.

My exploration of the A7II is that the AF wasn't improved enough to justify upgrading from my A7. I don't care much about stabilization, so that would probably justify the increased cost for most people though. If an A7III did nothing but add AF like the what we see in A7RII or perhaps the A6300 then I'd upgrade to it in a heartbeat.

SQLGuy · Feb 17, 2016

I just switched from A7 to A7II. The AF is similar enough that the differences are barely noticeable (other than for PDAF with LA-EA3, etc). If you found the A7 "sluggish", you'll find the A7II sluggish as well.

For me, that A7 was quite usable. The main reason I upgraded was because of the sensor reflection issue, which was particularly noticeable with a couple of lenses I often use. The solution was either to upgrade or to do the Kolari mod. I chose to upgrade. On the plus side I get the faster AF with adapters, and IBIS; on the minus side, I get a bigger, heavier, body, and I need to replace my underwater case as well.

About the only thing that Sony might do that would require a new body, rather than firmware, for the 24MP line, would be a Kolari-ish thin stack for better RF lens support, and/or maybe a BSI sensor (though the practical benefit of that would need to be demonstrated). The thin stack mod for the A7II is available now from Kolari, anyway.

Really, I'd prefer Sony to develop an LA-EA5, with screw drive, but no mirror, so they can finally fully replace the A99 with the FE series.

Chris Joy · Feb 17, 2016

Catcher05 said:
A72 as we know came out in 2014, for now there are only 2 FF cameras (except A7S series which is more for videos and I lean towards stills - video is another topic), a72 and a7r2 that bear the latest technology for Sony FF in some way. The reason I left out prior or original iterations (A7 and A7R) because I don't think there are many people interested in buying them now 'cause they're sluggish, AF is just horrible, they're VERY loud and no silent shutter, no IBIS, just to mention a few drawbacks.

Now those 2 priced $1700 and $1900 respectively. I wonder if it's about time to introduce A7III that perhaps won't have the latest 42 MP but maybe it'll have TS and of course will not inherit the bad stuff that those 2 have. Price? I'd take it for $2200.

What do you think especially on the time it may come out? Or do you think we won't see A7 mark 3 at all? Give me your thoughts please.

We've had 6 versions of the A7 and none have included a touch screen. I wouldn't bet on the A7mkIII getting one. Sony doesn't see the value of one beyond the entry level cameras, though I think down the line we'll see it because Canon now has it on the 1dxmkII and I'd bet the new versions of the 5/6d will have them as well.

Robgo2 · Feb 17, 2016

I own an A7II, which suits me very well, though there are ways that it can be improved. I may be in a minority, but I am quite satisfied with 24MP and feel no need for anything higher. But if Sony keeps raising the MPs on their sensors, I will probably be forced to get on the escalator.

Rob

jmbillings · Feb 17, 2016

I still have the original A7.

I'd like to upgrade due to the sensor reflection issue, but that on it's own isn't enough to make me splurge on the A7ii. I'm less fussed about IBIS and the AF isn't a big enough improvement from the sounds of it.

I'd rather hold on for an A7iii which may incorporate newer sensor technology and more improved AF (am I right in thinking the sensor in the A7ii is basically the same as the A7?)

I'd get the A7Rii but I don't need that many megapixels, 24 is fine for my purposes. An A7iii with still 24MP or so, but even better DR/noise would be great.

Kiril Karaatanasov · Feb 17, 2016

I do not see A7ii being upgraded before September this year or may be next. A7ii and A7r2 are now spaced very well apart in terms of features and quality and A7r2 price is quite steep. 4K enabled camera with some of the features of A7r2 would be bad for A7r2 sales.....

also there is some deceleration in camera release cycles. A6000 to A6300 took exactly 2 years and that is much more volatile segment.

It could be that we will see A7iii a bit after Canon and Nikon replace 5d mk3, 6D, D610 and D750. So it could be 2 or 3 years until A7iii

Random Photographer · Feb 17, 2016

golfhov said:
Catcher05 said:

A72 as we know came out in 2014, for now there are only 2 FF cameras (except A7S series which is more for videos and I lean towards stills - video is another topic), a72 and a7r2 that bear the latest technology for Sony FF in some way. The reason I left out prior or original iterations (A7 and A7R) because I don't think there are many people interested in buying them now 'cause they're sluggish, AF is just horrible, they're VERY loud and no silent shutter, no IBIS, just to mention a few drawbacks.

Click to expand...

Sounds about right. That sluggish AF that makes it impossible to take photos of average subjects. The loud shutter is an absolute killer. I may actually be losing my hearing from the sonic vibrations on that thing. Absolutely makes sense to never consider a body without IBIS. Camera shops should probably remove all that ancient unusable equipment from their shelves

golfhov said:

Now those 2 priced $1700 and $1900 respectively.

Click to expand...

? I thought the a7rii was 2900?? Has thier been a massive price drop?

golfhov said:

I wonder if it's about time to introduce A7III that perhaps won't have the latest 42 MP but maybe it'll have TS and of course will not inherit the bad stuff that those 2 have. Price? I'd take it for $2200.

Click to expand...

This makes absolutely no sense. I am sure Sony will put out another camera but I do not see a place for it right now. Sony seems very competitive with their current products. The release of the a6300 shores up thier missing slot for "affordablish" 4k

golfhov said:

What do you think especially on the time it may come out? Or do you think we won't see A7 mark 3 at all?

Click to expand...

You probably will but not soon

golfhov said:

Give me your thoughts please.

Click to expand...

I am surprised that Sony has continued to sell the a7 and a7r. At the price they are at now it will give consumers a tough choice about features in the a6300 or a great sensor in the a7xx for a similar price.

As regards your assessment of the original a7 cameras. I find this quite silly. Only a few years ago they represented the pinnacle of innovation and still offer some great photographic capabilities. The a7ii and a7rii are obviously improved products but they were released at a higher price. Many of us have a budget. If it were not for a budget why would the a7ii even exist. The a7rii is better in every possible way except for price.

Omg. Tell me about it. Last time I shot with the A7, the screen popped back and punched me in the face. It also stole my car and my girlfriend.

I'm glad they got those issues fixed. Still holding back on the upgrade though. Even though I can probably fly a spaceship easier than using this camera, it still takes some pretty nice pictures. /s

Unless IBIS/3rd party AF (A7II) or increased Resolution/ improved AF performance/4K and IBIS(RII) are awesome for you and worth the extra doe you, there's no real difference.

golfhov · Feb 17, 2016

jmbillings said:
I still have the original A7.

I'd like to upgrade due to the sensor reflection issue, but that on it's own isn't enough to make me splurge on the A7ii. I'm less fussed about IBIS and the AF isn't a big enough improvement from the sounds of it.

the sensor reflection is a deal breaker for some.

jmbillings said:
I'd rather hold on for an A7iii which may incorporate newer sensor technology and more improved AF (am I right in thinking the sensor in the A7ii is basically the same as the A7?)

The native af is very similar. I guess the small difference is a slightly faster CPU in ii(?). The a7ii has a massive advantage in adapted lenses after the latest update

jmbillings said:
I'd get the A7Rii but I don't need that many megapixels, 24 is fine for my purposes. An A7iii with still 24MP or so, but even better DR/noise would be great.

--
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Random Photographer · Feb 17, 2016

But to answer your question,

I don't think we'll see any new FF bodies. I mean Sony is already killing it in terms of innovation. I think they'll save their advances for the future and elongate the lifespans of the already excellent bodies they have out for a while. Let's say 2 years. The next A7(III) will def have 4K recording, and I think that's the only solid info we'll know for a while.

Now is the time to push out lenses to put on these bodies. Which I think Sony is focusing on. I can't wait for a 'real' pancake lens from them.

MrGubrz · Feb 17, 2016

i would love an a7r2 with a 24mp sensor, and maybe a bit taller(so they can add addtional controls) and a beefier grip(so they can toss in a beefier battery)

mecka lecka high, mecka hiney ho! my wish is granted? long live jombi?

stevo23 · Feb 17, 2016

Catcher05 said:
A72 as we know came out in 2014, for now there are only 2 FF cameras (except A7S series which is more for videos and I lean towards stills - video is another topic), a72 and a7r2 that bear the latest technology for Sony FF in some way. The reason I left out prior or original iterations (A7 and A7R) because I don't think there are many people interested in buying them now 'cause they're sluggish, AF is just horrible, they're VERY loud and no silent shutter, no IBIS, just to mention a few drawbacks.

Now those 2 priced $1700 and $1900 respectively. I wonder if it's about time to introduce A7III that perhaps won't have the latest 42 MP but maybe it'll have TS and of course will not inherit the bad stuff that those 2 have. Price? I'd take it for $2200.

What do you think especially on the time it may come out? Or do you think we won't see A7 mark 3 at all? Give me your thoughts please.

Not 42 MP. There is no reason to do that.

Phyltre · Feb 17, 2016

The previous year's iterations of the A7series really highlighted to me how many really basic quality-of-life updates Sony has missed here. I'm hoping, perhaps irrationally, that the potential rumored surprise camera/sensor for the end of February is a "professional" a7RII analogue (of course, that's subjective and relative) with:

Touch-to-focus (the only part of touch that really matters; the Sony UI is flawed but really I'd be happy with that one change)

UHS-II pins on the SD card slot (my cards should not be faster than the camera, trying to review on the a7Rii immediately after a shot is painful with Uncompressed RAW turned on!)

USB Type C (Micro-USB 2.0 is from 2007, and should not appear on cameras in 2016.) Type C supports far higher voltages and enough data for an entire full-featured dual-4k docking station. In-camera charging is PAINFULLY slow in a pinch.

Things I'd also like but are more or less bonuses:

H.265 (as an option, doesn't have to be the default.)

16-bit RAW (for more available steps)

Beefier Battery (another 20% or so should be doable around the existing form factor, unless recent changes have been made I'm not aware of.)

Of course, if they did this, I doubt they'd call it the a7III.

SQLGuy · Feb 17, 2016

14-bit RAW is already usually 1 bit into the noise. Unlikely they're going to drop the noise floor > 6dB, which is what it would take to make those other two bits meaningful.

I would like to see a simple improvement: record the IBIS manually-entered focal length in EXIF when using manual lenses... but that's something (else) they could just fix with a FW update.

A7 III

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