Early Report On First Day With A7R5

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ProDude

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So take into account this is my very first experience with the A7R5 with some initial testing of some things I've often tested other gear with in the beginning. It's snowy and rainy here and was dark by the time I got the battery charge so all testing was done in fairly lower light in a open floor plan living room into kitchen area.

That said I started out in my office which has a couple of not too bright ceiling lights. There are some particular areas where I have papers with print that are largely in shadow areas. I tested my OM-1 out with this scenario last night to have some benchmark. My OM-1 as well as the A7R5 began at ISO3200 for the top end allowed by Auto ISO.

I shot into the shadows and the OM-1 was immediate to lock focus rendering a near noise free image in Jpeg. The A7R5 was hesitant to begin with and rendered an image with considerably more noise. It was by no means sharper then the OM-1 results.

I then went into the living room and shot some subjects I always use as a test in this less then great light. A detailed grandfather clock dial, a fake bird that is very detailed and colorful, and a picture of my wife and her friends at a distance. The Grandfather clock had very slightly more detail than the OM-1 but also once again more grain noise. The bird wasn't as sharp as the OM-1 from the A7R5 this once again was ISO3200. By the way I'm using the very well thought of Tamron 35-150 f2.-2.8 so no slouch.

I tried a shot of my wife and bunny and in both cases the A7R2 was able to lock face and eye in detection mode from a further distance than the OM-1. This is the OM-1's weakness as it's poor at people faces from a distance. But the bunny is about equal with both cameras. I hope to get out tomorrow with the 200-600 and give that a try on some birds or pelicans often found at the Snake River area I like to shoot. So far I'm just a tad disappointed in the lack of low light sensitivity of the Sony. AFter all the OM-1 is rated at -8ev where the Sony is rated -4ev so I suppose it shouldn't surprise me. But I'll reserve my judgement till futher testing.

The build quality and overall functionality of the A7R5 is pro all the way no doubt. But so is the OM-1. I'd have to admit the OM-1 is a bit more user friendly, but I'm pretty sure with more familiarity the A7R5 would be much the same. I just began the customization process. I'll keep ya'll posted.
 
Is this about A7R2 or A7R5? Your text has both.
 
I am thinking about buying an OM-1 to go with my A1+200-600.

I would be very interested to see side by side shots of your OM-1 vs A7R5+200-600.

--
Sony A1, Sony RX10 IV, Sony RX100 VI, Canon 7D mkII, Canon 40D, Canon 350d
Sony 200-600G, Canon 100-400IS mkii, Canon 17-55 IS
Canon 400 F5.6, Sigma 10-22
https://www.flickr.com/photos/161744764@N06/albums
 
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Is this about A7R2 or A7R5? Your text has both.
The A7R5. I also discovered I had a couple of settings regarding both focus area and C-AF all wrong. Now it's MUCH better behaved. More testing today.
 
I am thinking about buying an OM-1 to go with my A1+200-600.

I would be very interested to see side by side shots of your OM-1 vs A7R5+200-600.
I can tell you this. The OM-1 subject tracking is every bit as quick and sticky as the A7R5's. It's actually a LOT less work to just get it to do what you want. But the A7R5 is so highly customizable it can be a bit intimidating at first. The main reason I'd been considering the A7R5 was for cases where I need very high detail like landscapes and such. The 100-400 Oly lens is super sharp and a ton less weight then the beefy 200-600 to be sure. To me the 200-600 is almost a "must have tripod or monopod" lens where the Oly is a piece of cake for walk around as well. Unless one is cropping heavily I'm not yet sure there's much difference. We shall see.
 
I would also like to see similar pictures with both cameras. :D
 
I am thinking about buying an OM-1 to go with my A1+200-600.

I would be very interested to see side by side shots of your OM-1 vs A7R5+200-600.
I can tell you this. The OM-1 subject tracking is every bit as quick and sticky as the A7R5's. It's actually a LOT less work to just get it to do what you want. But the A7R5 is so highly customizable it can be a bit intimidating at first. The main reason I'd been considering the A7R5 was for cases where I need very high detail like landscapes and such. The 100-400 Oly lens is super sharp and a ton less weight then the beefy 200-600 to be sure. To me the 200-600 is almost a "must have tripod or monopod" lens where the Oly is a piece of cake for walk around as well. Unless one is cropping heavily I'm not yet sure there's much difference. We shall see.
Is OM-1's low light performance comparable to A7R5? That is my main issue with smaller sensors for birds/wild animals. They usually come out either early in the morning or near sunset.
 
I am thinking about buying an OM-1 to go with my A1+200-600.

I would be very interested to see side by side shots of your OM-1 vs A7R5+200-600.
I can tell you this. The OM-1 subject tracking is every bit as quick and sticky as the A7R5's. It's actually a LOT less work to just get it to do what you want. But the A7R5 is so highly customizable it can be a bit intimidating at first. The main reason I'd been considering the A7R5 was for cases where I need very high detail like landscapes and such. The 100-400 Oly lens is super sharp and a ton less weight then the beefy 200-600 to be sure. To me the 200-600 is almost a "must have tripod or monopod" lens where the Oly is a piece of cake for walk around as well. Unless one is cropping heavily I'm not yet sure there's much difference. We shall see.
Is OM-1's low light performance comparable to A7R5? That is my main issue with smaller sensors for birds/wild animals. They usually come out either early in the morning or near sunset.
Yup OM-1 is rated -8ev with f1.4 lens. Sony's A7RV is -4. My experience thus far is its not going to be about the low light, it's going to be about the level of resolution you need. For prints right up to 22x17 the OM is all one would ever need. You can still crop substantially as well without loss which surprised me. I'm still in the process of evaluating the advantages of a A7RV and will post some shots later today.
 
I am thinking about buying an OM-1 to go with my A1+200-600.

I would be very interested to see side by side shots of your OM-1 vs A7R5+200-600.
I can tell you this. The OM-1 subject tracking is every bit as quick and sticky as the A7R5's. It's actually a LOT less work to just get it to do what you want. But the A7R5 is so highly customizable it can be a bit intimidating at first. The main reason I'd been considering the A7R5 was for cases where I need very high detail like landscapes and such. The 100-400 Oly lens is super sharp and a ton less weight then the beefy 200-600 to be sure. To me the 200-600 is almost a "must have tripod or monopod" lens where the Oly is a piece of cake for walk around as well. Unless one is cropping heavily I'm not yet sure there's much difference. We shall see.
Is OM-1's low light performance comparable to A7R5? That is my main issue with smaller sensors for birds/wild animals. They usually come out either early in the morning or near sunset.
Yup OM-1 is rated -8ev with f1.4 lens. Sony's A7RV is -4. My experience thus far is its not going to be about the low light, it's going to be about the level of resolution you need. For prints right up to 22x17 the OM is all one would ever need. You can still crop substantially as well without loss which surprised me. I'm still in the process of evaluating the advantages of a A7RV and will post some shots later today.
This a Sony lens forum. Perhaps you should post in the Sony FF forum.
 
I am thinking about buying an OM-1 to go with my A1+200-600.

I would be very interested to see side by side shots of your OM-1 vs A7R5+200-600.
I can tell you this. The OM-1 subject tracking is every bit as quick and sticky as the A7R5's. It's actually a LOT less work to just get it to do what you want. But the A7R5 is so highly customizable it can be a bit intimidating at first. The main reason I'd been considering the A7R5 was for cases where I need very high detail like landscapes and such. The 100-400 Oly lens is super sharp and a ton less weight then the beefy 200-600 to be sure. To me the 200-600 is almost a "must have tripod or monopod" lens where the Oly is a piece of cake for walk around as well. Unless one is cropping heavily I'm not yet sure there's much difference. We shall see.
Is OM-1's low light performance comparable to A7R5? That is my main issue with smaller sensors for birds/wild animals. They usually come out either early in the morning or near sunset.
Yup OM-1 is rated -8ev with f1.4 lens. Sony's A7RV is -4. My experience thus far is its not going to be about the low light, it's going to be about the level of resolution you need. For prints right up to 22x17 the OM is all one would ever need. You can still crop substantially as well without loss which surprised me. I'm still in the process of evaluating the advantages of a A7RV and will post some shots later today.
This a Sony lens forum. Perhaps you should post in the Sony FF forum.
Hey someone asked so I answered, not a big deal.
 
I am thinking about buying an OM-1 to go with my A1+200-600.

I would be very interested to see side by side shots of your OM-1 vs A7R5+200-600.
I can tell you this. The OM-1 subject tracking is every bit as quick and sticky as the A7R5's. It's actually a LOT less work to just get it to do what you want. But the A7R5 is so highly customizable it can be a bit intimidating at first. The main reason I'd been considering the A7R5 was for cases where I need very high detail like landscapes and such. The 100-400 Oly lens is super sharp and a ton less weight then the beefy 200-600 to be sure. To me the 200-600 is almost a "must have tripod or monopod" lens where the Oly is a piece of cake for walk around as well. Unless one is cropping heavily I'm not yet sure there's much difference. We shall see.
Is OM-1's low light performance comparable to A7R5? That is my main issue with smaller sensors for birds/wild animals. They usually come out either early in the morning or near sunset.
Yup OM-1 is rated -8ev with f1.4 lens. Sony's A7RV is -4. My experience thus far is its not going to be about the low light, it's going to be about the level of resolution you need. For prints right up to 22x17 the OM is all one would ever need. You can still crop substantially as well without loss which surprised me. I'm still in the process of evaluating the advantages of a A7RV and will post some shots later today.
This a Sony lens forum. Perhaps you should post in the Sony FF forum.
Good to know the comparisons, IMO.
 
Forget about differences in low light (AF and/or ISO noise), no way I'd go with a m43 sensor vs a 61MP FF sensor. I'd maybe consider the OM-1 if the comparator was an A9 or A9II. The cropping potential for the Sony A7RIV/A7RV/A1 and results with noise reduction software makes, for me, the Sony large MP cameras and a 100-400 -/+1.4xTE a very exciting and manageable (vs 200-600) combination.
 
Forget about differences in low light (AF and/or ISO noise), no way I'd go with a m43 sensor vs a 61MP FF sensor. I'd maybe consider the OM-1 if the comparator was an A9 or A9II. The cropping potential for the Sony A7RIV/A7RV/A1 and results with noise reduction software makes, for me, the Sony large MP cameras and a 100-400 -/+1.4xTE a very exciting and manageable (vs 200-600) combination.
This is one aspect I haven't yet explored, although it sure makes sense. I'll be playing with that over the next week to determine more if the RV should stay.
 
You are most likely just testing the in-camera noise-reduction algorithms applied to the JPGs. To make this apples-to-apples comparison is not that easy.


How do you like the IBIS? For me, a better IBIS compared to r3 and r4 would be a strong selling point.
 
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You are most likely just testing the in-camera noise-reduction algorithms applied to the JPGs. To make this apples-to-apples comparison is not that easy.

How do you like the IBIS? For me, a better IBIS compared to r3 and r4 would be a strong selling point.
I would say the IBIS is quite possible better then anything Nikon or Canon have. But I would have to place the results of the OM-1 perhaps as much as 2 stops better. But then they've been the king of that for some time. Regardless the A7R5 is easily hand holdable at some impressive low shutter speeds. But not in the 1second or below range. Only the OM-1 can pull that off so far in my experience. But that's just one aspect of a camera. I must say that A7R5 sure feels like one solid sucker in my hands which is satisfying.
 
You are most likely just testing the in-camera noise-reduction algorithms applied to the JPGs. To make this apples-to-apples comparison is not that easy.

How do you like the IBIS? For me, a better IBIS compared to r3 and r4 would be a strong selling point.
I would say the IBIS is quite possible better then anything Nikon or Canon have. But I would have to place the results of the OM-1 perhaps as much as 2 stops better. But then they've been the king of that for some time. Regardless the A7R5 is easily hand holdable at some impressive low shutter speeds. But not in the 1second or below range. Only the OM-1 can pull that off so far in my experience. But that's just one aspect of a camera. I must say that A7R5 sure feels like one solid sucker in my hands which is satisfying.
That's good to know.... the more I think about it, the more I wanna upgrade.
 
I am thinking about buying an OM-1 to go with my A1+200-600.

I would be very interested to see side by side shots of your OM-1 vs A7R5+200-600.
I can tell you this. The OM-1 subject tracking is every bit as quick and sticky as the A7R5's. It's actually a LOT less work to just get it to do what you want. But the A7R5 is so highly customizable it can be a bit intimidating at first. The main reason I'd been considering the A7R5 was for cases where I need very high detail like landscapes and such. The 100-400 Oly lens is super sharp and a ton less weight then the beefy 200-600 to be sure. To me the 200-600 is almost a "must have tripod or monopod" lens where the Oly is a piece of cake for walk around as well. Unless one is cropping heavily I'm not yet sure there's much difference. We shall see.
Is OM-1's low light performance comparable to A7R5? That is my main issue with smaller sensors for birds/wild animals. They usually come out either early in the morning or near sunset.
Yup OM-1 is rated -8ev with f1.4 lens. Sony's A7RV is -4. My experience thus far is its not going to be about the low light, it's going to be about the level of resolution you need. For prints right up to 22x17 the OM is all one would ever need. You can still crop substantially as well without loss which surprised me. I'm still in the process of evaluating the advantages of a A7RV and will post some shots later today.
Note Sony rates the A7RV as EV -4 with an f/2 lens, so it's a stop better than you think.
 
I am thinking about buying an OM-1 to go with my A1+200-600.

I would be very interested to see side by side shots of your OM-1 vs A7R5+200-600.
I can tell you this. The OM-1 subject tracking is every bit as quick and sticky as the A7R5's. It's actually a LOT less work to just get it to do what you want. But the A7R5 is so highly customizable it can be a bit intimidating at first. The main reason I'd been considering the A7R5 was for cases where I need very high detail like landscapes and such. The 100-400 Oly lens is super sharp and a ton less weight then the beefy 200-600 to be sure. To me the 200-600 is almost a "must have tripod or monopod" lens where the Oly is a piece of cake for walk around as well. Unless one is cropping heavily I'm not yet sure there's much difference. We shall see.
Is OM-1's low light performance comparable to A7R5? That is my main issue with smaller sensors for birds/wild animals. They usually come out either early in the morning or near sunset.
Yup OM-1 is rated -8ev with f1.4 lens. Sony's A7RV is -4. My experience thus far is its not going to be about the low light, it's going to be about the level of resolution you need. For prints right up to 22x17 the OM is all one would ever need. You can still crop substantially as well without loss which surprised me. I'm still in the process of evaluating the advantages of a A7RV and will post some shots later today.
Note Sony rates the A7RV as EV -4 with an f/2 lens, so it's a stop better than you think.
I did find the very low light competency of the A7RV to be very good indeed. It never hunted. However in the end, I did send it back. With careful analysis of a number of shots taken at a distance as well as close in indoors the primary thing I noted between my OM-1 and A7RV was the Sony provided a larger image. NOT one with more detail in the end. Along with the possible hand held high resolution capability of the OM-1 on a static subject it simply didn't make any sense for me to deal with a $7600 outlay for what would be a simply larger image size. I never print beyond 22x17 with my Pro-1000 Canon and in reality most images ended up cropped or reduced for whatever other reasons. But the A7RV is a fine camera indeed and if I had no other camera would likely have kept it.
 
With careful analysis of a number of shots taken at a distance as well as close in indoors the primary thing I noted between my OM-1 and A7RV was the Sony provided a larger image. NOT one with more detail in the end.
This is very hard to believe. Maybe something wrong with the lenses you used? There is no way a 20MP sensor would show the same amount of detail as a 60MP sensor, provided you use lenses that can match this resolution, and take care to match DOF between micro4/3 and FF.

Of course, if for your particular setup or use-case there was no significant improvement in IQ, then your decision to return the camera cannot be blamed. Saved yourself lots of money!
 
With careful analysis of a number of shots taken at a distance as well as close in indoors the primary thing I noted between my OM-1 and A7RV was the Sony provided a larger image. NOT one with more detail in the end.
This is very hard to believe. Maybe something wrong with the lenses you used? There is no way a 20MP sensor would show the same amount of detail as a 60MP sensor, provided you use lenses that can match this resolution, and take care to match DOF between micro4/3 and FF.
Of course, if for your particular setup or use-case there was no significant improvement in IQ, then your decision to return the camera cannot be blamed. Saved yourself lots of money!
The uploads on this forum don't allow the full sized images, so you'll just have to trust me. I was using the OM-1 with their 100-400 lens (eq: to 200-800mm in FF) and the firmware updated Sony 200-600 on the A7R5. As mentioned the images were so close other then the physical image size was of course a bit larger on the Sony. No color diffferences existed and the fine detail was all there on the measly 20mp OM-1. Belive me I enjoyed working with the A7R5 for several reasons. The EVF is sweet no question. The LCD panel is very nice indeed. The overall button customization arrangement was fine (but so is the OM-1's). I shot successfuly with no artifacts on electronic shutter with the A7R5 since my subjects are usually rather static. And once again, when it came to human eye and face detection it beat my OM-1 (not animal however). The OM has to be updated in the future if they expect it to be up to snuff.
 

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