A7SII or A7RII for photo and video (about 50/50 use)

[NIba]

Hello, I am trying to figure out which of the two to buy since B&H has an EDU promotion for some E-Mount cameras. 10% off baby!

However, I have come to a dilemma: Which to choose?

I would consider myself 50% photographer and 50% video. The A7RII looks attractive because of the large 42MP for photos, but has line skipping at FF and worse low light FF for 4K video. But the A7SII looks attractive due to the FF Full Pixel Readout 4K and SLOG 3 for my video use, but lower MP for photography.

My photos are primarily Street, Architectural and, landscape, and some studio and family. So basically a combination of Hobby and business.

My videos are primarily on the go (Anthony Bourdain Style on the go) with some beauty shots involving a slider and a dolly. I intend to shoot 4K UHD.

I use the Canon FD series of MF lenses for both video and photography (and believe it or not, street photography as well!) I currently have the A6300 for focus ramping at 11FPS for getting the shot in focus for street, but I understand the lower FPS will not be as beneficial to this tactic and will require me to be better at timing my shot and focus. Another determinant factor are my lenses sharp enough for the 42MP? In case here are my lenses I have:

Canon nFD 14 2.8L

Canon nFD 24 1.4L

Canon nFD 35 F2

Canon nFD 50 F1.4

Canon nFD 100 F2

Canon nFD 80-200 F4L

Canon nFD 200 F4 Macro

Canon nFD 400 4.5

I do not use the EVF often for street photography as I am a bit more shy at people thinking of me as a weirdo rather than a honest street photographer, but I do use the EVF for shoots.

I have the intention of attaching a Zacuto magnifier to the LCD so I can shoot video when nececcary for my job. Zacuto is off when photographing.

Thanks

 

[NIba]

Bump

 

[DarkRevan]

My take for stills:

Lower megapixels doesn't equal bad photos. You'll get manageable raw and jpg file sizes from the A7SII.

The AF speed and accuracy on the A7RII will outperform the A7SII in almost all scenarios, and with adapted lenses. Performance should be similar to your a6300.

A7SII has been widely touted as the "video" camera

 

[Beaverhelmet]

However, I have come to a dilemma: Which to choose?

I would consider myself 50% photographer and 50% video. The A7RII looks attractive because of the large 42MP for photos, but has line skipping at FF and worse low light FF for 4K video. But the A7SII looks attractive due to the FF Full Pixel Readout 4K and SLOG 3 for my video use, but lower MP for photography.

My photos are primarily Street, Architectural and, landscape, and some studio and family. So basically a combination of Hobby and business.

My videos are primarily on the go (Anthony Bourdain Style on the go) with some beauty shots involving a slider and a dolly. I intend to shoot 4K UHD.

For a 50/50 stills/video shooter, the A7RII would be the obvious choice. The A7RII is hands down the better stills camera, and in very low light video, it trails behind the A7SII with only 1-2 stops. In good light, the FF 4K out of an A7RII is actually very good, but once light gets poor, you should drop to S35 4K for a cleaner output. Remember, these are large sensor cameras, and for the majority of normal video work, too much light is a more common problem rather than the opposite. Buy good and strong ND filters, and expect to use them for pretty much all daylight shooting.

I do not use the EVF often for street photography as I am a bit more shy at people thinking of me as a weirdo rather than a honest street photographer, but I do use the EVF for shoots.

So... Shooting stealth is less weirdo?

I have the intention of attaching a Zacuto magnifier to the LCD so I can shoot video when nececcary for my job. Zacuto is off when photographing.

Never been a big fan of those LCD loupes. I'd rather use the built in EVF or a 1080p external display/recorder. But that's all up to personal preferences.

 

[SonyRX1]

Agree, the A7Sii is for people that have a stronger bias towards video, like 80/20, or for astrophotographers.

 

[scottinlex]

I do mostly video, and chose the A7R2. I absolutely love it! It's a fantastic all around camera, great for weddings and other events. Small enough to be discreet on the street as well.

 

[BBQue]

My take on this: The A7rii is the better allround camera. If it is 50/50 stills/video, then the A7rii is your camera. If it were 90% video, the balance would tip to A7sii. If you do lots of night time video, then the A7sii would be your camera.

If you are REALLY serious about video, then a dedicated video camera might be a better choice.

PS: Instead the Zacuto, take a look at the $20 Hoodman eye cups. Love mine!