A7ii is still a very good camera and will get you things done. The only complaint I have is the battery but I can live with it. At this current price point, probably only Canon RP can beat, but the price for RF lens is a little too high currently.
The A7II is as good as is has been.
You can charge the a7II by USB but not while using it. Cameras from the a7RII onward can charge while in use or run off a powerbank.
I wouldn't recommend A7ii, that's a very old noisy sensor, and AF isn't that good either.
It seems many think the A7ii sensor is some kind of trash obsolete sensor, which has very high DR and is almost the same below ISO 640.
It's about $1375. That's like $500 more than A7ii. Is there any cheaper FF with the level of image quality vs A7ii? I am not saying it's the camera to get. I am saying it's the best FF funder $1000 with IBIS and all the basics, and a very good sensor (besides the Sony BSI sensors I don't think many are much better than, even Canon sensors don't do much better and all the $1000 [or is it < $3000?] don't even have IBIS or a sensor with more DR).
And lose the 42MP (but get a lot other improvements)
I think so too, they may even go up.
It wouldn't be so bad AT ALL. I do pixel peak like crazy. If you plan to use ISO 1600+ a huge lot and need to entire resolution, I suggest the A7RII if staying below $1500. And if staying below $1000, the A7ii is by far the best option.
Skip the A7II, it's not an enjoyable camera to use and has few notable qualities. Save up for the A7III, it's much better in essentially every regard.
Based on the OP's original post I don't think this will be an issue. They aren't planning on shooting action so AF will be fine. This can also impact battery consumption. I've not had issues with batteries always running flat. If you're not shooting bursts the buffer also isn't an issue in my experience. Yes newer models offer more but more isn't always needed.
There is more to AF performance than tracking. Reliability and accuracy was a problem for me when I used the A7II. It's a camera that struggles to AF in moderately challenging situations, ie: backlighting, low light, etc.
I can agree the a7II has shortcomings. Also maybe my expectations are lower. I intend to update to the a7IV from the a7II for some of the reasons you mention. But if on a tighter budget I think the a7II is an ok first step and provides good image quality.
shadowplay84,
Totally. It's almost like asking if a Honda Civic is bad and me suggesting a Tesla. Shows how disconnected from reality many are. A7ii is still sold because it gets the job done: IBIS, great sensor, does everything pretty well. Gets you to FF at < $1000 in a camera that is much better than any budget camera. I don't think many get a CIvic having a $95,000 budget and being able to choose any car.
Many in this thread have talked about the A7II as if it were garbage and I'm really puzzled by that fact. Anyone who follows the Phillip Reeve blog knows full well that the A7II is perfectly good even in 2020 as a camera. The sensor is about the same as that of the Nikon D750 up to ISO 800 (and the D750 is still like the second best FF 24mpx sensor on the market and it doesn't hinder any photographer whatsoever) and sure it's noisier at higher ISO but it's hardly an ungodly mess of noise.
All well said. This caught my eyes. I'll probably need to sell 3-4 to upgrade.
But I didn't and still just upgraded to an A7iii.Then the A7II will be great. Though with A7R2s as cheap as they are, if you can live with the huge files or shoot in 21MP JPG mode you will see a huge IQ improvement. I needed something that could do some action and video so I was glad to see my A7R2 go.... but I was floored by its IQ. As a pure slow stills camera it's amazing. And actually IBIS really helps for super basic handheld video.
I didn't know r2 had electronic shutter.
It does, but you have to be careful. I had some pictures shot in silent mode that had big gray bands for some reason.
In general, I'd say the best bargain is a used RII in great condition. Only if you can't afford that go to A7II. And if money is no objection 7RIV. The RIII is the perfect camera for vintage glass, although if money is no objection, and one uses rangefinder lenses a Leica would also be a terrific thing to use. I hope Nikon Z mark II comes soon enough, before it's too late this brand. They have always had great photo equipment and I'd miss if gone. Same with Fuji and Pentax. Btw, I would not miss Canon that much, and if Sony goes, I'd have fond memories, by not melancholic feelings if gone. It's more utilitarian decision, and the love comes from having put IBIS in a FF at an incredible price, when nobody thought it'd work well.
