A7rii - seven 'game changing' features ...

[blue_skies]

http://ilovehatephoto.com/2015/06/10/top-7-game-changing-features-of-the-sony-a7rii/

Let's try:

1. In camera AF, even with Metabones Canon, or Sony A-mount LA-EA3, adapter
2. 5-axis IBIS
3. Improved, highest magnification, resolution, aspherical EVF unit
4. 500k cycle electronic front curtain shutter
5. 4k video and 120 fps slow motion HD
6. FF 42Mp BSI CMOS sensor ISO104k wo/AA
7. Fast 399-point PDAF

and also considering:

1. Silent shutter mode option
2. Shutter shock problem mitigated
3. Anti-reflection coating on sensor
4. *Should* perform better with steep rays on small WA RF lenses
5. A7ii-style ergonomic changes (larger grip)
6. Can likely keep up with A7s for stills in 'typical' low light situations
7. 18.6Mp APS-C crop mode with larger, better performing, pixel sizes (due to BSI)

To the last point: it may, in fact, outperform the A6000 when using APS-C lenses...

But also:

1. Steep price-increase (versus A7r)
2. Nearly similar weight to FF DLSRs
3. Plummeting re-sale values (of all A7 cameras to date)
4. Pushes FF lenses to limit (need expensive FE, Loxia, Batis lenses)
5. No curved sensor (would a future model gain a lot, e.g. corner performance?)
6. Lens roadmap still ongoing ... (really a plus - in a few years)
7. Still catering to an early-adapter market, with immature system & features

Perhaps the last item is a stretch, the A7rii does improve dramatically on a number of nicks held against the A7r.

At this point, I am rather satisfied with the A7ii (not R), and am wondering what a -iii model will bring (BSI, AA-less sensor?). It is also becoming clear why Sony did not upgrade the sensor in the A7ii - for it makes the A7rii class leading, in a different league really.

I can see a lot of A7R users rushing to upgrade their camera, for above mentioned reasons, which is good for Sony. At the same time, I can see hesitation for new-to-switch users, due to the price of entry going higher and higher ($3k body, $1k lenses).

I hope that an A7000 will be announced soon, and I expect that it may outperform the A7ii, lol.

Sony surely impresses - this was a lot to get done in a single product, wow!

But, is it truly a 'game changer'?

So far, imho, no mirrorless camera has been truly a game changer yet, despite many honorable entries to date. The original Fuji X100 comes to mind as one that pushed the bar the furthest at the time of release. This A7rii surely brings the many parallel efforts together in a single impressive package. But a 'game changer'?

I recently sold the classic Nex-7 and A7 cameras. Classics and breakthrough products in their own right. I can already see this A7rii becoming another such classic, for it surely leaps ahead against the competition.

Now we just have to go back and re-take all those pictures again ....

--
Cheers,
Henry

 

[neil holmes]

I can see a lot of A7R users rushing to upgrade their camera, for above mentioned reasons, which is good for Sony. At the same time, I can see hesitation for new-to-switch users, due to the price of entry going higher and higher ($3k body, $1k lenses).

I think this is not so much aimed at existing A7 series cameras as it is getting a lot of Canon pros.

Even as a second camera to a DSLR.

I can see some Nikon pros switching as their lenses are not so compatible but anon users can use the one lens kit (and maybe try one or two high end Sony/Sony Zeiss as well.

Sure it IS aimed as Sony users too but I think it will get far more new users than the original A7R did (and that camera also had quite a few Canon users adding it as a second body).

This might be so good (if it lives up to its spec) that some users might then dump their Canon cameras.

 

[nagi603]

blue_skies wrote:
4. 500k cycle electronic front curtain shutter

Wait, the fully electronic curtain has a lifetime? Since when? I mean, sure electron migration will kill all small scale electronic devices, but wtf?

1. Can likely keep up with A7s for stills in 'typical' low light situations

We shall see, we shall see My gut feeling is that it is still not as good as the A7S, but only rigorous testing and time will tell.

1. No curved sensor (would a future model gain a lot, e.g. corner performance?)

Uh, I might not be right here, but to actually utilize a curved sensor, you might also need redesigned lenses. At least those which focus to the non-curved plane sensor. So not gonna happen.

At this point, I am rather satisfied with the A7ii (not R), and am wondering what a -iii model will bring (BSI, AA-less sensor?).

AA seems to be the domain of the A7R series so far, but yes, most likely all next A7 cameras will incorporate BSI. I wonder what a A7S could do with BSI...

But, is it truly a 'game changer'?

Well, not globally, but I guess it depends on your game

Frankly though, I doubt I'll change to the A7Sii, if it only comes with IBIS, BSI and 4K, though that depends on exactly how much better BSI can make the already impressive low-light sensor, and exactly how good the 4K is. If it becomes heavier though, I do not know.

 

[blue_skies]

blue_skies wrote:
4. 500k cycle electronic front curtain shutter

Wait, the fully electronic curtain has a lifetime? Since when? I mean, sure electron migration will kill all small scale electronic devices, but wtf?

1. Can likely keep up with A7s for stills in 'typical' low light situations

We shall see, we shall see My gut feeling is that it is still not as good as the A7S, but only rigorous testing and time will tell.

1. No curved sensor (would a future model gain a lot, e.g. corner performance?)

Uh, I might not be right here, but to actually utilize a curved sensor, you might also need redesigned lenses. At least those which focus to the non-curved plane sensor. So not gonna happen.

Perhaps not?

Loading…

spectrum.ieee.org

Edge/corner improvement on current 'fabled' lenses?

Curved sensor realization?

At this point, I am rather satisfied with the A7ii (not R), and am wondering what a -iii model will bring (BSI, AA-less sensor?).

AA seems to be the domain of the A7R series so far, but yes, most likely all next A7 cameras will incorporate BSI. I wonder what a A7S could do with BSI...

But, is it truly a 'game changer'?

Well, not globally, but I guess it depends on your game

Frankly though, I doubt I'll change to the A7Sii, if it only comes with IBIS, BSI and 4K, though that depends on exactly how much better BSI can make the already impressive low-light sensor, and exactly how good the 4K is. If it becomes heavier though, I do not know.

--
Cheers,
Henry

 

[Zapirian]

And a mode lock button!

 

[Stephen787]

I am most impress with these features

1) Sony says the on-sensor phase-detection AF can be used with A-mount lenses using the simpler LA-E3 adapter, rather than the LA-E4 that had an SLT mechanism built in. At the press launch in New York we even got a glimpse of the a7R II autofocusing Canon EF lenses using a Metabones electronic adapter. Focus appeared to be on par with OVF focus on a native Canon body, and the AF experience itself didn't appear to be limited simply because you're using a third party lens (full coverage and tracking are available).

That means that canon lenses with metabones have quick focusing speed.

2) fully electronic silent shutter

3) 4k full crop mode

EAT that canon and nikon. Your days are over.

 

[thamer08]

1. In camera AF, even with Metabones Canon, or Sony A-mount LA-EA3, adapt

still wait to see confirmation tests to see the af improved in canon adapted lenses

if they work at least like canon 6d focus i will move completely from canon to sony



--

thamer 08

Explore thamer 08’s 375 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[Stephen787]

1. In camera AF, even with Metabones Canon, or Sony A-mount LA-EA3, adapt

still wait to see confirmation tests to see the af improved in canon adapted lenses

if they work at least like canon 6d focus i will move completely from canon to sony

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thamer_2008/

are you saying that the dpreview journalist tell lies on their website in their forum.

They said they saw A7RII with metabones, canon lens as fast as on canon DSLR in liveview mode.

 

[ttran88]

1. In camera AF, even with Metabones Canon, or Sony A-mount LA-EA3, adapt

still wait to see confirmation tests to see the af improved in canon adapted lenses

if they work at least like canon 6d focus i will move completely from canon to sony

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thamer_2008/

are you saying that the dpreview journalist tell lies on their website in their forum.

They said they saw A7RII with metabones, canon lens as fast as on canon DSLR in liveview mode.

No not Canon live view mode, that would still be slow. As fast as through OVF











--
Too legit to quit.

 

[val1]

I am most impress with these features

1) Sony says the on-sensor phase-detection AF can be used with A-mount lenses using the simpler LA-E3 adapter, rather than the LA-E4 that had an SLT mechanism built in. At the press launch in New York we even got a glimpse of the a7R II autofocusing Canon EF lenses using a Metabones electronic adapter. Focus appeared to be on par with OVF focus on a native Canon body, and the AF experience itself didn't appear to be limited simply because you're using a third party lens (full coverage and tracking are available).

That means that canon lenses with metabones have quick focusing speed.

2) fully electronic silent shutter

3) 4k full crop mode

EAT that canon and nikon. Your days are over.

yeah.. the BSI sensor, better shutter, and real AF with other lenses are the big items for me. I am actually sad these items did not make it into the A7II. I don't really care about the 42 mpx. I would be happier with better low light ant 24mpx. The ability to use nikon lenses with AF is a massive selling point for me.

 

[padam19]

yeah.. the BSI sensor, better shutter, and real AF with other lenses are the big items for me. I am actually sad these items did not make it into the A7II. I don't really care about the 42 mpx. I would be happier with better low light ant 24mpx. The ability to use nikon lenses with AF is a massive selling point for me.

The high megapixel/small pixel size is needed for the back-illuminated technology.

There is a reason why the RX100s (from M2) and the NX1 have high megapixels.

Nikon lenses won't work that way, they don't have electronic aperture, etc. that the Canon lenses have.

I don't understand why people think it is a key feature rather than a nice addition as the AF (especially continous AF) will be infinitely better on the newer Sony lenses. Sony knows this, that is why it is not restricted.

 

[Stephen787]

same speed as OVP? No that will be a bridge too far. I doubt it. I do not expect it to. To me it is not important and i think never gotta happen. That is my opinion.

 

[Stephen787]

I am most impress with these features

1) Sony says the on-sensor phase-detection AF can be used with A-mount lenses using the simpler LA-E3 adapter, rather than the LA-E4 that had an SLT mechanism built in. At the press launch in New York we even got a glimpse of the a7R II autofocusing Canon EF lenses using a Metabones electronic adapter. Focus appeared to be on par with OVF focus on a native Canon body, and the AF experience itself didn't appear to be limited simply because you're using a third party lens (full coverage and tracking are available).

That means that canon lenses with metabones have quick focusing speed.

2) fully electronic silent shutter

3) 4k full crop mode

EAT that canon and nikon. Your days are over.

yeah.. the BSI sensor, better shutter, and real AF with other lenses are the big items for me. I am actually sad these items did not make it into the A7II. I don't really care about the 42 mpx. I would be happier with better low light ant 24mpx. The ability to use nikon lenses with AF is a massive selling point for me.

not going to happen for nikon lens for mirrorless. unless nikon make a true mirrorless camera.

 

[Sam_Oslo]

The ability to use nikon lenses with AF is a massive selling point for me.

It will be exiting to see a good test for Nikon lenses, but it looks promising for Nikon too. Because if this new PDAF works fine with Canon lenses, there is a good chance for doing fine with most/all other brands too, theoretically.

Sony seams to be opening the E-mount for Canon users (and probabley everybody else too) to use their lenses with high AF performance on E-Mount. In case, this will open a huge choice of new lenses for E-mount too.

 

[NumberOne]

And a mode lock button!

...Which was never needed, IMO - The old button was working fine and never changed the intended position after many thousand shot and many hundred entering/leaving the photo bag!

A useless gizmo/marketing thing, if you ask me...

All the best,
Pedro

 

[SirSeth]

[No message]

 

[Zapirian]

And a mode lock button!

...Which was never needed, IMO - The old button was working fine and never changed the intended position after many thousand shot and many hundred entering/leaving the photo bag!

A useless gizmo/marketing thing, if you ask me...

All the best,
Pedro

Yeah, I'd have rather had the lock button on the exposure comp dial

Just mentioned it as I never saw it mentioned in the details.

 

[Nex man]

http://ilovehatephoto.com/2015/06/10/top-7-game-changing-features-of-the-sony-a7rii/

Let's try:

1. In camera AF, even with Metabones Canon, or Sony A-mount LA-EA3, adapter

Not new. Other mirrorless systems already do this.

1. 5-axis IBIS

Not new. A7II, Olympus, FZ1000, Pentax

1. Improved, highest magnification, resolution, aspherical EVF unit

TBD - wait for tests and reviews

1. 500k cycle electronic front curtain shutter

TBD - wait for tests and reviews

1. 4k video and 120 fps slow motion HD

Not new. Numbers cameras (including ILCs) have this.

1. FF 42Mp BSI CMOS sensor ISO104k wo/AA

Possibly a big deal, but wait for the tests/reviews

1. Fast 399-point PDAF

If it works in low light unlike my NEX PDAF, this could be the best new feature. But other cameras already have PDAF points in the hundreds so nothing revolutionary.

Don't get me wrong, if I could get any camera for free, this would be it, but let's not go overboard.

 

[Sush15]

also its high ISO capabilities looks interesting? Could it be a marriage of A7S and A7R?

 

[NumberOne]

http://ilovehatephoto.com/2015/06/10/top-7-game-changing-features-of-the-sony-a7rii/

Let's try:

1. In camera AF, even with Metabones Canon, or Sony A-mount LA-EA3, adapter

Not new. Other mirrorless systems already do this.

1. 5-axis IBIS

Not new. A7II, Olympus, FZ1000, Pentax

1. Improved, highest magnification, resolution, aspherical EVF unit

TBD - wait for tests and reviews

1. 500k cycle electronic front curtain shutter

TBD - wait for tests and reviews

1. 4k video and 120 fps slow motion HD

Not new. Numbers cameras (including ILCs) have this.

1. FF 42Mp BSI CMOS sensor ISO104k wo/AA

Possibly a big deal, but wait for the tests/reviews

1. Fast 399-point PDAF

If it works in low light unlike my NEX PDAF, this could be the best new feature. But other cameras already have PDAF points in the hundreds so nothing revolutionary.

Don't get me wrong, if I could get any camera for free, this would be it, but let's not go overboard.

Maybe you look at the purchase of this camera as TBD, also, I guess...


All the best,
Pedro