Questions for A7 series shooters

[eeper]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

1. What are your favorite subjects?
2. Favorite features about the camera
3. Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc
4. Video, ease of use (focus, manual or auto)
5. Auto focus speed for photos
6. Any one using it with the canon lens adapter
7. Largest prints you've done from it
8. Fun factor
9. Favorite lenses a-mount or native e-mount

So many people are focused (pardon the pun) on the specs, I'm actually more concerned about the fun factor, breadth of uses, depths of functionality. What images that you've taken that really excite you, they don't have to be photo contest winners, just images that you love that make you happy with your A7s, or A7 or A7r.

I'm leaning more to the A7s because I'm doing more low light videography however I'm open to suggestions. I take a ton of pictures also. I like to take more nature oriented photos, sunsets, stormy skies, mountains, flowers, etc, but also do a fair amount of kids, people.

I might be blowing some of the prints to 24x36 canvases, some might be professional some are for fun. The professional uses would be second shooter for my wife's photography business (she shoots with the canon 6d). The fun are for personal pictures, but also my wife and volunteer at various places so we take a lot of pictures that some have been printed to hang on walls celebrating events.

I've thought about other camera's but the a7 series keeps coming to the top of the list, so I wanted to hear your thoughts about how the A7 series, why you love it or hate it.

 

[dave46978]

People here are interested in equipment, because this is a equipment forum, not a photo gallery. Most of us post here because we like our equipment. Do a search on all of these subjects and I am sure that you will fine what you are looking for.

 

[pixelpushing]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

What are your favorite subjects?

Bugs, animals, people, night street and cityscape type shots, urban decay, fun lighting.

Favorite features about the camera

Big FF sensor provides great dynamic, color and tonal range in a greater variety of applications than I got from APS-C. 24MP (A7) is good, the looks and build of the thing are great. Ergonomics I'd give a B+ to, but it's so configurable that if you spend a while learning it, you'll get the buttons and display set just how you need them.

Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc

There are, but I think weddings are stretching the limits of the system at present, vis-a-vis AF performance in lower light and overall speed of use.

As a second body to a 6D, though, I think it'd be great. Small enough but still packing every bit the visual punch of the Canon, IMO.

 

[eeper]

People here are interested in equipment, because this is a equipment forum, not a photo gallery. Most of us post here because we like our equipment. Do a search on all of these subjects and I am sure that you will fine what you are looking for.

 

[dave46978]

People here are interested in equipment, because this is a equipment forum, not a photo gallery. Most of us post here because we like our equipment. Do a search on all of these subjects and I am sure that you will fine what you are looking for.

 

[blue_skies]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

• What are your favorite subjects?

People, nature, activities, social, travel, architecture

• Favorite features about the camera

Enables use of legacy lenses without a crop factor

• Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc

There are, the A7s is highly recommended for its ability to AF well in low light with native FE lenses

• Video, ease of use (focus, manual or auto)

Same as A6000

• Auto focus speed for photos

Better than Nex-6, not quite as swift as A6000

• Any one using it with the canon lens adapter

Not me, but many do

• Largest prints you've done from it

A4

• Fun factor

High, but size is above A6000

• Favorite lenses a-mount or native e-mount

FE35Z

So many people are focused (pardon the pun) on the specs, I'm actually more concerned about the fun factor, breadth of uses, depths of functionality. What images that you've taken that really excite you, they don't have to be photo contest winners, just images that you love that make you happy with your A7s, or A7 or A7r.

Typically, extend past what can be done in APS-C - low light, shallow DOF, noise, shift-lens, etc.

I'm leaning more to the A7s because I'm doing more low light videography however I'm open to suggestions. I take a ton of pictures also. I like to take more nature oriented photos, sunsets, stormy skies, mountains, flowers, etc, but also do a fair amount of kids, people.

If 12Mp images are sufficient for you...

I might be blowing some of the prints to 24x36 canvases, some might be professional some are for fun. The professional uses would be second shooter for my wife's photography business (she shoots with the canon 6d). The fun are for personal pictures, but also my wife and volunteer at various places so we take a lot of pictures that some have been printed to hang on walls celebrating events.

If canvas, get at least the A7. But if weddings, the A7s is very attractive as a 2nd still/video camera.

I've thought about other camera's but the a7 series keeps coming to the top of the list, so I wanted to hear your thoughts about how the A7 series, why you love it or hate it.

The A7 is the most allround A7-series model. The A7r gives you Resolution, and the A7s gives you Sensitivity. For your usage applications, take a closer look at the A7s. (Again, it is a great 2nd camera for weddings - video and low light stills).

People images with the A7s can be enlarged quite well, for architecture/nature, I would recommend at least the A7.

The A6000 is a great travel camera, and can hold its own, if you are fine with APS-C.

--
If pictures speak a thousands words, how many words
would a picture of a dictionary speak.

--
Cheers,
Henry

 

[eeper]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

What are your favorite subjects?

Bugs, animals, people, night street and cityscape type shots, urban decay, fun lighting.

Every time I've tried cityscapes, it didn't turn out too well Sounds like if I get an A7 I may have to go try it again.

Favorite features about the camera

Big FF sensor provides great dynamic, color and tonal range in a greater variety of applications than I got from APS-C. 24MP (A7) is good, the looks and build of the thing are great. Ergonomics I'd give a B+ to, but it's so configurable that if you spend a while learning it, you'll get the buttons and display set just how you need them.

Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc

There are, but I think weddings are stretching the limits of the system at present, vis-a-vis AF performance in lower light and overall speed of use.

Autofocus speed, how good is it, and in low light, how low before it starts hunting?

As a second body to a 6D, though, I think it'd be great. Small enough but still packing every bit the visual punch of the Canon, IMO.

 

[eeper]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

• What are your favorite subjects?

People, nature, activities, social, travel, architecture

• Favorite features about the camera

Enables use of legacy lenses without a crop factor

• Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc

There are, the A7s is highly recommended for its ability to AF well in low light with native FE lenses

• Video, ease of use (focus, manual or auto)

Same as A6000

• Auto focus speed for photos

Better than Nex-6, not quite as swift as A6000

• Any one using it with the canon lens adapter

Not me, but many do

• Largest prints you've done from it

A4

• Fun factor

High, but size is above A6000

• Favorite lenses a-mount or native e-mount

FE35Z

this one? http://store.sony.com/sonnar-t-fe-3...All-Full-Frame-E-Mount-Lenses?_t=pfm=category

So many people are focused (pardon the pun) on the specs, I'm actually more concerned about the fun factor, breadth of uses, depths of functionality. What images that you've taken that really excite you, they don't have to be photo contest winners, just images that you love that make you happy with your A7s, or A7 or A7r.

Typically, extend past what can be done in APS-C - low light, shallow DOF, noise, shift-lens, etc.

I'm leaning more to the A7s because I'm doing more low light videography however I'm open to suggestions. I take a ton of pictures also. I like to take more nature oriented photos, sunsets, stormy skies, mountains, flowers, etc, but also do a fair amount of kids, people.

If 12Mp images are sufficient for you...

I might be blowing some of the prints to 24x36 canvases, some might be professional some are for fun. The professional uses would be second shooter for my wife's photography business (she shoots with the canon 6d). The fun are for personal pictures, but also my wife and volunteer at various places so we take a lot of pictures that some have been printed to hang on walls celebrating events.

If canvas, get at least the A7. But if weddings, the A7s is very attractive as a 2nd still/video camera.

I've thought about other camera's but the a7 series keeps coming to the top of the list, so I wanted to hear your thoughts about how the A7 series, why you love it or hate it.

The A7 is the most allround A7-series model. The A7r gives you Resolution, and the A7s gives you Sensitivity. For your usage applications, take a closer look at the A7s. (Again, it is a great 2nd camera for weddings - video and low light stills).

People images with the A7s can be enlarged quite well, for architecture/nature, I would recommend at least the A7.

I read that a7 has pdaf and contrast, does the a7r and a7s have pdaf also?

The A6000 is a great travel camera, and can hold its own, if you are fine with APS-C.

--
If pictures speak a thousands words, how many words
would a picture of a dictionary speak.

--
Cheers,
Henry

--
If pictures speak a thousands words, how many words
would a picture of a dictionary speak.

 

[itsKalan]

Here's a shot i did for an office in Dallas. It's a huge print. I forget specifically how large, i think it's around 20 ft long and 14 high? Not sure, but it looks good and the company was satisfied!

I love working with models. Mostly portrait work for local agencies.
itskalan.com

The wifi on the camera is what I use daily. Snapping photos i like and sending them to my phone.

Video with the a7 is great. It doesn't shoot RAW video. But it gives full control of settings.. Good stuff.

Despite everyone complaining about the optics, my favorite lens so far is the 24-70mm. I typically prefer primes, but as I've been getting more work for companies, I like to focus on shooting rather than switching lenses to get the preferred look.

 

[neil holmes]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

Mine is an A7 .....I want an A7s in a few months (though starting to think I don't need it as I love my current camera).

1. What are your favorite subjects?

Live music and some sports, but will try anything and everything. Birds (perched mostly) and zoo type shots maybe. Often take the A7 with me for walks.

1. Favorite features about the camera

The EVF with peaking and magnification and being able to take just about ANY lens is why I got the camera (with a FF sensor). I love the variable digital zoom (clearzoom at least up to 2x) and being able to use it on the fly ...especially for video.

1. Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc

I am sure there are but I am not one of them.

1. Video, ease of use (focus, manual or auto)

The A7s is just about the best HD video camera going at or below its price point.

All the A7 cameras are at least good with video. The normal A7 and A7R can have things like moire and aliasing but mostly it is still fine.

As for ease of use, focus peaking, zebras, mic and headphones (both live and lip sync), being able to use digital zoom while filming (use a fast prime as a zoom), being able to magnify to check focus (4x with my A7) while filming........even if the image quality is a touch behind some APSC cameras, all the video features and controls make even the A7 and a7R great video cameras for most people.....higher end users will love the A7s. Oh and they all can use APSC mode and FF mode for stills and video.

There is also for the A7 series cameras (and some others like the A6000 and A5100 and more) the $10 Live View grading App that allows MUCH MUCH MUCH more control over colour ETC for video.

I could literally use 1000 different combinations every single day for 10 straight years and still have used around one percent of combinations.

-3 to +3 Contrast, -7 to +7 for Saturation, Sharpness, Colour Temp, Colour Tint, and Colour Depth for each of Red Blue and Green (separately).

1. Auto focus speed for photos

I only have the A7 kit lens and focus is fast accurate and it is a great lens.

My A7 AF works to EV0 (as does the metering).

The A7s AF works to EV -4

1. Any one using it with the canon lens adapter

Not EF (Though old manual focus FD L lenses are some of my favourites...85 1.2 and 24 1.4 especially).

1. Largest prints you've done from it

None yet that I have ....some of my sports shots printed in the local Newspaper (reasonable circulation 6 day) at quarter page.

1. Fun factor

My other cameras x 10 (Pentax Q maybe excepted...though that is fun for different reasons).

1. Favorite lenses a-mount or native e-mount

Only one so far (kit lens).

Will get a Zeiss 55 1.8 and also a 50 1.8 OSS (will use with a little digital zoom stabilized for video mainly).

Thinking about a A mount Zeiss 135 1.8 with LA-EA4 but probably a 135 APO f2 in Nikon mount instead.

Later the 16-35 f4 maybe if I have any money left.

So many people are focused (pardon the pun) on the specs, I'm actually more concerned about the fun factor, breadth of uses, depths of functionality. What images that you've taken that really excite you, they don't have to be photo contest winners, just images that you love that make you happy with your A7s, or A7 or A7r.

I have had some sports photos published

I have given a few band shots to the bands (Blues/rock) with the A7

Am shooting the local Jazz and Blues festival this weekend (my seventh year I think) and first time with the A7....really looking forward to this (though for the first time can not shoot the whole thing and it is a bit smaller this year).

I'm leaning more to the A7s because I'm doing more low light videography however I'm open to suggestions. I take a ton of pictures also. I like to take more nature oriented photos, sunsets, stormy skies, mountains, flowers, etc, but also do a fair amount of kids, people.

A7s by far for videos but that is for serious videos....for family stuff or even a bit more even the A7 is great for video......I shot a video of a young friend at drum practice a couple of days ago....I am now thinking that I don't need an A7s as the A7 is great (at my level).....maybe in a couple of years I can justify whatever will be current then but right now, the A7 is no slouch at video.

Thinking of uploading my friends drum practice to Youtube but not sure if she wants it on-line.

I might be blowing some of the prints to 24x36 canvases, some might be professional some are for fun. The professional uses would be second shooter for my wife's photography business (she shoots with the canon 6d). The fun are for personal pictures, but also my wife and volunteer at various places so we take a lot of pictures that some have been printed to hang on walls celebrating events.

I've thought about other camera's but the a7 series keeps coming to the top of the list, so I wanted to hear your thoughts about how the A7 series, why you love it or hate it.

A7 is my favourite all time camera to date.

--
If pictures speak a thousands words, how many words
would a picture of a dictionary speak.

The A7 cameras are not perfect.....only the normal A7 can focus track a anything more than around 2 fps.

So if AF tracking is your thing avoid them (the normal A7 is actually ok with focus tracking even at 5fps IF the subject is not super quick and the light level is above EV0.

A7 normal and A7R are not the stealthiest of cameras.....A7s has silent mode.

 

[pixelpushing]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

What are your favorite subjects?

Bugs, animals, people, night street and cityscape type shots, urban decay, fun lighting.

Every time I've tried cityscapes, it didn't turn out too well Sounds like if I get an A7 I may have to go try it again.

It helps to have a good lens and a good vantage point

Oh, and a city!

Favorite features about the camera

Big FF sensor provides great dynamic, color and tonal range in a greater variety of applications than I got from APS-C. 24MP (A7) is good, the looks and build of the thing are great. Ergonomics I'd give a B+ to, but it's so configurable that if you spend a while learning it, you'll get the buttons and display set just how you need them.

Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc

There are, but I think weddings are stretching the limits of the system at present, vis-a-vis AF performance in lower light and overall speed of use.

Autofocus speed, how good is it, and in low light, how low before it starts hunting?

Sony claims 0EV is the lower end of the AF range. That's not terribly low compared to some other mirrorless cameras out there, I'd say night indoors with average to low lighting is when it starts becoming an issue.

 

[eeper]

Thank you for the response, sounds like it's pretty awesome camera. Concerts sound like a lot of fun to take photos at. Focus seems like it will work fine for what I need.

If pictures speak a thousands words, how many words
would a picture of a dictionary speak.

 

[jalywol]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

1. What are your favorite subjects?

Old architecture, landscape, macro.

1. Favorite features about the camera

Wonderful IQ in a lightweight body that I can hold and carry comfortably for long periods of time without fatigue.

1. Video, ease of use (focus, manual or auto)

I am a stills shooter only, sorry .

1. Auto focus speed for photos

Depends on what you are coming from. It's slower than M43, but not bad, and after working with it for a couple of weeks (coming from M43), I now no longer notice it being slow. The LAEA4 with current design Sony A mount lenses is also quite fast (it's slower with older Minolta lenses, but still acceptable also).

1. Any one using it with the canon lens adapter

No, I am just using the LAEA4, which is really good, and also some cheap non-electronic adapters for my legacy Nikon and Yashica lenses.

1. Largest prints you've done from it

11x14 so far.

1. Fun factor

Extremely enjoyable camera to use.

1. Favorite lenses a-mount or native e-mount

I have the 24-70mm FE mount, and the A-mount 70-300mm. I think the 24-70mm gets a bum rap, as I have been very pleased with its output overall. However, I do most of my shooting in the 70-300mm range, and the Sony 70-300mm is one heck of a good lens. I am really happy with what I have been getting from it.

I am hoping that the rumored 90mm macro is announced soon, as I really would like to have a native mount macro in that focal length to work with (I have a 55mm ancient Nikon that is a great lens, plus a 50mm f2.8 Minolta which is also quite good (but has older AF mechanism so it is not as fast to AF as most recently designed lenses). Both will do until the 90mm is released, but I really am looking forward to it.

So many people are focused (pardon the pun) on the specs, I'm actually more concerned about the fun factor, breadth of uses, depths of functionality. What images that you've taken that really excite you, they don't have to be photo contest winners, just images that you love that make you happy with your A7s, or A7 or A7r.

Here are a few that I particularly like:

























-J

 

[eeper]

Wow, I love those pictures, thank you for sharing. I was looking at the weight of the A7 series, at .9 lbs that is amazing to get that type of image quality from something so small.

I'm thinking of the FE 55mm 1.8 as my first lens or the 24-70mm F4, along with the metabones IV adapter for my canon lens (my wife has the 21mm zeiss for her 6d, drool). That way I'll have a native lens. I love primes, for a long time my wife didn't understand why I enjoy them so much, then she started using the 25mm f1.4 on her e-m1. There is something to be said about the simplicity, you look, if you don't like the composition you physically move.

Here are a couple pics of what I like to take for fun.




MT Si at sun rise, I set the camera on interval at 10 seconds between shots in hopes to capture something like this.




Small little waterfall at Butchart Gardens




A beautiful flower at Butchart Gardens.




A nice sunset at rattlesnake lake.

The dynamic range of the a7s would be nice for the sunrise and sunset pics.

--
If pictures speak a thousands words, how many words
would a picture of a dictionary speak.

 

[eeper]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

1. What are your favorite subjects?
2. Favorite features about the camera
3. Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc
4. Video, ease of use (focus, manual or auto)
5. Auto focus speed for photos
6. Any one using it with the canon lens adapter
7. Largest prints you've done from it
8. Fun factor
9. Favorite lenses a-mount or native e-mount

So many people are focused (pardon the pun) on the specs, I'm actually more concerned about the fun factor, breadth of uses, depths of functionality. What images that you've taken that really excite you, they don't have to be photo contest winners, just images that you love that make you happy with your A7s, or A7 or A7r.

I'm leaning more to the A7s because I'm doing more low light videography however I'm open to suggestions. I take a ton of pictures also. I like to take more nature oriented photos, sunsets, stormy skies, mountains, flowers, etc, but also do a fair amount of kids, people.

I might be blowing some of the prints to 24x36 canvases, some might be professional some are for fun. The professional uses would be second shooter for my wife's photography business (she shoots with the canon 6d). The fun are for personal pictures, but also my wife and volunteer at various places so we take a lot of pictures that some have been printed to hang on walls celebrating events.

I've thought about other camera's but the a7 series keeps coming to the top of the list, so I wanted to hear your thoughts about how the A7 series, why you love it or hate it.

 

[Beaverhelmet]

I shoot with an A7R.

What are your favorite subjects?

People, everyday life, social gatherings.

Favorite features about the camera

It's inconspicuous and works magic with legacy glass.

Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc

Aerial shots from octocopter.

Video, ease of use (focus, manual or auto)

Have mostly used Black Magic (BMCC, BMPCC, BMPC) so far, but will most likely get the A7S for specific jobs.

Auto focus speed for photos

No importance since I always MF.

Any one using it with the canon lens adapter

Yes, Metabones.

Largest prints you've done from it

3x2 meters on fabric. A B/W conversion, and yes, it looked really good.

Fun factor

Absolutely. I use my A7R on a daily basis as a very exclusive snapshot camera.

Favorite lenses a-mount or native e-mount

E-mount adapted Contax and Rollei SLR glass.

 

[Martin Muehlemann]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

1. What are your favorite subjects?

Family, landscapes and zoo

1. Favorite features about the camera

Sweep pano, focus peeking, 100pps XAVC, high ISO IQ

1. Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc

I don't have any A7r right now. So I would not go with A7s due to print size.
Model shooting for my own enjoyment, yes.

1. Video, ease of use (focus, manual or auto)

Autofocus is great and the A7s handles this perfectly with the FE 70-200G

1. Auto focus speed for photos

AF works very well. No issues so far, even in almost full darkness

1. Any one using it with the canon lens adapter

Yes, the Smartadapter MB4 for my 100L Marco and 300L IS rpim lens

1. Largest prints you've done from it

A3

1. Fun factor

Very cool

1. Favorite lenses a-mount or native e-mount

FE 55, FE 24-70, FE 70-200

For sure I will get the Loxia 35/2

So many people are focused (pardon the pun) on the specs, I'm actually more concerned about the fun factor, breadth of uses, depths of functionality. What images that you've taken that really excite you, they don't have to be photo contest winners, just images that you love that make you happy with your A7s, or A7 or A7r.

I'm leaning more to the A7s because I'm doing more low light videography however I'm open to suggestions. I take a ton of pictures also. I like to take more nature oriented photos, sunsets, stormy skies, mountains, flowers, etc, but also do a fair amount of kids, people.

I might be blowing some of the prints to 24x36 canvases, some might be professional some are for fun. The professional uses would be second shooter for my wife's photography business (she shoots with the canon 6d). The fun are for personal pictures, but also my wife and volunteer at various places so we take a lot of pictures that some have been printed to hang on walls celebrating events.

I've thought about other camera's but the a7 series keeps coming to the top of the list, so I wanted to hear your thoughts about how the A7 series, why you love it or hate it.

 

[eeper]

Thank you all for your comments, they really helped me out. I decided to go for the a7s, with the 55mm 1.8 and a metabones IV adapter for the canon lenses. Everything should be here next week, I'll post some pictures as soon as I get the camera.

 

[PVCdroid]

I have a few questions for those that shoot with the a7s.

What are your favorite subjects?

Bugs, animals, people, night street and cityscape type shots, urban decay, fun lighting.

Favorite features about the camera

Big FF sensor provides great dynamic, color and tonal range in a greater variety of applications than I got from APS-C. 24MP (A7) is good, the looks and build of the thing are great. Ergonomics I'd give a B+ to, but it's so configurable that if you spend a while learning it, you'll get the buttons and display set just how you need them.

Any professionals using the a7s, a7,a7r for portraits, weddings, etc

There are, but I think weddings are stretching the limits of the system at present, vis-a-vis AF performance in lower light and overall speed of use.

As a second body to a 6D, though, I think it'd be great. Small enough but still packing every bit the visual punch of the Canon, IMO.

Bug photography is a real turn off for me for some reason. I have never had an interest in them and usually stay away from the 500px macro section because of all the creepy bugs. I do like macro phototography and look for things to photograph, just not bugs. I'm a guy but was just never was interested in bugs. You can tell that about 95% of bug photogs are guys.

 

[eeper]

I usually don't photograph bugs unless they're really interesting or different from what I see on a day to day. Sometimes I'll capture a bee on a flower with the pollen showing on their legs. Since I'm allergic I need to stay farther back.

With macro I really love the patterns in leaves, or water, or flowers. Something about dew drops on a flower really fascinates me.