Wondering if I should have just gotten a second a7cr...

[jhunna]

There are a few features I wish the a7cr could provide that it currently doesn't:

1. Pre-capture
2. A7RV rear screen.
3. Eye-shade for the EVF.
4. Built in Arca Swiss in the included grip.
5. Open Gate and/or 8k video.
6. Blackmagic Raw.
   

Obviously none of these are deal breakers, but I have purchased the GFX100RF, and it doesn't do any of these things, yet it is pretty much a perfect EDC photography camera. I love this thing. BUT I also love systems, and Sony has the ideal system. I have considered moving to all Fuji because of the same battery and flash systems, in particular I was looking at the Fuji x-h2s because of the fast shutter, and the Fuji 56/1.2 lens while not as good as the 50GM1.2 is really freaking good. And yes, I have some what fallen for the "Fuji look" especially how it handles high iso noise (less color noise than Sony).


If I like the GFX100RF why the second thoughts? I just realized that now that I have TWO cameras to shoot I would have been set with adding the a7cr/24G for everyday shooting. And I could have added the second camera when I went to an event, or traveled or needed to change views. Let me list the lens pairings that would have solved all my issues.

• 24GM and 50GM (event photography with the big flash on the 24GM and the smaller flash on the 50GM)
• 24G and 50G (every day carry options for the smallest kit possible and replaces my 1655G better than the 2070G can)
• 2070G and 70200G2 (Travel and video options at f4)

Add the big Sony Flash, some TCLs and the Stereo microphone and I think this kit holds up incredibly well. The only "dream" lenses missing are the 14GM and the 300GM.

I have to admit the GFX100RF is the catalyst that made me put this together. Primarily because I know what I am giving up when using just the A7CR. The RF produces gorgeous photos and has shown me that the "perfect photos" from the Sony aren't always the most enjoyable photos.

Any rate, just wanted to share, that once I released the idea of having just "one" camera to do it all, everything seemed to fall into place.

 

[Matt2134]

If you ever did go the X-H2s route, consider the 50mm 1.0 instead. That lens just renders so beautifully. The one you mention is technically sharper and probably on paper the 'better' lens, but man, the 1.0 is a gorgeous thing.

I used it as a walkaround on the X-H2S when out walking with my wife and always loved the look of it - these are just snaps, but that was what I used it for (though it was also good in the studio as it isn't super clinical wide open and so nice on skin!)

 

[jhunna]

The next thing I am going to rent is the x-h2s, and I will make sure I add the 50/1 to the order. I am waiting for the 1740/1.8 to be available for rent (or maybe I get the Tamron 1770/2.8) But what I liked was that the 56/1.2 has a 67 mm thread.

If I did go with Fuji the Sigma 16-300 is a must have do everything. It was surprisingly good in both photo and video. But an 18300 Tamron should also be pretty good.

 

[CamerEyes]

There are a few features I wish the a7cr could provide that it currently doesn't:

1. Pre-capture
2. A7RV rear screen.
3. Eye-shade for the EVF.
4. Built in Arca Swiss in the included grip.
5. Open Gate and/or 8k video.
6. Blackmagic Raw.

Obviously none of these are deal breakers, but I have purchased the GFX100RF, and it doesn't do any of these things, yet it is pretty much a perfect EDC photography camera. I love this thing. BUT I also love systems, and Sony has the ideal system. I have considered moving to all Fuji because of the same battery and flash systems, in particular I was looking at the Fuji x-h2s because of the fast shutter, and the Fuji 56/1.2 lens while not as good as the 50GM1.2 is really freaking good. And yes, I have some what fallen for the "Fuji look" especially how it handles high iso noise (less color noise than Sony).

If I like the GFX100RF why the second thoughts? I just realized that now that I have TWO cameras to shoot I would have been set with adding the a7cr/24G for everyday shooting. And I could have added the second camera when I went to an event, or traveled or needed to change views. Let me list the lens pairings that would have solved all my issues.

• 24GM and 50GM (event photography with the big flash on the 24GM and the smaller flash on the 50GM)
• 24G and 50G (every day carry options for the smallest kit possible and replaces my 1655G better than the 2070G can)
• 2070G and 70200G2 (Travel and video options at f4)

Add the big Sony Flash, some TCLs and the Stereo microphone and I think this kit holds up incredibly well. The only "dream" lenses missing are the 14GM and the 300GM.

I have to admit the GFX100RF is the catalyst that made me put this together. Primarily because I know what I am giving up when using just the A7CR. The RF produces gorgeous photos and has shown me that the "perfect photos" from the Sony aren't always the most enjoyable photos.
Any rate, just wanted to share, that once I released the idea of having just "one" camera to do it all, everything seemed to fall into place.

I am now invested in Sony full frame (A7CR) and Fuji cropped sensor (X-H2). I did tinker with the idea of moving to the GFX system of Fuji. Maybe 3-5 years down the road.

For now, what I have is more than enough. And yes, why not just grab an A7CR? It’s one heck of a camera!

 

[LouMeluso]

I had similar questions back in film days when I maintained and used three complete camera systems - 4x5, 2/1/4, and 35mm. You enjoy the benefits of higher image quality, but it comes at a cost of other desirable features.

But sometimes, new gear, new format, new optics can be creatively expanding. If it gets you shooting, and the costs can be managed without stress...do it! It's a real luxury to be able to pick and choose from a set of good imaging tools.

I've come full circle and now strive for a simple, compact, minimal kit - A7CR with one lens for most things. Happy choosing!

 

[jhunna]

I had similar questions back in film days when I maintained and used three complete camera systems - 4x5, 2/1/4, and 35mm. You enjoy the benefits of higher image quality, but it comes at a cost of other desirable features.

But sometimes, new gear, new format, new optics can be creatively expanding. If it gets you shooting, and the costs can be managed without stress...do it! It's a real luxury to be able to pick and choose from a set of good imaging tools.

I've come full circle and now strive for a simple, compact, minimal kit - A7CR with one lens for most things. Happy choosing!

This is sort of where I am with the the RF. I am just taking it everywhere and getting really good photos. That's actually enough for my enjoyment, everything else is for others. Ie event photography or sports.

The biggest difference is that getting good photos is easy with Sony. But the photos taken with the RF are more interesting.

 

[dazzerfong]

You basically just keep describing the A1M2 without describing the A1M2.

Just swallow the viewfinder hump and buy it - you're just wasting your money and time circling around it.

Or if you're open to switching systems, believe the R5M2 is even closer with the possibility of video raw.

 

[jhunna]

You basically just keep describing the A1M2 without describing the A1M2.

No argument here. The only thing that holds me back is the value of the Nikon z8. I rented it and went back to look at my photos, and they were really good with the 28-400 superzoom.

Just swallow the viewfinder hump and buy it - you're just wasting your money and time circling around it.

Now that I have my RF I am less averse to the hump, but still prefer the corner viewfinders.

Or if you're open to switching systems, believe the R5M2 is even closer with the possibility of video raw.

Fuji and Nikon both support RAW video in camera so both would be good.

On a side note: I know I share a lot of indecision about what I am going to do with the hobby, but there are so many good options and there isn't one system that really captures that vibe. Nikon just needs an RF style body that uses the 47MP sensor and some form of the 28/2 or 26/2 and I thinking I could land there comfortably. Considering I can use my 50GM1.2 glass and the 28400 on the z8 that's a hard combo to beat. That 28400 and z8 really is the ideal companion for the RF.

And maybe I just sell it all and use my m43 kit, to compliment the RF.

But in the meanwhile, as long as I have the energy, and I don't upset too many people, I will continue to share the adventure, and help those along the way when I can.

 

[Impulses]

You basically just keep describing the A1M2 without describing the A1M2.

No argument here. The only thing that holds me back is the value of the Nikon z8. I rented it and went back to look at my photos, and they were really good with the 28-400 superzoom.

Just swallow the viewfinder hump and buy it - you're just wasting your money and time circling around it.

Now that I have my RF I am less averse to the hump, but still prefer the corner viewfinders.

Or if you're open to switching systems, believe the R5M2 is even closer with the possibility of video raw.

Fuji and Nikon both support RAW video in camera so both would be good.

On a side note: I know I share a lot of indecision about what I am going to do with the hobby, but there are so many good options and there isn't one system that really captures that vibe. Nikon just needs an RF style body that uses the 47MP sensor and some form of the 28/2 or 26/2 and I thinking I could land there comfortably. Considering I can use my 50GM1.2 glass and the 28400 on the z8 that's a hard combo to beat. That 28400 and z8 really is the ideal companion for the RF.

And maybe I just sell it all and use my m43 kit, to compliment the RF.
But in the meanwhile, as long as I have the energy, and I don't upset too many people, I will continue to share the adventure, and help those along the way when I can.

It's interesting seeing you experiment! Personally I've been looking forward to adding a second E mount body for a while, but I'm not quite there yet. I kind of did so in a way when I got my partner an a6400, but haven't used it a lot myself... And I keep cursing the fact that a lot of festivals, concerts, and events now ban ILCs outright, sigh, but I really don't wanna buy an RX100 VII (so I've rented it a handful of times the last few years).

 

[JSalk53]

I used to be primarily a Sony 35mm sensor camera user. I had every generation of the A7R series. I also have most of the latest GM lenses.

That is till I tried the Fujifilm X-H1! I loved the experience and Fujifilm colors.
I updated the X-H1 to the X-H2S and it was a revelation! This is easily the best hybrid camera I have used.

Better than any Sony, and I have the A9III! Sony could have taken a page from The X-H2S and enabled comprehensive video features like in the X-H2S.

So, really this has put me in a spot where I have 2 systems X/GFX and FE. Not something I want to do.

i like both systems equally. But if I had to choose only one camera, I would go with the Sony A9III. It’s the greatest camera I have used in the last 35 years.

I paired it with the Tamron 35-150 2-2.8. This combo sings. Tamron has enabled 120fps with a firmware update. I am happy that Sony let them.

but if I started with Fujifilm, I would not use Sony. Take that however you want to.

 

[Matt2134]

I used to be primarily a Sony 35mm sensor camera user. I had every generation of the A7R series. I also have most of the latest GM lenses.

That is till I tried the Fujifilm X-H1! I loved the experience and Fujifilm colors.
I updated the X-H1 to the X-H2S and it was a revelation! This is easily the best hybrid camera I have used.

Better than any Sony, and I have the A9III! Sony could have taken a page from The X-H2S and enabled comprehensive video features like in the X-H2S.

So, really this has put me in a spot where I have 2 systems X/GFX and FE. Not something I want to do.

i like both systems equally. But if I had to choose only one camera, I would go with the Sony A9III. It’s the greatest camera I have used in the last 35 years.

I paired it with the Tamron 35-150 2-2.8. This combo sings. Tamron has enabled 120fps with a firmware update. I am happy that Sony let them.

but if I started with Fujifilm, I would not use Sony. Take that however you want to.

The A9iii really is spectacular isn't it. We have shot with very similar kit, over the last few years I have primarily used GFX100 series, X-H2S and A7RV. I love the Fuji aesthetic too, but the A9iii continually blows me away as the most capable and clever camera I have ever used - and I shoot no BIF, no action - but for artificial light and portraits and just about anything, it is incredible, much more versatile than people realise.

I hadn't realised that the Tamron could shoot 120FPS - that lens also has a quite unique rendering that I love, I shot one for a while on an A7Riv - I might have to think about getting another copy. More than many other lenses, I often seem to look at a shot and admire the look enough to wonder what it was shot with, just to find out it was that lens - I can't quite work out what quality it is, but it happens over and over. Big beast though!

 

[jhunna]

I used to be primarily a Sony 35mm sensor camera user. I had every generation of the A7R series. I also have most of the latest GM lenses.

That is till I tried the Fujifilm X-H1! I loved the experience and Fujifilm colors.
I updated the X-H1 to the X-H2S and it was a revelation! This is easily the best hybrid camera I have used.

Better than any Sony, and I have the A9III! Sony could have taken a page from The X-H2S and enabled comprehensive video features like in the X-H2S.

So, really this has put me in a spot where I have 2 systems X/GFX and FE. Not something I want to do.

i like both systems equally. But if I had to choose only one camera, I would go with the Sony A9III. It’s the greatest camera I have used in the last 35 years.

I paired it with the Tamron 35-150 2-2.8. This combo sings. Tamron has enabled 120fps with a firmware update. I am happy that Sony let them.

but if I started with Fujifilm, I would not use Sony. Take that however you want to.

You are confirming a lot of my biases. I love the idea of stacked sensors and global shutters. Do you mind answering a question for me?

Here are things I know I need:

4k60p video

Fast shutter speed

No rolling shutter

High flash sync speed

Fast portrait lens comparable to 50/1.2

Highly desirable but optional:

Open gate 60p or 8k60p

Pixelshift

Precapture

High native ISO for video

Which would you get to compliment the gfx100rf.

A9iii Tamron 36-150

xh2s and ???? Lens

Z8 and ??? Lens

I am leaning to the xh2s and sigma 16-300 or Nikon Z8 and 28-400

Thanks

 

[JSalk53]

The A9iii really is spectacular isn't it. We have shot with very similar kit, over the last few years I have primarily used GFX100 series, X-H2S and A7RV. I love the Fuji aesthetic too, but the A9iii continually blows me away as the most capable and clever camera I have ever used - and I shoot no BIF, no action - but for artificial light and portraits and just about anything, it is incredible, much more versatile than people realise.

I hadn't realised that the Tamron could shoot 120FPS - that lens also has a quite unique rendering that I love, I shot one for a while on an A7Riv - I might have to think about getting another copy. More than many other lenses, I often seem to look at a shot and admire the look enough to wonder what it was shot with, just to find out it was that lens - I can't quite work out what quality it is, but it happens over and over. Big beast though!

Matt2134 wrote:

The A9iii really is spectacular isn't it. We have shot with very similar kit, over the last few years I have primarily used GFX100 series, X-H2S and A7RV. I love the Fuji aesthetic too, but the A9iii continually blows me away as the most capable and clever camera I have ever used - and I shoot no BIF, no action - but for artificial light and portraits and just about anything, it is incredible, much more versatile than people realise.

I hadn't realised that the Tamron could shoot 120FPS - that lens also has a quite unique rendering that I love, I shot one for a while on an A7Riv - I might have to think about getting another copy. More than many other lenses, I often seem to look at a shot and admire the look enough to wonder what it was shot with, just to find out it was that lens - I can't quite work out what quality it is, but it happens over and over. Big beast though!

Just like you and I, A9III owners are realizing that this camera is on a different level than anything out there.

i used it for my daughters college graduation ceremony, only 3 days after getting it, without even customizing it the way I shoot. And it still was flawless. The A9III along with the Tamron 35-150 2-2.8 covered every scenario possible.

I didn’t have to carry another camera body lens combo, that I usually do. I am seriously thinking of purchasing another A9III body. The is the most capable camera I have used across all brands in the last 35 years.

I feel like Sony is holding its video capabilities back, because it would render their much more expensive cinema cameras less competitive.

As far as the Tamron 35-150 F2-2.8 is concerned, I am very pleased to see that it renders images very artistically and is not sterile wide open. Stop down a little and it’s even sharper. So, a dual personality lens that’s perfect for a demanding guy like me.

The range of the Tamron Zoom along with the aperture, makes this, the most useful and complete all in one zoom I have used so far. It’s a keeper.

Watch out, if you are trying to do a firmware update using the latest MacBooks, you need to hold the option key while clicking on the install file. This gives you an option to install a driver too, which you should do before installing the Tamron application.

This is because of MacOS security, that will not allow the lens to communicate with your MacBook Pro. it was quite frustrating for me when communication kept failing because of “USB cord” issues.

Once I installed the driver, everything became completely clear. I am surprised that this non Sony lens will keep up with the whole capabilities of the A9III. That’s probably because Sony has partial ownership of Tamron.

This lens has made my Sony 24-70 2.8 II and 70-200 2.8 II redundant. Though it’s not as optically as good, I prefer its rendering better.

Regarding the second part of your response:

I love the process of taking photographs using Fujifilm cameras. I also like the features in their menus, they are really well designed and extremely useful. The colors via their different film simulations means that I can really focus on creativity on the moment and not later on a computer.

 

[JSalk53]

You are confirming a lot of my biases. I love the idea of stacked sensors and global shutters. Do you mind answering a question for me?

Here are things I know I need:

4k60p video

Fast shutter speed

No rolling shutter

High flash sync speed

Fast portrait lens comparable to 50/1.2

Highly desirable but optional:

Open gate 60p or 8k60p

Pixelshift

Precapture

High native ISO for video

Which would you get to compliment the gfx100rf.

A9iii Tamron 36-150

xh2s and ???? Lens

Z8 and ??? Lens

I am leaning to the xh2s and sigma 16-300 or Nikon Z8 and 28-400

Thanks

Both of these cameras are excellent choices. Nikon has done a magnificent job of updating the firmware of the Z8 over the years to add significantly more stills and video capabilities. I like their lenses too. The Z8 is an awesome camera and will remain relevant for a long time. Though I don’t have that much experience with Nikon colors.

I know Fujifilm colors, coming from a 2 year affair with the X-H1 during the COVID times, so stuck with Fujifilm. The X-H2S is simply spectacular and even years after its announcement is one the best hybrid cameras I have used. I prefer the lower resolution stacked sensors, because its dynamic range holds out well at higher ISOs. But then again, I am not a photographer who likes to under or over expose beyond 3 stops, if at all.

This is an analysis that you have to make to determine which direction you want to go.

One advice that I would give is; please ignore the noise about sensor size and resolution advantages. Given that most of us are competent photographers and we don’t under or over expose by 3-5 stops, there is no difference. You can pull highlights and shadows well regardless of sensor size if you shoot rationally. Sensor technology is pretty well fleshed out.

ISO advantage of larger sensors is not significant enough either. Stacked sensors are as noisy as high resolution sensors if you push your ISO.

Global shutter sensors at lower ISO are not at a disadvantage, as either the stacked sensor or a rolling shutter sensor. In fact the response of a global sensor is an advantage in low light situations.

 

[JSalk53]

I used to be primarily a Sony 35mm sensor camera user. I had every generation of the A7R series. I also have most of the latest GM lenses.

That is till I tried the Fujifilm X-H1! I loved the experience and Fujifilm colors.
I updated the X-H1 to the X-H2S and it was a revelation! This is easily the best hybrid camera I have used.

Better than any Sony, and I have the A9III! Sony could have taken a page from The X-H2S and enabled comprehensive video features like in the X-H2S.

So, really this has put me in a spot where I have 2 systems X/GFX and FE. Not something I want to do.

i like both systems equally. But if I had to choose only one camera, I would go with the Sony A9III. It’s the greatest camera I have used in the last 35 years.

I paired it with the Tamron 35-150 2-2.8. This combo sings. Tamron has enabled 120fps with a firmware update. I am happy that Sony let them.

but if I started with Fujifilm, I would not use Sony. Take that however you want to.

You are confirming a lot of my biases. I love the idea of stacked sensors and global shutters. Do you mind answering a question for me?

Here are things I know I need:

4k60p video

Fast shutter speed

No rolling shutter

High flash sync speed

Fast portrait lens comparable to 50/1.2

Highly desirable but optional:

Open gate 60p or 8k60p

Pixelshift

Precapture

High native ISO for video

Which would you get to compliment the gfx100rf.

A9iii Tamron 36-150

xh2s and ???? Lens

Z8 and ??? Lens

I am leaning to the xh2s and sigma 16-300 or Nikon Z8 and 28-400

Thanks

Get the A9III with the Tamron 35-150 2-2.8.
End of story!

 

[A74Me]

You basically just keep describing the A1M2 without describing the A1M2.

No argument here. The only thing that holds me back is the value of the Nikon z8. I rented it and went back to look at my photos, and they were really good with the 28-400 superzoom.

Just swallow the viewfinder hump and buy it - you're just wasting your money and time circling around it.

Now that I have my RF I am less averse to the hump, but still prefer the corner viewfinders.

Or if you're open to switching systems, believe the R5M2 is even closer with the possibility of video raw.

Fuji and Nikon both support RAW video in camera so both would be good.

like this guys work

On a side note: I know I share a lot of indecision about what I am going to do with the hobby, but there are so many good options and there isn't one system that really captures that vibe. Nikon just needs an RF style body that uses the 47MP sensor and some form of the 28/2 or 26/2 and I thinking I could land there comfortably. Considering I can use my 50GM1.2 glass and the 28400 on the z8 that's a hard combo to beat. That 28400 and z8 really is the ideal companion for the RF.

And maybe I just sell it all and use my m43 kit, to compliment the RF.
But in the meanwhile, as long as I have the energy, and I don't upset too many people, I will continue to share the adventure, and help those along the way when I can.

 

[jhunna]

Fuji and Nikon both support RAW video in camera so both would be good.

like this guys work

I know about Markus and I don't like his style even though his work is exceptional and interesting. He gives us a lot to think about and is ridiculously talented. Yet even he buys everything just to know, and then backs back to what he likes 1080p.

Regarding shooting in raw it is the next step to experiment with. Currently I shoot in slog3, and at first I thought it was a waste of time but now it is so easy to work with that I miss it when I don't have it.

That said, I have a decade of sports video and I have never regretted going to the next level. I don't shoot talking heads and had that Lumix he references and I do miss the simplicity, but I don't miss the lower quality, especially since I can't control the lights where I do most of my shooting.

But I get your point...

 

[A74Me]

Fuji and Nikon both support RAW video in camera so both would be good.

like this guys work

I know about Markus and I don't like his style even though his work is exceptional and interesting. He gives us a lot to think about and is ridiculously talented. Yet even he buys everything just to know, and then backs back to what he likes 1080p.

Regarding shooting in raw it is the next step to experiment with. Currently I shoot in slog3, and at first I thought it was a waste of time but now it is so easy to work with that I miss it when I don't have it.

That said, I have a decade of sports video and I have never regretted going to the next level. I don't shoot talking heads and had that Lumix he references and I do miss the simplicity, but I don't miss the lower quality, especially since I can't control the lights where I do most of my shooting.

But I get your point...

I watched a utube not long ago where i guy compares the 1080p izoom on the a7iv and its just as sharp as 4k but never discussed. im using jpeg now more and more as the image quality is so hard to equal shooting raw and processing using ACR.

 

[jhunna]

Fuji and Nikon both support RAW video in camera so both would be good.

like this guys work

I know about Markus and I don't like his style even though his work is exceptional and interesting. He gives us a lot to think about and is ridiculously talented. Yet even he buys everything just to know, and then backs back to what he likes 1080p.

Regarding shooting in raw it is the next step to experiment with. Currently I shoot in slog3, and at first I thought it was a waste of time but now it is so easy to work with that I miss it when I don't have it.

That said, I have a decade of sports video and I have never regretted going to the next level. I don't shoot talking heads and had that Lumix he references and I do miss the simplicity, but I don't miss the lower quality, especially since I can't control the lights where I do most of my shooting.

But I get your point...

I watched a utube not long ago where i guy compares the 1080p izoom on the a7iv and its just as sharp as 4k but never discussed. im using jpeg now more and more as the image quality is so hard to equal shooting raw and processing using ACR.

Because I shoot in ever changing situations that people want a fast turn around, I primarily use jpegs and slog3 proxies which are easier to upload but I keep the raws and full bit rate files so that I can optimally produce the better pictures

 

[JSalk53]

Fuji and Nikon both support RAW video in camera so both would be good.

like this guys work

I know about Markus and I don't like his style even though his work is exceptional and interesting. He gives us a lot to think about and is ridiculously talented. Yet even he buys everything just to know, and then backs back to what he likes 1080p.

Regarding shooting in raw it is the next step to experiment with. Currently I shoot in slog3, and at first I thought it was a waste of time but now it is so easy to work with that I miss it when I don't have it.

That said, I have a decade of sports video and I have never regretted going to the next level. I don't shoot talking heads and had that Lumix he references and I do miss the simplicity, but I don't miss the lower quality, especially since I can't control the lights where I do most of my shooting.

But I get your point...

I watched a utube not long ago where i guy compares the 1080p izoom on the a7iv and its just as sharp as 4k but never discussed. im using jpeg now more and more as the image quality is so hard to equal shooting raw and processing using ACR.

Because I shoot in ever changing situations that people want a fast turn around, I primarily use jpegs and slog3 proxies which are easier to upload but I keep the raws and full bit rate files so that I can optimally produce the better pictures

Actually the in camera raw conversion is incredibly useful in Fujifilm cameras to experiment with different film simulations when I take a break during the day.

i use RAW/HEIF recording options with a film simulation of my choice and later on I re litigate the look of my favorite photos in camera with difffilm simulations to determine the beak look that works for me.

its pretty useful. Because once you find what works, you can change the film simulation for the rest of the day’s photography.