Sony's New a7RII Camera Delivers World's First Back-Illuminated FF Sensor

[benperrin]

Does the Sony A7RII offer touchscreen?

No, it's a tilt screen like previous versions.

 

[Krob78]

This is good news for FF mirrorless shooters

A7rII looks like a general to landscape body. My 2cents: A7sII could become a sport camera with faster fps and much cleaner in higher ISO.

I would love to see a7sII with:
1. same AF system as a7rII(or better)
2. 8-12fps
3. Even clearner in high ISO than current a7s
4. 20-24MP

To attract DSLR shooters, Sony/Zeiss needs to have even more native lenses, especially in ultra wide, 135mm and 200mm range. I don't mind spending more $$$ for higher quality lenses - same or better IQ than FE 55mm. I REALLY can't wait to hand on my Batis 25 and 85.

am I asking too much?

That's exactly what I'd like to see in an A7s II also Dylan. That would be one heck of a mirrorless camera! I'm waiting...

 

[Krob78]

I was initially excited about the prospects of getting a high performing FF mirrorless camera from Sony, without the typical weight of a DSLR... until I read that the A7RII weighed 625 g (with battery and memory card)... throw in the weight (193 g) of the metabones adapter and the weight advantage is gone instantly... sigh...

Nevertheless, it's great to see the strides that Sony has made in sensor technology and mirrorless AF fronts. Kudos to Sony. One day, when they've got all the equivalent Canon lenses and offer them at reasonable prices, a complete switch is definitely in the cards for me.

In the meantime, there's still the metabones adapter...

 

[benperrin]

In the meantime, there's still the metabones adapter...

I'm actually quite interested to see what autofocus is like with Canon lenses and the metabones. The AF was the major reason I didn't buy the a7r but not the only reason. It does look like they've tried quite hard with this camera and done a good job.

 

[Peer]

I'm actually pretty shocked at how full-featured this camera is! I didn't expect in-body 4k on an "R" model.

Yep, and with peaking and zebras too.

-- peer

 

[neuroanatomist]

it would be like Canon releasing 2 5Ds one with higher DR,ISO,better VIDEO etc, people here would for some reason want the lower ISO,DR lower video quality and resolution. How can people be like this?
...even a bigger joke.

Statements like that make you seem like the joke here.

I want everything that Sony sensor does better IN A CANON is that wrong?

It's not wrong at all. Wish for that in one hand, sh!t in the other. Let us know which fills up first.

 

[unfocused]

For all the "Canon is doing well"/"selling millions of cameras"/"making billions of dollars" folks:

They actually aren't even doing very well financially.

Canon stock is worth less now than it was 5 years ago.

If you invested $100, 5 years ago, in:

The stock market: you'd have $192

Sony Electronics: you'd have $105

Canon: you'd have $83

Since you seem to follow this more closely than I do (I don't own any Canon stock) did your calculation include dividends? Because many of the mutual funds and stocks that I do own have seen flat or declining prices, but that's because they've paid out dividends. If you reinvest those dividends, the actual earnings are much better than the stock prices indicate. So, I'm just curious, does your calculation include the value of dividends reinvested? Just wondering.

 

[9VIII]

That is what is going to happen in photography. Canon and Nikon are the IBMs of the imaging world...

Successful enough that the consumer market wasn't even worth serving anymore.

He may be right though, Canon absolutely does not need to make consumer devices.

 

[unfocused]

Said it before, will say it again – you can't equate best technology with success. In fact, the track record in most industries is that "best" technology generally loses out to "good enough" technology in the marketplace. (Ask Sony about Betamax or maybe a more appropriate example might be how cell phones have become the dominant picture-taking devices.

It great to see any company innovating. I'm happy when Sony innovates. I'm happy when Nikon innovates. I'm happy when Canon innovates. It moves the standards ahead and I will ultimately benefit. But, I also don't get that excited about individual technology steps. It's not a race where the "best" technology carries some prize. It's the overall product that people buy.

Given the price of this new camera and the fact that I don't own a single lens that fits it, I can't really give it much more than a "meh." But then again, I have a long list of existing Canon products that I would like to buy first, so by the time I can consider a replacement for my 5DIII, I imagine the 5DIV or even 5DV might be available.

 

[benperrin]

Said it before, will say it again – you can't equate best technology with success. In fact, the track record in most industries is that "best" technology generally loses out to "good enough" technology in the marketplace. (Ask Sony about Betamax or maybe a more appropriate example might be how cell phones have become the dominant picture-taking devices.

It great to see any company innovating. I'm happy when Sony innovates. I'm happy when Nikon innovates. I'm happy when Canon innovates. It moves the standards ahead and I will ultimately benefit. But, I also don't get that excited about individual technology steps. It's not a race where the "best" technology carries some prize. It's the overall product that people buy.

Given the price of this new camera and the fact that I don't own a single lens that fits it, I can't really give it much more than a "meh." But then again, I have a long list of existing Canon products that I would like to buy first, so by the time I can consider a replacement for my 5DIII, I imagine the 5DIV or even 5DV might be available.

+1 well said

 

[emko]

Said it before, will say it again – you can't equate best technology with success. In fact, the track record in most industries is that "best" technology generally loses out to "good enough" technology in the marketplace. (Ask Sony about Betamax or maybe a more appropriate example might be how cell phones have become the dominant picture-taking devices.

It great to see any company innovating. I'm happy when Sony innovates. I'm happy when Nikon innovates. I'm happy when Canon innovates. It moves the standards ahead and I will ultimately benefit. But, I also don't get that excited about individual technology steps. It's not a race where the "best" technology carries some prize. It's the overall product that people buy.

Given the price of this new camera and the fact that I don't own a single lens that fits it, I can't really give it much more than a "meh." But then again, I have a long list of existing Canon products that I would like to buy first, so by the time I can consider a replacement for my 5DIII, I imagine the 5DIV or even 5DV might be available.

you can use a adapter for your Canon glass,someone said that it focus faster then Canon.

 

[unfocused]

...Given the price of this new camera and the fact that I don't own a single lens that fits it, I can't really give it much more than a "meh." But then again, I have a long list of existing Canon products that I would like to buy first, so by the time I can consider a replacement for my 5DIII, I imagine the 5DIV or even 5DV might be available.

you can use a adapter for your Canon glass,someone said that it focus faster then Canon.

I think you've confused me with someone who cares.

I don't.

But, since you raise it. Will it work with seamlessly with my 600 RTs (as in being able to adjust the strobes through the camera menu while on a shoot)? That's far more important to me. And, while we are on the topic, the last thing I want to do is learn a new set of menus, buttons, etc. If there ever comes a time when I can't take a decent picture because of my camera, I'll consider switching, but I seriously doubt that will ever happen.

 

[emko]

it would be like Canon releasing 2 5Ds one with higher DR,ISO,better VIDEO etc, people here would for some reason want the lower ISO,DR lower video quality and resolution. How can people be like this?
...even a bigger joke.

Statements like that make you seem like the joke here.

I want everything that Sony sensor does better IN A CANON is that wrong?

It's not wrong at all. Wish for that in one hand, sh!t in the other. Let us know which fills up first.

Yea that's what i expect with 5D4 it will be sh!t, i mean if they had BSI or anything really they would of used it in the 5Ds just shows Canon are either stuck and cant figure out what to do or they are just stealing from people like you, release cameras with high price that are crap compared to the competition is what Canon does best right now.

I can bet you that 5d4 wont be even close to A7Rii or the next Nikon D8XX.

but you can keep defending them while they keep ripping of their customers and their competition keeps innovating

Canon, want 4K video in a DSLR? well we will make you a special version of the 1DX for $9K so you can have 4K
while almost every other damn DSLR and mirror less are already doing 4K for a fraction of the price at even better IQ.

 

[emko]

...Given the price of this new camera and the fact that I don't own a single lens that fits it, I can't really give it much more than a "meh." But then again, I have a long list of existing Canon products that I would like to buy first, so by the time I can consider a replacement for my 5DIII, I imagine the 5DIV or even 5DV might be available.

you can use a adapter for your Canon glass,someone said that it focus faster then Canon.

I think you've confused me with someone who cares.

I don't.

But, since you raise it. Will it work with seamlessly with my 600 RTs (as in being able to adjust the strobes through the camera menu while on a shoot)? That's far more important to me. And, while we are on the topic, the last thing I want to do is learn a new set of menus, buttons, etc. If there ever comes a time when I can't take a decent picture because of my camera, I'll consider switching, but I seriously doubt that will ever happen.

the strobes problem is good question but the part about learning new menu/ buttons? come on its not like its made for scientists they make them as user friendly as possible i doubt it would take you more then 10mins to figure it out.

 

[neuroanatomist]

Apologies to the thread, I'm done feeding the troll. :-X

 

[Orangutan]

If Sony can do all this at cheaper price

If Sony can do this all at a cheaper price, why can't they take market share from Canon? Truly, that's the bottom line: the reviews mean nothing, forum posts mean nothing. All that matters is profit and market share. Sony's marketing and sales staff must be EPIC FAIL if they can't take market share with such a superior product. (assuming it lives up to the spec sheet). And let's all hope they ditch the lossy "raw."

I hope Sony does sell a bunch of these to get some action from Canon, but I won't hold my breath: so far Sony, Nikon and others have proven themselves inferior where it really counts: making a profit.

 

[sheedoe]

This just might be the next camera for me. I was planning to get the BMD URSA mini 4.6K for video and maybe the 5Ds r next year. This will meet the need for both and I save a ton of money.

Granted, I would probably get a better image quality with the URSA's 4.6K sensor with 15 stops of DR and great color science, but A7R II's better low light capability, 5 axis stabilization and small form factor will enable me to get better and more creative shots.

Looking forward to some great reviews.

 

[Dylan777]

This is good news for FF mirrorless shooters

A7rII looks like a general to landscape body. My 2cents: A7sII could become a sport camera with faster fps and much cleaner in higher ISO.

I would love to see a7sII with:
1. same AF system as a7rII(or better)
2. 8-12fps
3. Even clearner in high ISO than current a7s
4. 20-24MP

To attract DSLR shooters, Sony/Zeiss needs to have even more native lenses, especially in ultra wide, 135mm and 200mm range. I don't mind spending more $$$ for higher quality lenses - same or better IQ than FE 55mm. I REALLY can't wait to hand on my Batis 25 and 85.

am I asking too much?

That's exactly what I'd like to see in an A7s II also Dylan. That would be one heck of a mirrorless camera! I'm waiting...

I might be the only one on CR site to have a7rII on pre-order tomorrow

I might as well get 4K monitor for it

 

[Hillsilly]

There's no point having the best technology without also having a plan. The Sony lens range is too flawed for many people (both in focal lengths and reputed image quality), and their recent lens mount changes don't instil confidence. Still, you get the impression that they are getting their act together. It'll be interesting to see where they are in another five year's time.

For those suggesting that you are an idiot for not switching to the brand with coolest camera this week, perhaps you could elaborate on the ideal Sony lens selections for a professional? I'm not seeing much that would excite me. I can't see too many wider aperture lenses. And it looks like they'd rather develop converters for wider angles rather than design lenses? LOL!

 

[JClark]

This is good news for FF mirrorless shooters

A7rII looks like a general to landscape body. My 2cents: A7sII could become a sport camera with faster fps and much cleaner in higher ISO.

I would love to see a7sII with:
1. same AF system as a7rII(or better)
2. 8-12fps
3. Even clearner in high ISO than current a7s
4. 20-24MP

To attract DSLR shooters, Sony/Zeiss needs to have even more native lenses, especially in ultra wide, 135mm and 200mm range. I don't mind spending more $$$ for higher quality lenses - same or better IQ than FE 55mm. I REALLY can't wait to hand on my Batis 25 and 85.

am I asking too much?

That's exactly what I'd like to see in an A7s II also Dylan. That would be one heck of a mirrorless camera! I'm waiting...

I might be the only one on CR site to have a7rII on pre-order tomorrow

I might as well get 4K monitor for it

I'll be ordering one as it served a specific purpose for me - an ultra-high quality but very portable landscape/fine art body that can utilize my best canon glass. I have and use the current a7r frequently and I'm hopeful that the II should address the shutter shake issue.