I started with an a6000. Sold that and bought an a6300. Sold that and bought an A7S ii. Best camera I've ever owned but sold it because I wasn't using it much. Once I got back into the swing of things I wanted to save some money so i bought another a6300. Nope... shortly after i bought it i sold it. I don't know if it's like once you go full frame you can't go back or what but that's what it felt like. Now I just want the A7S ii back. Bottom line: You will not be disappointed with this camera. Lowlight videos are awesome and the pictures it takes are awesome as well.
Hello, I have owned the A7sii since 2017 with a 55mm 1.8 zeiss. I wanted a gh5, but I also needed a camera. the XAVCS 4.2.0 8bit is largely sufficient for videos in Log as long as you go slowly with the calibration. In photo, the colorimetry is not terrible (except in low light where it is excellent), the images look very green, while in video the Rec 709 is correct. In fact the biggest concerns are autonomy and overheating in 4k UHD. I use a v-mount battery for the shoots. I avoid filming in full sun so that it does not heat up.
I just watched yours after another review scathing the A7S II. I then found yours and I now feel better. I just bought a second mark 2 replacing a mark 1. My equipment lags new tech by about 5-10 years. I focus instead on photographic technique and trying to master the shot. The latest equipment is just a distraction to these principles
Great video. You make a great point on the filmmaking. A6400 user here. Been wanting to upgrade to a budget Sony full frame and you convinced me enough to buy a used A7S2. I just got it and have no regrets so far
I also own a Sony A6400 and want to shoot cleaner low light footage. Do you think the low light performance of A7sii that much better than a6400 so I can consider upgrading?
Just subscribed because of your killer content! I’m 14 and starting my filmmaking journey young and at the moment I’ve got a Canon M50 and it’s great for UA-cam videos and most video and photo based things I do at the moment. Clicked on this video to see if the Sony A7SII is still worth it as it seems like such a great deal especially for what your getting and to improve my filmmaking and even photography!
The m50 is a great camera. I used to have it myself. Fullframe is definitely the way to go if you’re looking to upgrade, but be weary, I really miss the flip out screen.lol
Love that you mentioned you're shooting on an iphone. Everyone is always looking for the best camera and lens when really lighting and sound can make the biggest difference. I believe the best camera is usually the one you always have on you. With that being said, awesome video! I currently shoot with the Canon R5 and I'm looking for a second camera that is reliable and is dedicated for video, just in case my R5 were to overheat during a client shoot. You helped me with my decision and I think I'm going to get the A7sii! Keep up the good work, subscribed!
Great review 👍 I got a7sii ...combined with 35 GM. Fantastic performance for stills and movies specially in love light conditions. 12 MP are enough like the Nikon D700 which was one of the best full frame DSLR.
I just got the a7sii used mint, :) about a month ago local pick up for $900 , upgraded from an a65 I shoot music videos and films, I’m gonna be set on this camera for a while
How has been your experience so far in low light video shooting? I want to upgrade to a7sii from sony A6400. I want to shoot noise less low key short films but a6400 doesn't give that clean of an image in low light. Do you think its worth it to upgrade?
Yes, I am because I’m full time freelance now shooting weddings and client video and I’m looking to upgrade! Still a great camera, but my budget is allowing me to look into a newer option now!
gonna pick up the A7sii in 2024 as my first ever full-frame camera. always wanted to own one ever since i saw the A7s came into the market. gonna adapt a 40mm voigty and maybe a wide angle lens (20~28mm) and turn it into a run-and-gun street photo+vlog setup. i checked the A7siii here and it's more than 3x the price of its predecessor lmao.
If you’re doing photo as well, I would highly recommend the a7rii. Much better for photos, better auto focus, and still great for video. A7sii I recommend ONLY for video at this point
Thank you so much for your video. I'm surprised that it doesn't have more views. So well edited too. I've been looking to upgrade from my Canon 80D, and I have been super interested in the Sony A7S iii for the cinematic and low light capabilities. It's predecessor is definitely better value at the current price point.
I think the algorithm hates me.lol. I don’t care though, I make content for myself. I love my a7sii, and I honestly haven’t seen any significant issues with the autofocus to this point.
I think the a7iii is a great choice if you want to focus on photo as well, but the only reason I personally wouldn’t go for it yet, is because the a7iv is right around the corner, and it’ll force the price down of the iii. The sii should stay around the same price as it is now.
Hello. Great video! Very helpful but I've question. I have the option to buy a 5 year used A7SII for around 3900 PLN (around 955 USD) which was used only for filming. I need camera mainly for astrovideography (registration of aurora and satellite passages in real time, constellations, live streams during meteor showers) and, secondly, for landscape astrophotography. Is it a good offer or should I look for another camera, e.g. with an APS-C sensor for crop lenses? Cheers!
I’d say the A7sii will be the a good option at this price point. It gives very clean lowlight video. Maybe a gh5 as well if you can find one that’s affordable
@@zakkincaid Thank you very much for your answer. I've seen quite a few footage of the night sky with GH5 and especially GH5S and I'm shocked. I always thought that full frame was the only choice for recording the night sky, while the GH5/GH5S has only 4/3 sensors and the night sky with bright lenses captures great. Regards
Today I have a Sony A6300 and when I shoot more than 20 minutes in 4k the camera overheats and turns off. Very annoying in customer shooting. So I would like to know if there is the same problem with the A7S2. Thank you for your answer.
What is your low light settings I just upgraded from a 6500 to a7sii and like everytime I shoot in slog there’s so much grain. Btw thank you so much for this video.
So in SLog, the key is to over expose by a little under 2 stops. You can use to exposure guide. You can also set zebra. I find that skin tones at 70 are favorable for me, and if I’m outside, I make sure the sky is below 109, but sometime you have to expose for the subject and blow out the sky. My go to is to use a custom CINE 4 profile for most of my shooting. I only really use SLOG for client work since it takes more color grading effort
@@jei_vision yes, but you still have to get your exposure as close as possible. Also, just a tip, turn your saturation up in your slog2 profile. It’ll help a ton when color grading since it’s only 8bit color
I was given this camera recently. I want films and take high quality photos. I currently have a 20ml lens on it. Can you suggest a good combination for a photographer lens for this camera? Prob not ideal camera to relearn after a few years away. However any suggestions you have. Thank you for your video.
Honestly any Sony from the a6100 on up is a great starting point since you can take all your lenses and accessories with you. Sure Sony has some things to work on (like including a charger in the box and utilizing their damn touch screens…?) but no one else even comes close to their near-telepathic autofocus, low light performance, and the ubiquity of the E-Mount system.
@@OurFantasyLife sir a7sii is autofocus is slow in photo or video please tell me..i want faimly photography for a7sii..lowlight and daylight.. Please autofocus is good or averge Please reply me
@@srjeetraam1364 Unless there's some reason you *need* a full frame camera, I'd recommend getting the ZV-E10 or the A6600 intstead of the A7Sii. If you absolutely need full frame and still want fast autofocus, get the A7c.
Nice insights about using tools to develop your filmmaking process! I use a Canon T2i and a Panasonic G7 to shoot the recent videos on my wife's channel (example here: ua-cam.com/video/ddc-5A9-RQg/v-deo.html). I wish your mic boom didn't block your face towards the end of the video. It happens when you look to camera left to grab the camera body off of your desk.
And you’re apologizing why? All cameras are good nowadays. The s5 is also way newer and twice the cost. Also, I’ve tried the AF system and Sony blows it out of the water in cameras that are the same age
@@zakkincaid well my dude i was ironic...S5 costs 1500$ and on sale goes down to 1300$ with the combo pack....thats not twice the cost....also you can find it used at 1100 damn.... as much as an a7sii costs new.... better low light, better af, video centric features, 4k 10bit....even raw on external monitor..... better stick to music my dude and dont make other people do your mistakes, again sorry mate
thank you 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂 I had too many doubts with this camera it was only with the focus if I'm honest I'm a beginner I only have a cell phone and I mainly take photos and this camera will be a real test of the video I'm a person who loves the classic thing old and this camera I am going to learn to focus manually and also to optimize my time and at this moment in my life I need to optimize my time and I am preparing to study a degree in pharmaceutical sciences in Japan and thank you you helped me change the mentality I had about this camera and if I realized it is very underrated
I’m thinking of selling mine if anyone in the comments is interested. It’s in pristine condition, but since I film mostly videography the autofocus is a big issue for me I need something with quick AF and touchscreen
Do you create videos? If so, what camera do you use?
GH4
Canon R6!
@@PaulStrople I would definitely consider switching back to canon if the lenses were a little more affordable
Sony FS700R with Atomos shogun flame. Cinematic beast!
A7s
I started with an a6000. Sold that and bought an a6300. Sold that and bought an A7S ii. Best camera I've ever owned but sold it because I wasn't using it much. Once I got back into the swing of things I wanted to save some money so i bought another a6300. Nope... shortly after i bought it i sold it. I don't know if it's like once you go full frame you can't go back or what but that's what it felt like. Now I just want the A7S ii back.
Bottom line: You will not be disappointed with this camera. Lowlight videos are awesome and the pictures it takes are awesome as well.
Nice vid today bro... Much appreciated
Great video man. I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on an S2 also. Thanks
It’s a great camera man! Totally worth it
Lovely, heartfelt video, Zak. Much appreciated.
Hello, I have owned the A7sii since 2017 with a 55mm 1.8 zeiss.
I wanted a gh5, but I also needed a camera.
the XAVCS 4.2.0 8bit is largely sufficient for videos in Log as long as you go slowly with the calibration.
In photo, the colorimetry is not terrible (except in low light where it is excellent), the images look very green, while in video the Rec 709 is correct.
In fact the biggest concerns are autonomy and overheating in 4k UHD.
I use a v-mount battery for the shoots.
I avoid filming in full sun so that it does not heat up.
I just watched yours after another review scathing the A7S II. I then found yours and I now feel better. I just bought a second mark 2 replacing a mark 1. My equipment lags new tech by about 5-10 years. I focus instead on photographic technique and trying to master the shot. The latest equipment is just a distraction to these principles
PREACH! Although, 10 bit would be rather nice. Even my a7c that I use for UA-cam now is lacking there.
Great video. You make a great point on the filmmaking. A6400 user here. Been wanting to upgrade to a budget Sony full frame and you convinced me enough to buy a used A7S2. I just got it and have no regrets so far
Should I sell my a6400 for a7r ii since I mostly do photography
I also own a Sony A6400 and want to shoot cleaner low light footage. Do you think the low light performance of A7sii that much better than a6400 so I can consider upgrading?
Just subscribed because of your killer content! I’m 14 and starting my filmmaking journey young and at the moment I’ve got a Canon M50 and it’s great for UA-cam videos and most video and photo based things I do at the moment. Clicked on this video to see if the Sony A7SII is still worth it as it seems like such a great deal especially for what your getting and to improve my filmmaking and even photography!
The m50 is a great camera. I used to have it myself. Fullframe is definitely the way to go if you’re looking to upgrade, but be weary, I really miss the flip out screen.lol
Hey bro awesome video ,glad I found your channel
Welcome! A lot more coming soon
Love that you mentioned you're shooting on an iphone. Everyone is always looking for the best camera and lens when really lighting and sound can make the biggest difference. I believe the best camera is usually the one you always have on you. With that being said, awesome video! I currently shoot with the Canon R5 and I'm looking for a second camera that is reliable and is dedicated for video, just in case my R5 were to overheat during a client shoot. You helped me with my decision and I think I'm going to get the A7sii! Keep up the good work, subscribed!
I absolutely fell into the trap of always needing the best gear, but it’s definitely storytelling that sells the video
Great review 👍 I got a7sii ...combined with 35 GM. Fantastic performance for stills and movies specially in love light conditions. 12 MP are enough like the Nikon D700 which was one of the best full frame DSLR.
Fully agreed! It’s not about the best and most expensive tools for the job- it’s the tools that get the job done that matter.
I just got the a7sii used mint, :) about a month ago local pick up for $900 , upgraded from an a65
I shoot music videos and films, I’m gonna be set on this camera for a while
How has been your experience so far in low light video shooting? I want to upgrade to a7sii from sony A6400. I want to shoot noise less low key short films but a6400 doesn't give that clean of an image in low light. Do you think its worth it to upgrade?
@@crookedfilms4190 it’s perfect for low light situations especially your short film. You can also shoot in slog to access more data information
GOLD!
Thank you!
this guy is literally selling this on facebook as i was looking at this to see if i should buy lmao this is hilarious
Yes, I am because I’m full time freelance now shooting weddings and client video and I’m looking to upgrade!
Still a great camera, but my budget is allowing me to look into a newer option now!
It’s normal to upgrade.
gonna pick up the A7sii in 2024 as my first ever full-frame camera. always wanted to own one ever since i saw the A7s came into the market. gonna adapt a 40mm voigty and maybe a wide angle lens (20~28mm) and turn it into a run-and-gun street photo+vlog setup.
i checked the A7siii here and it's more than 3x the price of its predecessor lmao.
If you’re doing photo as well, I would highly recommend the a7rii. Much better for photos, better auto focus, and still great for video. A7sii I recommend ONLY for video at this point
Hi friend, 2 weeks ago I bought the a7SII for the same reasons.
Thanks for the vid, i think i am gonna grab the A7sii, i can get a good condition used one for around 1.5k AUD which is a pretty fair price
Definitely worth it!
Thank you so much for your video. I'm surprised that it doesn't have more views. So well edited too. I've been looking to upgrade from my Canon 80D, and I have been super interested in the Sony A7S iii for the cinematic and low light capabilities. It's predecessor is definitely better value at the current price point.
I think the algorithm hates me.lol. I don’t care though, I make content for myself. I love my a7sii, and I honestly haven’t seen any significant issues with the autofocus to this point.
amazing video
Thanks a ton!
This is a great video, but as a Sony user myself I did chuckle at the little bit of rolling shutter in that first clip 😂
Shot with an a6000
@@zakkincaid milking the 1080 for all it's worth!! Good shit 😂 👏
pair with atmos for commercial works! hehe
Dope video! How would you compare this to the A7iii though since you can find a used one at a comparable price?
I think the a7iii is a great choice if you want to focus on photo as well, but the only reason I personally wouldn’t go for it yet, is because the a7iv is right around the corner, and it’ll force the price down of the iii. The sii should stay around the same price as it is now.
@@zakkincaid good point. Do you think it’ll also drive down the used prices of the a7iii? Or will they stay about the same?
Please help me remove vignette while shooting 4k using using 18-105mm apsc lens
You’re using a crop sensor lens on a full frame camera. You have to shoot in super 35 which is cropped. It isn’t 4k on the a7sii.
Hello. Great video! Very helpful but I've question. I have the option to buy a 5 year used A7SII for around 3900 PLN (around 955 USD) which was used only for filming. I need camera mainly for astrovideography (registration of aurora and satellite passages in real time, constellations, live streams during meteor showers) and, secondly, for landscape astrophotography. Is it a good offer or should I look for another camera, e.g. with an APS-C sensor for crop lenses? Cheers!
I’d say the A7sii will be the a good option at this price point. It gives very clean lowlight video. Maybe a gh5 as well if you can find one that’s affordable
@@zakkincaid Thank you very much for your answer. I've seen quite a few footage of the night sky with GH5 and especially GH5S and I'm shocked. I always thought that full frame was the only choice for recording the night sky, while the GH5/GH5S has only 4/3 sensors and the night sky with bright lenses captures great. Regards
What other cameras could be a better option? Thank you
It truly depends on what you need
Today I have a Sony A6300 and when I shoot more than 20 minutes in 4k the camera overheats and turns off. Very annoying in customer shooting. So I would like to know if there is the same problem with the A7S2. Thank you for your answer.
I’ve shot wedding for 12hrs straight and it definitely gets warm, but never overheats
What is your low light settings I just upgraded from a 6500 to a7sii and like everytime I shoot in slog there’s so much grain. Btw thank you so much for this video.
So in SLog, the key is to over expose by a little under 2 stops. You can use to exposure guide. You can also set zebra. I find that skin tones at 70 are favorable for me, and if I’m outside, I make sure the sky is below 109, but sometime you have to expose for the subject and blow out the sky.
My go to is to use a custom CINE 4 profile for most of my shooting. I only really use SLOG for client work since it takes more color grading effort
@@zakkincaid do you shoot log at night?
@@jei_vision yes, but you still have to get your exposure as close as possible. Also, just a tip, turn your saturation up in your slog2 profile. It’ll help a ton when color grading since it’s only 8bit color
@@zakkincaid do you have a video for low light profiles or know any other helpful videos 🙏🏼
I was given this camera recently. I want films and take high quality photos. I currently have a 20ml lens on it. Can you suggest a good combination for a photographer lens for this camera? Prob not ideal camera to relearn after a few years away. However any suggestions you have. Thank you for your video.
I’d say if you’re going for budget a 50mm or 85mm would be a good combo. If you want versatility, a 24-70
Honestly any Sony from the a6100 on up is a great starting point since you can take all your lenses and accessories with you. Sure Sony has some things to work on (like including a charger in the box and utilizing their damn touch screens…?) but no one else even comes close to their near-telepathic autofocus, low light performance, and the ubiquity of the E-Mount system.
The A7sii will make you regret that autofocus comment.lol
@@zakkincaid Didn't the A7s ii come out before the 6100? I'm on an A7iii myself, the autofocus is nuts.
@@OurFantasyLife yeah, Sony autofocus is really good now, but it used to be a pain.lol
@@OurFantasyLife sir a7sii is autofocus is slow in photo or video please tell me..i want faimly photography for a7sii..lowlight and daylight..
Please autofocus is good or averge
Please reply me
@@srjeetraam1364 Unless there's some reason you *need* a full frame camera, I'd recommend getting the ZV-E10 or the A6600 intstead of the A7Sii. If you absolutely need full frame and still want fast autofocus, get the A7c.
Brother..a7sii is best camra for faimly photography or Nikon z50.which camra is best photography camera a7sii or Nikon z50
Please guide me
Z50 will be better for photography
good review bro, enjoyed it.
Appreciate it! Hit that sub button for more!
What lens are you using?
Tamron 17-28 f2.8
How do everyone deal with the short battery life?
Its not that bad. Just always have a few extras but as long as you stop and a start the recordings, it’ll be ok
You can use a dummy battery with usb pd to connect a powerbank
Make more S2 videos
I've moved on to the A7C. Still amazing video specs, but the flip screen cuts down setup time so I can get more videos out for you guys!
@@zakkincaid brother a7sii or a7c lowlight video same performance.. a7sii is lowlight better than a7c..please reply bro
@@srjeetraam1364 a7sii is better due to the dual native iso, but a7c/a7iii is not far off
@@zakkincaid thanks for reply brother..a7c or a7sii photography quality results best ...a7sii only best for videography.. a7sii photography?
What about now?
I still highly recommend, but I have a video coming out this week about my recommendation.
Nice insights about using tools to develop your filmmaking process! I use a Canon T2i and a Panasonic G7 to shoot the recent videos on my wife's channel (example here: ua-cam.com/video/ddc-5A9-RQg/v-deo.html).
I wish your mic boom didn't block your face towards the end of the video. It happens when you look to camera left to grab the camera body off of your desk.
Hey I think I traded that for the a7rii
You absolutely did 😂😂
Wanna buy mine? I have it for sale lol
Better low light than this is Panasonic S5 and has better Af …. Sorry mate
And you’re apologizing why? All cameras are good nowadays. The s5 is also way newer and twice the cost. Also, I’ve tried the AF system and Sony blows it out of the water in cameras that are the same age
@@zakkincaid well my dude i was ironic...S5 costs 1500$ and on sale goes down to 1300$ with the combo pack....thats not twice the cost....also you can find it used at 1100 damn.... as much as an a7sii costs new.... better low light, better af, video centric features, 4k 10bit....even raw on external monitor..... better stick to music my dude and dont make other people do your mistakes, again sorry mate
thank you 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂 I had too many doubts with this camera it was only with the focus if I'm honest I'm a beginner I only have a cell phone and I mainly take photos and this camera will be a real test of the video I'm a person who loves the classic thing old and this camera I am going to learn to focus manually and also to optimize my time and at this moment in my life I need to optimize my time and I am preparing to study a degree in pharmaceutical sciences in Japan and thank you you helped me change the mentality I had about this camera and if I realized it is very underrated
Lots of great videos are still made with this camera to this day!
I’m thinking of selling mine if anyone in the comments is interested. It’s in pristine condition, but since I film mostly videography the autofocus is a big issue for me I need something with quick AF and touchscreen
I might be interested if you haven’t sold it yet.