a7R II Review: vs 5DS-R, D810, GH4, a7 II & a7S
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- More detail and a correction in Part 2: • Sony a7RII Review (Par...
We review the new Sony a7R II (on Amazon help.tc/a7rii) and its 4k video against the GH4 (on Amazon help.tc/gh4) and a7S (on Amazon help.tc/a7s) with an Atomos Shogun (on Amazon help.tc/shogun). We compare the a7R II's 42-megapixel sensor against the Canon 5DS-R (on Amazon help.tc/5dsr) and Nikon D810 (on Amazon help.tc/d810). We also test the improved autofocusing to see if it can match similarly priced DSLRs, using both native Sony lenses and Canon lenses adapted with the Metabones IV (on Amazon help.tc/mb4).
This is the first in a multi-part review, so if you have questions that you want to be answered in future reviews, let us know in the comments.
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📷 Sony a7 II on Amazon help.tc/a7ii
📷 Sony a7S on Amazon help.tc/a7s
Tony & Chelsea Northrup. Silas
I have the 5Ds and the D800, not quite the 5Dsr or the D810. Now planning to get the A7R II. Many years later, but those cameras are still good and even the new $1.400 A7R II price seems reasonably expensive for a high resolution camera.
I think it's a bit unfair if you compare and test the focusing speed mostly with Canon lenses and the Metabones adapter. I have shot with various adapters and with original Sony lenses, and the difference is HUGE, as expected! For a fair comparison, this should be Sony FE lenses.
Neverland Traders That's a bit unfair, too. Apart from the focusing, this DSLM camera was actually reviewed pretty positive. But they claim to be very scientific and precise (which they often times are), so I think the focusing test was just really off. I understand that they have many good Canon lenses and using an adapter totally makes sense for them, but they could at least have mentioned that the focusing might work way better without any adapter...
Neverland Traders Funnily enough, the Batis (which looks like a great lens once it is finally really in stores...) is only available for Sony E-Mount. There are very few lenses that can do both. But I think the 24-70 F/4 from each respective company is a good place to start.
Florian Fahrenberger We used native lenses, too, and discussed their performance in the video. We're following-up with a motion tracking test this week.
Many people have hoped this body would adapt Canon lenses reliably enough to overcome the more limited Sony lens selection, which is why we tested it.
Florian Fahrenberger a7rII appears like a truly amazing camera, and has this been the 5dsr, it would sell like hotcakes. That much said, probably the biggest attraction of this camera for many, would be its focusing with canon lenses. Have this camera be a native EF mount, or function well with all canon EF mounts lenses (not an easy task I know), and in return take away one of its other amazing attributes (make it 24 mp, or no BSI, or NO IBIS, or no 4K), the camera will still sell 3 times as many copies.
BoxxyFan No they are a bit busy making sensor's for the biggest brands like Nikon and Hasselblad... Oh by the way they do make 70-200 2.8's for A mount. They can't just have a million fe lenses out of nowhere. It takes time to develop glass, very good glass.
Great video. Thanks for shitting on our dreams.
Matt Granger Aw! Thanks, Matt!
+Matt Granger, hi Matt
Matt Granger. Silas
These reviews are superb. In 6.5 minutes you distilled so many details and relevant observations that would take 10 agonizing pages and charts to explain elsewhere. Masterful use of the medium, which is almost as interesting as the subject matter.
a7R II vs 5D Mark 4 would be great video indeed
Mostafa Nageh high quality consumer camera with excellent image quality and features VS a pro working camera. Just have to choose what category.
sorry, which one is high quality and which one is pro working ?
Mostafa Nageh no matter how you call it, the Sony delivers more resolution and dynamic range and stabilizes fast primes. i really dont See why you cant work with it. i probably wouldnt use it AS a Hammer though, if that defines proworkhorse camera
finally. I waited for this comparison, and I waited for a comparison like this 😃 . Thank you very much . I'm gonna wait for next part with pleasure. you guys are great !!!
Makes sense that the nikon and sony perform nearly the same as nikon does use sony made sensors.
+Tony Northrup
Your very first photo comparing the the a7rii to the d810 appears to be back focused.
You can see that the guitar string in the foreground has much more detail than in the d810's photo.
Cody Jacques it could also be that different lenses were used.
Then that would mean your adding more questionable variables into the equation which is just as bad.
Lenses have different sharpness ratings and t-stops (even if the f-stop is the same)
Guessing tony has used an adapter to keep the same lens on each camera as it doesn't show the lens in the corner used. The adapters if slightly of throw out sharpness in part of the frame. It also looks like it's focused on the string and I'm watching this on UA-cam so not sure how this has not been noticed Tony Northrup
Cody Jacques Yes you are right. In comparison to D810, focus doesn't match. Wait for better reviews (Dpreview, Dxomark)
Cody Jacques We focused manually using live view and zooming in 1:1, and we used the sweet spot for the f/stop on a sharp, prime lens. We used a heavy tripod, live view (to eliminate mirror shake on the DSLRs), and delayed shutter. We re-focused several times and took more pictures, and chose the sharpest images from the entire set.
It's a distinct possibility that focusing was very slightly different on the best shots. The lesson to be learned from it is that the difference in megapixels just doesn't matter that much, because even in these controlled conditions, very slight differences in focus can make more of a difference than the megapixels.
In the real world, it's unlikely that you would ever be as careful as we were during the testing (and subsequent examiniation)... and that's consistent with our conclusion that the image quality is close enough not to be a deciding factor.
Holy fuck tony you work your ass off to get these reviews out so fast
A little bit disappointment. I thought the new Sony sensor would be the D810 killer in base-iso noise and dynamic range performance.
I wouldn't be disappointed just yet.
The dynamic range wasn't really tested in this video, sharpness comparison was back focus, and the low light was close but really need a more testing.
That said the D810 is a beast of a camera! If you want better low light or more dynamic range than the D810 (best camera on the market) provides you should learn HDR photography and invest in lighting first.
There's so much online regarding this camera at the moment. I read a in depth report on noise and dynamic range against the a7rii and d810 and the ar7ii pulled away from the d810 at around ISO 1600, below that they where similar apart from the base ISO of the d810 is 64 where as the a7rii is 100.
June angelus Why does it need to be so much better? It has more MP but without the disadvantages "more MP" usually has (worse ISO performance, less detail due to smaller pixels having more problems seperating from each other electronically). That alone is a huge step.
LOL at "shitting on our dreams"! :D
Great review. Thanks.
Neverland Traders I think you need a cup of hot tea and a nap. You seem a bit cranky today!
I cannot stop salivating at the gears you have. Next time you travel to southeast Asia for landscape and need a caddy shack, I will volunteer in a heartbeat.
Thank you for the teaser video. Looking forward to the full review.
Good comparative review... Please make an extensive review only on A7R2 or an extensive comparative review between 5DSR and A7R2..thanks
Hey guys - technical question about dxo and 2 lenses: sigma 18-35 f1.8 and 18-105 nikkor
Tony,
In dxo, on the sharpness charts ( mesurments-> sharpnes ) these lenses are shown as equally sharp ( very close ) in the ranges of 18mm to 35mm ( when nikkor is stopped down to f5.6 and when sigma is at any appature).
However, in the overall section ( scores -> sharpness ) it shows a really significant difference in sharpness ( P-Mpix) between the two lenses. I need help, a bit confused. :)
Best channel on youtube. I've learnt so much from you guys! Thank you.
Dat Bass Guy's Covers Yeah, you can definitely find settings where the two lenses will look pretty similar. f/5.6 is out of the sweet spot for the 18-35; diffraction and the resolution of the sensor start to become bigger influences. Check how it does at f4 and below.
But your research is totally valid; if you can always shut down to f/5.6, you might as well use the 18-105 and get the extra range and image stabilization. We really like the 18-140, too.
Tony Northrup Thank you guys! Really appreciate it :)
The end is Perfect, as the saying goes, someone who swears has the character of an Honest person, Chelsea you are awesome, your not so bad either Tony.
Sony fans are not happy about this review. Lots of talk in forums. Basically, you didn't say the A7RII was the best camera ever and you're dumping all your DSLR gear for Sony.
Wow, that outro....
alex0589 are you talking about the bokeh dimensions? Im amaze with it also...I wonder what lens Tony use....
TheOrisya
What? no, i was just commenting on the ending...
Lol...my bad...:D
That post segment comment was "spit the water out of my mouth"-worthy!
I love the amount of depth you guys go into however I can't help thinking that just going out and using only a few of these products to get some great pictures rather than talking about them
A nice first look at the camera, I was hoping for a more in depth review of the camera, sensor, dynamic range and autofocus system as this is usually what lets the mirrorless down. The adapted lens comparison (assuming you used the same lens) between the a7rii, d810 and 5ds was alright but I've recently seen from another video the adapters can effect the image quality if the quality control is not up to par. I also think your focus was way of on the first comparison. A camera with that large sensor, good in low light, electronic front curtain, 5axis ibis, 4k being able to adapt lenses and has good auto focus natively and now reasonable focus with canon lenses is something to get excited about surely, yet you seemed more disappointed that it works than getting excited. I've been happy with the original a7r with all its faults and now with all the new additions to the a7rii it's such an improvement and something to get excited about especially as there is far more glass available.
David Huxley We haven't noticed any issues with the adapter and image quality, though I've also seen some people complain of reflections--that just hasn't occured in our tests and real-world usage.
We're definitely excited about this camera, we've spent $3,600 on it and the new adapter, and several days using it. We're planning a trip to South America to test it further, and I'm excited that I can replace both my GH4 and D810 for 4k video and stills. I'm not sure why you think we were negative on it... it's definitely not perfect, but it's pretty amazing.
Tony Northrup not negative just didn't get a sense that you where happy with it when I think it's an exciting time especially as it's going to have to push other camera manufacturers to improve. It can only be a bonus for the consumer.
Regarding issues with adapters I've seen from other videos that adapters could be slightly of on the flange distance casing softening issues across the frame.
Looking forward to some further testing from yourself with the autofocus system. I don't expect the canon lenses to be perfect but I am expecting the native lenses to work well tracking etc.
You know.. I have watched all your videos. Most of what I know of photography comes from you guys.. Thanks and keep sharing your amazing videos... I am now a photographer thanks to you guys! It would have been much more difficult to learn all I have learned without your videos.
Tony Northrup can you do a video on the a7RII dedicated to the af speed? Maybe compare it to the D810? I'm debating which camera to get, but the high price tag and lack of native e mount lenses is a big turnoff, but 399 autofocus points :-). Sony is coming out with a lot of new lenses over the next year or 2, but nikon already has a ton of lenses. Which do you think I should go with?
Ray Eccleston Well, even if you go with Nikon, I'd wait this out until 2016. The A7Rii is amazing right now, it's auto focus with native lenses will be fast enough for most people. However, battery life isn't great. I'd wait to see what Nikon does in Q1 of 2016. Unless you don't care about video. The only real reason to wait for me is Canon and Nikon will be forced into 4k video and Canon and Nikon make pro bodies built like tanks as well as lenses. Sony has enough lenses for me. I don't require a lot of lenses. I have owned the original A7R, the dynamic range and the sharpness from not having the lo pass filter, all the megapixels, and zeiss lenses were certainly far above my current canon full frame set up. I went back to Canon for now because the auto focus screwed me on a pro job, and it didn't have good high ISO video. However, the new one does. But I'd be willing to bet Canon and Nikon will respond to this camera quite well when it comes to fast auto focus in low light, way better battery life and ergonomics, Nikon has better dynamic range than Canon, although I expect Canon to have better 4k features at the beginning. I wouldn't switch yet. It's still early.
nagol5178 I would wait for 2016 but I need a new camera by the start of school (august 21st I think) If the af with a mount lenses is as good as it is with native lenses, then the amount of lenses isn't a problem (there are a lot of a mount lenses). Tony Northrup could you guys make an a7RII video dedicated to af speed/performance on native, a mount, and adapted lenses?
nagol5178 also nfc and wifi are a big deal, plus I like the evf. Your right, they have a lot of lenses, I would get a 16-35, 24-70, and a 24-240, but it would be great if the first 2 were f2.8 instead of f4. Nikon has an amazing 14-24 f2.8 and a new 24-70 f2.8 with vr, I wish sony had an answer to those...
Yeah, I had a Sony A7R with the 16-35 Zeiss F/4 and the 55mm 1.8 Zeiss. This was the original A7R. With no lo pass filter and the Zeiss lenses it was EXTREMELY sharp. The only reason I sold it was because I was being hired to take some portraits and I had to refund someone because it caused me to miss the auto focus so many times. The A7Rii was not out yet, so I had to go back to Canon. I would have went to Nikon for dynamic range, but the problem is, the Nikon D750 for example is an amazing stills camera. It performs at high ISO's. But when you put it in video mode, for some reason, which I can't figure out, it does not perform well at high ISO's, yet it does for photos. I had to go Canon because I do a lot of video too and it performs at high IS0'S equally with photo and video. It's also nice that now the important lenses I can buy an L series and spend money on it, but a focal length I only need for video or isn't as important I can find for 500 new or even cheaper used. With Sony, pretty much every lens is over a grand. However, like I said, I'm fine with 3 or 4 lenses. F/4 isn't a problem with the 16-35. You're mostly gonna use that for landscapes. Also, keep in mind, F/4 on a full frame body is the same as F 2.8 on a crop body. F/4 is a shallower depth of field than I think people realize.
Ray Eccleston from what you are saying, it sounds like there is a lens you like that sony doesn't have, i'm curious what specific lens that is, for me Sony has enough glass, and what it doesn't have you can adapt using other companies glass, for me I would by the Sony 55 f1.8 the Batas 85 f1.8 and for the wider angle I am not sure between the Sony 35 f2.8 or 35 f1.4 or the Batas 25 f2, and if I want a zoom, they have the 24/70 f4 and 70/200 f4, but if I buy the Sony A7rll i will start off adapting my Canon mount glass, and little by little buy the native glass, for me, I used to shoot Nikon and I love Nikon more than Canon even though I own Canon now, but if I invest in a new system, it's going to be a mirrorless system, and Canon and Nikon are a long way away from having one, and I am no longer going to invest in my Canon system, Sony is only going to get better and better, so your investment in glass is going to be a good investment for a long time, but it all depends on if you want to stay with the old technology or go with whats new, the Dslr is still probably the best for autofocus overall, but it depends on what you are shooting, if you shoot sports and wildlife, and you are using long focal lengths, I would still probably go with a dlsr, but if you are doing everything else like portraits or landscape, then the A7r ll autofocus is going to be more than good enough, so you don't need to see further tests to make up your mind, you just need to understand what you personally need, and then your choice is clear
I love the comparison. Everything is pretty easy to understand and the images give a clear representation of how you valued each example. I've posted some of your reviews on my Facebook page, as well as your podcast link. You are both very approachable and I can't wait to have a chance to read through all the of the books which you have written. I'm very enthusiastic about improving my photography, both in quality and in my desire to try new things using a camera. You're both very inspiring!
I sincerely appreciate all of the reviews you do and just wanted to say thanks. Nice Taylor!
Great to see Sony improving their mirrorless full frame line so fast! Good comparisons between the cameras too, and good to hear the Canon converter works reasonably well!
This is a great early comparison between these three cameras. The only comment I would have is that in the noise performance comparison, you said that any visible difference could be cleaned up with some processing. Given that you could use the same amount processing on the A7rII, I believe it would give that camera our advantage. Although that advantage may be very slight, it is pretty amazing that this camera is very competitive with the other two. Also it appears to be very competitive in many different categories. It will be interesting to see how they compare once you have more time. I'll bet that the resolution slots right in between Canon and Nikon. When you get to resolutions this high, was variations can have an appreciable impact.
It certainly is a wonderful time to be a photographer to have so many different choices!
Thank you very much for all the videos. I thoroughly enjoyed them.
It looks like your focus was a little off on the guitar. The last string on the guitar from the Sony picture is more in focus than the Nikon camera. Did you use the same mm on both cameras?
*Tony & Chelsea Northrup* Great videos, but no reference on the "resolution" of objectives. I wonder if i can take advantage of the high resolution 42MP (A7R2 or A7R3) camera, *by using a non-G objective,* such as the Vario-Sonnar® T DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA *AND* the old Minolta zoom 100-300mm APO.
Thanks Tony and Chelsea for your amazing video guides, keep it up. Regards, Hussein
I tested the AF for A7Rii quite thoroughly using the Zeiss 24-70 F4 and 55 F1.8 (street photos, kids running around and a soft ball game) and My experience is that it's still NOWHERE near a regular DSLR. I don't have any Sony tele lenses and I didn't even bother to try the 400mm F5.6 with metabone on birds... If a standard zoom can't keep up with kids running on the ground, there's no way this thing can keep up with birds.
Lin Eric Pics & Video please...or it DID NOT happen, my dear friend.
It's too easy to write stuff on the internet, I am not saying you're lying (yet), but you have to back your claims with PROOF.
Joseph Farrugia yes, you are right, it's easy to write stuff on the internet, and i have no responsibility to proof anything you requested. you can choose to believe or disbelieve anything, i have no obligation for you. if you think i'm lying, go for it.
Actually you do have a responsibility to back up your claims, especially when you intend to bash a brand. It's called "Burden of Proof" my friend.
Joseph Farrugia yea it's meaningless to you, and who will give a crap about you though? who are you? rofl.
All crappy lenses your tried out..try some primes like the 35 and 55
nice video, it seems like you guys really did allot of testing fast to get this video out so quick, but I would of loved for you at the end of the video to elaborate more on all those fantastic benefits, and make it very clear what your personal thoughts are, hopefully you will do that in the next video, I also would like to know what 85 f1.4 prime you were using ?? I heard that some Canon mount adaptors don't work with Sigma primes or Tamron zooms, so I would like to know specifically how it works with a Sigma 85 f1.4, because its older, not an Art lens, and also the Tamron 24/70 VC, and I am curious how the VC would work with the Sony IBIS, and if you get the complete five axis IBIS when using non native lenses, or is it just 3 axis, so I look forward to your future testing, and for you to really nail down your personal feeling on the camera and it's benefits or bad points, from what you have said so far, it doesn't sound like a good wild life or sports camera, because it doesn't work well with adapted long lenses, but that's ok for me, but Sony needs to solve that problem since they don't have long native glass, you also didn't really make it to clear how the focusing is compared to a dslr with native glass, no adaptor, thanks ( I love the IBIS with fast primes ) I can't wait to try that ( sometimes you guys make the longest video about something I don't care about, and then you make the shortest video out of something I want to hear allot about, you guys are really shitting on my dreams haha 6:26
Please also cover the eye detection. Everything that lets me focus more on compsition is a good thing but so far we only have DPR as a source and I'd like to hear more than one opinion.
DLC Spider We used it for the portrait shoot with the native lenses (it only works with the native lenses). It's part of what made the focusing "workable". In the past, eye detection hunted and missed regularly, but it was more reliable now. It still requires a separate button push, which is annoying, but you do learn to coordinate your fingers with some practice.
Tony Northrup Yeah, what I did was assign the AEL button for "Eye AF". Then it's like using back button focus for Eye AF. But agreed that it's kinda annoying to have to hold the button down instead of having the option to toggle. Not so sure why Sony decided to do it that way because the A77M2 has the same feature that you can have on all the time.
Well the BIS did make a difference because it made the noise level the same as a sensor with 6MP less. It would have had higher noise without it, same if Nikon put a 42MP camera out without it. Hoping to see you go in more detail with this camera, this is like a tease haha
One of the issues the Sony had was focus tracking in sports. Where they would focus on the first position but subsequent shots used the first position meaning something like a horse and rider taking a jump towards you would focus on the take-off but lose image focus on all following movement.
Vincent112 We'll test this next time, but yes, tracking moving subjects with the Sony cameras is always pretty awful.
There was a clear difference in sharpness showing the A7R II being much sharper in all your test and if you can't see the difference then maybe that is the problem. Honestly it seemed so much more clear.
Good review as usual. So, would it be safe to say that the Nikon D810 is the best still camera available now.
Wonderful, concise, on point. Superb review! (How many reviewers actually compare adapters?!)
A crucial issue for event photographers considering the A7RII: Does it autofocus as rapidly and accurately as DSLR in lower light with native lenses. I don't think that you covered that in this video. Its the only major open question that I can think of. This is a worry given the history of A7xx and also that it still reverts to CDAF in lower light. Please consider doing a near term followup to address this.
Thanks!
Art Altman My DSLRs are definitely snapping into focus more reliably than the a7R II in low light, with native lenses. However, it's usually fine, especially when it uses the focus assist. When the focus assist is blocked or it's too far away, it's hit-or-miss.
The Metabones adapter only works on Canon lenses produced after 2006, also won't work on after market canon mount such as Tamron and Sigma.
Tony,
If you are starting from scratch, you need a camera now, and you do most all types of photography what would be your top choice?
1. Canon 5DS/R + Canon Lens
2. Nikon D810 + Nikon Lens
3. Sony A7R II + Sony lens (native)
Brian Smith For one body that's good at everything, the Canon 5DS-R would be my recommendation.
Tony Northrup Thanks Tony. Based on your past comments/videos I'll assume the better lens/resolution of the Canon combo outweighs the increased DR and less noise of the other combos. Did I hit the nail on the head?-Brian
Brian Smith Yeah, but it's not a big difference in image quality. I steered you towards the Canon over the Nikon mostly based on Canon lenses, but that's pretty close to a wash, too.
Thanks for a Grate review folks.....i hope you have more reviews on the Sony A7Rii ; cos i would love it when u look into details like perfect native lenses,perfect adapted lenses,metabones adaptors limits(disadvantages),metabones speed booster benifits and limits(af ajd other performence),off camera ttl/hss flash options....etc.
It would be great to see samples taken with native Sony Lenses such as the FE5518, FE3514 & Batis 85mm f/1.8 and share the whole experience and usability. Furthermore, to see samples using the Sony LAEA3 adapter with the 70200G2, 2470CZ2 & 1635CZ2 lenses, would be phenomenal. For Portrait shots, A7RII + FE5518 would give any Canon & Nikon combos a competition in sharpness, fast AF & overall usability. A7RII + Otus 85mm combo result would be out of this world, rivaling some of the medium format setups.
True that :)
Matt granger tested the batis and rated it the second best 85mm lens he had used other than the outis.
Makes you wonder why test this camera using adapters and Canon lenses. Test it for the way it was designed. The adapters and third-party lenses should be treated as bonuses. Test it with FE5518, FE3514, FE70200, Batis 85mm & 25mm. Manual focus test on Zeiss Loxias. As far as adapter test, use the Sony LAEA3 + 2470CZII, 1635CZII, 70200G2, SAL300G2 & SAL500F40G. Now share the results :)
Trying to compare cameras side by side isn't easy which is what people want, I think I would have chose a different subject and manual focus to make sure everything was in focus as atleast that would have been a start. You can't really compare them side by side with native lenses as the Sony 55 and batis 85 are awesome and possibly give the edge over canon and Nikon glass where the Sony zooms would fall behind. A review of the camera and native glass would be a separate review all together as comparisons would be unfair in attempting to show sensor quality.
I don't think is as good as the d810 in sports or shooting birds, I don't think it will be a fair competition in that way. But I really like to see maybe a portrait shooting with the zeiss batis 85 against the d810 with the otus or another really good 85. Or a low ligth perform with a good sony e mount lens like the zeiss 35 1.4 against the 5dsr or the d810 with a sigma 35 art for example.
I still don't get why people keep mentioning the fact that the A7 series bodies are much smaller than a DSLR as a big pro, as I find this inacurate: a MILC , just like DSLRs, is useless without a lens, so comparing weight or bulk of bodies in non-operational condition is misleading.
It is meaningfully smaller than a DSLR only if you use it with a slow pancake lens, of which we have a very limited supply and selection currently.
Use any serious long or fast piece of glass - either Sony E or adapted to Sony E - and the field gets evened out drastically.
It is not a Fuji X, its FF 35mm and that comes with bulk. Period.
It is obvious even in this video that an un-gripped A7R II with a 70-200 or longer lens has no meaningful size and for the most part weight advantage over a similarly priced DSLR with a similar lens.
Now, start adding the deficiencies in ergonomics due to the smaller grip in any A7 which becomes apparent for hand-holding it with large lenses, the seriously gimped battery life etc (add a few batteries to the total weight of a A7 system for similar total shooting time), and the list of drawbacks the designers had to swallow whole and ofc pass to the consumer in order to really pursue the "smaller size" surfaces even more.
Sony has created an amazing camera line, but it feels like could be so much better if it was a tad bigger. I wish reviewers would point that out instead of "flowing along" with the PR hype just to add an extra, very limited niche advantage for those that might use a A7 with nothing but a 35mm 2.8 pancake prime.
the end sign off was awesome
Not my dreams! I own one! With the Sony G 24-105 f4. A bit cumbersome, but the image quality is very nice!
Definitely looking forward to the follow-up vids, very curious on this one.
And thank you for defecating on my dreams, that's precisely the kind of motivation a broke college student needs (seriously, that was so totally random I didn't really catch it at first because I had almost already tuned out, had to rewind a bit and watch it again, and then it did actually manage to make me laugh out loud, so bonus points for that)!
I have been waiting on the review for a month, GREAT JOB. Was Metabones firmware updated to the latest version?? I have read that's quite important and also have read the 400 5.6 focused well for at least a couple people using latest firmware.
In the reviews, no one ever talks about the Sony 3rd party customer service arrangement in North America. I see frightful warranty repair issues by a lot of people. It's the only thing still holding me back from buying this camera.
I would love to see a more in deep review in the future. Normally you compare cameras on a very high level with a lot of details.
Can you please try to compare the following lenses in the future: Sony E-Mount 70-200 f4 VS Canon 70-200 f2.8 and f4 ? I am struggling with my decision, I am not sure if the Sony 70-200 is worth the price. Thanks to both of you and enjoy your life!
desk0z We are following-up with an additional test to answer people's questions. We don't have the Canon 70-200 f4, but the Canon 70-200 f2.8 is a stop faster than the Sony f4, but quite a bit heavier and more expensive. This might be helpful, too: northrup.photo/reviews/lenses/canon-70-200-f2-8-l-is-ii-review/
The last few seconds are what I waited for. I don't even know what this vid was about, I just wanted to see the out take. It's like watching a marvel movie haha. Great video, the A7s remains dominant in low light!!!
The EXIF data should of been the same in every shot and the lack of lens data should of been addressed.
Also at 1:45, you are saying the 5DSR has more detail, but the A7Rii clearly showing more detail in the string while the 5DSR is showing more detail in the inner label, clearly a focusing error.
Nailed it in the coffin! Definitely focusing problem, as the A7RII exhibited sharp strings. Gotta test it with native lenses or with the LAEA3 + top of the line A-Mount lenses. Between FE and A-Mount lenses, there's plenty of coverage. The other non-native lenses come as bonuses.
Thanks Tony, I remember the A7000 has a big problem with overheating issue which I have purchased couple year ago.
Oh my... You are going to Machu Picchu! I am so jealous.
Good video. I am often tempted to switch to the Sony A7 series, but I have invested heavily in my Olympus OMD EM1 and EM5, it would not be worth it. Having said that, the OMD does everything I need :)
Andy_Curtis28 Yeah, if you don't need the (admitedly vastly) better image quality, stick with the OM-Ds. They're better cameras all-around, with better buttons, touch screens, and a far better selection of lenses. We're really not full-frame snobs, we regularly use our E-M5 II because it's just beautiful, fun, and gets the job done.
I always love your videos! How about a comparison with native lenses of the same focal length? Maybe 16-35, 50/55, 85 mm?
More AF tests with native Sony lenses please. Like the two batis lenses. Wide open in low light is really where you need it to be reliable and accurate. Speed and tracking also being important. A7rII with 85mm batis vs D810 and the 85mn 1.8g.
Philip Hansen We'll follow-up with an objective focusing test, but my subjective experience is that the focusing with native lenses is faster and more accurate than the a7 II, and vastly superior to the a7R. In general, it still doesn't keep up with DSLRs in challenging conditions, but it does get the job done.
Judging by the first picture comparison, I think Sony really needs to hire some Nikon engineers to better understand how to use its sensors.
thoroughly supported you on that.
crazyRyoga Other tests show the Sony having more detail than the Nikons.
Lofote Can you link them please?
I will be interested to see that too.
crazyRyoga for sharpness i'll wait for a more reliable chart test, in this test it seem a little back focusing in the a7rii part.
I would like to see some comparison of the auto focus tracking on the video mode. Comparing of you walking up to it like before but also tracking with objects moving by at different speeds
Have you done any tests using an adapter for Nikon lens? Thanks for your thorough and well-presented tests.
Thanks Tony and Chelsea :)
This video is recorded with???
Thanks for the great review, Tony and Chelsea! Three questions for you: Are there going to be follow up in-depth reviews on the A7R ii soon? Would you recommend a battery grip for the A7R II? Are there any sync issues with the Paul C Buff lights/Cyber Commander?
my only complain is the video too short. awesome video!
Man I love you guys, trustworthy and severely honest GR8!!
I thought you were going to do a focusing speed test with the native Sony lenses? I notice you did a little bit.... but not really. Test the AF with Sony FE lenses only at low light as well as regular light. Can it replace a DSLR if we are ONLY talking about Sony FE lenses?
nagol5178 We'll do a focus tracking test this week, but the focusing with native lenses was good, but not as consistent or reliable as a DSLR, especially in challenging conditions.
Well, I don't do much tracking, but I'll have to wait to see what Canon offers in the next 5D before I upgrade. I care a lot about video. The A7Rii I have to be in super 35mm mode to go high ISO video. But I had the original A7R and the quality was stunning. It's hard to decide to go high resolution camera with less ISO performance or low mega pixels and get something that will take a photo or video anywhere with available lighting. I might be happier if the rumor is true about Canon 5DC with 18 MP and 4k video. If the rumor isn't true I have no idea what I'll do.
Thanks Tony,
I am looking forward to it. In any event, as an all around, do it all, it's looking pretty good. Expensive, but good.
Thanks for this.
I'd love to see more video examples. I shoot broadcast TV spots with a GH4 and was thinking of adding this camera for creamy backgrounds without the extra set-up required on the GH4. Also for a better low light solution....
Tony Northrup At first, you are comparing a 36mp sensor with a 42mp sensor, therefore your comparison is NOT apples to apples. Again at the first test, the threads on guitar strings are more detailed in A7RII compared to that of D810. In 5DSR comparison, again, if you look at the threads of the strings, A7RII does a better job in resolving power. Oh, btw... I think you used Canon and Nikon lenses while doing these comparisons. Strange methodology ;)
Which part of this video or the second part video do you compare this to the dark horse nx1? I can't find it!
on the guitar A7R2 vs 5DSR, You have the Sony fine focus on the strings while the Canon you have fine focus on the back label
+UnknownHandle UnknownHandle Check the description of the video; we did a follow-up: ua-cam.com/video/XxxKAJtBnhA/v-deo.html
+Tony Northrup Now that you have native 200mm f2.8 (G-master) for the E-mount would you repeat the test.
Great Video I'm trying to decide (for video only) Sony A7rII or Canon 5Dr? Your thoughts ..... I'm shooting movies
Really Strange... a lot of people rate the Commlite Adapter much better in Focus Speed and because it has no jumping to max. Aperture during Aperture Changes.
Best comparison video I've seen! Thanks! Can you compare the body image stabilization vs stabilization off at slow, normal and fast shutter speeds?
Great, concise evaluation! I know it took a lot of work to pack so much into a few minutes of video.
virtualzen Thanks! Yes, the whole team worked late nights to get those tests done in just a couple of days. It was hard.
Thanq sir. I am Sony DSLR's hardcore fan. I have Sony DSLR a58. And I shoot short films with this cam. And now I am in saving money to take full frame DSLR camera.
I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS . YOUR REVIEWS ARE THE BEST
+Terry Lebo Thanks, Terry!
You guys have way too much fun. Thanks for the video.
Loved the video sharpness and bokeh at the end, are you using the mitakon?
Fate Yep
Awesome video as usual .
I am particularly interested because I am thinking of getting a Sony system , so I will be looking forward to the follow up videos .
Also could you do a comparison between the Quiet Shutter mode and a mechanical shutter vs electronic shutter .
Thanks
:)
Sam Toby The silent shutter mode is essentially completely silent.
Tony Northrup we really like the detail on ur vinyl wood planks (not to mention the ever great GSMini).. i assume that they are stiff, how did u achieve the curves at the bottom? thanks both!
Lets hope that Canon gives us 4k in the next 5D, so we can focus in low light with a big selection of lenses. The problem is, the dynamic range, I hope they fix that. I don't have to have the most dynamic range but my A7R had a significant amount more than the Canon. I'm not fully switching back to Sony until I see what Canon does in 2016 with the 5D. I would sacrifice dynamic range for fast high ISO low light photos with less MP and 4k with good low light in full frame mode.
Another great vid!
Please perform tests using native FE Lenses, i.e. FE5518, FE3514 & FE70200. Other awesome lenses would be the 25mm & 85mm Zeiss Batis Lenses. For manual focus, the Zeiss Loxia lineups would be the choice. For the ultimate, crème de la crème A7RII test, please use the Otus 55mm & 85mm. After doing so, now please tell us the overall usability and performance. I'm sure the results would be fantastic!
rlpring78 We did test the 55 f/1.8 and the 70-200 f4. They work well. Overall, the lens lineup is a definite weakness compared to the Canon & Nikon systems, but if Sony has all the lenses you need, you'll be happy.
I was yesterday in my faforite fotoshop. Tryed out with the Sony 7S and R (both mk 2).Work now with a Nikon D810 with the 24-70 +70-200 (both f 2.8) and a 20mm f 1.7.And for video with 2 Samyangs 35 + 80 mm F1.5. (no auto focus)Film with tripod and pull focus. Works good. But ....Like working inbetween with the Ronin M. You can come close to persons.Focus pulling, does not work, with the Ronin (And when it's works - they come with focus pulling) i am allone / mis hands.Want a camera, whitch i can use on the Ronin M. Has a good (quick) autofocus.What the person a im following in video = (face-detection - eye-detection?) keeps sharp.We tried out the both Sony 's. But i mean, It does not work. Sometime 's the sharpness is correct. A bit later out of sharpness.Can you give me an advice??Thanks
Tony and Chelsea, you just landed the best paying gig with big referral potential and you could only bring an A7r2 or a D750. What gear are you going to bet your professional career on.
It depends on the gig...
Next tests: would love to hear if you think the new AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR fills the gap in the Nikon lineup you've identified in the past met by the Canon 400mm f/5.6, finally making Nikon cameras an option for birders?
The a7rii used goes for only around $1500 now on bhphoto.com and adorama.com. While the 5ds goes for more than $2k.
Tony please test on 3rd party lens like tamron(canon version) 24-70 , 70-200 on adapter with sony a7rii.
I think I'm upgrading my Sony A7II to this A7RII (or adding it) at some point rather than upgrading on my struggling old Canon 5D MKII. I like these smaller Sony cameras much better. Went back and shot with my Canon the other day and it feels horrible and limiting.
Awesome review guys.
so can we expect a free fall in DSLR prices? Like the 5D Mrk III, 7D Mrk II and similiar Nikons. With all the mirrorless cameras and 4k cameras at the same price points, should I be thinking about geting what I can for them now before they become cup holders?
Great review. My 5D Mark II is getting a little long in the tooth... ready for an upgrade
Wesley Jones
Make sure what you are photographing matches your work you want to do. For example Tony loved comparing the 5ds R to other camera that are used for video or sports or action of some sort. But the camera has things missing for a reason. Studio work and landscape are the two biggest things this camera is meant for not 4K video as he can't figure out why it doesn't have it. or touch screens or GPS. This is a high end camera not for Joe blow going to the UK on vacation. this is a photo specific camera. Sorry for ranting but make sure what you are going to use it for and check out all the you tube reviews and company reviews before buying. again sorry for the rant. I found his reviews not that good after I went to other sites.
Hey Tony, what Camera/Lens setup you used at your home at 5:05? Very nice look. Thanks!
So how does the Sony compare to the new 54mp D900? "This is Tony and Chelsea, shitting on your dreams" LMAO!
why didn't you use the shogun with the a7rii vs the a7s? how was the quality difference with the internal codec vs prores?
Why do you think the super 35mm sensor mode vs full frame was so much better?
Nice quick comparison! Thanks.
I'm getting one. Please show how you set your custom buttons. I was thinking PEAKING, etc.
Tony and Chelsea, I use my cameras for 40% pictures and 60% video. I have been using the GH4 with a Metabones Speedbooster (Ultra) and the Sigma 18-35mm lens (1.8 Art Series). I have used the GH4 strictly for video as I just don't like it for pictures. For pictures I have been using a Canon 70D (which I just sold to gather up some money for the a7rii) with mainly the Sigma 24-105 Art, and I have used the 18-35 amounts other lenses. I know the a7sii is a much better camera than the a7rii, however, I want the a7rii for its picture capabilities (MP). Here is the question, will the a7rii outperform the GH4 in low light conditions? I have been mainly shooting bands in nightclubs with the GH4 and I have been getting excellent results. Can I expect better or at least the same with the a7rii in either full frame or 35mm mode? If so, I would also sell my GH4 and use the a7rii for both pictures and video. I would only need to carry one camera. From this video, I am hoping the answer is yes!?
I very like your videos but this video not sure did it in right way. What lens you guys using on sony? and what lens you guys are using on nikon?
Tony Northrup Thanks for the comparison. Could you also look at the highlight recovery? There might be a difference there to the A7II, D810 and 5DS
Fabian Buschor OK, we can check that. Usually highlight recovery is exactly the same between different cameras (about 2 stops), which is why we didn't test it, but we will.
Tony Northrup Thank you Tony. I'm curious what the findings will be cause hardly anybody is looking at it these days. The talk is always about shadow lifting.
Hi don't suppose you have a raw or jpeg sample of the a7rii vs d810 cause the image of the a7r2 seemed to offer more detail in the strings of the guitar. Thanks