I sold my a7rv for this camera for the same reason as yours and I couldn't be happier. It really makes a huge difference on a daily basis. It's just a perfect everyday/travel size camera while still has plenty enough photo/video performance. I didn't like the 1.5x crop at first either, but I feel like it's not that big of a deal once you get used to it, plus I actually found it very useful as I constantly use it to get a closer focal length lol, and the best thing is you still get the full 4k resolution. For vlogging I just use a very wild lens and it works out perfectly. You're really getting a lot for the price.
Thanks for sharing, I'm glad to hear that. For those who don't need 2 card slots, a7cii makes most sense in every aspect. I also tried using it as a vlogging camera, and it works pretty well, stabilization and everything are amazing.
I'm still so happy with my a7c ii. It's an amazing compact device that fits perfectly for me both for photography during vacation as well as videography at the race track.
Very helpful video. I am one of your subscriber for long time.. Your channel is my favourite & most helpful among all camera related UA-cam channels..❤.. i have zv-e1 but i want o go for a7cii for flexibility..
I'm glad to hear that, really appreciate your support. A7cii does have more flexibility especially if you use apsc lenses, but you'll lose dynamic active steadyshot and 4k120p.
Love to see the compact lenses video! I’m personally looking to get the a7cii with a zoom lens. Leaning to the sigma 28-70 would love to hear your feedback and experience with that lens!
Here's the video for compact lenses on a7cii: ua-cam.com/video/QM-7CQw1q-M/v-deo.html It's been published for a while now, sorry I forgot to put the link here until now
@@ConstantineSPhotography loved the video 🫶🏻 i ended up picking my sony a7cii with the Sigma 28-70 for versatility and im loving it. Next on the list is a prime! Loving that Viltrox 20mm to add up to my focal range!
Great! I've been thinkin about getting A7Cii or A7CR, and even if getting 16-35mm. I'm currently on A7C with Tamron 17-28mm but need to upgrade! I travel a lot and I do mostly video but I like taking good photos as the same time.
Sounds like a nice combo! With a7cii/a7cr you’ll get better sensor, faster and more accurate af, better stabilization, more friendly menu and all the more, I’m happy for you 📷📷
Thanks for sharing! I totally agree that a7C II + ZV-E1 is the best combo. It makes me wonder why Sony hasn't made a camera that combines the a7C II’s resolution with the ZV-E1’s stabilization and extreme low-light performance. I guess I'm just being greedy! 😊
@@ConstantineSPhotographybecause it’s lower resolution and thus big pixels on the sensor, is why ZVE1 is king of low light. One other point is if filming S Cinetone, ZVE1 is better choice in all low light, including street scenes, less noise.
Helpful review. Looking forward to your compact lens recommendations. Two questions. One. Some people report that they find the shutter sound annoying. Did you find that too? Two. I believe the camera does not have a full mechanical shutter but an ‘electronic first curtain shutter’. Did you notice any limitations? Thank you! I enjoy watching your videos
Thanks for supporting! I don’t find the shutter sound annoying (probably have to clarify what they mean by “annoying “). And yes it’s true that a7cii doesn’t have a full mechanical shutter; some say it affects the look of bokeh when you use an extremely fast lens, but the difference is not worth mentioning.
@@ConstantineSPhotography About the sound, my understanding is that some people find the sound artificial and electronic sounding. Good to hear it is not bothersome to you. About the shutter, great that the difference is negligible. Thank you for sharing your experience!
@@ConstantineSPhotography yes I’m not wedding photographer or pro photographer, I’m not thinking much, but one more thing I’m mad with Sony for this price, a7cii can do only 1/4000
I've managed to get an overheating warning on a7cIi when recorded over 2 hours in 4k 25fps 10bit. It didn't shut down but I've stopped recording and changed the battery. On the other hand, a ZV-E1 overheated on me even in 1080p after 25 min of continuous recording, a screen wasn't opened but an external battery was used, and it overheated.
Over 2 hours! That’s great, I haven’t tested A7cii yet, but I’ve done some overheating tests on zve1. If I remember correctly, it lasted for about 20 minutes at around 30°C. I’ve never had the need to shoot that long time, but for people who do, this is definitely something that should be taken into consideration.
I think the frequent comparisons with this camera are unfair, because they are based on the camera's characteristics and not the user's needs: it's like comparing a hammer with a screwdriver, or a 10$ hammer with a 200$ hammer. A reasonable real world comparison would be with a similar camera for a similar use (ZV-E1 is a different type of product for a different type or use and market) and a similar price (A7CR doesn't even make sense). First you think what you need/want to do, and then what's the best tool to get to that. If someone is looking for a all-purpose camera (which implies things like zero overheating and enough resolution to not even think about it), great for photo and video, and similar price, I think an example of logical concurrence for this camera would be the Lumix S5II or S5IIX. I've just checked the website of a shop in my city and the A7CII is at 1.855 €, while the S5IIX is at 1.834 €. Probably the S5II (without the X) would be more correct for a similar solution, but the price of these two is almost nailed and that's why I mention it. Following this example, maybe the two factors to consider here are whether the user comes from the same ecosystem and already owns compatible lenses or not; and in case there's no previous bias, if you value more the size (Sony wins) or you value more the video options+resolutions+codecs (Lumix wins). Something that might be also important is whether you want to use the camera as a webcam, in this case the Sony is your clear way to go. But besides this, I think this review is extremely useful for some users (like me) who have the A7CII in the wishlist. There were some aspects I hadn't consider and I guess those are the kind of things you think of when you have the experience, thank you very much for pointing everything out and also giving us marvellous images as always.
Thanks for sharing, I agree with you regarding what a fair comparison is, I guess this video is probably for those who are already in the Sony system or have already decided to join the Sony system. Earlier, when the zve1 was just released, I had a difficult time deciding whether to keep or sell my a74 or zve10 in order to get the new zve1( I ended up keeping the three) . But when the A7cii was released, I didn’t hesitate at all to sell my A74 for it. I suppose this is as you said, because a74 and A7cii are in the same comparison group, both are hybrid cameras at similar price, and the same system.
Hey Constantine, thank you for taking the time to make this stellar review. It was really helpful. OFF TOPIC question... Can you PLEASE tell me what kind of dog/terrier the one at 0:46 or 4:38 is? He/she is one of the cutest dogs I've seen. I have to know 😂
Finally, after seing so many wonderful videos and photos with this camera (especially yours), I've just got my new A7CII + Sigma 28-70. I should stop watching UA-cam 😑
Nice video, definitely very useful. in fact I'm also considering the Sony a7c ii...months ago I sold the Sony a7iv to get the Sony Zve1. for me it was too bulky and that 4k 50p with the crop was unbearable. but it made me discover the use of APSC lenses on a full frame. now that I've had the Zve1 for a few months I tried to do the same thing because with such a small camera you need small lenses in theory...so I even started with the 16-50 kit lens...then with the classic sigma 16 f1.4. ...I tried the 16-55 f2.8 and many others...including full frame lenses. And unfortunately the more it goes on the more I realize all the limitations that Sony continues to put... and which I honestly can't stand anymore. On the a7iv the crop at 50p....on the ZV-E1 the overheating...the lack of mechanical shutter which allows you not to have 14 bits but 12...on the a7r III (also had this one) the 4k at 30p was unwatchable...then the crop in the stabilization...the crop in 120p for the a6700...well why? Sometimes I look at my old photos and videos taken with the a6000 with my kit lens and still today I wonder how they are so beautiful? why didn't the videos have rolling shutter? why didn't the camera overheat?? I think that Sony has two market lines, one made for those who work, very specific, very expensive and which works as it should work... and then there is the line dedicated to those who don't work as a video maker or filmmaker or whatever, which is that segment of people, which I also fall into, who does weeks of research to find the best features in the next camera to buy, somehow gets there and then after a few months gets bored and starts looking for something else. And obviously it's always a matter of making do... because Sony on this market segment pretends not to be able to integrate things that it does on other cameras... so I've reached the point that I think it would be better if Sony started giving its buyers something more appropriate than cameras full of limitations. Such as a beautiful 16mpx APSC camera. thus all these noise problems in low light would finally be avoided. or a 20/24mpx full frame with 4k 50p no crop. Does it take a long time to do it??? definitely not but Sony doesn't want to do it. because he understood that those who work there spend $7000 on a camera and probably keep it for years, while those who don't work there are the ones who make the economy go round and that every 6 months or at most a year they change cameras and constantly change lenses
I can totally understand your frustration. I believe Sony is completely capable of integrating all those features together in one single camera, but just like you said, this would be too perfect and consumers would keep it for years. Instead, by dividing cameras into several lines for different types of users sounds like a better way to do business.
@@ConstantineSPhotography I'm not sure..but for me Sony in the last years has understand how to make spend money to people. I mean, they don't give you what you want or what you need, they create a new need. To be clear..who need a 16-25? Or a 24-50? Why you have to produce so much limited focal range? But Sony say "it's the perfect lens for vlog!". But if a person just take a minute to think about it....why I've got to spend 1600$ for a lens that I've take to use it at 16 and in video I cannot do it because of the stabilization?? Why don't make a stabilized lens?? I mean...this is the small things that make me think "why Panasonic..canon..Nikon..made stabilized lenses... appropriate focal range like 14-30...24-120...or 12-28 apsc...or again firmware update that have a sense! Sometimes massive update! Like Panasonic does quite often. I don't know sometimes I feel like I'm the only one to notice this things...the most part of the UA-camrs if a new product comes out is only "wow a new lens!!" "wow a new camera!!!". The only affordable UA-camr that I trust to see his videos about new things is Christopher Frost.
I probably don't agree with "who need a 16-25? Or a 24-50? " It actually makes sense to some people, and I think it's not a bad thing that they're creating new products that are a bit out of the box, since there're already so many third party brands that are producing lenses that use traditional focal length range.
Actually, no, I am very satisfied with A74’s eye AF. But with A7cii you can see the square at the eye area indicating it’s in focus, which really assures me.
@@ConstantineSPhotographyI see. I came to A7iv from the A7iii 2 months ago. I'm getting a little paranoid with a7iv's eye AF after reading about a small group of users still having front focusing issues with the eye AF. I encountered this a few times too where there's a green box on the eye but the eye was actually not in focus, or the eye lash ended up being sharper than the iris. I don't remember facing this issue with A7iii but I'll need to use the A7iv more to conclude.
@@ConstantineSPhotography I’ve compared the video footage with the same lens and settings and on my unit I’m getting a stronger greenish hue.Don’t know why maybe it’s the characteristic of my particular camera.Thanks for your reply , appreciate it .Good luck.
Here’s the video for compact lenses that I recommend on A7cii, hope you find it helpful! ua-cam.com/video/QM-7CQw1q-M/v-deo.htmlsi=5MnM-pgaisFc0_5v
I sold my a7rv for this camera for the same reason as yours and I couldn't be happier. It really makes a huge difference on a daily basis. It's just a perfect everyday/travel size camera while still has plenty enough photo/video performance. I didn't like the 1.5x crop at first either, but I feel like it's not that big of a deal once you get used to it, plus I actually found it very useful as I constantly use it to get a closer focal length lol, and the best thing is you still get the full 4k resolution. For vlogging I just use a very wild lens and it works out perfectly. You're really getting a lot for the price.
Thanks for sharing, I'm glad to hear that. For those who don't need 2 card slots, a7cii makes most sense in every aspect. I also tried using it as a vlogging camera, and it works pretty well, stabilization and everything are amazing.
Id miss 1/8000 shutter and joystick. Other than that a7cii is more than enough.
Thank you! A7cii is my first Sony camera and your videos have helped me out so much.
I'm very glad to hear that. I believe you have a great time with your a7cii right?
Please make more tips and tricks videos on how to get good footage/photos, your guides are the best
Really appreciate it. I'm currently making one, will publish it soon!
I'm still so happy with my a7c ii. It's an amazing compact device that fits perfectly for me both for photography during vacation as well as videography at the race track.
Thanks for sharing😊 it’s amazing how powerful this compact camera is.
Nice Video, Just what i was looking for! Thanks and keep going. Cheers from Argentina
@@encuadrezz thank you very much 😊greetings from Taiwan 🇹🇼
I will buy one soon. Good video! Subscribed!
Let me know your feedback after you tried this camera. Thanks for subscribing!
Very helpful video. I am one of your subscriber for long time.. Your channel is my favourite & most helpful among all camera related UA-cam channels..❤.. i have zv-e1 but i want o go for a7cii for flexibility..
I'm glad to hear that, really appreciate your support. A7cii does have more flexibility especially if you use apsc lenses, but you'll lose dynamic active steadyshot and 4k120p.
Love to see the compact lenses video! I’m personally looking to get the a7cii with a zoom lens. Leaning to the sigma 28-70 would love to hear your feedback and experience with that lens!
@@facundovaldiviac1504 thanks for supporting, I’ll put the link here once the video is published
Here’s the video for compact lenses that I recommend on A7cii, hope you find it helpful! ua-cam.com/video/QM-7CQw1q-M/v-deo.htmlsi=5MnM-pgaisFc0_5v
Here's the video for compact lenses on a7cii: ua-cam.com/video/QM-7CQw1q-M/v-deo.html
It's been published for a while now, sorry I forgot to put the link here until now
@@ConstantineSPhotography loved the video 🫶🏻 i ended up picking my sony a7cii with the Sigma 28-70 for versatility and im loving it. Next on the list is a prime! Loving that Viltrox 20mm to add up to my focal range!
@@facundovaldiviac1504 I’m glad to hear that! A zoom a wide angle prime is a great combination!
Great! I've been thinkin about getting A7Cii or A7CR, and even if getting 16-35mm. I'm currently on A7C with Tamron 17-28mm but need to upgrade! I travel a lot and I do mostly video but I like taking good photos as the same time.
Sounds like a nice combo! With a7cii/a7cr you’ll get better sensor, faster and more accurate af, better stabilization, more friendly menu and all the more, I’m happy for you 📷📷
Awesome review !!!
Thank you very much!
A7cII with ZV-E1 is the best combo. And AF on both is mindblowing. Subject is being tracked again even when steps out an back in the frame.
Thanks for sharing! I totally agree that a7C II + ZV-E1 is the best combo. It makes me wonder why Sony hasn't made a camera that combines the a7C II’s resolution with the ZV-E1’s stabilization and extreme low-light performance. I guess I'm just being greedy! 😊
@@ConstantineSPhotographybecause it’s lower resolution and thus big pixels on the sensor, is why ZVE1 is king of low light.
One other point is if filming S Cinetone, ZVE1 is better choice in all low light, including street scenes, less noise.
@@wakeywarrior yes I noticed the second base ISO on s-Cinetone on zve1 is a lot higher than on a7cii
Helpful review. Looking forward to your compact lens recommendations. Two questions. One. Some people report that they find the shutter sound annoying. Did you find that too? Two. I believe the camera does not have a full mechanical shutter but an ‘electronic first curtain shutter’. Did you notice any limitations? Thank you! I enjoy watching your videos
Thanks for supporting! I don’t find the shutter sound annoying (probably have to clarify what they mean by “annoying “). And yes it’s true that a7cii doesn’t have a full mechanical shutter; some say it affects the look of bokeh when you use an extremely fast lens, but the difference is not worth mentioning.
@@ConstantineSPhotography About the sound, my understanding is that some people find the sound artificial and electronic sounding. Good to hear it is not bothersome to you. About the shutter, great that the difference is negligible. Thank you for sharing your experience!
@@paullafleur6112 In this video at about 7:58 you can hear the shutter sound
@@ConstantineSPhotography Thank you. That sounds alright actually
Thanks very helpful, I’m a Sony a7iv user , i like a7cii but i am afraid to choose wrong direction but thanks i buy a7cii today
Wow congrats on your new camera! I believe if you don’t need two card slots, a7cii is a better option than a74 in every aspect.
@@ConstantineSPhotography yes I’m not wedding photographer or pro photographer, I’m not thinking much, but one more thing I’m mad with Sony for this price, a7cii can do only 1/4000
@@janes1138 if you use electronic shutter it can be 1/8000
I've managed to get an overheating warning on a7cIi when recorded over 2 hours in 4k 25fps 10bit. It didn't shut down but I've stopped recording and changed the battery. On the other hand, a ZV-E1 overheated on me even in 1080p after 25 min of continuous recording, a screen wasn't opened but an external battery was used, and it overheated.
Over 2 hours! That’s great, I haven’t tested A7cii yet, but I’ve done some overheating tests on zve1. If I remember correctly, it lasted for about 20 minutes at around 30°C. I’ve never had the need to shoot that long time, but for people who do, this is definitely something that should be taken into consideration.
A pop concert has been recorded. It was indoor but extremelly hot
I think the frequent comparisons with this camera are unfair, because they are based on the camera's characteristics and not the user's needs: it's like comparing a hammer with a screwdriver, or a 10$ hammer with a 200$ hammer. A reasonable real world comparison would be with a similar camera for a similar use (ZV-E1 is a different type of product for a different type or use and market) and a similar price (A7CR doesn't even make sense). First you think what you need/want to do, and then what's the best tool to get to that.
If someone is looking for a all-purpose camera (which implies things like zero overheating and enough resolution to not even think about it), great for photo and video, and similar price, I think an example of logical concurrence for this camera would be the Lumix S5II or S5IIX. I've just checked the website of a shop in my city and the A7CII is at 1.855 €, while the S5IIX is at 1.834 €. Probably the S5II (without the X) would be more correct for a similar solution, but the price of these two is almost nailed and that's why I mention it.
Following this example, maybe the two factors to consider here are whether the user comes from the same ecosystem and already owns compatible lenses or not; and in case there's no previous bias, if you value more the size (Sony wins) or you value more the video options+resolutions+codecs (Lumix wins). Something that might be also important is whether you want to use the camera as a webcam, in this case the Sony is your clear way to go.
But besides this, I think this review is extremely useful for some users (like me) who have the A7CII in the wishlist. There were some aspects I hadn't consider and I guess those are the kind of things you think of when you have the experience, thank you very much for pointing everything out and also giving us marvellous images as always.
Thanks for sharing, I agree with you regarding what a fair comparison is, I guess this video is probably for those who are already in the Sony system or have already decided to join the Sony system. Earlier, when the zve1 was just released, I had a difficult time deciding whether to keep or sell my a74 or zve10 in order to get the new zve1( I ended up keeping the three) . But when the A7cii was released, I didn’t hesitate at all to sell my A74 for it. I suppose this is as you said, because a74 and A7cii are in the same comparison group, both are hybrid cameras at similar price, and the same system.
Love the 50mm 2.5g with my a7cii, but also Tamron 17-28 2.8 and Sony 80mm 1.8
Nice combo! do you think that’s enough to cover most of your use?
Hey Constantine, thank you for taking the time to make this stellar review. It was really helpful. OFF TOPIC question... Can you PLEASE tell me what kind of dog/terrier the one at 0:46 or 4:38 is? He/she is one of the cutest dogs I've seen. I have to know 😂
Thanks for watching! That’s a Jack Russell terrier. She is my best model when I need a photo shoot🐶🐶
@@ConstantineSPhotography I appreciate the response. She definitely is. So precious 🥹 I might have to adopt my own, haha.
Jack Russell terriers are very playful and energetic, be prepared to take them out for a run every day!
Finally, after seing so many wonderful videos and photos with this camera (especially yours), I've just got my new A7CII + Sigma 28-70. I should stop watching UA-cam 😑
Wow congrats on your new gears! I believe you'll have a lot of fun with this combo. (Don't stop watching my channel😊😊)
Nice video, definitely very useful. in fact I'm also considering the Sony a7c ii...months ago I sold the Sony a7iv to get the Sony Zve1. for me it was too bulky and that 4k 50p with the crop was unbearable. but it made me discover the use of APSC lenses on a full frame. now that I've had the Zve1 for a few months I tried to do the same thing because with such a small camera you need small lenses in theory...so I even started with the 16-50 kit lens...then with the classic sigma 16 f1.4. ...I tried the 16-55 f2.8 and many others...including full frame lenses. And unfortunately the more it goes on the more I realize all the limitations that Sony continues to put... and which I honestly can't stand anymore. On the a7iv the crop at 50p....on the ZV-E1 the overheating...the lack of mechanical shutter which allows you not to have 14 bits but 12...on the a7r III (also had this one) the 4k at 30p was unwatchable...then the crop in the stabilization...the crop in 120p for the a6700...well why? Sometimes I look at my old photos and videos taken with the a6000 with my kit lens and still today I wonder how they are so beautiful? why didn't the videos have rolling shutter? why didn't the camera overheat?? I think that Sony has two market lines, one made for those who work, very specific, very expensive and which works as it should work... and then there is the line dedicated to those who don't work as a video maker or filmmaker or whatever, which is that segment of people, which I also fall into, who does weeks of research to find the best features in the next camera to buy, somehow gets there and then after a few months gets bored and starts looking for something else. And obviously it's always a matter of making do... because Sony on this market segment pretends not to be able to integrate things that it does on other cameras... so I've reached the point that I think it would be better if Sony started giving its buyers something more appropriate than cameras full of limitations. Such as a beautiful 16mpx APSC camera. thus all these noise problems in low light would finally be avoided. or a 20/24mpx full frame with 4k 50p no crop. Does it take a long time to do it??? definitely not but Sony doesn't want to do it. because he understood that those who work there spend $7000 on a camera and probably keep it for years, while those who don't work there are the ones who make the economy go round and that every 6 months or at most a year they change cameras and constantly change lenses
I can totally understand your frustration. I believe Sony is completely capable of integrating all those features together in one single camera, but just like you said, this would be too perfect and consumers would keep it for years. Instead, by dividing cameras into several lines for different types of users sounds like a better way to do business.
@@ConstantineSPhotography completely agree...in your opinion which other brand could you consider if you have to change it for whatever reason?
@@lb_projekt I honestly don’t know 🤔 I’m not that familiar with other brands, but I assume they would have the same product strategy as Sony?
@@ConstantineSPhotography I'm not sure..but for me Sony in the last years has understand how to make spend money to people. I mean, they don't give you what you want or what you need, they create a new need. To be clear..who need a 16-25? Or a 24-50? Why you have to produce so much limited focal range? But Sony say "it's the perfect lens for vlog!". But if a person just take a minute to think about it....why I've got to spend 1600$ for a lens that I've take to use it at 16 and in video I cannot do it because of the stabilization?? Why don't make a stabilized lens?? I mean...this is the small things that make me think "why Panasonic..canon..Nikon..made stabilized lenses... appropriate focal range like 14-30...24-120...or 12-28 apsc...or again firmware update that have a sense! Sometimes massive update! Like Panasonic does quite often. I don't know sometimes I feel like I'm the only one to notice this things...the most part of the UA-camrs if a new product comes out is only "wow a new lens!!" "wow a new camera!!!". The only affordable UA-camr that I trust to see his videos about new things is Christopher Frost.
I probably don't agree with "who need a 16-25? Or a 24-50? " It actually makes sense to some people, and I think it's not a bad thing that they're creating new products that are a bit out of the box, since there're already so many third party brands that are producing lenses that use traditional focal length range.
Thanks for sharing.. from India
@@tinchin714 thank you 😊 greetings from Taiwan 🇹🇼
Hi! I have a few questions about the A7 CII. Can we talk in private?
Do you find A7iv's eye AF less accurate than A7cii?
Actually, no, I am very satisfied with A74’s eye AF. But with A7cii you can see the square at the eye area indicating it’s in focus, which really assures me.
@@ConstantineSPhotographyI see. I came to A7iv from the A7iii 2 months ago. I'm getting a little paranoid with a7iv's eye AF after reading about a small group of users still having front focusing issues with the eye AF. I encountered this a few times too where there's a green box on the eye but the eye was actually not in focus, or the eye lash ended up being sharper than the iris. I don't remember facing this issue with A7iii but I'll need to use the A7iv more to conclude.
@@highwind85 I had used a74 for almost an entire year, and I think more than 90 percent of the time it worked pretty well for me
The video is over green looking for me on mine .It appears more green than the A74 snd not so sharp.
@@howardhdavidson really? It doesn’t seem to be a problem for me.
@@ConstantineSPhotography I’ve compared the video footage with the same lens and settings and on my unit I’m getting a stronger greenish hue.Don’t know why maybe it’s the characteristic of my particular camera.Thanks for your reply , appreciate it .Good luck.
does it help if you change the white balance on the camera?
Personally, I had no need for the ZV-E1 and sold it after getting the A7Cii.
How do you like your new camera?
I think so you are not a video creator