Congrats on your decision! I had a client who had the same camera I had & he asked me, “you use the same camera as I use, are you sure about that?” I told him that cameras are just tools, anybody can buy pro gear, that doesn’t give them pro results. I asked him, you are a woodworker, won’t your hammer allow me to get your pro results? He said, point well made.
@@jupillam86 Take the guitar away from a guitarist. That person will still be a guitarist. It's a question of skill, not the tool that matters. Go watch Mike Portnoy play the Hello Kitty drumkit or any video from the Pro Photographer Cheap Camera series from DigitalRev.
I sold my entire kit a couple years ago for an a7c and haven't looked back. I take it more places, there are less micro-decisions to weigh me down. I can just focus on capturing what I want to capture.
@@MattGetzeBe careful with them though. They’ll quote you one price and then come back and say they’ve “discovered” something that makes them backtrack and want to pay you less. It happened with a Nikon D700 and it would have meant costing me to have it sent back so I went ahead anyway but here I am warning everyone …
Love watching your stuff….Turning 60 this year. While I have dozens of heavy as heck SLRs & DSLRs, and I love them all, I bought into mirrorless to get smaller and lighter. Going on a trip next month with my Nikon Zfc and 3 super light primes…..looking forward to less neck and shoulder pain 😀
Thanks for sharing your insight, Becki! I think a camera like this would be great for travel and the shots you shared from your Arizona trip looked beautiful- I loved the one of Chris driving the boat! We don't often take our Sony cameras with us when we travel because they're heavy and we rarely use them (we also haven't been in too many situations/locations where we'd want to take photos) but having a smaller kit like this would be great to sling over your shoulder or keep in a small backpack. I love shooting day to day images on my iPhone (nature shots, city shots) but a larger camera will always provide a different look and feel and capture memories in a special way and *maybe* just encourage me to get out there and shoot some more! This may be a camera I'll try and rent and see how I like it as we're planning a trip to Japan later this year that it would be perfect for!
Becky and Chris, greetings. I hope everything is okay. I'm not used to these things, but it's very strange to know that it's been a while since I saw you on your channel. Nothing, really. I hope everything is okay. Take care of yourselves!!!
Love this and TOTALLY get it! I have been taking my ZV-E1 out for photos over my A7R for the exact reasons - small & nimble! Even though the ZV is not even built for photos lol
For professional stuff I always use a HVL-F28RM Flash on top as a remote flash controller. This makes the A7C bulkier and it looks like a "normal" camera for the clients. Nobody said anything about it yet :)
I "downgraded" my monsterous 50 f1.4 for the Sony Zeiss 55 f1.8. Its tiny and decent enough. I find I use it more the the larger lens. Smaller camera gear is much nicer because you'll use it more.
This and the Zeiss 35mm 2.8 are my go to EDC kit....although I will occasionally take a Takumar 50mm 1.4 M42 instead of the 55mm. Keeping the kit small is a great way to make sure you are just getting out and going.
Appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts about a small compact camera. I am excited to try this one out! I am always looking for a high-quality, yet compact camera. I am a small person so the smaller the better. ❤
I have the A7Cii for travel/edc/video & backup to my A7RV. I like the additional features too - Import LUTS, Aspect Ratio customization, Auto Framing. I do wish that it had a mechanical shutter. TBH, I don't have an issue with the lack of joystick. Personally, I don't even use it on my A7RV. The AF is so good and if you customize the buttons for BBF it's not a problem. Lastly, you should pick up the Smallrig grip/baseplate.
I moved from the Canon R5 to the Sony a7CR and no regrets. Love the form factor/retro look and how it just makes photography fun, which is kinda the point.
Thanks for making this. I am a Buffalo based veteran cinematographer and have been hauling big kits/crews around the world for decades. I am so done with bug asssed cameras. I am doing more solo work and looking for something more compact than lugging around the Panasonic EVA-1 or the LUMIX S1H. The S1H makes excellent images (video) but it is heavy and expensive looking. When traveling solo that is more of an issue. You do great work and know your stuff. Love that you are/were WNY based!
Ah, another great video! I’ve been thinking of this smaller Sony. I think I do have an A7CII in my future. Photography is a hobby and I just don’t see myself shooting so much anymore. I’m going to force myself to find the love again with the current bigger camera that I have. And, if I fall back in love I’ll spend the money for this one. Thanks for the great real life review.
I am not a video guy...(mostly do street stills)...but... I currently make due with a pair of Sony A7c (mark 1)s and an original A7s...I use some "full frame modified" sigma dn art lenses and an FE70200/4 tele. a set of extension tubes do the trick for most macro work...LOL...later I plan to purchase the fe200600/5.6-6.3...I am retired in Bangkok so heat and and rain do not seem to be a problem..(clear plastic bags and umbrellas still work great after all these years)....Street...Boats...Airplanes...occasional portraits ...and sometimes birds and wildlife...even a concert or gathering as well...I am 71 years young lol ..Cheers
Hey there, where are you? I’m hanging out for a Helicopter update. Seriously though, I hope you’re both doing well. We all miss you and look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon. Please have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! 🎉
Love your video - I have an A7C II and the 40mm 2.5 G lens for the same reasons, it's just so amazing to walk around with, and I don't feel like carrying a camera is a chore with the combo.
I missed taking good quality photos and having complete control over it, plus i wanted to film log whenever i wanted, yet i didnt want to carry my a7iii. I got the a6400 and been carrying that everywhere. Makes a HUGE difference. I also invested in a peak design clip for my backpack and that made an even bigger difference. I definitely can relate to this video!
I’ve been using the A7Cii since it came out really, upgraded it from the A7C, to shoot mainly photos, travel style etc. but also work as a B Cam along side my A7Siii which is usually rigged up! A7Cii is also great for gimbal use, B cam setup and pure photography. I shoot a lot of pro photography on my A7Siii, at 12MP and have zero complaints in quality, but it’s still nice to be able to shoot with A7Cii (33MP) for those better quality images. Great video and great choice in cameras!
So much liking these camera videos 👍🏼. Your transition from one to another model cameras makes sense in relation to their purpose. Maybe someday I can sit down with you for some lessons. You guys are awesome!!
@@afferist I’m serious. It’s a big difference. I started on a big chunky canon years ago. Then went to smaller Sony mirrorless then upgraded to the a7iv. Had that for about 2 years and now the a7cii. I like the a7cii much better.
For small size why not an APSC camera, like Sony a6700? I travel internationally and have just three lenses I take: sony 18-135mm, sony 70mmto 350mm, and sigma 10-18mm. The first two lenses are much more utilized than the sigma wide angle, but it's nice to have it. All of these lenses are incredibly small. For hiking and lots of day use, forget even this size: I use a lot the sony rx100 mark vii. It's expensive but a good quality small camera. I attached an ND filter (variable) to it, but don't really feel you need it. The ND filter requires an adapter, sold on Amazon. That's it for my photo gear.
The sony a6700 is definitely great :) and it would be smaller and have 2sd card slot's. It would be a better option for her but.... She has allot of ff lenses so that's probably the reason
If I didn’t have a set of FF lenses already and use FF for video I’d definitely consider it, but I didn’t want more gear and honestly I rarely use anything beyond 50 for photos anyway
I just sold my 70-350… that lens is soooooooo garbage Images soft as a baby’s bottom. Haven’t been that let down by a lens in probably 7 years. Honestly that 18-135 is pretty bad as well. Tamron 17-70 is a great all around lens. Got to go FF to get a decent super telephoto in the Sony echo system in 2024. The difference in quality between the 70-350 and the 200-600 is huge… no one should ever buy the 70-350 unless it’s on sale for like $400.
Absolutely, lately I have realized how much of a hastle my camera set up has become, to the point I don't even take photos anymore unless it's an appointment for a photoshoot for instance, I no longer took photos just because I enjoyed it. So I went and took my old Canon Point and Shoot Camera, one that I used before my DSLR, and I love it. So small, so light, it fits everywhere, I don't even notice it's there and the best part? It improves my photos EVERYWHERE, specially compared to a Smartphone, which ends up looking overprocessed and just worse overall. Well done, I totally understand this change :)
I decided to buy the A7CR grey market. If I don't need the large files, I set it to 26mp raw files, and I program a button to switch between aps-c and full frame. That way, the 50mm can be a 75mm as well.
excellent choice. I did similar. Retired Nikon D810 and bought A7C2. the size is amazing. I just wish they ditched the viewfinder so it has more room for a bigger screen.
Agree on all of that, I love my a7cii since I'm always on the move too. I used to shoot on tiny MFT cameras, but switched to the original a7c because I like using vintage glass.
Becki the A7C2 and 50mm might be a candidate for the new Peak Design Micro Clutch? I just got back from a trip using it on my mirrorless and I found it really handy. As you'd expect from PD, it's ridiculously well-made. Look fwd to the next land vid (and update on the chopper 🤩)
I’ve had the a7cii since launch. It’s amazing! For the grip, consider getting the base plate grip from smallrig. It’s not big at all but adds a little more grip to the bottom of the camera
The a7C2 is pretty awesome. I use an a7R4 for photo, which is what I mostly do and the a7C2 for video and photo if I need multiple lenses, or just have no space to pack a bigger body. I also struggle with the lack of a joystick though and adapted to using touch focus more often. I could also use a couple more programmable buttons some of the time, especially when using a manual lens like the Voigtländer 50mm f/2, which is my favorite lens.
I use an EM10 IV from Olympus because it is super small and I can put it in my jacket pocket as I walk around. I had a full frame camera, but it was twice the size (including the lenses) and I just didn't enjoy carrying it around outside. Plus, my camera has a built in flash and flash is super improtant when taking photos. I could have bought an external flash for my full frame camera, but that would make it 3 times the size of my Olympus. And once you put your photo into a software editor, it doesn't really matter what image you started out with because you can make any adjustment you need, so full frame isn't necessary unless you are a professional.
Very nice video! The reason I chose a7c is for travel and occasional pro work and it never let me down so far! You could do zeiss 55 q 1.8 too, it's a beast! Haven't figured out yet most suitable zoom lens. I really love the Sony 24-105 but it's so heavy...
A while back I sold my Bronica 6x6 and host host of lens but kept my OM-2n & 35mm f2 & 50mm f1.4. I bought an Oly M10 , a 30mm f1.7, 50mm f1.4, 80mm f1.8. It fits in my work bag with the 50mm f1.4. I use it everyday...
i have an a7c and ADORE it. It fits in my purse - that means I take it with me all the time. The sigma 35mm contemporary lens is nice, and so is the sony 85mm!
I do miss these photography centric videos. Do you folks have any “tutorial” videos lined up this year? Might be worth a revisit how you edit raw files - color corrections and such, then finish off with signature look filter?
Tap to focus is so much faster. A7iii made me fall in love with it, couldn't go back if I tried. I'm excited to swap from a7iii to either a7cii or a7cR and not break my back walking with this for hours and hiking up mountains. 🎉
Highly recommend the Smallrig baseplate and getting a thumb grip. Made my A7Cii infinitely more comfortable to hold for long periods of time and doesnt add a lot of weight. Also check out Sigma's I-Series of primes. The 24mm f2 and 65mm f2 in particular I've found to be outstanding.
Would be interesting if fujifilm could lend you an x-t50 or x100vi, curious on your experience and thoughts purely for its compact size and the x100vi for camping would be great as its weather sealed with a hot shoe cover on at all times. Or maybe rent a Fuji and try some film simulations on camping! :)
I've been thinking about selling my Canon 5D mk iv for a while. I got extremely burnt out and I decided to quit working as a photographer/videographer for a while. I still wanna capture images, just because I love doing so, but I find myself not bringing out the camera because it's massive! Although it lacks some features I really value, this seems like a great option and something that would definitely work for me once I get used to it. Thank you so much for the review!
I just sold my A7RIV to buy this! similar reasons as you Becki - 6:20 - I thought it was just me hitting the ISO button, so much so I remapped that button to do nothing and mapped the ISO function to the silver wheel :)
I was with Canon and M43s traded and sold all my stuff for the OG a7c and absolutely loved it! when they announced the mark ii and i was putting in overtime in my day job just to get it! Its my all time favorite camera!
Have been thinking about the same thing with my 7R III. But every time I take it up, the body feels small and light, it's more the lenses that make it clunky. If I have a smaller prime lens on it (Tamron 35/2.8 or Sony's cheap 50/1.8), the whole thing becomes a lot more enjoyable because it gets lighter, more compact and more easy (=straightforward) to use because you don't really bother about zoom aspects. It's more like 'use what you have' and it's less annoying to carry with you on a walk or whatever then having a much bigger, heavier setup. Even though these other zooms are not heavy on their own at 570g.
I have the zve1 and love it but I kinda regret not waiting for the a7c ii. I only carry around 1 camera and wish I had more MPs. Too often I end up using my phone for pics.
i really enjoyed this video, glad it showed up on my feed. I've always shot ff and got a Canon r6mk2 and it's amazing, but for personal use paired up with f1.2 glass, it's way too heavy. for family portraits, i downgraded to a crop camera the canon m6mk2 and I've noticed myself shooting more photos than with my other bigger camera. thanks for this video! new sub here!
Just found your channel. To me, the A7Cii look the same size as the A7Riv. Just the added the view finder top of the body. I would buy the A7iv and slap the small form factor 50mm 2.5 on and don't look back.
I'm so over big cameras. I think back to the days when i was traveling with big DSLR gear, and think, "Wow, those days sucked." These days, I want to go as small and light as I can. The A7C II looks like a great camera. I use the A6XXX series, so I'm looking forward to getting a FF version of this form factor.
I did almost exactly like what you did. I sold my A7RIV and purchased a A7CII. The difference is that I am using FE 1.8 50mm instead of FE 2.5 50mm. The real reason is that I am just a photography hobbist not professionalist. Thank you for the video. You have done a great job.
I've been doing the same thing - making my kit smaller in terms of size and amount of things - and a7c2 was on my radar as a photo and b-camera. Regarding client perspective my A-cam is a7s3 and rigged out with monitor and v-mount I've been getting so many complaints like "wow your camera looks expensive/professional" xD So just stick a cage on the a7c2 and it will look more pro.
Plz, could you do a video on how you or your editors are able to illustrate every video with past projects all the time ? Is there some power folder, do you keep finals version in a dedicated folder ? Or do they just go back into the file drives and download what they need each time ?
4:40 - While this isn’t a full replacement for a joystick, have you by chance tried touchpad mode for focusing? I believe that that lets you set the focus point by moving you finger around the screen like a mouse. (And that’s under Menu → Setup → Touch Panel/Pad → Touch Panel+Pad.)
I prefer using the touch screen, basically as a trackpad for focusing on all my Sony Cameras (A1, S3, FX3, A7R5). Feels more responsive than the joystick ever was. Only problem is sometimes my nose activates the screen if it touches while using the viewfinder, lol.
I got the a6700 that i really love but i also love FF. The only thing that would be a minor gripe about the A7Cii would be the slightly smaller grip. The a6700s grip feels so good in hand. Fits like a glove. Because of the FF id be happy to try the A7cii.
I agree . I feel less gear is more, I'm more quick on the pulse to shoot. I do love your color/style you inject into your photos, and would love to know more (I know i know, you just said in this video it's not your cup of tea lol) cause it's stellar
Love my Sony 40mm f/2.5 G lens. Never was a fan of 50mm much (seems more of a portrait lens focal length to me), but really enjoy using 40mm, my next favorite is 35mm (I know, personal preference). I wish Sony would make a nice compact/light camera with 2 card slots (and better quality evf), or if they are going have only one card slot they should have some built in storage.
I also switched cameras for a smaller size three years ago. Went from Nikon to Fuji, it‘s an XT30 and much smaller. Last year or two years ago I picked up the 33 mm f1.4 (50 mm equiv). It‘s a nice setup, but I made a few bad choices, I think. Neither the lens nor the camera have optical image stabilization, I just didn‘t plan ahead there. And I feel like 23 mm (so 35 equiv) would have been the better choice, which is weird because I really like 50 mm on my analog camera. Also, as the years passed by, the market has changed a lot and right now I don‘t think Fuji is worth the money for me. I could have had a small full frame and mirrorless Nikon for just a tad more money, but the lens is cheaper, so yeah. I don‘t see myself spending 1700 € for a T5, just because it‘s mirrorless and I find the low light capabilities to be worse there. Don‘t get me wrong, I love my camera and the photos it can take, the 33 mm lens is insanely good, but if I was offered a choice to just trade I‘d probably do it. But at the end I think you can really only make a good decision if you‘ve tried the options for a while and that‘s what I‘m doing right now. Maybe not going for f1.4 and choosing a lighter and smaller lens like you did would have been smart, too.
Ok I’m excited to watch this. I sold my a7rv for the a7cii. So far I’m extremely happy. I will prob pick up the a7cr if I can catch it on sale down the road.
The **Sony A7C II** and the **Sony A7S III** are two distinct cameras in Sony's Alpha lineup, tailored for different use cases. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences and intended uses: ### 1. **Sensor and Resolution** - **Sony A7C II**: - 33.0 MP full-frame sensor (same as the Sony A7 IV). - Better suited for high-resolution photography. - **Sony A7S III**: - 12.1 MP full-frame sensor. - Designed primarily for video with an emphasis on low-light performance. ### 2. **Video Capabilities** - **Sony A7C II**: - 4K video up to 60fps. - Lacks 10-bit internal recording, which makes it less ideal for color grading in post-production. - **Sony A7S III**: - 4K video up to 120fps. - Supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, offering superior flexibility for professional videography and color grading. - Full-frame readout without pixel binning for sharper, higher-quality video. ### 3. **Autofocus** - **Sony A7C II**: - Advanced hybrid autofocus with real-time tracking and eye autofocus (similar to A7 IV and A7C I). - **Sony A7S III**: - More advanced autofocus specifically optimized for video, featuring fast subject detection and real-time tracking, even in low light. ### 4. **Low-Light Performance** - **Sony A7C II**: - Good, but not exceptional in low light, due to its higher resolution sensor. - **Sony A7S III**: - Outstanding low-light performance, thanks to the 12.1 MP sensor, which has larger pixels that gather more light, making it ideal for low-light videography or photography. ### 5. **Form Factor** - **Sony A7C II**: - Compact, lightweight design with a rangefinder style. It's highly portable and designed for casual, street, and travel photography. - **Sony A7S III**: - Larger and more rugged, designed for professionals needing robust ergonomics for video work. ### 6. **Ports and Connectivity** - **Sony A7C II**: - Limited in terms of professional I/O options. Suitable for lighter setups. - **Sony A7S III**: - Professional I/O options, including full-size HDMI, timecode, and extensive video-related settings. ### 7. **Price** - **Sony A7C II**: - Generally more affordable than the A7S III due to its positioning as a hybrid for photography and casual video. - **Sony A7S III**: - More expensive, targeting professional videographers and filmmakers. ### 8. **Battery Life** - Both cameras use the same Z battery, offering excellent battery life, especially for mirrorless cameras. ### Use Cases: - **Sony A7C II**: Best for photographers looking for a compact, full-frame camera with good video capabilities. It’s suitable for travel, street photography, and vlogging. - **Sony A7S III**: Ideal for professional videographers or filmmakers who prioritize video quality, low-light performance, and color grading flexibility. In summary, if your focus is on **video and low-light performance**, the **Sony A7S III** is the clear choice. If you're looking for a **hybrid camera for photography and casual video** in a compact form, the **Sony A7C II** is a better fit.
I'm on a similar journey - I'm upgrading while downsizing for travel :) I thought the size comparison was a little unfair on the A7R4, though. It's not like the A7R4 is a fixed lens camera that _couldn't_ take the 50 2.5 :)
Congrats on your decision!
I had a client who had the same camera I had & he asked me, “you use the same camera as I use, are you sure about that?”
I told him that cameras are just tools, anybody can buy pro gear, that doesn’t give them pro results. I asked him, you are a woodworker, won’t your hammer allow me to get your pro results? He said, point well made.
EXACTLY, if i handed you a guitar, are you a guitarist now ?
Great points!!
A person will never be a guitarist without a guitar.
@@jupillam86 Take the guitar away from a guitarist. That person will still be a guitarist. It's a question of skill, not the tool that matters.
Go watch Mike Portnoy play the Hello Kitty drumkit or any video from the Pro Photographer Cheap Camera series from DigitalRev.
I would be pissed tbh, like it or not the autofocus, dynamic range, ... get better in higher grade cameras...
I sold my entire kit a couple years ago for an a7c and haven't looked back. I take it more places, there are less micro-decisions to weigh me down. I can just focus on capturing what I want to capture.
Yes. I did the same. Sold off everything and bought a smaller simpler camera. Less weight less options, just composition.
我和你一样，我旅游的时候带的EOS R5和3个镜头，每次把他们拿出来的时候感觉自己像个SB，非常累。最后换了A7C2。
@@MattGetze Im laying of some gear as well at the moment. I use MPB. I have good experiences with them and it's so easy.
@@martinbay MPB. awesome thanks.
@@MattGetzeBe careful with them though. They’ll quote you one price and then come back and say they’ve “discovered” something that makes them backtrack and want to pay you less. It happened with a Nikon D700 and it would have meant costing me to have it sent back so I went ahead anyway but here I am warning everyone …
Y'all coming back this fall? Miss my Sundays with your videos.
Worried about them
Love watching your stuff….Turning 60 this year. While I have dozens of heavy as heck SLRs & DSLRs, and I love them all, I bought into mirrorless to get smaller and lighter. Going on a trip next month with my Nikon Zfc and 3 super light primes…..looking forward to less neck and shoulder pain 😀
Thanks for sharing your insight, Becki! I think a camera like this would be great for travel and the shots you shared from your Arizona trip looked beautiful- I loved the one of Chris driving the boat! We don't often take our Sony cameras with us when we travel because they're heavy and we rarely use them (we also haven't been in too many situations/locations where we'd want to take photos) but having a smaller kit like this would be great to sling over your shoulder or keep in a small backpack. I love shooting day to day images on my iPhone (nature shots, city shots) but a larger camera will always provide a different look and feel and capture memories in a special way and *maybe* just encourage me to get out there and shoot some more! This may be a camera I'll try and rent and see how I like it as we're planning a trip to Japan later this year that it would be perfect for!
Becky and Chris, greetings. I hope everything is okay. I'm not used to these things, but it's very strange to know that it's been a while since I saw you on your channel. Nothing, really. I hope everything is okay. Take care of yourselves!!!
Looks like they are doing fun stuff on Instagram
Are you guys ok over there? It’s been quite a long break for you guys… we’re getting worried about you
I literally came to check if they might have new uploads that I missed out on
Love this and TOTALLY get it! I have been taking my ZV-E1 out for photos over my A7R for the exact reasons - small & nimble! Even though the ZV is not even built for photos lol
I just discovered your channel, your aesthetic is amazing, love your style, keep up the great work. Greetings from Berlin! 😊
Just hope you didn't quit UA-cam...
I downsized by giving up photography.
My condolences.
Based
But you still watch the videos...
@@sashinger5230 you have to own photography gear to watch UA-cam videos? 🤨
@@BoxxyFan Who said that? Nobody talked about _owning_ photography gear but very much about GIVING UP photography. Whole different story.
I sold all of my Nikon Sony and Canon gear for the LUMIX s5iix. The streaming and open gate capture make it a one stop shop for me
Do you stream using a 4k camlink or do you stream using the webcam lumix software?
Is the open gate overrated?, what if the next sony camera will be added open gate?
I downsized to Fuji XT30 with four petit lenses: 16-50 XC, 50-230 XC, TTArtisan 35 F1.4, Sigma 10-18 F2.8. Total weight with carrying bag < 2kg
Get 27mm 2.8 so you can take it anywhere in pocket of your coat and it weights 0.5 kg and small
For professional stuff I always use a HVL-F28RM Flash on top as a remote flash controller. This makes the A7C bulkier and it looks like a "normal" camera for the clients. Nobody said anything about it yet :)
Try the Sony Zeiss 55mm f1.8 - had one for 7 years and it's still my fav
I "downgraded" my monsterous 50 f1.4 for the Sony Zeiss 55 f1.8. Its tiny and decent enough. I find I use it more the the larger lens. Smaller camera gear is much nicer because you'll use it more.
This and the Zeiss 35mm 2.8 are my go to EDC kit....although I will occasionally take a Takumar 50mm 1.4 M42 instead of the 55mm. Keeping the kit small is a great way to make sure you are just getting out and going.
Appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts about a small compact camera. I am excited to try this one out! I am always looking for a high-quality, yet compact camera. I am a small person so the smaller the better. ❤
I have the A7Cii for travel/edc/video & backup to my A7RV. I like the additional features too - Import LUTS, Aspect Ratio customization, Auto Framing. I do wish that it had a mechanical shutter. TBH, I don't have an issue with the lack of joystick. Personally, I don't even use it on my A7RV. The AF is so good and if you customize the buttons for BBF it's not a problem. Lastly, you should pick up the Smallrig grip/baseplate.
I did this but ended up never shooting with my a7rv. Best camera I’ve owned but it was just sitting there after I got the a7cii
Which one you use most of the time?
Totally agree on the smallrig grip, bargain price compared to the Sony one that comes with the A7CR
I has a mechanical shutter.......i can hear it clearly.
@@kentao4 I can relate to that.
I got the A7CR and I love it! You might like the small rig extended grip if you find that it doesn’t hold well in your hands.
I just sold my a6700 for a7cr. I’m looking to pair it with the 16-35 gm 2 vs Tamron 20-40
I moved from the Canon R5 to the Sony a7CR and no regrets. Love the form factor/retro look and how it just makes photography fun, which is kinda the point.
Great choice - I've got zeiss 55 1.8 instead of 50 2.5 - my favourite lens ever
Thanks for making this. I am a Buffalo based veteran cinematographer and have been hauling big kits/crews around the world for decades. I am so done with bug asssed cameras. I am doing more solo work and looking for something more compact than lugging around the Panasonic EVA-1 or the LUMIX S1H. The S1H makes excellent images (video) but it is heavy and expensive looking. When traveling solo that is more of an issue. You do great work and know your stuff. Love that you are/were WNY based!
I actually went from an A7iii to an A6700 to go even smaller. Love it for family photos.
Ah, another great video! I’ve been thinking of this smaller Sony. I think I do have an A7CII in my future. Photography is a hobby and I just don’t see myself shooting so much anymore. I’m going to force myself to find the love again with the current bigger camera that I have. And, if I fall back in love I’ll spend the money for this one. Thanks for the great real life review.
I am not a video guy...(mostly do street stills)...but... I currently make due with a pair of Sony A7c (mark 1)s and an original A7s...I use some "full frame modified" sigma dn art lenses and an FE70200/4 tele. a set of extension tubes do the trick for most macro work...LOL...later I plan to purchase the fe200600/5.6-6.3...I am retired in Bangkok so heat and and rain do not seem to be a problem..(clear plastic bags and umbrellas still work great after all these years)....Street...Boats...Airplanes...occasional portraits ...and sometimes birds and wildlife...even a concert or gathering as well...I am 71 years young lol ..Cheers
Hey there, where are you?
I’m hanging out for a Helicopter update.
Seriously though, I hope you’re both doing well. We all miss you and look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon.
Please have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! 🎉
Love your video - I have an A7C II and the 40mm 2.5 G lens for the same reasons, it's just so amazing to walk around with, and I don't feel like carrying a camera is a chore with the combo.
I missed taking good quality photos and having complete control over it, plus i wanted to film log whenever i wanted, yet i didnt want to carry my a7iii. I got the a6400 and been carrying that everywhere. Makes a HUGE difference. I also invested in a peak design clip for my backpack and that made an even bigger difference. I definitely can relate to this video!
Aww Love the shot of Cabot tower !! Makes me miss home !
I’ve been using the A7Cii since it came out really, upgraded it from the A7C, to shoot mainly photos, travel style etc. but also work as a B Cam along side my A7Siii which is usually rigged up! A7Cii is also great for gimbal use, B cam setup and pure photography. I shoot a lot of pro photography on my A7Siii, at 12MP and have zero complaints in quality, but it’s still nice to be able to shoot with A7Cii (33MP) for those better quality images. Great video and great choice in cameras!
So much liking these camera videos 👍🏼. Your transition from one to another model cameras makes sense in relation to their purpose. Maybe someday I can sit down with you for some lessons. You guys are awesome!!
I just got rid of my a7iv to get the a7cii and I'm so glad I did. The size was making me shy away from bringing my camera more often
it's a joke? The difference between IV and C2 is very small or did you never have SLRs? So IV FF the size of the smallest Nikon D3300/5300 mirror
@@afferist I’m serious. It’s a big difference. I started on a big chunky canon years ago. Then went to smaller Sony mirrorless then upgraded to the a7iv. Had that for about 2 years and now the a7cii. I like the a7cii much better.
For small size why not an APSC camera, like Sony a6700? I travel internationally and have just three lenses I take: sony 18-135mm, sony 70mmto 350mm, and sigma 10-18mm. The first two lenses are much more utilized than the sigma wide angle, but it's nice to have it. All of these lenses are incredibly small. For hiking and lots of day use, forget even this size: I use a lot the sony rx100 mark vii. It's expensive but a good quality small camera. I attached an ND filter (variable) to it, but don't really feel you need it. The ND filter requires an adapter, sold on Amazon. That's it for my photo gear.
The sony a6700 is definitely great :) and it would be smaller and have 2sd card slot's. It would be a better option for her but.... She has allot of ff lenses so that's probably the reason
@@nathanvrvrta6700 also only has the one card slot. Otherwise you're right, I have one and it is awesome!
If I didn’t have a set of FF lenses already and use FF for video I’d definitely consider it, but I didn’t want more gear and honestly I rarely use anything beyond 50 for photos anyway
I just sold my 70-350… that lens is soooooooo garbage
Images soft as a baby’s bottom. Haven’t been that let down by a lens in probably 7 years. Honestly that 18-135 is pretty bad as well.
Tamron 17-70 is a great all around lens. Got to go FF to get a decent super telephoto in the Sony echo system in 2024. The difference in quality between the 70-350 and the 200-600 is huge… no one should ever buy the 70-350 unless it’s on sale for like $400.
@@nathanvrvrtThe 6700 is great, but why would it be better than the a7c2?
Where are you guys?:(
Absolutely, lately I have realized how much of a hastle my camera set up has become, to the point I don't even take photos anymore unless it's an appointment for a photoshoot for instance, I no longer took photos just because I enjoyed it.
So I went and took my old Canon Point and Shoot Camera, one that I used before my DSLR, and I love it. So small, so light, it fits everywhere, I don't even notice it's there and the best part? It improves my photos EVERYWHERE, specially compared to a Smartphone, which ends up looking overprocessed and just worse overall.
Well done, I totally understand this change :)
I decided to buy the A7CR grey market. If I don't need the large files, I set it to 26mp raw files, and I program a button to switch between aps-c and full frame. That way, the 50mm can be a 75mm as well.
When I got my A7C II, one of the first things I did was set the C1 button to toggling APS-C crop :)
the colours on this channel, man. amazing
Lovely! I love the A7Cii. As a creator I’m in my soft life era and I only want to use things that helps me just tell the story. Thanks for sharing
Soft life? Your whole big black dude soft where bro
excellent choice. I did similar. Retired Nikon D810 and bought A7C2. the size is amazing. I just wish they ditched the viewfinder so it has more room for a bigger screen.
Agree on all of that, I love my a7cii since I'm always on the move too. I used to shoot on tiny MFT cameras, but switched to the original a7c because I like using vintage glass.
Becki the A7C2 and 50mm might be a candidate for the new Peak Design Micro Clutch? I just got back from a trip using it on my mirrorless and I found it really handy. As you'd expect from PD, it's ridiculously well-made. Look fwd to the next land vid (and update on the chopper 🤩)
I’ve had the a7cii since launch. It’s amazing! For the grip, consider getting the base plate grip from smallrig. It’s not big at all but adds a little more grip to the bottom of the camera
Add grip and it becomes heavier than a7iv
@@olegvorkunov5400 No. It doesn`t. I have the Sony A7C R grip and it`s very light.
The a7C2 is pretty awesome. I use an a7R4 for photo, which is what I mostly do and the a7C2 for video and photo if I need multiple lenses, or just have no space to pack a bigger body. I also struggle with the lack of a joystick though and adapted to using touch focus more often. I could also use a couple more programmable buttons some of the time, especially when using a manual lens like the Voigtländer 50mm f/2, which is my favorite lens.
months ago i did the same thing. Sold my FX3 for the ZV-E1. So glad I did too.
WHERE YOU GUYS AT??!?!!?
I use an EM10 IV from Olympus because it is super small and I can put it in my jacket pocket as I walk around. I had a full frame camera, but it was twice the size (including the lenses) and I just didn't enjoy carrying it around outside. Plus, my camera has a built in flash and flash is super improtant when taking photos. I could have bought an external flash for my full frame camera, but that would make it 3 times the size of my Olympus. And once you put your photo into a software editor, it doesn't really matter what image you started out with because you can make any adjustment you need, so full frame isn't necessary unless you are a professional.
Hope all is well
Very nice video! The reason I chose a7c is for travel and occasional pro work and it never let me down so far! You could do zeiss 55 q
1.8 too, it's a beast! Haven't figured out yet most suitable zoom lens. I really love the Sony 24-105 but it's so heavy...
A while back I sold my Bronica 6x6 and host host of lens but kept my OM-2n & 35mm f2 & 50mm f1.4. I bought an Oly M10 , a 30mm f1.7, 50mm f1.4, 80mm f1.8. It fits in my work bag with the 50mm f1.4. I use it everyday...
i have an a7c and ADORE it. It fits in my purse - that means I take it with me all the time. The sigma 35mm contemporary lens is nice, and so is the sony 85mm!
Good advice and nice to see you back in the drone factory!
Get the Zeiss 55mm 1.8, it’s Tony & sharper than any other Sony lens. You won’t regret it, I promise you.
Great Setup! 50mm is one of my favorites for photography
i placed the smallrig baseplate (notsponsored) makes it more comfortable to hold!! i have the a1, fx3 bt this is my fave of all my set up
I do miss these photography centric videos. Do you folks have any “tutorial” videos lined up this year? Might be worth a revisit how you edit raw files - color corrections and such, then finish off with signature look filter?
Tap to focus is so much faster. A7iii made me fall in love with it, couldn't go back if I tried. I'm excited to swap from a7iii to either a7cii or a7cR and not break my back walking with this for hours and hiking up mountains. 🎉
Got the A7C for a more minimalistic camera and am now into the A7CR - the c concept is wonderful... 😊
Becky and Chris seem to have gone MIA. Hope everything is ok with them.
Planning to switch to A7CII from A7RV. Good job.
Highly recommend the Smallrig baseplate and getting a thumb grip. Made my A7Cii infinitely more comfortable to hold for long periods of time and doesnt add a lot of weight. Also check out Sigma's I-Series of primes. The 24mm f2 and 65mm f2 in particular I've found to be outstanding.
Would be interesting if fujifilm could lend you an x-t50 or x100vi, curious on your experience and thoughts purely for its compact size and the x100vi for camping would be great as its weather sealed with a hot shoe cover on at all times. Or maybe rent a Fuji and try some film simulations on camping! :)
I've been thinking about selling my Canon 5D mk iv for a while. I got extremely burnt out and I decided to quit working as a photographer/videographer for a while. I still wanna capture images, just because I love doing so, but I find myself not bringing out the camera because it's massive! Although it lacks some features I really value, this seems like a great option and something that would definitely work for me once I get used to it. Thank you so much for the review!
Thank you. Apparently, this is exactly the video I needed.
Thanks for letting us know that the newer 50mm 2.5 G has a performance upgrade from the old 1.8!
I just sold my A7RIV to buy this! similar reasons as you Becki - 6:20 - I thought it was just me hitting the ISO button, so much so I remapped that button to do nothing and mapped the ISO function to the silver wheel :)
I wish you guys sold your Lightroom presets. I love your editing style!
I was with Canon and M43s traded and sold all my stuff for the OG a7c and absolutely loved it! when they announced the mark ii and i was putting in overtime in my day job just to get it! Its my all time favorite camera!
Have been thinking about the same thing with my 7R III. But every time I take it up, the body feels small and light, it's more the lenses that make it clunky. If I have a smaller prime lens on it (Tamron 35/2.8 or Sony's cheap 50/1.8), the whole thing becomes a lot more enjoyable because it gets lighter, more compact and more easy (=straightforward) to use because you don't really bother about zoom aspects. It's more like 'use what you have' and it's less annoying to carry with you on a walk or whatever then having a much bigger, heavier setup. Even though these other zooms are not heavy on their own at 570g.
I LOVE my A7C! Can’t wait to upgrade to the II
I have the zve1 and love it but I kinda regret not waiting for the a7c ii. I only carry around 1 camera and wish I had more MPs. Too often I end up using my phone for pics.
Great, honest review! Hilarious: what clients would think of a small camera.
i really enjoyed this video, glad it showed up on my feed. I've always shot ff and got a Canon r6mk2 and it's amazing, but for personal use paired up with f1.2 glass, it's way too heavy. for family portraits, i downgraded to a crop camera the canon m6mk2 and I've noticed myself shooting more photos than with my other bigger camera. thanks for this video! new sub here!
Just found your channel. To me, the A7Cii look the same size as the A7Riv. Just the added the view finder top of the body. I would buy the A7iv and slap the small form factor 50mm 2.5 on and don't look back.
The A7CII is much smaller in real live, the little details ad up quickly. It`s much lighter too.
Take out the viewfinder and there appears to be very little difference in size and i understand the viewfinder on the 7Cii is terrible.
lol, so make the a7iv smaller and there is little difference in size? Exactly….
I'm so over big cameras. I think back to the days when i was traveling with big DSLR gear, and think, "Wow, those days sucked." These days, I want to go as small and light as I can. The A7C II looks like a great camera. I use the A6XXX series, so I'm looking forward to getting a FF version of this form factor.
I did almost exactly like what you did. I sold my A7RIV and purchased a A7CII. The difference is that I am using FE 1.8 50mm instead of FE 2.5 50mm. The real reason is that I am just a photography hobbist not professionalist. Thank you for the video. You have done a great job.
I've been doing the same thing - making my kit smaller in terms of size and amount of things - and a7c2 was on my radar as a photo and b-camera. Regarding client perspective my A-cam is a7s3 and rigged out with monitor and v-mount I've been getting so many complaints like "wow your camera looks expensive/professional" xD So just stick a cage on the a7c2 and it will look more pro.
Plz, could you do a video on how you or your editors are able to illustrate every video with past projects all the time ? Is there some power folder, do you keep finals version in a dedicated folder ? Or do they just go back into the file drives and download what they need each time ?
4:40 - While this isn’t a full replacement for a joystick, have you by chance tried touchpad mode for focusing? I believe that that lets you set the focus point by moving you finger around the screen like a mouse.
(And that’s under Menu → Setup → Touch Panel/Pad → Touch Panel+Pad.)
This ^ while looking through the evf. I set it to only the right portion of the touch screen. Touch Pad Settings - Operation Area Right 1/2
Thanks for the suggestion. I don't own the A7C ii by the original...going to give this a try
I do the same and works perfect i really love it and never really use the joystick@@joematiacio3449
I haven’t but I’ll check it out!
@@BeckiandChris Right on!
(And if you happen to give that a go, I’d be curious to hear what you think of it!)
I prefer using the touch screen, basically as a trackpad for focusing on all my Sony Cameras (A1, S3, FX3, A7R5). Feels more responsive than the joystick ever was.
Only problem is sometimes my nose activates the screen if it touches while using the viewfinder, lol.
Thanks again for sharing very helpful and valuable information and advice with all of us.
I got the a6700 that i really love but i also love FF. The only thing that would be a minor gripe about the A7Cii would be the slightly smaller grip. The a6700s grip feels so good in hand. Fits like a glove. Because of the FF id be happy to try the A7cii.
I agree . I feel less gear is more, I'm more quick on the pulse to shoot. I do love your color/style you inject into your photos, and would love to know more (I know i know, you just said in this video it's not your cup of tea lol) cause it's stellar
You guys okay?
Nice image of the motor lodge in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Love my Sony 40mm f/2.5 G lens. Never was a fan of 50mm much (seems more of a portrait lens focal length to me), but really enjoy using 40mm, my next favorite is 35mm (I know, personal preference).
I wish Sony would make a nice compact/light camera with 2 card slots (and better quality evf), or if they are going have only one card slot they should have some built in storage.
I also switched cameras for a smaller size three years ago. Went from Nikon to Fuji, it‘s an XT30 and much smaller. Last year or two years ago I picked up the 33 mm f1.4 (50 mm equiv). It‘s a nice setup, but I made a few bad choices, I think. Neither the lens nor the camera have optical image stabilization, I just didn‘t plan ahead there. And I feel like 23 mm (so 35 equiv) would have been the better choice, which is weird because I really like 50 mm on my analog camera. Also, as the years passed by, the market has changed a lot and right now I don‘t think Fuji is worth the money for me. I could have had a small full frame and mirrorless Nikon for just a tad more money, but the lens is cheaper, so yeah. I don‘t see myself spending 1700 € for a T5, just because it‘s mirrorless and I find the low light capabilities to be worse there. Don‘t get me wrong, I love my camera and the photos it can take, the 33 mm lens is insanely good, but if I was offered a choice to just trade I‘d probably do it. But at the end I think you can really only make a good decision if you‘ve tried the options for a while and that‘s what I‘m doing right now. Maybe not going for f1.4 and choosing a lighter and smaller lens like you did would have been smart, too.
The sigma 30 places a middle ground between 35 and 50 equiv lenses at being 45mm.
Dont fret too much, the xt30 is still solid as heck esp for video.
Ok I’m excited to watch this. I sold my a7rv for the a7cii. So far I’m extremely happy. I will prob pick up the a7cr if I can catch it on sale down the road.
I mainly use a Canon RP with the RF50/1.8. Light, compact and cheap.
The **Sony A7C II** and the **Sony A7S III** are two distinct cameras in Sony's Alpha lineup, tailored for different use cases. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences and intended uses:
### 1. **Sensor and Resolution**
- **Sony A7C II**:
- 33.0 MP full-frame sensor (same as the Sony A7 IV).
- Better suited for high-resolution photography.
- **Sony A7S III**:
- 12.1 MP full-frame sensor.
- Designed primarily for video with an emphasis on low-light performance.
### 2. **Video Capabilities**
- **Sony A7C II**:
- 4K video up to 60fps.
- Lacks 10-bit internal recording, which makes it less ideal for color grading in post-production.
- **Sony A7S III**:
- 4K video up to 120fps.
- Supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, offering superior flexibility for professional videography and color grading.
- Full-frame readout without pixel binning for sharper, higher-quality video.
### 3. **Autofocus**
- **Sony A7C II**:
- Advanced hybrid autofocus with real-time tracking and eye autofocus (similar to A7 IV and A7C I).
- **Sony A7S III**:
- More advanced autofocus specifically optimized for video, featuring fast subject detection and real-time tracking, even in low light.
### 4. **Low-Light Performance**
- **Sony A7C II**:
- Good, but not exceptional in low light, due to its higher resolution sensor.
- **Sony A7S III**:
- Outstanding low-light performance, thanks to the 12.1 MP sensor, which has larger pixels that gather more light, making it ideal for low-light videography or photography.
### 5. **Form Factor**
- **Sony A7C II**:
- Compact, lightweight design with a rangefinder style. It's highly portable and designed for casual, street, and travel photography.
- **Sony A7S III**:
- Larger and more rugged, designed for professionals needing robust ergonomics for video work.
### 6. **Ports and Connectivity**
- **Sony A7C II**:
- Limited in terms of professional I/O options. Suitable for lighter setups.
- **Sony A7S III**:
- Professional I/O options, including full-size HDMI, timecode, and extensive video-related settings.
### 7. **Price**
- **Sony A7C II**:
- Generally more affordable than the A7S III due to its positioning as a hybrid for photography and casual video.
- **Sony A7S III**:
- More expensive, targeting professional videographers and filmmakers.
### 8. **Battery Life**
- Both cameras use the same Z battery, offering excellent battery life, especially for mirrorless cameras.
### Use Cases:
- **Sony A7C II**: Best for photographers looking for a compact, full-frame camera with good video capabilities. It’s suitable for travel, street photography, and vlogging.
- **Sony A7S III**: Ideal for professional videographers or filmmakers who prioritize video quality, low-light performance, and color grading flexibility.
In summary, if your focus is on **video and low-light performance**, the **Sony A7S III** is the clear choice. If you're looking for a **hybrid camera for photography and casual video** in a compact form, the **Sony A7C II** is a better fit.
Love the editing on the pictures. What’s the setting?
Thanks! They are all different based on the images and end vision but do my editing in Lightroom!
The thing about how non-photographers and filmers views a bigger setup as more proffesional is so true!
What about the zeiss 55 1.8? Its light and sharp. I dont know about the focus speed, but its has never let me down
Miss you guys🥲
Great videos as always thank you so much Becky and Chris
Mam please please i want to learn how you are colour grading,i like the black colours in your videos,please bring a step by step tutorial 🙏
I did exactly the same and got also the same setup. It’s fantastic! But now and then I go for my heavier 35mm 1.4 gm just because of the aperture 😅
Happy with my Nikon Z50 17-55 F2.8 + Nikon ZF Meike 85mm F1.4
Great video. You may also try OM1 cameras and lens. You will get similar results lot cheaper. And at an affordable cost.
Also check out Lumix GH7
I'm on a similar journey - I'm upgrading while downsizing for travel :)
I thought the size comparison was a little unfair on the A7R4, though. It's not like the A7R4 is a fixed lens camera that _couldn't_ take the 50 2.5 :)