New Zealand photographer Carl posted new A7rII full size image samples on Flickr (Click here). There is also one single RAW file you can download at Proimagenz. He writes about the A7rII:
I had the chance to spend about an hour with the camera today so thought I would blog some very brief thoughts as my time is limited tonight.
• Viewfinder – Terrfic, much bigger then the previous versions and really enjoyable in use.
• Shutter – MUCH better, really well dampened and silent shutter is precisely that, no sound at all, nada. Yay!
• Feel – as you would expect if your a A7II user. Although this camera does feel a little more nuggety due to its more metal construction. I like it.
• Focus – is everything its previewed it would be. With native lenses it is swift, broad and (as far as I can tell initially) accurate.
• Adapted lenses – Wow! Incredible! Using Canon EF lenses with the Metabones III the focus was just like a native Canon camera. Very fast and torquey. No backwards and forwards like previous models. I also used the Commlite adaptor which wasnt nearly as quick sadly. Still fairly good and highly usable but not in the same league as the Metabones thusfar.
via Dpreview.
A7rII preorder list:
In USA: at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, SonyStore US, FocusCamera, Uniquephoto.
In Europe at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT. Wex UK.
In Asia at Digitalrev, CameraPro.
69 Responses
It will be fascinating to read the full reviews of this camera when they appear. However, one thing occurs to me is that the normal form of many camera reviews may not be the most appropriate. Yes, all the normal stuff about image quality, high ISO, handling, controls, features native AF support, image stabilisation and all that is part of standard camera tests.
However, this camera is going to push the boundaries in two other areas. The first is video. Yes, there have been other mirror-less cameras with exceptional video, but this is probably the most capable yet (apart from the super low-light capability of the A7S). The second aspect is that, for the first time, this camera might offer a comprehensive alternative body to owners of Canon and Sony A mount lens owners. As such, it surely demands a much more in-depth look at this aspect. Just how does the AF compare to the native mounts? Are there compromises on IQ; there has been speculation that things like the filter stack depth on sensors means performance on alien lenses can be sub-optimal. Is this really true? What’s surely needed is some proper comparisons of using Canon and A-Mount lenses. Then, there are hints that performance on WA range finder lenses ought to be better with the BSI sensor (in effect, support for M-Mount lenses). That’s a whole topic in its own right.
In short, this camera will surely be the most challenging ever to test and characterise in a comprehensive manner. It simply pushes the boundaries in so many directions it virtually demands a series of tests on different aspects. The truth won’t emerge all at once, but it’s going to be fascinating to see if Sony have finally re-written the rule book on system cameras. If so, be under no illusions; this could be the ruling paradigm of future system cameras for the future. That is mirror-less bodies which work effectively with a range of different lens mounts offering IBIS, AF and excellent IQ.
Now that is one of the longest forum posts in history. You sound… almost… illuminated?
illuminatedObserver disagree~!!!
It’s a 3200.00 dollar answer to a 3200.00 dollar camera.
I agree, this camera certainly brings the best elements in camera technology out there in to one unified package. There is actually not much that is truly unique about the A7R II other than this and the fact that it seems to do all of them so very well is what makes it truly groundbreaking. It isn’t the first mirror less, first with 4K, with no AA, with high MP, with BSI, with 5-axis IS, with many AF points… But it is the first to do them all. In the past we have had to choose or have multiple bodies for different tasks, there has never been one ‘ultimate camera’ just ultimate in one (or two) thing/s.
While this may not be the ‘best’ at all of those things, it isn’t the fastest and the IBIS is probably not as good as the best out there. But it certainly does seem to do everything well enough for most users and with few limitations, plus a few limitations removed.
It is certainly a landmark camera and I think it will be judged and criticised on that basis, that it should be all things and be the best at everything, but that is not a fair assessment. Being very very good at everything is what makes this a masterpiece, not being the best at any one task (and Sony’s are usually judged against the best of everything for any particular function, just look at the A7 II review on DPR).
As the owner of the mentioned RAW file it would seem Dropbox has suspended my account due to traffic limitations. I will move the file/s tomorrow to a new server and post the new link.
Hi, What about file ?
Often I don’t understand people saying “pictures are not good, can’t really judge quality” blablabla… This time, well… i went to flickr and didn’t find any picture of interest ? Is it so hard to make a landscape shot or a portrait shot ? He says he had one hour with it, and I’m happy he tried to help us. But these pictures are definitely useless in termes of IQ, colors, PoV…
Thanks anyway 🙁
I wonder if the camera was from the camera shop in the photos and he was just able to shoot in the immediate vicinity
You’re right. That would make sense.
As the owner of the flickr account you are welcome. 🙂
another price hike.
Sony A 7 II -1250 euro
Sony A 7 R II -2950 euro
What where the previous prices and in which country (or is it all EU) is this happening?
well Sony a7II was 1500,- couple days ago.
and A7rII is not released yet and it cost 3500,- on Sony website.
I will wait month or two. I believe the price for a7rII will drop to 2500,-
Isn’t this a price drop then?
not really. Sony overpriced a7rII (same as they did to (A7r). 3500 Euro is a premium price for people who like to splash cash. Month later or two it will drop to price I defined 2950. Sales will be soon after.
Maybe wait 6 months for the price to drop; though, I am not sure it will drop $1,000 as you suggest . . . perhaps $300 in 6 months, but much depends on demand.
I would appreciate a 24mp BSI variant with a little better high ISO performance and much lower price than $3200 usd.
Is the build quality as good as the RX1?
I’ve handled all other A7 cams and I wasn’t impressed.
I am somewhat hoping that this A7rII would feel more put together than the other 4 cameras.
Honestly the RX1 doesn’t feel anywhere near as special as some like to claim. At any rate, yes the A7R II seems to be a notch or two above the A7’s that came before (which I still think the A7S feels the best).
I agree, but the control wheels take a bit of getting used to after the a7
Honestly, the RX1 build quality is excellet and better than A7 first gen, A7s and A7II. It is almost like having a good pair of headphones, when you upgrade headphones, maybe you are getting X% better performance in the highs, mids, lows, etc and a bit more of soundstage compared to our old pair. You notice it, but not so much. THEN, when you do climb down to your old headphones, you noticed how much different the better pair are and the small difference all of the sudden count for a lot.
I’m planning on buying a pair of AKG Q701’s by the end of the month.
What’s your current set up? How about some German Maestro GMPs or DT770/990?
Nothing against AKG, I just wasn’t feeling the quincy Jones vibe for the money….and, I like closed back headphones.
Hehe…well, it’s for a new turntable I bought..it’s a custom table from u-turnaudio.com and I’m using an old Realistic receiver from the 80’s. I’m on this whole analog kick right now.
I hear the soundstage is good on the AKG’s but don’t expect much base response- good mids. I really don’t have a preference as long as the mids and highs are killer. I’m not a huge bass guy.
Yeah. You’re heading the right way then. Reason why I like DT and GMPs is because they have bass, but it’s tight. And tight bass is good, not the overwhelming bass crap that seems to be the “good sound” marker or consumer headphones (read beats)
This^^^^
Can’t tell anything from Flickr. “Full size” isn’t exactly full size. We’re only talking a 2.5% increase in res over the A7R anyhow. Like the guy below said- it’s about the whole package. What I want is someone to hold their finger on the shutter until 500k. I’m dying to know if that shutter durability is the real deal.
If you click every second for about 6 days without sleeping, eating, etc…, you’ll get 500k shots 🙂
Shot with A7R yesterday with vintage glass and cunningly processed to black and white 🙂
http://s29.postimg.org/xta8cnqef/bw_1.jpg
http://s29.postimg.org/n466v9aav/bw_2.jpg
http://s29.postimg.org/xy07h3tk7/bw_3.jpg
http://s29.postimg.org/66769f0x3/bw_4.jpg
http://s29.postimg.org/4nbs4fucn/bw_5.jpg
http://s29.postimg.org/65jqtc12f/bw_6.jpg
http://s29.postimg.org/6jyuy5pbb/bw_7.jpg
http://s29.postimg.org/hdg0hj2av/bw_8.jpg
you buy a 36MP camera to post small stamp size pictures online…. yupp makes sense.
You’re a total psychopath- HOWEVER, these pictures are good. I’ll assume they are yours. I totally plan on grabbing the A7R next.
Without wanting to be too insulting, I don’t think the A7RII would make any difference to these shots, however processed.
Or is the ‘cunning’ a very subtle form of humour that eludes me?
I think the cunning part is that it would not have made a jot of difference, especially the blown highiights in the sky!!!!
Nuggety?
Useless pictures. Lens is soft.
well it is a sony lens.. so what do you expect?
“Unompromised Resolution” … ? Maybe, but what’s more interesting is the firmware since that is an area where Sony are quite awful.
Care to elaborate, firmware either works or it doesn’t. If all the camera functions operate properly the firmware is good.
No. Firmware isn’t a “it works or don’t”. I’m talking about stuff such as that one is forced into 12-bit mode in the continous drive modes which ie makes bracketing for exposure blending much clumsier to achieve.
Why can’t Sony just give us the big kid sensor in a big kid camera, suitable for the large Amount lenses that I bought from them? Why do they make their most loyal users suffer tiny cams + adapters with less body function and poor balance with heavy pro lenses…?
Who is the person at Sony that decided this was ok, and comfortable to use for all day commercial shoots?
Is it the same person that decided to make me adapt my flash system with non locking adapter? Did they think that would hold up under the pressure of a real assignment?
Does that person get thrills for creating market confusion with dozens of adapters for this and that with inconsistent performance and compatibility issues from body to body?
When did they decide that my teleconverters shouldn’t work with adapted Amount, after requesting a fix for years now… with no response?
I want to meet that guy, and shake his plastic hand… really really hard.
We’re here, ready to cater to you with our 20th century 14bit mirror-flappers. Come talk with us, and if you can or actually shoot (to be decided), we may well offer you competitive upgrade deal! How’s that sound to you my good old jurassic buddy?
Pointless prating around here with the next generation, they’re more interested in 4K video, IBIS and pro-level audio. We don’t need any of that, we want a mans camera, one that’ll take a bullet for us! Stop in HQ, we’ll show you McCullin’s Vietnam era Nikon F, it stopped a friggin bullet for him, that’s what we’re talking’ about, not some flimsy plastic multi-media camera!
Just how I feel.
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Not so impressed , most photos were taken between f/4 – f/5 on FE16-35mm F4 lens !
I think if someone wants to test a camera he should take photos in the sweet spot of the lens used, which is around f/8 IMO.
Weird that no one wants to comment on the eye sensor sensitivity or one touch zoom view, the two deal breakers for me. Weird that no advance reviewers are able to see these as problems. Weird that I am the only one that thinks A7 series is completely unusable for a professional because of its lack of flexibility.
Weird that you didn’t see (below) that you’re not the only one.
You’re not alone. Speaking of autofocus points selection too…
A lot of photographers still use focus and recompose, so you are just the minority.
lmao perhaps I am the exception but I cannot remember the last time I used focus recompose… sure way to get out of focus images when you shoot wide enough.
Would prefer to read under A7RII
Uncompressed
Resolution
Easier to blame the gear, they say.
These are forbidden words.. 😉
I’d prefer to read loss-less. Uncompressed? No thanks.
What an useless comment :/
These pictures may not be anyone’s ideal for test pictures, but if you look closely they give a ton of information. The last shot of the parking lot retains detail in blacks in the shadows (can you read “COFFEE OR TOW”?) while sunshine whites on the Cordner Hill Law sign across the street are not completely blown (close – would be nice to see RAW). The first shot of the briefcase is f5, 1/50th at iso 2000 – so it was pretty dim and there is a ton of detail (you can see details of the thread in the stitching in the back tab, whites in front are blown). In the pic of the green door examine the shadows closely – that green here and there isn’t color noise, it’s moss.
So far I see huge dynamic range, fine detail and accurate color in shadows and at iso 2000. What’s not to like?
Yeah I see the lens isn’t stellar and higher iso pics would be nice, blah, blah, blah – there is plenty of useful information in these pics and I’m very thankful to OP for sharing. Well mostly thankful – what I see is not making it any easier to wait for my A7rii to arrive!
Aahhh! I am so nervous about this. I am just moving up from m4/3 GH3 and decided to splurge on this and pre-ordered it. While I appreciate the poster uploading the images from it, some of the first on the web taken with this camera, I have to say I find these shots to be less than reassuring about whether or not my funds are well-spent. Color, detail, white balance — I guess I expected really crisp photos with the large, backlit sensor. I don’t know anything about these particular lenses used in these shots – maybe the lenses just don’t do this sensor justice.
Big mistake switching to full frame Sony from m43 Panny. You better get your G back quick for better “color, detail, white balance and really crisp photos”. Sony never promised you that.
Oh I get it…
lizsalander = lil’ slander = little slander
It’s possible to take mediocre pictures with a great camera. I kinda had the same freak out moment last week. My equipment guy (who’s gotten to spend some time on one) assured me that it is exactly as awesome as its being sold as. I’m guessing there were limits to what the photographer was allowed to do with it. All us pre orderers need to take a collective breath.
A7S is so sensitive, it cries whenever you turn it on.
Then I suppose you could get some good shots during a night sports game with a7r mk1.
SLT has no flapping mirror. Oh, I get it…..
Image page on flickr returns 404… so much for the samples 🙂
And use very low performing “vintage glass” SMH.
Wow, the whole post is gone now. Sony must have put the smack down. Or the OP got sick of the haters.
Or maybe…
Stieg Larsson = St. Arson = someone who plays with fire?
The main character from the Stieg Larsson books. Well-played in the movies by Noomi Rapace (the original movie version).
I’ve been pretty happy with my Panny. Several of the lenses are terrific, and the camera is reliable and useful. But I have been wanting to step up to a new camera for a year, and didn’t want to just go to APS-C; when this Sony was announced, it seemed like the right move. I’m going to miss being able to pull focus with the touch screen of the Panny for sure – works great for bird/animal photography to nail the focus on the eye. But the Sony’s have been getting more and more impressive. Hope it is the right move, since the A7RII is $$$.