A7C ii and A7CR: Overpriced? Will anyone buy them? Should you?

Yesterday, Sony released the much anticipated update to the very popular A7C camera. Part of what made the A7C so popular was it's attractive entry level price point. Did Sony make a mistake by not pricing it under $2k? I think so, but what do I know - I'm just a KZbin scrub 😆

[@AprilClayton]

I love that thumbnail pic so much. I’m trying not to buy any more camera equipment, but I’m tempted by a smaller body. I think A7IV meets my needs, but I’d like it a bit more compact.

[@RandumbTech]

It depends on what you are currently shooting with. These new A7C models are full of compromises so going smaller comes at a steep price - figuratively and literally. I bought an A7RV last December and sold it for pretty close to what I paid for it 2 months later. I just bought another new A7RV today because it's on sale for $900 off! At $3k, you'd be crazy not to buy the A7RV instead of the A7CR.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for your video. I actually like the two new cameras. Sold both my A7C and A7IV and planned to buy the A7CII but may actually buy the A7CR. I am really a stills shooter and already have a family of small lenses I can use. The Q2’s 28mm lens is nice but have small lenses from 20mm to 90mm. Also like the features brought over from the A7RV which I own as well.

[@RandumbTech]

The A7CR will pair nicely with your A7RV and it comes with the extension grip which I think is awesome. Good luck!

[@NARFALICIOUS]

When you mentioned swinging the screen out and drawing attention, that's how I feel just using a bigger setup like my r6ii and 24-70. I've been wondering if the A7Cii/Cr paired with Sony's smaller lenses might feel help me feel more at ease to go out and do street photography or vlogging.

[@RandumbTech]

That's why I love love love the 4-axis screen on the A7RV. In retrospect, I probably should not have sold it, but there is actually a $500 trade-in bonus on it right now so I may buy it again. Wouldn't be the first time (or last) that I did something stupid! 🤣 If the A7CR had the 4-way screen, it would have been an instant buy for me.

[@hasenmyer]

I pre-ordered the A7C2 just to hold my spot in line, may cancel later, but who knows. Both are overpriced, it's almost criminal to sell cameras with such poor screens and EVFs. Fuji XS20 has 3M dot screen for $1200.00. Thing about the A7C/ZVE1 series is that you still have to put FF lenses on them, to do that comfortably you need to add a grip/cage, once you've done that the camera is the same size as their bigger counter parts....maybe I just talked myself out of the pre-order...LOL!

[@RandumbTech]

For folks with bigger hands, those smaller cameras are a real challenge to use for a prolonged period. It is such a shame they didn't improve the EVF and LCD - it feels like more recycled products from Sony. They aren't bad cameras at all, just nothing really new or exciting. Most of the stuff that the A7C2 does with software can be done with the A7iv footage in post. I'd keep your name on the list for now and as it gets closer, make a game time decision.

[@07SATS]

@RandumbTech Question is, is Q2 worth the $3800 that you bought? I am seeing similar prices and thinking of buying one. Please suggest

[@RandumbTech]

ABSOLUTELY worth it!!! It is hands down my most used camera (for stills) since I got it. The colors and quality of the DNG files is on another level compared to other brands I've used (Sony, Nikon, Fuji, etc). And since it's relatively small, I bring it everywhere with me. The controls are perfectly laid out and simple to operate. If you buy it used, it will likely depreciate less than $1k over the next 2 years. Leica does not update their cameras often and since the Q3 is impossible to find, the value of the Q2 will remain high for many years to come. Get it!!

[@07SATS]

@@RandumbTech Thanks for your guidance, I bought it yesterday night and got a good deal mint used Q2 for $3050.

[@sivakumarkolli3930]

Hi ,I want to upgrade my a6400, I am getting almost the same price for a7c and a6700 which one should I get

[@RandumbTech]

Since you are already invested in APS-C lenses, I think the A6700 would be a better fit. If you shoot video, the difference between the 8-bit in the original A7C and 10-bit in the A6700 is very noticeable. The A7C is still great for RAW stills but would require you to purchase FF lenses which would add some serious $$ to the equation. Lastly, I don't think I could go back to a camera with the old menu system like the A7C - the new menu system found in the A6700 is sooooo much better. Good luck!

[@sivakumarkolli3930]

Thank you for your reply

[@soholingo]

Completely disagree, the AI autofocus is much more reliable and accurate, not sure how it slows you down. Find a better 61 MP camera for $2999. If you are recommending an x100v, get an a6700. I do agree on the Q2 as an option.

[@RandumbTech]

It slowed me down because I had to constantly manage the AI AF features if I wanted to use them as intended. It would put a box around everyone in the frame and then I'd have to manually select which one. I'm sure there was some user error on my part, but it wasn't intuitive, at least not to me. The X100V has the regular tilt screen, not articulating like the 6700, that's why I recommended it. I'm sure there will be plenty of buyers, just don't think this will entice new people to buy into the Sony FF system like the first gen A7C did.

[@soholingo]

@RandumbTech I say all of that because I have the a6700 and love the focus compared to my a7c. The evf in the a6700 is much better than the a7c. I think once people use it there will be fewer complaints. Once people get these cameras in their hands they will realize the value...