Sony A7CII First Impressions

At Sony Kando and got my hands on the A7CII… what I think so far!
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[@xhynetuseinovski]

So good to see a video from an A7C shooter. So much insight that you have that others don’t. Thanks for the video!

[@DylanBlackburn]

Thanks for watching!

[@willfreund3315]

I'm looking forward to how much the a7c price drops after this release.

[@balboa0621]

Like new used ones are going for about a grand on eBay right now

[@stkuj]

I just bought a "used" silver one (800 clicks) for $1100. I think they're a hell of a buy at 1K... fk the x100v owners LOL

[@balboa0621]

@@stkuj yeah, I just bought a pristine black one with the kit lens that was somebody's backup for 1200. A BNIB silver body just went for 1250. Hard not to bite at those prices.

[@tzj21]

Yeah, but the x100v is still significantly lighter… it’s great for lazy shooting. My zve1 + 2.5 40mm is still over 700gs with a hood. That’s in the territory of a q3 man. x100v, sub 500g. I do agree the a7c is obviously technically a better camera tho.

[@balboa0621]

@@tzj21 ...and currently less than half the price on the used market

[@Primeros1000]

Maybe for me, I would get an A7iv since I already have the original A7c. Great to see you out there killing it!

[@USGrant21st]

A7iv was on sale with $400 off, making it cheaper that A7Cii. That sale will likely return the next shopping season.

[@david48737]

It's good to hear your take on this. I watched your A7C review back in the day, and I felt like you were one of the few reviewers to really get the appeal of how compact and casual-looking this camera is. I think it's amazing we get the A7R V sensor in a tiny rangefinder body!

[@Willettra1n]

Been a Canon user for over 10 years and this is the camera that is making me switch. Can’t wait to travel with it!

[@RNWLL]

Same here! 😀

[@Leonard1102]

Almost all sony cameras are the same… don’t see a diff

[@bobsykes]

Thanks, I was looking forward to your take on this, given you’re about the only photographer who used the original one almost exclusively. I could see getting the “CR” version instead of the A7-RV in order to save some money and enjoy the even smaller body, given I don’t see 8K video as something I would ever use.

[@DylanBlackburn]

Exactly my reasoning!

[@shewhoisaudacious]

When I saw that this camera was released, immediately thought of you and was waiting for your review.

[@DylanBlackburn]

I may not be KZbin famous… but some might say I’m A7C famous 😂 thanks for watching!

[@shewhoisaudacious]

@@DylanBlackburnlol. You sure are.

[@ZachMayfield]

Great vid bro, had a blast hangin with you at Kando!

[@DylanBlackburn]

Thanks man! Definitely gonna hit you up whenever I’m in Nashville!

[@jatinkukreja18]

The only review I was looking forward to!

[@Pontcher]

I was just waiting for this!

[@DylanBlackburn]

Was going to release it tomorrow but here it is! 😁

[@zenonbillings9008]

really appreciate this quick first impression . was never interested in sony cameras until I discovered your site. but the form factor of the a7c really appeals to the way i shoot. however certain aspects of this camera were limiting. this version II corrects those limitations so i'm 90% sure I will be making a purchase ..... looking forward to your more extensive review. zen billings in canada

[@FelixRoseAs]

I'm happy that you've been able to try the A7CII! I currently have the A7C, love this camera since I bought it in 2020. I was waiting for the A7CII and A7CR release to see If I would upgrade. I'm thinking more and more about keeping my A7C (video, fun, travels) and getting an A7RV (for professional work). The A7CR is a complicated camera, very tempting and in the same time, lacking amazing features that you could have for a few hundreds more (screen, evf, 1/8000 shutter, double card slot...).

[@DylanBlackburn]

I think that’s a good decision!

[@stkuj]

Hey Felix... I've had the a7rv for the past 6 months (upgrading from the a7riii) for my work. I feel for the pro work I do the a7rv is just about perfect. I also have the a7c for travel/street, everyday, etc. I'm really tempted (as most are) to upgrade because of some features. I'm going to wait a bit, but still feel the a7c is more than enough for what I have it for.

[@FelixRoseAs]

@@stkuj Thank you for sharing your pov, this A7RV is definitely tempting!

[@JackyWHC01]

I just pre-ordered my A7C II, upgrade from RX100M5

[@cammackey]

Cool meeting you man! Great work

[@DylanBlackburn]

Great meeting you too man! Thank you!

[@Docmakesfotos]

The A7cii review i was looking for! I’m curious to see/know the difference between the high iso performance between the old camera and the new ones.

[@DylanBlackburn]

Will be testing this with the A7CR. My prediction is that people overreact when it comes to hearing that high megapixel cameras having more alot more noise.. but we’ll see hopefully soon!

[@andimuhjafar]

Happy to hear an opinion from a real user of a7c.

[@othmanefethi2091]

Hello sir, I am confused about which one is better Sony a7c vs Sony a7cii ?🤨

[@PhilKnall]

Yeahhhh finally. Was waiting for this one. The one hands on that matters. Also thank you for doing the accessory compatibility test, I'm just gonna sell the eyecup with the a7c. Assuming the base plate isn't gonna fit at all either..

[@bondgabebond4907]

Good to see you are happy with the CII. Is the EVF the same or close to the same as the one on the a6700, which I have. It is excellent, btw. I shoot primarily stills, could almost not care at all for video, not my thing. The CR will be the photographers dream camera, despite the cost. That's not as hard to swallow as the price of the A7R5. It looks like the CR is a baby R5, smaller, lighter, better for street photography as no one is going to look twice at you with a small black camera that doesn't have a Leica label on it. I long for the day of the CR as I love to carry an FF camera that doesn't weigh a ton or look intimidating.

[@yugan6559]

I was thinking about getting me a camera from a74 and a7cm2. Mostly shoot family photos and for travelling, 70% of photo, 30% of video. Which one would you prefer?

[@RNWLL]

Nice video! Looking forward to the review, I'm considering buying this camera for landscape photography next year! 😊 Subscribed!

[@MrSwaggernaut83]

to me, the bigggest improvement is the front finger dial on the grip, makes controlling settings a million times better and overall used to be the biggest ergo diff from the bigger bodies

[@quang5DCameras]

What you said make sense: Wait for A7CII on Sale. Usually which Season Sony will put it on Sale?

[@jdawgT2]

I've been a canon photographer since 2008, but done a ton of research the past month or so, and watching a lot of your videos, I ended up pre-ordering the a7c ll just to have a smaller camera that I can take everywhere easily. So just to be clear, the 3 dials you can customize to be ISO, etc? Do they come as set as anything or do you have to set those up? Also, I do a lot of video as well, I've seen one video where you can input LUTS straight from camera? Have you seen this? Is it already on the camera or do you have to download them on there? Keep up the great work, It's been fun watching your stuff!

[@DylanBlackburn]

Yes you can customize all 3 dials! The one top is preset to expose compensation for auto modes but it’s easily switched in the menus. LUTS are easy import. Drag the LUTS onto an SD card from your computer then insert into the camera. After they’re loaded on you can remove the files from your card!

[@jdawgT2]

Awesome thanks so much for the info!!@@DylanBlackburn

[@TheGreenEggFarm]

Good job! Very honest review. TY!

[@DylanBlackburn]

Thank you for watching!

[@KATOUINJAPAN]

thank you for sharing !

[@zenonbillings9008]

great introductory clip, look forward to your full review zen billings in canada

[@norainaemran4035]

Thank you for Excellent short review. Been waiting for your comments since You’ve been an avid A7C User. As I was one of the late Buyer of A7C like only few months back… I’m eager to know whether worth to upgrade or not…

[@USGrant21st]

I wasn't happy with two more things in A7C, besides tiny viewfinder and shallow grip, so I returned the camera despite $400 discount. One was colors I was getting in LR, which presumably improved in the fourth sensor generation, will have to see if that's true. The other problem was AF. Though it was more or less working on my white dog, on my black dog it worked poorly, often focusing on anything but eyes.

[@Reivaxd]

Yo tengo el mismo sentimiento con los colores, todavía no la compro pero siento que los colores no me van a gustar

[@CassidyHansen]

Doesn't the R have a fully mechanical shutter??

[@franklinpark4475]

Is the maximum shutter speed and lack of mechanical shutter a deal breaker? I purchased one, but might return it due to that reason. I just hate being limited in all aspects. I want a true do it all hybrid in a small package.

[@rickymcc8624]

Hi Dylan, just subbed after your FX3 vid. Like you I'm primarily a stills shooter, but I want to start seriously shooting video too, so recently added a FX3 to my much appreciated a7iv. I nearly bought an a7c when launched as I appreciate the small form factor for travel, but figured they would eventually repack with internals based on a7iv. Trouble is they also did an a7cr too. I'm now spoilt for choice, albeit I feel the a7rv is arguably a better balanced body - rear screen, grip, shutter, sync speed, full size HDMI, dual CF Express slots etc. Arguably 61 Mp is overkill for most shots, so if I did go compact (for photo rather than video) I'd lean towards the a7cii rather than the a7rc. But, I'm more inclined to buy an a1 as I miss my old a9 (for fast sports). I used to own an a7riv so know that I rarely need 61Mp and the 50+ of a1 will be more than enough. On my old (now sold) a7riv, I often used to shoot in APS-C crop mode for smaller 26Mb raw files and save HD space and processing time in post. Or pick my a9 as a 'go to' for day to day shooting. Currently I'm down to just an a7iv (excellent) and FX3 (trying to learn how to use it properly). I'm lucky to have a lot of great Sony glass, so really don't need more kit, albeit an a1 might just be a great all rounder. Albeit I'm wondering why Sony won't upgrade the firmware for a so called 'flagship'? Will there be an a1x (or whatever name) sucessor soon that blends best of a1 and a7rv features? Anyway currently we are being spoilt for choice and Sony are increasingly eating into my spare budget for photo kit. This is an indulgent hobby for me and I no longer have ambition to shoot professionally. I have shot many paid assignments to a high level - editorial, commercial and social. It's flattering to be paid to shoot. I have also noticed that the more I charge the more clients seem to appreciate my occasional work. But I don't kid myself that it's an easy living and no longer have interest in trying to any more than offset some of my overheads buying new kit.

[@MusaaJames]

May sound stupid but I loved my a7iv I just never got out to use it due to its size, I’m actually going to be picking this up to actually motivate myself to take my camera out and use it alongside my Fuji x100v

[@hangryherbivore]

For personal use, are you getting the CII or CR or both?

[@DylanBlackburn]

Just the A7CR, may keep my original A7C

[@DDHDTV]

One of only two opinions about the A7Cii I care about. You and one other German guy who says he hates the A7C but it takes the best pictures for him and his family lol

[@Kraken54321]

Nice. I would like to see your pictures using the G lenses. Thinking of picking the camera up in the future, I'm just undecided as to which lenses to purchase first. 🤷

[@DDHDTV]

5:29 so this it mean it has 4 dials? The customisable EV compensation wheel, the front dial, the smaller in the back and the "d-pad" dial

[@GunslingerMediaCo]

I just bought the zve1 last week. A7Cii is tempting to return my zve1 for, but i think ill keep the zve1 for video, and get an A7Cii as a photo/B Cam hybrid. I wouldnt get the A7CR because you can get a used A7RV for the same price now, and the better heatsink and multi angle screen, its justa better option for hybrid shooters.

[@strippedlist]

No second base iso in video! please check the buffer im really curious if after 14 shots really stops to 1 shot, how fast fills up in your review, others said it has mechanical shutter in their review, you noticed it didn't

[@zedl]

So excited that you got to Kando!! Do you have any advice on how to get invited?

[@DylanBlackburn]

Hahaha i don't even know man. I think they just recognized that no one else makes A7C videos as much as I do... or I just got lucky!

[@zedl]

@@DylanBlackburn You deserved it bro!

[@lizamurh692]

Hello, Dylan! I want to begin my journey into photography. I'm really curious about street and nature photography. I'm considering the Sony A7C for it, but now I see that the A7CII is coming. I don't know what I should buy as a beginner. Could you advice me please?

[@DylanBlackburn]

The best thing to do is buy the original A7C and use the extra money to invest in better lenses for it!

[@luxurybuzz3681]

Near perfect travel camera

[@stkuj]

IMHO, I don't think the upgrade to the a7cii on the photography side probably is not worth it.

[@Pontcher]

Im more a video person, so I take the Zv-e1, but maaan, this a7cii/a7cr its dope. I hope that I can afford, next year, one sample for me.

[@DylanBlackburn]

Good idea going with the ZV-E1 if you shoot more video! Better bang for your buck in terms of video specs

[@vnpsidugn]

The best part of these releases for me is I was able to get an A7C for significantly less. The extra 10mp~, viewfinder etc etc make absolutely no difference to me, and especially with the frankly extortionate pricing of the A7Cii + A7CR, this is a very hard sell.

[@amritdutta6695]

Now that you have used A7C II, I need your advice with something. I am thinking of getting a camera this year. I have used A6400 before and I am considering A7C as it will be getting even cheaper. What I really wanna ask is all the videos available in youtube about the AI chip on the new camera improves the AF system but for a beginner like me who just wants to do photography as a hobby, will the absence of AI chip really make a difference? The only reason I am not considering A6700 is cause I want a fullframe camera cause I might do some professional work later on and wont be able to get a camera again any time sooner. You have been using A7C for more than 2 years now so I figured out you are the best person to ask for advice. Please do reply mate.

[@DylanBlackburn]

Hey man! The simple answer is no, it’s not necessary. Is it nice to have? Yeah of course but look at the bigger picture.. we went YEARS without AI autofocus and it wasn’t a problem. None of my current cameras have AI autofocus and I don’t feel like I’m missing out. Sure, I preordered the A7CR but the AI autofocus is one of the upgrades that I care least about. The original A7C already has amazing autofocus so you have nothing to worry about.

[@amritdutta6695]

@@DylanBlackburn Thanks a lot Dylan. Really this cleared all the confusion I had. Thank you so much.

[@sherbaju]

Hi Dylan, have you tested the anti-flicker settings ? I'm very interested in this camera but I'm worried about banding.

[@UltimateN.]

Would you recommend the A6700 or A7cii as a first camera to take pics and videos like yours?

[@DylanBlackburn]

For a first camera I would recommend going with the A6700! It’s a better value for price if you don’t mind an APSC sensor.

[@plusforce]

What would be best prime lens for landscape/nature if I only want to buy one lens?

[@costagf]

Don't understand why no joystick or better yet a hybrid clickable Joystick instead of AF ON button (if they didn't add it because of space) Don't see adding joystick as a Pro Feature or something a small cam can't have, PANASONIC did it looooong ago on their tiny LX3 camera and is something I think potencial A7CR owners would want.

[@stoiCasey]

α7CR is more suitable for you, imo, because I remember you seem to have α7M4 or FX3. But, I feel the price of α7CR will drop a lot in the future. And here's where I'm disappointed: it's so expensive, but still negates the mechanical front-curtain shutter. Everything else is fine, I'll wait for it to drop in price, the α7M4 I currently have works great.

[@yichunxu9883]

I already put down the deposit for A7CR but still hesitating should I go for A7R5 or CR. My A7R3 was stolen ( been shooting with it for 6 yrs 💔) in New York last week, and almost bought the A7R5 immediately but then the CR came out... really love the body design, but not sure about the downgrade on EVF and joystick (honestly don't care about the extra SD card slot that ppl are moaning about)

[@imranalijafar]

My question is that if I buy A7Cmark 2, will I be able to rely on the view finder to the point where I would not need to use LCD screen to make changes? I have hard time reading fine print from that close. If I need to use LCD, than I rather get ZVE1.

[@DylanBlackburn]

If you're even considering getting the ZVE1 than why not just get that? Viewfinder is pointless for shooting video anyways

[@dannydivine7699]

Until I see some compelling size comparison with an R6MkII I've decided to stay with Canon, there isn't enough difference in price here to make me give up a mechanical shutter. I looked up the difference in the R6Mkii and my old 5dMkiii and it looks huge and heavy, so that's my story now!!

[@AlfaMedtech]

Will the small rig cages from the original work with the new A7C?

[@DylanBlackburn]

I think I saw one person with a Smallrig cage on it but I can’t confirm. I imagine it will but it may be a little funky with the grip

[@eskisaridolmus]

Great video thanks. What would you say if you compare A6700 vs. A7CII? I am considering switching from Canon 250D to a mirrorless camera, most probably either A6700 or A7CII.

[@DylanBlackburn]

If budget allows then A7CII, but then again you could buy the A6700 and a lens or two for the price of the A7CII without a lens. Depends on if you care that much about having a full frame camera!

[@eskisaridolmus]

@@DylanBlackburn Many thanks for your response. Probably, I will do that in the end.

[@MusaaJames]

Sounds like someone’s going to be getting the A7C R, id be surprised if you didn’t considering you have a video rig already and mainly use the A7C for photo

[@DylanBlackburn]

Preordered the R last night!

[@MusaaJames]

@@DylanBlackburn how do you think your 24mm 2.8 lens and the other Sony compact lenses for the C will fair with the updated sensor? Do you think the R will force you to use your more premium glass?

[@Kyeorii]

Have you had a need to shoot in a faster mech shutter speed than the A7c offers?

[@DylanBlackburn]

Only in very rare circumstances

[@mykeljewell]

So does the thumb grip block any buttons ina weird way or are they all super easy to access

[@DylanBlackburn]

I haven’t had that issue, but I imagine if you have big fingers it could be a problem

[@108u9]

Hi can you test on the A7CR if it’s true that the shutter no longer affects out of focus areas, vs A7C vs fully mechanical shutters on other Sony cameras? Maybe shooting the same settings that would produce the issue on A7C on A7CR. I heard it’s fixed even though the A7CR is still electronic first curtain but not sure if it’s accurate info. Thank you!

[@DylanBlackburn]

Will do once I have it!

[@DDHDTV]

Omg I Completely forgot about this. Definitely something I'd want to know as well

[@muhammedshiroz7353]

A7iv or A7cii ? I’m not professional, I don’t care about dual card slot. Joystick is really that important??? New AI Autofocus is much better than a7iv I heard. Which one should I buy? Someone please help me with taking a decision.

[@DylanBlackburn]

Go with the A7CII! Joystick isn’t that big of a deal if you never had one to begin with. Plus I own both cameras and I’ll still choose the A7C over the A7IV any day

[@muhammedshiroz7353]

@@DylanBlackburn Thank you somuch for clearing my mind. I’ll go with a7cii. ✨🔥

[@justinmullet]

Did you buy this camera? I don’t understand how every KZbinr and their brother can get every new camera before it even drops or on the day it drops.

[@DylanBlackburn]

I preordered the A7CR! Sony sends these cameras to a lot of bigger KZbinrs to make videos for release day. I didn’t get my hands on it until Sony flew me out to an event on the announcement day

[@justinmullet]

Nice, I appreciate the response. Great job on the video. @@DylanBlackburn

[@sivakumarkolli3930]

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

[@DylanBlackburn]

Both cameras are a very significant upgrade! Only thing to note is depending on what lenses you currently have you may have to also buy new full frame lenses for the A7C. If you shoot video I would definitely recommend the A6700 over the A7C

[@sivakumarkolli3930]

@@DylanBlackburn I don’t have much lenses, I mostly use camera only for photos. Then what is your opinion, I am mostly thinking to buy a7c with Sony 35mm 1.8 and sigma 24-70mm f2.8 or tamaron 28-75 f2.8 G. If still a6700 is better in your opinion I will go with it

[@christopherkorey2602]

Did you notice a big difference in battery life?

[@DylanBlackburn]

With the short amount of time i had with the camera it was kind of hard to tell, but the battery life seems slightly worse than the original

[@imranalijafar]

what are you using for videos if not a7c

[@DylanBlackburn]

Sony FX3!

[@imranalijafar]

@@DylanBlackburn makes sense :-) if possible, please make a video about samyang 18 mm and samyang 24 mm f2.8 on a7c since they are the most compact lenses. i want to see how they look and feel on this compact body

[@matthewsheppard7509]

What about the AI autofocus?

[@DylanBlackburn]

It’s nice but not a big deal to me

[@almightyri1757]

I am disappointed in the a7CR. Not worth $800 more than the a7CII not worth the $900 savings over the a7RV. Honestly a used a7RV for $3300 would be better since you are spending $3k anyway. Ended up preordering the a7CII. Will the a7RV in a year or two down the line when I have the money. Hopefully you can find new ones for the ~$3k range then

[@pauldby1479]

"EVF 1000 times better" - I think you will find 18% better magnification is more accurate

[@diplomamilldoc8562]

The joystick will come on the next model. All designed to part you from your money.

[@ShadyJay77]

I'm sorry but you're sadly mistaken. Both versions have full mechanical shutters.

[@DylanBlackburn]

Nope. EFC shutters for both cameras

[@Old-School-Liberal]

Not interested

[@DylanBlackburn]

I’m sorry lol