Sony A7CR First Impressions | Best Everyday & Travel Camera?

[@XboxTheBeatboxer]

Obviously, throw Leica glass on it. Super small and reliable setup. And with a Voigtlander close-focus adapter, you can even get shots you couldn't with the Leica glass normally (due to focusing closer than 0.7 m rangefinder coupled).

[@thetalkingfly]

Benj- Great review Very human And not too much camera nerd stuff. Love your observation on seeing the face of camera person - brilliant. Steve

[@benjhaisch]

Appreciate it! I figured with a camera like this there would be a lot more technical reviews, so I decided to focus more on experience and things that stuck out specifically. Ended up being a bit longer (ok, a lot longer) than I wanted, but thought most of the info would be something I’d personally want to know.

[@ArminHirmer]

pretty sweet! Tempting for sure. Maybe time to get rid of my Sigma FPL and takes this cutie alongside my Q3

[@rickbiessman6084]

100% agree with the psychological advantages of rangefinder designs! I just love being able to better communicate with my clients during a shoot. And at wedding receptions and the like I sometimes leave my left eye open to scan the environment and notice someone walk into the frame like I’m a sneaky street photography ninja (I suck at street photography, but don’t tell anyone).

[@fortsang4732]

The video is so good, I love your warm yellow lighting!

[@RandumbTech]

The nice thing about the grip is that is is removeable. For travel purposes, you could take it off when you want to travel extra light. The biggest drawback I see is that lack of Dynamic Active Stabilization. The ZV-E1 has it, so there is no reason they couldn't include it in these more expensive cameras.

[@mirrorlessthesis3599]

It's so amazing that these cameras exist. These rangefinder cameras look wonder, but when you place the grip and the huge lens, then you might as well have the big boy camera.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thanks for your thoughts on this release.

[@ilhadourada]

Amazing review, thank you so much for the size comparison between all this cameras!

[@rudigerwolf9626]

Camera bodies are not the issue. FF lenses, especially telephoto are huge, heavy and expensive. The question is are they worth it compared to APSC or M4/3?

[@nafnaf0]

With the A7CR you could use it like an APS-C camera. In APS-C mode, it will has the same 26MP found in the A6700 and it is basically the same size as the A6700. It is really like two camera in one

[@johngrant765]

I have one. I use it with Sony zooms. I don’t need two cards slots and not having a joy stick isn’t a deal breaker. I do use it for pro shots doing wildlife in the field hand held. I love it.

[@martinpickard5818]

I’d love a joystick…I believe you can make the directional buttons on the wheel at the bottom to move the focus square.

[@DonaldHawk]

Interesting title. That’s what I was wondering whether I could make a lower cost Q3 (since we can’t find them) with a lens combo.

[@aviatorman8]

I don’t have an issue with the small viewfinder at all. In fact I wish Sony get rid of it all together and give us a bright OLED screen like iPhone’s. Do you know if the sensor has AA filter? Thanks for the review.

[@DavidManningvlog]

You've inspired me good sir... ordered👍

[@benjhaisch]

Dude! Sorry I just saw this. I’m stoked for mine to come in!

[@leafsfan71]

Did i miss the comparison to the Q3?

[@ImperiousImages]

My thoughts exactly. Great to see all the other comparisons thought lol

[@benjhaisch]

Yeah, I changed the title. It made sense to me as I know the Q3 specs and with a very similar sensor and size, it's what I've been thinking, but I realize that didn't translate to the way I was thinking internally.

[@chickenofthecave7046]

nice little camera, but I'm more than happy with my x pro 3. Always like looking at new gear and I've never tried a sony before so would love to try one.

[@GastonShutters]

Great one Benj. Waiting for My A7CR. One thing that throws me off a bit every time I see it, is the design of the extension grip.

[@benjhaisch]

Yeah, I didn’t like the aesthetic design, but LOVE the usability

[@GastonShutters]

@@benjhaisch for sure.

[@clubclimber4910]

Never got around to comparing the A7cr to the Q3...

[@ryanlarose.photography]

I SO want someone to do a video comparing the Q3 and A7cr. They seem neck and neck!

[@CianMcsweeney]

An interchangeable lens Leica Q would be amazing

[@MattFitzgerald]

That's what I'm looking for!

[@Marcopereira]

@@ryanlarose.photography the auto focus on the leica sucks…

[@ryanlarose.photography]

@@Marcopereirakinda the one thing I’d be worried about, especially compared to the system as that Sony and Canon now

[@PatrikSkiffardFoto]

Thinking of changing from Canon R5 to Sony, should I go a7rv or this? Only shoot stills

[@IsaacSuttleFilms]

I'd definitely pick up the A7CII as a travel camera! How are you liking the 50mm 1.4 GM? I currently have the 1.2 GM, but I love the form factor of the 1.4 GM.

[@t87h21]

i have all three 1.4 GM lenses with the same size. (24/35/50)... the 50 mm is perfect and have the same quality as the other two lenses. I prefer the smaller size. Maybe for work is the f1.2 the minimal better choice for the maximum if you need the f0.2 more...

[@mrmonday42]

@@t87h21 F stops are not a linear scale. F1.4 is .44 stops slower than F1.2 and each stop wider aperture lets in twice as much light as the last.

[@cameraprepper7938]

Sony should have made the camera a bit taller or the backside screen a bit smaller, so the EVF could have been larger and with higher resolution, if the EVF had 9.5 mega dots and larger magnification, I may have bought this camera, well there are other issues, like the electronic first curtain...

[@benjhaisch]

I didn’t find the electronic first curtain shutter to act the same as it does with the A7RV fwiw. I didn’t have any weird bokeh issues, but I have on the A7RV and A7IV

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@benjhaisch Ok, so Sony just have to make the EVF better to temp me.

[@westdk6705]

My biggest wish is CASCADE PRESET for CAPTURE ONE. I pray 🙏 for that !

[@alphatoinfinity777]

really appreciate the thoughts on the viewfinder. great insight. thanks

[@kassayeatsime]

A7cii What about the talks dual iso is not working, at 3200 it is noisy?

[@GeorgeOJ]

Thanks for an insightful sensible real-world review! :)

[@artmaltman]

Why 61mp? Is it only for cropping or is there a different aesthetic look vs 33mp. Thank you.

[@benjhaisch]

I think it's mostly for the added detail in larger prints, added sharpness of the image, and general flexibility. Do I *need* 61mp? Of course not, but it just gives the versatility of basically combining a Sony a6700 and an A7RV together in one camera.

[@SonerAktas]

I think this lenshood ist for sony 40mm. 2.8

[@A1000Truths]

Wonder what compact lenses you’d recommend?

[@benjhaisch]

I’ve adapted lenses, used the 24/2.8G, 28/2, Viltrox 28/1.8, Zeiss 35/2.8, 40/2.5G, Sigma 50/2, 50/2.5G, Sigma 28-70/2.8, etc

[@strippedlist]

in M file size you have 26 mp fullframe! so it's better for weddings than a7iv

[@thomas.kovacik]

That a7cii looks like a fun option over the zve1 So many cameras from Sony haha

[@YORRICKID]

I agree with you. I currently have the "old" A6300... I am now looking into a more semi-professional camera. From all the videos I have seen the A7C ii looks the best to me. Also because it's a proper hybrid camera.

[@gilles6238]

Hello, thanks for the test video! From my point of view the right height of the new a7C, should be the a7C with the grip but in one piece: a beautiful compact brick! This could incorporate a large EVF of much better magnification and quality, an internal hard drive, the new flip tilt screen. a high-end RangeFinder!

[@domtomas1178]

I hear so many people talk about using eye AF instead of a joystick. But not all of us shoot people all the time. I use the joystick to set the AF point on an object when I'm shooting street/architecture/landscape or products. Without it I'd be focus and re-composing all the time. Even a wedding photographer will shoot some images of the venue, cake, rings, flowers, etc. How do you use eye AF for that...?

[@benjhaisch]

I’m coming from poor AF and rangefinders, so I’m totally used to a quick focus/recompose. Even with cameras that have joysticks, the only thing I use it for is to click it again when I accidentally move it so it recenters ;)

[@MarcEstrella]

A lot of people when talking about cameras like this don’t know or forget you can tap the screen to move your focus point or when your eye is up to the viewfinder you can slide your finger on the screen to move your focus point or focus area. Yes there are absolute benefits to a joystick but you definitely don’t have to focus recompose if you don’t want to . I also shoot weddings with my song A1 and A7iv which I shoot in AF-C mode all day with the standard half press shutter focus option BUT when I push af-on it activates eye/subject tracking. 10/10 recommend shooting that way

[@domtomas1178]

Yes I had this feature on my Canon R a few years ago. It was okay, but I'm left eye dominant and would end up moving the focus points with my nose... 😄@@MarcEstrella

[@benfohdo]

We all just want a camera we can take everywhere and do what we want it to do.

[@cosmicmark]

Is the small grip it comes with compatible with arca swiss mounts?

[@benjhaisch]

You can add an arca plate to it, but there aren’t any specific rails on it or anything

[@aawonnewton]

Wish Sony would make some small manual lenses to match with this camera. Being able to zone focus on a camera this powerful would make a great option for street shooters.

[@benjhaisch]

There are actually plenty of options from third party companies (including Zeiss) as well as the ability to adapt a ton of vintage glass too

[@tanzexun]

Does the Haoge hood vignette / block the view on the 24mm at FF?

[@benjhaisch]

I haven’t noticed a difference in vignetting with/without

[@21Virtues]

On the A7 C11 DO you think it is good enough for landscape, wildlife and video or is the a7 cr the better choice?

[@benjhaisch]

Landscape/wildlife - A7CR Video - A7CII the extra megapixels are super helpful for landscapes and wildlife but it depends on your own needs

[@21Virtues]

@@benjhaisch Is the video on A7CR Just as good as the ac 11

[@benjhaisch]

@21Virtues it’s really really good. A7CII is slightly better but most people would never know.

[@21Virtues]

@@benjhaisch Yeh, its the 61p sensor thats calling to me to at least get 26 if i use apsc too.

[@JakeHolder]

What did you end up going with and how do you like it

[@jackpatmoreinc]

Killer video! Would you mind sharing what Moment Cinebloom strength you've been using in your videos?

[@benjhaisch]

I believe it's a 10% just enough to soften things slightly

[@jackpatmoreinc]

@@benjhaisch Have you tried the 5%?

[@benjhaisch]

@@jackpatmoreinc yep!

[@benjhaisch]

I have all of them and actually did a video on them awhile back

[@jackpatmoreinc]

@@benjhaisch Do you have a link to your video? I'm only seeing the 10% vs 20%.

[@MarcEstrella]

Would you say you lean towards the A7cR for the crop ability factor. I shoot with an A1 and A7iv at weddings and want a family camera . A7cii is rad but part of me just wants more mega pixels and the crop ability . Plus the full frame 4k 60 is nice for slow mo if I shoot travel vids . What’s your thought there

[@benjhaisch]

Yeah I think I might sell my A7IV and pick one up to keep the same sensor in two different bodies.

[@cborel83]

Hey I have the same camera and I’ve been using your cascade presets. When I use north and export photos to instagram they look super grainy but not on my phone. This doesn’t happen on other presets or photos without them do you know why?

[@benjhaisch]

Ah interesting, I’m not sure tbh, can you send me some examples? [e-mail]

[@argmax11]

Hey Benj, thanks for this review ! Quick question , I am getting into concert photography and want to get a Sony body, which used bodies are most capable of shooting in low light situations?

[@benjhaisch]

I think the A7IV/A7CII has the best low light if you want more than 12mp

[@nafnaf0]

@argmax11 One thing you can do to get better low light performance with the A7CR or A7Rv is shoot in medium lossless compressed RAW (mRAW). This significantly reduces the noise. You can check out Dustin Abott's Definitive Review of the A7Rv for details/proof, see time stamp 25:00

[@ChristianVaughn]

Do you have a link to the lens hood?

[@benjhaisch]

I believe they’re in the description! I’ll check though

[@RichardSilvius]

Benj after seeing your table, I'm concerned you might not have enough cameras.

[@MichaelSeneschal]

1:03 ghost camera (bottom right corner) taking a bow to the A7CR. 😮😂

[@benjhaisch]

Hahahahahhahaha I didn’t notice that

[@MrSwaggernaut83]

Digggg that lens hood! Also, the size comparisons were so so helpful, best video out there to understand how tiny these bodies are

[@chrisbrockhurst]

You need more cameras on the table, i want it covered. No table. All Cameras.

[@benjhaisch]

That’s really the goal. Table camera.

[@benjhaisch]

I won’t stop until I bring down the Hubble and put it in here.

[@luischavezphoto]

As an avid Leica Q2 user, these new cameras are so interesting to see from Sony! I am definitely interested in adding a Sony A7CII to my everyday kit as I think it’s a great companion to my Leica.

[@YaYousef5]

Appreciate you disclosing that Sony sent you the camera for free, that it isn't sponsored by them and they're not seeing it before it goes live. But do they send you a list of things you can and can't say in the video? I.e. comparing it to cameras from other manufacturers? Also, don't you think you should disclose that they sent you to the Sony Kando Trip 3.0 for the launch of this camera? Was it all expenses paid? Did they give you free "gifts" while you were there?

[@benjhaisch]

Hey hey, yeah I don’t get to keep the camera so the disclosure is still up to date for sure. No list of things to say or not say. If they did, I probably wouldn’t be able to have other brands on my table haha. I did go to Kando, but it’s unrelated to this imo as I did this entire video weeks before that trip. I think Kando sort of just coincides with this launch, its not specially for these. Fwiw, I got the camera to try in July and returned it weeks before Kando. Didn’t even really realize that the dates aligned until after. I appreciate the questions though, it’s always hard to know what to trust these days. Hope that helps answer it all!

[@YaYousef5]

@@benjhaisch Appreciate your reply. Very true, tough to find those to trust, but you seem trustable and kind. Wanted to confirm. 🥲 - Thanks for all you do!

[@benjhaisch]

Thanks! Yeah, a creator named Tom Buck actually has a full ethics statement on his website that I’m going to work on partially copying in the “off season” for me just in case people want to know where I stand on these. I have certain words I do or don’t use depending on the amount of influence a company may or may not have over a video as well.

[@POVwithRC]

You should stop witch hunting like some sort of sperg.

[@riparianlife97701]

I will buy a plane ticket to Mexico City the day my distributor there gets one. I'm so excited about the megapixels and the AI autofocus. I just haven't been able to get myself to spend the money for an R5.

[@rtomsa1]

Someone needs to make a 24mm f2 pancake lens for the C line Sony cameras

[@benjhaisch]

The 24/2.8 is pretty great! But I’d obviously love an f/2. I think Sigma makes one.

[@adnmultimedia]

I’d get this over a Q3! CANON, where you at!? If Canon made a competitor to this camera they’ve have my purchase 🎉

[@OdiumTV]

the flippy screen is a sin on a camera obviously partially targeted at the street photo crowd

[@Miguelcortes87]

Now all Sony needs is a good 28mm prime lens to compete with q3

[@benjhaisch]

I tell them that every chance I get!

[@ulfw]

Which they don't have. Hence no Leica Q3 comparison really/

[@DoenerFoundation]

How about the 24mm 1.4 GM?

[@benjhaisch]

@@DoenerFoundation it’s amazing, but there is a fairly large difference between 24 and 28mm in terms of FOV

[@DoenerFoundation]

@@benjhaisch yep, but - to be unfair - still valid, as many reviewers showed that the Q2 and Q3 have rather a 24mm focal length than 28mm. Just Google is Leica Q wider than 28mm and you will see 🫣😁

[@DanniPortillo]

Sony is killing smaller sensor. I mean a Full Frame that has this compact size is just incredible I know lenses are still kind of big in comparison to APSC and Micro Four Third but WOW I'm surprised because I have a Panasonic Lumix GX85 and that Sony is really small in comparison to what it offers

[@mvonwalter6927]

They should have copied the Fuji screen from the X-E4. Best of photographer + vlogger guy. No one wants a screen precariously out to the left for low/high angle shooting.

[@108u9]

IMO Sony can streamline their product range in order to focus on delivering greater customer satisfaction. The line is carrying bloat from when they first started out competing with Canon/Nikon DSLRs: • Kill the A7S line; bring it entirely into the FX line. Have one camera with a shutter or enable fast readout like A9, A1 (shouldn’t be impossible if they can’t already do it on higher megapixel sensors I suppose) - A1 as the pro level flagship + A7/A9 as the lower tier (abit like the 1D and 5D segmentation). This will keep the current A7 SLR like body design language. It’s possible to just have two models but an A7, A9, A1 in increasing order of spec could be ok. Though the numbers, models need a rename. It makes no sense and it’s confusing. - Fold the A7R line into the A7CR line. Launch in 2025 for USD 3298 a A7CR II with the design enhancements of the A7RV (display hinge, dual cards, full mechanical shutter etc.) and upgrade it further (new sensor, upgraded EVF, buffer, FPS, higher flash sync, reduced rolling shutter for electronic shutter, tethering etc). This will be the photographer centric line. Continue to include capable video features as they did with the A7RV/A7CR but it’s not the main focus. Relax on following the A6000-series design. Hire someone in to design a beautiful camera if they must. There’s a lot of potential to keep things compact but explore evolving the design. That the Sony logo is squashed into the corner on the A7CR/A7CII cameras is horrid. Why not make a design silhouette that is almost unmistakably A7C rather than need to slap on the brand logo in the corner? Think about the A7C line with its own considerations; right now it’s just kinda squished in with the main SLR like cameras (the grip accessory says as much and is really just a band aid on the “problem”). Maybe “C” or “SE” versions of select popular lenses that shave off certain specs for a more compact lens body (E.g. declick, aperture ring) - Keep the A7C line as an affordable, accessible, yet capable model. For younger customers, and as a trump card if the competition undercuts (like the A73 was) drop in massive specs trickled down to fend off. So it will all look like: - A1 flagship - A9 and/or A7 (if just one model, rename “A3”?) - A7CR (needs a rename) - A7C - FX line - RX line if they want in on the compact camera hype of X100, GR - Kill the Z series Company promise to maintain firmware parity across models and better app dev to go along with the refresh. While Sony has saved money by reusing the same chassis, parts etc. I think streamlining the range, operations, inventory etc. may introduce savings that perhaps is equivalent. Video and Cine customer: FX Stills: A7CR Pro fast action, 50-50 hybrid: A1, A7/A9 Entry level, “content creator”, “vlogger”: A7C

[@jamesbarron5590]

Flex away!

[@maggiemay427]

I swoped my MP and lenses for a Nikon D3 because i thought film was dead, so i thought, why keep something I soon couldn't use, film was dieing, right? DOH!!!!! And yes, I'm still kicking myself, but the sand in the Vassaline is film is about £10 a roll plus d&p, tricky one but, a one off payment, vs the operating costs that could bankrupt a medium size country in film costs and I can't afford that. 😢😢😢 Great report, I enjoyed that.

[@earthlingtheaaron21]

This is a legitimate Leica Q3 competitor.

[@Reportageandart]

Depends on glass.

[@RoflmaoTrix]

1:05 ghoooooost

[@benjhaisch]

👻

[@greenbrightly]

To me the design of this camera is really dull, it’s nowhere near the Leica Q, any of the Leicas you mention in fact or the X100V. I’ve had a look at the A7C and the viewfinder was appalling, presume this is similar. Once you put the grip on it’s just like a slightly smaller A7 - I don’t get it.

[@rickbiessman6084]

According to some reviewers, e.g. DPReview, the EVF is actually larger inside, so greater magnification. Also it’s said to have a 120 Hz refresh rate, which apparently is higher than on the A7C (haven’t been able to confirm that though). As an A7C owner, I’m starting to get my hopes up. The Q and X100F are much more stylish cameras though for sure.

[@professionalpotato4764]

Blown out of proportion. EVF is fine if you use glasses. Leica Q2 was average in feel and use. I think any recent Sony >>>> Q series. Even the Fuji X-T4 with the 18mm f1.4 is better. Poor manual focusing on the Q2 compared to the M bodies. It's just a super dampened lens, and jumps from 2m - infinity with a slight twist. No 3m, 5m, 10m marks. Also, where's the grip on the Q? Or any M?

[@carlosmcse]

The viewfinder looks as tragic as before. I don’t think people realize how BAD that viewfinder is… I tried it at the store and I just had to put the camera down. It was the most awful crap cheap viewfinder I have ever experienced. Having said that man…. You got WAY too many cameras! 😅 Anyway. Back to my M10R. All this spec talk is way too complicated for me. I just want to take a picture. 😀

[@benjhaisch]

It’s much improved over the original from my understanding, but sure, I do wish it were better.

[@carlosmcse]

@@benjhaisch They really should. Ah well. I don’t think I could ever go back to an EVF no matter how good.

[@professionalpotato4764]

I think it's blown out of proportion. Everyone just keeps picking on that 1 spec but ignores everything else it can do. The viewfinder is fine. It's just a little worse than a Q2 or a Fuji X-T series. If you do not wear glasses then it sucks. But the viewfinder is perfect for people who use glasses. Or buy an eyecup. Conversely the M11 viewfinder is nice and clear but extremely difficult for 35mm and wider with glasses on. Basically only usable with >50mm. I could never go back to an OVF unless it's a M rangefinder. Seeing the lighting as the finished image instead of using imagination speeds things up. Well, everyone's kinda different.

[@carlosmcse]

@@professionalpotato4764 😅

[@멸공-g1b]

Sony plays with customers. They intentionally removed joystic, 8000 shutter speed, some custom buttons making people thirsty after those. So those will be included on 'a7cr ii' and people will buy them again. You just have to wait.

[@POVwithRC]

It must be hard seeing every decision a company makes as a spoooOOoOOoOky conspiracy

[@AllCarsUnited]

Uhmm dude, the previous one was the same way

[@JakeHolder]

lol if you can’t shoot without a joystick, I don’t know what to tell you. And yes, 8000 shutter speed would be great. But it’s not like it’s that big of a deal. Nd filter or fiddle with your aperture and ISO to get it right.

[@brainmt]

Sony is leaving the competition on the dust

[@CocoKoi321]

flip out screens work for everything, i hate the pop up screen, wtf are you on about dude... people have been using flip outs for way longer then popup screens and the flip out screen works far more better then the other in ever scenario especially low to the ground vertical photo, get a grip dude. the flip out does everything and more by itself the pop up screen was literally originally designed for vloggers in mind NOT THE FLIP OUT SCREEN WHICH IS A PHOTOGRAPHERS SCCREEN

[@benjhaisch]

Nah, but ok.

[@POVwithRC]

Are you mentally ill?

[@shred3005]

1 card slot? I’m out… come on, are they trying to sell this as a serious camera with one card slot? 🤦‍♂️

[@Reportageandart]

They have other options for serious cameras. Like the A7RV. It's not ment to replace the higher level cameras.

[@HS-wl7mn]

false advertising, hasn't even mentioned Q3...

[@thealohahour3234]

Come on Benj - clickbait? Really?

[@benjhaisch]

It’s my actual internal question to myself.

[@obscur_yoann]

I really never liked this A7C body... Ugly, feels bad in my hands and the screen and viewfinder are garbage... Really doesn't match for me. 🙃

[@benjhaisch]

That grip makes things so so so much more ergonomic

[@obscur_yoann]

@@benjhaisch yes, but you are very near a normal size body, so less interesting. But I will try it for sure.

[@obscur_yoann]

@@benjhaisch but what bothers me the most are the evf and the screen... Deal breakers for me. But it's just me.

[@benjhaisch]

I do wish the EVF was larger but it wasn’t a hinderance, probably because I own a lot of other cameras with smaller ones.

[@obscur_yoann]

@@benjhaisch Yes, I am spoiled by my S1R for that 😅

[@Old-School-Liberal]

Sony,Canon and Nikon are disposable cameras people use them like phones. They can’t wait for the new model to come out every 1 or 2 years. They go to the landfill faster.

[@drewshannon]

The shooting experience on these Sony's look SO uninspired.

[@JakeHolder]

The a7cii was what inspired me to get into photography 😂. So I beg to differ

[@norbelthomas]

Actually not in the same league as Leica.

[@benjhaisch]

Sort of. All depends on what you’re looking for. The tech in these is undeniable, but the same can be said about the experience with the Leica.

[@POVwithRC]

Clarify

[@professionalpotato4764]

Maybe not against an M11, but against the Q series which is kinda meh, I think Sony is quite ahead. The Leica experience is far far better on an M body.