photo:sonya7rii
Sony a7R II full frame mirrorless camera
see also:
Firmware update 3.30 in Aug 2016 has introduced a bug that “eats” stars in RAW and JPG astrophoto images when exposure time is 4 secs or longer, or BULB
A workaround for timed shots is to use Continuous Burst Mode but this will reduce dynamic range as it shoots in 12 bit sensor readout not 14 bit
1)
introduction
announced June 2015
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42mp back-illuminated sensor not 36mp
399 PDAF points
5 axis image stabilisation included
improved high ISO noise
40% faster AF
appears to have very good AF tracking of fast moving subjects at 5fps burst
Eye-AF now can track closest eye
faster AF with Canon lenses via Metabones adapter
can now utilize focal plane PDAF with Sony A-mount lenses, when using a LA-E3 lens mount adapter
500,000 shot shutter rating
50% less shutter vibration
capable of electronic first curtain mode
silent shutter mode
improved ergonomics
5fps not 4fps burst
flash sync 1/250th sec
awesome 4K and 1080HD video features plus 720 120p slo mo
brighter LCD screen
improved EVF
the Olympus mode dial locking system
faster start up
heavier, larger, much more expensive
who is it for?
image courtesy of http://www.eoshd.com
specs
42.4mp back-illuminated sensor with no anti-alias filter
399 PDAF points
Bionz X processor
improved sharpening algorithms
diffraction reduction software for small apertures
context-sensitive, 'area-specific noise reduction'
focus peaking
panorama sweep mode
5fps burst
shutter 30sec - 1/8000th sec but is it still loud?
silent shutter mode
1st electronic shutter to reduce vibrations
flash sync 1/250th sec
no built-in flash but multi-interface flash shoe
Multi-Interface Shoe allows you to connect a latest model Sony flash, an external mic, video lamp, or XLR adapter
exp. compensation ±5 EV
ISO 100-25,600 (extended: 50, up to 102,400)
3“ tilting 1.23m dot LCD but not touch sensitive
XGA EVF
4K video:
internal UHD 4K 3840 x 2160p at 30/24 fps in XAVC S format at 100Mbps and 4:2:0 sampling at 8-bit
Super 35 without pixel binning or full frame read-out format
customisable picture profiles
S-Log2 Gamma - “squeezes up to 1300% more dynamic range into the video signal then traditional REC709, for increased post-production flexibility”
S-Gamut
time code - standard 'Record Run” mode that only advances the timecode when recording, as well as “Free Run” timecode that advances the timecode even when not recording
clean 4:2:2 uncompressed video HDMI output
sensor based IS - hopefully now better optimised for video - but will it compete with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II's amazing IS in video?
3.5mm microphone input jack
compatible with the Sony XLR-K2M XLR Adapter for recording professional balanced XLR audio signals with phantom power and adjustable mic/line inputs
3.5mm headphone jack as well as real time audio levels for a visual reference
1080 60/24p HD video XAVC S7 codec at 50Mbps, with uncompressed HDMI out
USB 2.0
weather sealed, magnesium body
WiFi with NFC
22.05 oz / 625 g incl. battery, card
5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4“ / 126.9 x 95.7 x 60.3 mm
$3200 body only
optional vertical grip & 2nd battery holder
optional AC-PW20 AC Adapter
firmware updates
firmware v3.30 Aug 2016:
Adds support for Radio Controlled Lighting System
Improves stability for temperature control (temperature rise warning) while taking still images
Improves overall stability and operability of the camera
firmware 3.20:
firmware 3.10:
Adds support for additional lenses
Adds support for Phase-detection AF
The AF can be used in movie recording mode with the SEL85F14GM lens
firmware 3.00:
firmware 2.00:
firmware 1.00:
Reduces the chance of the camera changing to front focus when shooting certain scenes
Decreases chroma noise when Long Exposure NR is set to Off
Improves continuous shooting at Hi speed so that it can be used just as long when using the flash as without the flash
issues
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LCD screen not touch sensitive
loud shutter
silent shutter mode limited functionality
poor ergonomics - need to resort to menu system too much
no timelapse recording
no external battery charger bundled - need to charge battery inside camera via USB
USB 2.0 only
when used with Metabones adapter:
Eye-AF and Center Lock-On AF are not possible
Face Detection as well as Wide, Center and Flexible Spot Focus Areas work with “compatible” Canon lenses
C-AF in video mode is not possible
AF is not as good as native FE lenses
some Canon lenses are not compatible with CDAF and thus only use PDAF - you need to manually select PDAF mode in the AF System menu
2)
compared to Sony A7II
a7R II has higher resolution sensor 42mp vs 24mp
better noise, dynamic range, and colour range
399 PDAF points not 117
electronic silent shutter mode
4K video not just 1080HD
similar weight only 25g heavier
faster AF with Metabones adapters for Canon lenses
twice the price
reviews
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C-AF on moving sports subjects was generally poor and when using Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, although C-AF performance was similar to a native lens, there are major restrictions in using a Canon lens:
burst rate with AF reduced to 3fps from 5fps
no eye AF, nor lock-on AF, nor zone, nor 'Expand Flexible Spot' modes function available
the alpha-series is missing a major, physical control point that is indispensable for sports (and arguably all) photographers
Back-button autofocus users – arguably a majority of sports photographers – will discover a quirk that occurs when programming the a7R II’s rear C3 button for shutter-independent operation of continuous autofocus. While C3 is held down, any shutter speed or aperture changes will not be recorded
ergonomic issues with larger lenses
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awful menu system
jpeg colour rendition not great
silent mode won't work with flash or with continuous advance modes
LCD isn't bright enough to see in direct sunlight
IS is not as good as Canon/Nikon
only 2 dials so lots of menu work and clumsy ergonomics
Auto ISO is magnificent as it is fully programmable
ISO great to 12,800
no anti-alias filters, so it's subject to aliasing and moiré
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photo/sonya7rii.txt · Last modified: 2018/03/19 21:16 by gary1