Sony A7CR - What YOU need to know about this 61 megapixel travel camera
2024 ж. 14 Мам.
17 751 Рет қаралды
The A7CR is a significant update to the original Sony A7C. It has the sensor from the A7RV which is also the sensor that is in the A7RIV from 4 years ago. Do you really need 61MP in a travel camera? on?
I got the A7CR from Amazon: amzn.to/3R4Z10T
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I already hate that Photo / Video / S&Q switch under the mode dial. I know I need to be super careful to make sure it is not set on S&Q. The real benefit of this camera over the A7CII is the amazing and proven 61mp sensor. Most other features on the camera are common between the two of them. The A&CII does NOT come with the grip extender, which is $159.99 on the Sony USA website. It comes with the A7CR so technically the price gap between the two cameras is $640 which does not seem like much extra for that sensor - what do you think?
Can’t justify the price though considering it has a small EVF as compared to other Sony full frame models.
Its a compromise driven by the demand for a small sized body but there is also some product differentiation going on here - Sony do not want to erode sales of A7RV, that camera is $1k more price but not $1k more of product cost, so the profitability is going to be more attractive to sell A7RV than A7CR. If A7CR had a viewfinder similar to the larger bodied cameras more consumers wanting that sensor are going to be drawn to A7CR instead. Adding A7CR to the range will grow sales volume of the 61mp sensor cameras, its a clever move and one that most of us were not expecting.
The mode selector with saved settings for each is seriously one of my favorite features of the A7IV, when doing both video and photo this feature saves so much unnecessary frustration.
The sensor is the key, as is the multi-shot mode which can do focus stacking and an anti-bayer shooting which i haven’t seen anyone comment much on, could you try that and let us know if you see any difference in the color or quality of the image post processing between a single shot and this 4image capture feature on the A7CR
@@RyanPerrella On the A7IV... does that switch also save the aspect ratio - for example will it retain a 4:3 ratio when you move the switch to photo, and 16:9 when you move to movie? Interested to hear your experience
i love my A1 for serious wildlife shooting, but i now also love my new, super discrete A7CR. I perfectly combines with the 20-70G for travel.❤
Great combo 👍 I have some travel coming up, the A7CR will be paired with the small G primes. More videos to come
yes, the 40mm G is an excellent choice. pretty sharp (at least my sample). I wish sony would make a super short, light and compact 85mm f3.5 or 100mm f/4 G to combine this as an 3 lens kit 24-40-100. but of course the 20-70 is more convenient.
I’m looking at the 24-105 f4 again as an alternative to the 20-70
@@ThisIsJulianC i have both, and the 20-70 is optically superior.
@@possisvideosgood to know - that helps 👍
Great review/experienced user's report. Thanks.
Thanks 👍
Nice review on more intangible features of this camera rather than just the specs. I like that these most recent models offer 4k 30 direct out for webcam whereas earlier ones that did this only offer 4k 15fps which meant it was only used for 1080 live-streaming. Cool camera
I haven't used the webcam features of any Sony camera since the A6000, maybe I'll take a look at it on the A7CR.
@@ThisIsJulianC the fact that you can go direct from a full frame interchangeable lens camera to an uploaded segment on KZhead without ever needing to offload footage to a computer, then edit it, transcode it and upload it. If you have a message to get out, this is the easiest way of doing it short of Panasonic which can do all the above but untethered to a Macbook. This feature gives the A7 a whole other domain in which to be useful which models just a year or two ago wasn’t possible.
Because they are awesome! Best camera I ever bought!
👍😆📷
7:30 The reason they went with they flip the SD cards go "backwards" is for the CFA cards to go forward. Great review on a very interesting camera. Really appreciate the effort on your video.
Thanks for the feedback! I did not think that the A7CR and A7CII supported CFexpress, I know the A7IV and A7RV do but I do not think these ones support it. Is it to create a common logic for SD/CFA cards across the range maybe?
@@ThisIsJulianC wow, yeah you're right. I didn't know the A7CR didn't support CFA. What a missed opportunity. For me I'm really interested in this camera for ctravel and street photography and to have something a little less expensive than bringing my A1 to travel with. I love the A1 for everything, but it's always something I have to keep in mind about damaging or getting lost or stolen. This would make a fantastic B cam for me I think.
5:50 I always remove the neck strap loops off my Sony cameras. Not because the rattle of the loops bugged me, but I use my own neck strap gear that doesn't use those at all, so I might as well remove the loops. They are a pain to get off but once you do, you'd be glad that they're gone.
I use Peak Design shoulder & wrist straps, the toggles for PD gear work well with the Sony loops but they will still rattle.
Julian once you remove the rattling strap clips you can pull Peak anchor loops through the body mount points with a bit of dental floss.
That’s a great idea - thanks
Nice videi👍🏾👍🏾 i would add the Peak Design Clutch V3 wrist strap. I've got them on all my cameras - rlly gd
I use Peak Design wrist straps on all my cameras whenever I am out of the house, and sometimes neck straps if I have a long zoom on them. I have not tried the PD Clutch strap yet
I bought the PD clutch for my A7RV, but didn’t like it. I found it restrictive when accessing buttons-the top buttons in particular. The normal PD wrist strap is fine.
Julian, thank you for the video. I have an A7CR now as well and use it for travel and also pair it with my A7RV. I use it all the time with the Sony GP-X2 grip or a light SmallRig Arca-Swiss baseplate when putting it on a tripod. I’ve gotten used to that size because all my bodies have some kind of base plate that have a QD socket. I’m a fan of QD straps that can also attach to the third party lens feet on my larger lenses. This A7CR replaced both my A7C and A7IV when I got it. Since then I picket up an open box A7CII because I really like the 33 Mpixel sensor as well for low light work. Used to use my A7IV and A7RV together all the time and now I can do the same with the A7CR and A7CII. The new power switch is a pain but not much to do about it. I like the newer menus since it’s also on the Sony Alpha 1’s I use for BIF, Wildlife, and events. The 1/2 mechanical shutter, and slower flash sync speed of 1/160 are my two big issues. Take care.
Sounds a good combination 👍👍
I have an A7IV and looking to replace it with either the CR or CII…I am still so unsure what to do. I currently have the 35mm GM and the 70-200 GMII but plan on getting one of the G lenses as more of an everyday (thinking 50mm f2.5 to fill the gap). I primarily take pics of my kids/family at this point, but still love a good landscape when presented the opportunity. Still so torn between the larger sensor of the CR or the better low light performance of the CII. Part of me doesn’t want to make the editing workflow slower with the larger sensor, but the ability to crop further will extend my usage of the lenses I own. Any recommendations??
@@cameronbalch834 They are both almost identical to use but working with 33 Mpixel images is easier to use if your computer and storage is not up to the task but these days most computers can handle it and storage is very affordable. With using the A7CR I only crop in post and rarely use it in APS-C mode because I typically want more than just 26 Mpixels. The one lens that I put in APS-C mode is the E 70-350 G which is light to carry when I need reach. Good luck.
A follow up. I you are shooting with the A7IV already you should know exactly what kind of output and image quality you will get.
@@stevenwaldstein2249 that's part of my dilemma. I love my A7IV but part of me feels like trading in and spending $500 on a worse EVF but a better AF and more compact body feels like less of an upgrade than an A7CR would. Appreciate the insight!
i love this video, thank u
Glad you enjoyed it 👍
@JulianCass Thanks for producing a nuanced video covering the key highlights and issues with this camera rather than doing yet another spec rundown as most 'reviews' actually are. You're only the second person I've seen share a shot of the closed shutter, which I appreciate because my A7CII has the same shutter. I bring this up because your unit's shutter has some of those blemishes that I see on my unit. I believe it's on all the A7CR/II models (due to cost-cutting maybe?). The A7RV and A7 IV (I have these as well) have blemish-free shutters, and i initially thought someone mishandled these during manufacturing. That said, this doesn't affect the performance of these great tiny full-frame cameras. Great job on everything else you pointed out in this video--all the pros, cons/issues. Thank you!
Appreciate the feedback thank you! I took a look at the shutter, I see some cosmetic marks on the shutter leaves but thats all I am seeing. The shutter was redesigned for the original A7C to fit in the compact body, it was a different shutter unit to the A7III camera design it was otherwise based on. The same approach was taken with A7CII and A7CR, the shutter mechanism is different to A7RV and A7IV. I believe those two larger cameras have front and rear curtain shutter. The 'C' series are all electronic front curtain shutter only.
Thanks again, Julian. Liked and subscribed! Happy shooting.
I had blemishes on my A7iv just the same .
I’m with you on the new menu system. I found the older menu far more easy to use.
Three weeks later I am still waiting to get used to the new menus but still find I am having to Google where things are 😆
@@ThisIsJulianC same for me after a few months. I’m sure “muscle memory” will kick in at some point 😀. Im still baffled as to why there was such negativity around the old menu system. I think it wasn’t to a certain KZheadrs liking and the hate perpetuated amongst other vloggers maybe.
Great vid - good honest review backed with previous experience. Thanks. I found you because I am a Fuji shooter (XT5...40mp) with a couple of smaller everyday cameras and a good few lenses and I am really getting the bug to go full frame and this compact A7cR looks to keep the size down to something like I have now. Not too happy with the full articulating screen on the sony (being mainly a stills photographers camera you would think they would have put on a flip screen instead) Probably not a deal breaker but the flip out articulated screen adds another half camera again to the width and is not very inconspicuous. My other issue is the price of sony lenses, so can you recommend a couple that would give me a range of say 24mm to 150mm? I would value your experience with the son set up
Sony have a much better screen articulation on the A7RV but it didn't make it to the spec of the A7CR. Lenses depends on what aperture you are looking for. There are some excellent f4 lenses such as the 24-105 f4 and a more recent 20-70 f4. Both of them feel large on the A7CR to me so they are not my preference but I have used the 24-105 a lot. To get to 150mm, other than the 70-200 GM f4 or F2.8 (large, heavy, conspicuous and $$) the only other longer Sony zoom would be the 70-300 which is at least in less conspicuous black. There is a Super-35 setting on the A7CR which effectively mimics an APS-C sensor size, so you get a 1.5X crop of the lens. So with the 24-105 f4 you could get just over the 150mm you are looking for, and with the 61MP sensor in Super-35 mode you’ll still be shooting a 26.2 MP (6240×4160) image, albeit with the usual impact on depth of field with APS-C. If you want faster than f4 the 24mm G f2.8 prime is tiny and excellent. Faster still, the 24mm 1.4 GM is joyful and spends more time now on my A7CR. Sony lenses are very expensive but if you are prepared to look at used... they do not hold their value when they are updated. Most of the GM zooms have been replaced with mkII versions in recent years and the value of the mkI v versions has plummeted. Hope this helps
Thank you
So much details compared to a7c, that’s what I want to know, thanks
Glad it was helpful
I'm seriously considering the purchase of this diminutive camera so I've found your review helpful. I've a pair of a7IV bodies and they are going nowhere but I find the discreet nature/size of this camera very appealing. In covering public or indeed family events there is added value with a discreet kit that can deliver high quality outputs. Simple really. Finally, do you have any info regarding the life expectancy of the shutter in terms of actuations? Thanks.
The 'C' bodies have a redesigned shutter mechanism compared to the full size bodies, allegedly to save space/make the camera more compact. I have no info on the A7CR shutter life, the original A7C shutter has a 200,000 life expectancy, I would expect the A7CR to match or exceed that.
61 sensor a little bit more noisy. This the fact) i compare my a7r5 and a74
Great Video! What is the compact Very sharp travel lens you use with A7CR? I am interested in the package like you, Please suggest and it can be Leica Q3 replacement.
It is this lens - my favorite wide and fast GM lens amzn.to/3uPGD4Y
Thank you for this video. How would you compare ISO noise levels of the R with the 33 MP sensor?
I do not have the A7Cii so I cannot do a direct comparison with the 33mp sensor for you.
The price is not everything. If a camera not matter how cheap or expensive, does n to inspire one to go out and take photographs, so what :) Same here, sold my A7C and have the R coming :)
Good choice…. You are going to love it 👍👍
It is unlikely that a shutter curtain prevents any dust from getting on your sensor. The same piece of dust lands on the blades. You turn the camera on, the blades move open at very high speed, sending the dust to the charged item nearby, which is the sensor. It may delay it a moment, but doesn't stop it.
Can’t disagree with your thinking there, but after multiple Sony mirrorless bodies over the past 7-8 years I am seeing significantly less dust issues with the A7CR than any other older Sony body that does not close the shutter.
There is an advantage to recessing the on/off switch. Sony's older cameras often got inadvertently turned on when being returned to the camera bag. If you have been using a Bluetooth remote and not taken the trouble to enter the menu to turn off Bluetooth after shooting, then the camera will not time out and shut off if placed in your bag with the switch on. Why? Simple: you have your camera on a tripod and are hiding either out of sight or out of heavy weather, while waiting for your shot, remote trigger in hand. Your camera must remain on. I have run down batteries to zero in ny bag by forgetting to disable Bluetooth, then accidentally turning them on as I squeeze them back into my bag. Thanks for the review. I will also be purchasing an a7CR even though I don't need it since I have an a7Rv, but I want the smaller lighter body for travel and hiking. Don't tell my wife... BTW, should I get black or silver? Since I did OK with the smaller EVF on the Nex 7 (I had 3) and the a6500, even with MF, I think I can put up with the one on the new model.
That's a good point on the on/off switch. The official reason given is that the switch position was reoriented so as to avoid interfering with the operation of the scroll wheel that was added with A7CR and A7CII. Personally it still bugs me every time I turn it on. I am finding I reach for the A7CR whenever I am hiking or traveling, the size and weight difference is enough for me to justify it. If I am close to home or shooting portraits with larger zooms then I still use the A7RIV. I like the look of the silver as it is different and stands out more, but I chose black because (a) I think I'll get fed up of the silver color after a year or two and (b) one of the appeals of the A7CR is how discrete it is, IMO that is negated by the silver colored body that makes it more eye catching. Good luck with your choice.
Thanks!
Is the difference in size from the A7R IV and the A7CR significant enough? I have the A7C and the A7R IV and I find the weight differences are pretty marginal. You basically just have a larger grip and “prism” for the viewfinder. I love the viewfinder and felt “at home” on the A7R IV. The A7C always felt a little cramped while not being significantly smaller. When I want a “small” camera I just bring my A6400. I was looking at the A7CR, but ended up getting a second A7R IV (used). I’m a professional photographer and need a back up body and my A7C wasn’t getting much use.
It's a debate and really up for personal preference. In my head the difference is enough, it is a combination of less weight, less size and more discretion. When I am out with the A7RIV in public I get questions often - what camera is that, what are you shooting, are you professional (I'm not) etc. I have never had anyone ask me anything about the A7C or the A7CR, it doesn't seem to get the same attention. I prefer to be the photographer no-one notices so that works for me. If you look at it more logically, or as a financial decision then yes, the slightly smaller, lighter, more discrete A7CR is not an economical proposition as an alternative to the A7RIV. I sold my A6600 and APS-C lenses to get the original A7C, thats how I came to the A7C, I saw it as an A6600 with a FF sensor, allowing me to only need to own and pack one set of lenses regardless of which body I was using.
@@ThisIsJulianCTotally makes sense. I have put my A7C in the palm of my hand and have taken it into shows where cameras are not allowed. I guess my biggest issue going back and forth with the A7C and the A7R IV is the muscle memory of the controls. It's caused some frustrations when I'm doing pro photography work. I will miss the "point and shoot" vibes it gives off. Thank you for sharing your views here!
Great camera, but is it really that much smaller or less noticeable than the A7RV once you put a lens on it? Also, it's more awkward ergonomically than the A7R.
If I am using it with a G prime or the 28-60 zoom then yes it is noticeably smaller lighter and discrete. The discretion is probably more in the eyes of anyone looking for the guy with a big camera to prevent from taking photos somewhere. The lack of a ‘prism’ is the key. For ergonomics you give up a lot with the A7C series for sure. That’s the trade off.
Your list of "annoyances" on your a7CR is replicated on the a6700! Why did they have to shift that on/off button? I am constantly checking to see if I have accidentally left it on due to it being now placed further back after using my older 6500 and my a7C ( and probably all my other Sony camera bodies!)
Interesting they made the change on the A6700 too. I have not found a Sony quoted reason for the change yet.
10:10 it is the same sensor as the a7rv but it is not the same sensor as the a7iv. similar colors, diferent sensor
I have not used an A7iv so I can't comment on the sensor of that camera. The sensor in the A7CR, A7Rv and A7Riv is the same sensor which is the point made in the video.
He said same sensor as the a7riv not the a7iv.
Would you say the A1 is worth getting still?
Only if you really need the high quality at high speeds/high burst rates. Maybe fast sports journalism or wildlife. It's not on my list.
I have a7iv and I really considering to buy the a7cr and I find a good deal for 2580 dólares .
That’s a great deal 👍
I think the ZV-E1 should've been A7CS instead with the same body instead of that overheating mess.
If they had done that and produced a A7CS I would have looked at it to replace my original A7C as my primary studio video camera.
The A6700 has the same power switch and SD card slot orientation.
Good to know 👍
The A7CR could have been perfect, but no USB-Micro = no external control from most if not all motorized & normal intervalometers... :(
Yup, can’t connect to my star adventurers because of it. More a legacy issue for the trackers than a Sony issue. Tried a few microUSB/USBC convertors but none of them have worked so far.
I love our attention I have to try hard to count all my cameras and lens I am now shooting 4 systems lord help me and my patience wife
Remember - we never have enough cameras there is always room for one more 😆
No 9mp EVF and only a few hundred less that the RV. No thanks.
👍
Why would Sony use such a crappy viewfinder?
I can only think of product differentiation as a primary reason to have a lower spec viewfinder. It is significantly better than the original A7C and perfectly usable.
i'd buy it if it had the 42mp sensor in it.
A7Cii has a lower pixel sensor.
I bought the Nikon Z8 instead, Sony has nothing to offer which is even close for that price
If you prefer how a Nikon handles that makes sense. I have always found the handling of Nikon film and digital cameras to be quirky and unintuitive, so they are not for me. The Z8 does have an excellent sensor though it's much more expensive than the A7CR discussed in this video.
@@ThisIsJulianC i am sony and nikon shooter. I was considering the a7rv for a long time but i dont like the slow readout and it seems sony only has the a1 to offer if one wants fast stacked sensors with high resolution, thats why i added the z8 instead.
@@enolamnsCool. What are you shooting, sports?
@@ThisIsJulianC Nature and Wildlife mostly. Studio work and Macro besides that.
I am also a Nikon shooter, and only stills. Yes, the mighty F2A made in 1979 will outlast and outperform any digital camera. Best camera ever made. Second best is the Sony a6700, the most incredible digital camera I have ever used. It just works like a camera should. Some think owning a Nikon today is something, it isn't. It's a hybrid made from parts probably provided by Sony and Tamron. Only the vintage cameras rate as the greatest.