The Amazing Sony A1/A7/A9/APS-C & Anything else welcome Mega Thread!

Who knows it was on google and...... heavily compressed at 400kb. I still know which aperture Id personally rather have, a 1.4 lens means faster shutter speeds than a F2.8 lens and shallower DOF. Thats like saying why get a FF camera when a 1" sensor will do.
 
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In what way is the A7 better than the 6D? Afaik 6D has more lenses (and cheaper), OVF, better AF, better sensor, making it better overall and a better system camera unless you need a small camera. The A7 has slightly better screen, no lenses, smaller. Depends on priorities, the A7 is well priced but it just doesnt work as a system, much like the NEX, time will tell.
 
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twist said:
Who knows it was on google and...... heavily compressed at 400kb. I still know which aperture Id personally rather have, a 1.4 lens means faster shutter speeds than a F2.8 lens and shallower DOF. Thats like saying why get a FF camera when a 1" sensor will do.
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Er, no it is not like saying why get FF when a compact will do.

Years ago I "managed" with ISO 1600 film and a f4 lens. I say "managed" as the prints I produced where quite small and no one viewed them at 100% on screen.

These days with digital and computers we can look too close and even when we do modern software can make even my G1 ISO 3200 shots look good on screen and bloody brilliant when printed out the size 35mm film prints were for most people just a few years ago.

A FF camera even when limited to f2.8 will, I believe and I remain to be proved wrong, enable me to shoot real world shots at ISO 6400 and get nice results after minimal oprocessing in modern software. Plus of course FF gives the advantage, if that's how you see it, of using lenses at their intended FoV. What I expect from the A7 is that I'll get increased dynamic range over my G1, better higher ISI performance and the change in FoV and that'll be enough for me.

Those shots you posted loo "orrible and I'm quietly confident that the A7 will be a bit better but how much better we'll have to wait and see. Good God, I even have night shots taken with a £10 compact that are better than those.
 
Yes, but you will ALWAYS get higher shutter speeds at F1.4 than F2.8 which means lower ISO, which means cleaner images. Yes, terrible example but it shows the shallower DOF and it looks more pleasing to me and shows ISO at 1.4 vs 2.8 at equiv shutter. It doesnt matter if the A7 looks good at 6400, it would look better at ISO 1600.
 
twist said:
In what way is the A7 better than the 6D? Afaik 6D has more lenses (and cheaper), OVF, better AF, better sensor, making it better overall and a better system camera unless you need a small camera. The A7 has slightly better screen, no lenses, smaller. Depends on priorities, the A7 is well priced but it just doesnt work as a system, much like the NEX, time will tell.
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It's all IMVHO and these things remain to be proved but going on spec and existing CSC's performance...

Better sensor? Your kidding right? :D

I'll be surprised if the A7 doesn't offer better ultimate image quality as Canon are behind the curve at the moment especially in dynamic range and in that respect Canon can't even match the latest MFT cameras at base ISO. No Canon DSLR yet made can.

The A7 will not suffer the front / back focus issues that seem to affect DSLR's.

The A7's focus will be more accurate.

The Canon offers 1/8000 shutter speed and although that's a small point it matters to me as I hate being restricted to 1/4000 or forced to use ND's.

As for cheaper lenses, I intend to use some very cheap lenses on my A7 :D
 
twist said:
Yes, but you will ALWAYS get higher shutter speeds at F1.4 than F2.8 which means lower ISO, which means cleaner images. Yes, terrible example but it shows the shallower DOF and it looks more pleasing to me and shows ISO at 1.4 vs 2.8 at equiv shutter. It doesnt matter if the A7 looks good at 6400, it would look better at ISO 1600.
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Those shots are just awful and the DoF differences to me are not that significant.

Yes, you get a faster shutter speed with f1.4 but will f2.8 be enough for a rear world shot? That's the question that you need to ask and answer. For me personally I think that f2.8 will be enough when coupled with the better higher ISO performance of newer cameras.

I'll post some examples for you when my A7 arrives and I can fit a f2.8 lens to it.
 
The Canon is cleaner (imo) at hi iso than the A7 is, not sure regards DR that remains to be seen, check DPR comparison.

I thought you never believed in FF/BF isnt that what you keep saying about Sigma lenses? Will the focus be more accurate or just slower?

Yes, thats you, its still not a complete system with lenses designed for its mount with AF.

Thats the thing Im saying it depends on priorities wether the A7 is for you or not, im not saying its crap! For you its ideal, you dont mind 'slower' lenses, legacy glass. To me the DOF is significant and so is the ISO for equiv shutter speed, I shoot as low ISO as I can, if I can get even lower by buying a fast lens thats great because output WILL be better.
 
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twist said:
The Canon is cleaner (imo) at hi iso than the A7 is, not sure regards DR that remains to be seen, check DPR comparison.

I thought you never believed in FF/BF isnt that what you keep saying about Sigma lenses? Will the focus be more accurate or just slower?

Yes, thats you, its still not a complete system with lenses designed for its mount with AF.
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There's no need to be "not sure" about Canon DR, the results are there to be seen. Google and you shall find.

I've never suffered focus issues as my cameras, 20D and 5D seemed to be good performers in this respect as confirmed by review sites. AFAIK the problems are
maybe more common with cleverer focus systems on cameras that are newer than my rather old Canon DSLR's.

I'll be amazed if the Sony can't beat the 6D for IQ as there's no reason to believe that it wont. I will post examples at some point and I'm sure that others will too.
 
So perhaps its not the best at DR but lets look at other sensor properties, perhaps you would like to google 6d hi iso?

My 5D had issues with Sigma 50s, but we wont go there. I think youd be just as impressed if you purchased a 6d and saw the difference between a 5d and 6d.

Im sure you will, I look forward to seeing them. The 7r captures more detail than the A7 so perhaps a good idea to have a look at RAW comparisons between that and the 5D3 here (the 6d is known to have an even better sensor). You can also add the A7 in for comparison.

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/sony-alpha-7-7r/7
 
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I'm not in the market for a new Canon DSLR.

PS.
But I would be intereted in knowing what camera produced those awful example shots you posted :D
 
EDIT: Just googled it and found the chaps thread, its a D3 wtf?!
 
If it wasn't for the DoF I'd say they were taken on a phone.

Anyway, I've had few complaints with my 20 and 5D, none really, and I'm sure that the newer ones are even better but I want to move away from DSLR's and more towards CSC's. The only reason I'm keeping my 5D and three lenses (20-35mm, 50mm and 70-300mm) is for very occasional night shooting when EVF eye strain is an issue and should that be cured by technology I'll happily move my Canon gear on not so much for lack of ultimate image quality but for reasons of bulk and weight.

After using my G1 with CS5 for a while now and getting used to the combo I've found that even ISO 3200 is usable with care and produces good enough results for me and if the A7 together with its new software moves the CSC game on a bit more and matches my 5D in the only area that my G1 can't, the highest ISO settings, I'll be happy and no one will be able to tell my A7, G1, 5D or 20D images apart on screen or in print at anything better than chance :D
 
I loved my 5Ds, wonderful sensor. Still is a great camera.

It is great to finally have a viable FF DSLR replacement, the Fujis are also very good. Think Ill get another. If I were in your position Id also have gone for the A7 it makes a lot of sense. NEX 6 with turbo adapter also seems a good choice for legacy users.
 
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Comparing the Canon 5D mk 3 and the Sony A7 the Canon is soft in comparison. I'm not saying the 5d mk 3 produces soft images just when you pixel peep, the the A7 its clearly sharper
 
Really impressed so far. I'm in between jobs at the moment so I only have very occasional access to family PC (i'm the boss in this house.....NOT) or my android tablet. As soon as I can I will post some pics from today's local walk.

What I can see so far is fantastic DR, colours and resolution.
Also loving;
Charging of battery, in camera just using a USB cable. Means I can charge anywhere including car with one simple cable.
Wifi transfer. Set up first time with USB then just works!
NFC. Only played a little but means I can use my tablet as a data store and bigger screen when up in the highlands.
The menu system. Simple and great
The viewfinder. If you didn't know you would swear it was pentaprism
Handles great, feels solid


It really does look like Sony have said, "let's stop p***ing around. If we want to be the biggest player we have to have something special" and they've gone for it. Can only be good for all in the long run.
 
PCPhil said:
Really impressed so far. I'm in between jobs at the moment so I only have very occasional access to family PC (i'm the boss in this house.....NOT) or my android tablet. As soon as I can I will post some pics from today's local walk.

What I can see so far is fantastic DR, colours and resolution.
Also loving;
Charging of battery, in camera just using a USB cable. Means I can charge anywhere including car with one simple cable.
Wifi transfer. Set up first time with USB then just works!
NFC. Only played a little but means I can use my tablet as a data store and bigger screen when up in the highlands.
The menu system. Simple and great
The viewfinder. If you didn't know you would swear it was pentaprism
Handles great, feels solid


It really does look like Sony have said, "let's stop tinkleing around. If we want to be the biggest player we have to have something special" and they've gone for it. Can only be good for all in the long run.
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Love to hear what you think of the high ISO,and focusing.

Thanks :)
 
Remember that I'm on the adapter and Minolter 24-105 until my new 35 turns up next week so there's a few compromises here. Saying that, focusing is nailed every time and very fast with it.

Hope to give a go in some challenging light conditions over the weekend (sets alarm for early morning walk round Tamworth Castle).
 
Brazo said:
Comparing the Canon 5D mk 3 and the Sony A7 the Canon is soft in comparison. I'm not saying the 5d mk 3 produces soft images just when you pixel peep, the the A7 its clearly sharper
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Not really, click RAW and choose both cameras and mouse over the paints in the bottom right, on the tube with text, they look the same tbh. In fact the 5d looks better, hover over the aquamarine paint tube at say iso 800.
 
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Good news to report on Leica R lenses.

I bought a couple of R lenses for my A7R, mainly because they are cheap as chips compared to M lenses, whilst still apparently being of very high quality. I got a Summicron 2/50 and an Elmarit 2.8/90.

Disadvantages - they are larger than M lenses and the adapter is thicker, making the camera & lens package larger. Long focus throw compared to M lenses.

Advantages - beautifully made, lovely clicky aperture rings, buttery focus, slidey out hoods. Image quality seems top notch.

Having never used a Leica R lens before, I'm very impressed. These two cost me a total of £550 inc a 12 month guarantee from Aperture in London. I had a wander out today, and the results are in this set on Flickr. I've tried to put aperture info in there as accurately as I could. Pics are unprocessed out of camera jpegs aside from some small exposure tweaks in Lightroom to avoid personal embarassment :).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobinators/sets/72157637943103785/


A7R with Leica Summicron-R 2/50 by Tobers, on Flickr


A7R with Leica Summicron-R 2/50 by Tobers, on Flickr


A7R with Leica Summicron-R 2/50 by Tobers, on Flickr
 
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Thats very cheap for Leica glass, clock shot is impressive, lots of detail, nice colour.
 
the current apsc uwa lens covers ff at 14 15mm I think, or you can a adapter and a uwa
 
Tobers said:
Good news to report on Leica R lenses.

I bought a couple of R lenses for my A7R, mainly because they are cheap as chips compared to M lenses, whilst still apparently being of very high quality. I got a Summicron 2/50 and an Elmarit 2.8/90.

Disadvantages - they are larger than M lenses and the adapter is thicker, making the camera & lens package larger. Long focus throw compared to M lenses.

Advantages - beautifully made, lovely clicky aperture rings, buttery focus, slidey out hoods. Image quality seems top notch.

Having never used a Leica R lens before, I'm very impressed. These two cost me a total of £550 inc a 12 month guarantee from Aperture in London. I had a wander out today, and the results are in this set on Flickr. I've tried to put aperture info in there as accurately as I could. Pics are unprocessed out of camera jpegs aside from some small exposure tweaks in Lightroom to avoid personal embarassment :).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobinators/sets/72157637943103785/


A7R with Leica Summicron-R 2/50 by Tobers, on Flickr


A7R with Leica Summicron-R 2/50 by Tobers, on Flickr


A7R with Leica Summicron-R 2/50 by Tobers, on Flickr
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Do you know what the shutter speed on the 1st shot was? I just had a look at the original and it looks like there is a tiny amount of shake.
 
Just thought... you don't get a battery charger with these, do you?

So... I was thinking of buying a charger and spare battery so just to confirm - the A7 does use the same battery and charger as the Nex series doesn't it? If that's right I'll just buy cheap ones off ebay.
 
woof woof said:
Just thought... you don't get a battery charger with these, do you?

So... I was thinking of buying a charger and spare battery so just to confirm - the A7 does use the same battery and charger as the Nex series doesn't it? If that's right I'll just buy cheap ones off ebay.
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Same battery, so presumably the same charger
 
It really is a pain without my own PC for a week or so. Still will give me a stack of photos to sort through over the mince pies. Just one from today.

Sutton Park dawn by PCPhilpot, on Flickr

The thing is that when I opened in Lightroom there was hardly any peaking. Quite remarkable.
 
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Hmm, Mine's on it's way by Parcelfarce 24. This could be fun, he never delivers to my house, always dumps it at a friends shop in town, but he's closed Mondays.
 
Laudrup said:
Are there any autofocus lenses available for this at present?
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For full frame coverage: 28-70 kit lens, 35mm f2.8 and 55mm f1.8. 24-70mm f4 should be about in January. Don't think the 55mm has started shipping yet but 35mms have.

Plus with the right adapter, Minolta/Sony alpha lenses will all AF, as will Contax G and some Canon EF lenses.

For APS crop mode all current NEX lenses will work too.
 
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PCPhil said:
It really is a pain without my own PC for a week or so. Still will give me a stack of photos to sort through over the mince pies. Just one from today.

Sutton Park dawn by PCPhilpot, on Flickr

The thing is that when I opened in Lightroom there was hardly any peaking. Quite remarkable.
Click to expand...
Gorgeous shot Phil, was that with the kit lens (@40mm)?
 
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