Colt44s Loc: Pingree Grove, IL

Have been a Nikon guy for the past 60+ years and recently sold all to make a move out-of state. Last used was the D300. Now, wishing to get back into photography, been doing some brand comparisons. Nikon/Canon and recently, articles on Sony products, which has stemmed much of my interest. I have been looking at the A7 series and obviously, confused as ever between the 3 types: A7, A7II and the A77ii. Somewhat bypassing the "R" & "S" versions due to cost. My realm of photography has mainly been landscapes, nature and the likes. No doubt this will be my last and final purchase, so we keep telling ourselves.
Any suggestions would be most appreciative and keep this publication going. It has been the first e-mail I open every morning. Many thanks. :thumbup:

CEJ Loc: Cresson,Pa

Using Nikon's for 60+ years, if it was me I would stay with what I know. I started out on Nikon shoting 35mm film 50+ yesrs ago so when I went with my frist dslr the Nikon felt wright to me, but to each his own.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

A77ii is their DSLR line...while technically mirrorless, it's still the size of a traditional DSLR. That said it's a great camera.

The A7 line (A7, A7r, A7s, A7ii) full frame mirroless camera.

The A7ii has just been reviewed by these guys:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD-Vx9dcp-U&list=UUqpOf_Nl5F4tjwlxOVS6h8A

Out of the cameras you listed above, I'd probably go with the A7ii, simply because of the 5 axis (although, I'm hearing rumors it's not as nice as what's on my EM1), with the A77ii followed close behind it. Currently there are only a few native lenses available (and they are expensive, albeit great IQ).

Honestly, if you're into landscapes, and want something smaller you should at the very least look at an em 1 with the 12-40 and 40-150 pro lenses. The weather sealing and overall build quality is outstanding.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

You might also enjoy their second annual best of the year video. They make some comments about trends away from DSLRs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RnXgIHbM3k

Gobuster Loc: South Florida

I have experience with some Nikon and Sony products, both are excellent! My friend lent me a Sony A7R recently and asked that I shoot with it an let him know how I liked it. For starters, the IQ is outstanding, 36mP images allow for substantial cropping and shots taken at ISO 6400 are entirely useable. However I do not like how the camera handles when comparing to, say, a Nikon D810 or D750. The shutter seems very noisy and clunky and the camera is somewhat slow to write to the card. Many of the adjustments have to be made through the menu where the Nikon has dials and buttons - I prefer the Nikon ergonomics. The Sony has only one memory card, no built in flash, is lighter than an equivalent Nikon, has an EVF vs. OVF and does not have as wide a range of accessories and lenses as Nikon. All in all, I don't find the lighter/smaller package to be sufficiently significant to make me want to have this as opposed to Nikon. If I were in your position, I would seriously compare the Sony's to Nikon's D750. currently widely available for $2,999 including Nikon's excellent 24-120mm F4 lens. You can't go wrong with either, but really study the ergonomics and consider the pros and cons of both.

If resale potential is of importance, my experience is that Nikon's do much better than Sony, so you should take that into consideration.

OTOH, if you are looking for a point and shoot pocket camera, the Sony RX100, RX100-II, RX100-III are, IMHO, the best you can get!

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

A7r is LOUD...KER-CHUNK.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2014/12/09/sony-a7ii-vs-sony-a7s-shutter-sound-video/

Colt44s Loc: Pingree Grove, IL

Many thanks for those who posted their comments. Will take all in consideration should I go back to Nikon, or take the Sony approach. At my age, price has become a concern so DX is also of interest over the many FX lenses I had with the D300. Biggest mistake was selling the 24-70, 2.8, my all time favorite. Thanks again guys; more to ponder.

Peekayoh Loc: UK

Might as well add my 2d.

As your main interest seems to be in Landscapes and Nature, then the A7 or A7II is the low cost path into Full Frame. Clearly the A7r would be better but seeing as it's out of your price range either of the others will do the job although the A7 lacks IBIS but then, I rarely take a Landscape unless on a Tripod.

Another thing to consider is that you can use cheap but high quality MF primes with an appropriate adapter, practically anything fits and for nature photography MF is fine.

Colt44s Loc: Pingree Grove, IL

Thanks for your additional comment as well, Peekayoh, much appreciated, especially from "over there". Like your light ring. All have a fantastic Merry Christmas and the Happiest and most Prosperous New Year.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

If your budget (which we do not really know) allows, the D7100 by Nikon is an excellent choice. A refurbished unit will save you some money and Nikon USA is running a 10% off sale right now on bodies and lenses. That coupled with your prior experience with Nikon may just be the way to go.

drmarty Loc: Pine City, NY

Got my first Nikon in 1965. I have used other equipment from time to time but always stick with Nikon. There is nothing wrong with the other brands it's just that Nikon feels right to me.

jafleming3

I too have been a Nikon user, forever. I switched to Sony because of size and weight (my D700 plus two or three pro zooms were way too big and heavy). The Sony A7 series (A7, A7 II, A7R and A7S) are definitely smaller and lighter, by a lot! IQ is as good; A7S is better in low light / hi ISO. Focusing is slower (but have not tried the new A7 II). The A7R shutter is LOUD (don't like that!), but the A7S can be set to silent. Street and travel photography - the A7S is best; landscape, go with the A7R; general purpose - A7 II; sports and action - Nikon D750. Oh, and another big shortcoming for Sony has very few native lenses; a compensating factor is that w/ adapters one can use any lens, including Nikon, Leica, Zeiss, etc. FYI, I now own the A7R and A7S and am pleased w/ both, notwithstanding my criticisms above. Of course, it would be much better to have one rather than two camera bodies!

Colt44s Loc: Pingree Grove, IL

Thanks again-all very good, personal comments; just what the doctor ordered. I did consider the D7100 but with the recent rumors of an updated replacement (D7200/92/9300) decided to wait another month or so. And also the D750, but a tad out of my price range. Been there-done that many eons ago. Have time to mill all your comments and make a final decision. Its a shame that the 'ol local type camera shops are no longer in existence. Visiting them with item in hand was fantastic. Only one here, is Best Buy and they don't seem to stock the higher grade camera's.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Good idea to wait. Any of the new generations of Nikon will undoubtedly use their "4" processor vs. their old standard "2" which has been around a long time. The 4 series has improvements in noise reduction which is of prime interest to most of us. The D4s, D810, and D750 all share the advanced processor and I'm sure the next roll out whether it is a 7200, or 9000 series will have the newer processor as well.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

If your primary type of photography is Landscape, then the A7/A7II will be PERFECT for you, and at a reasonable price too.

Image quality of those two cameras in near the best of any camera available:

http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Ratings

AND the price is right. :thumbup: