bleirer

Hi All,

So I have up to $2500 ish to spend on a Sony full frame mirrorless including lens and I'm a little confused about the versions. Is the a7ii the current model? Should I expect version iii soon? What is difference between the a7, a7s, a7r and so on? What would I give up going with the previous model, which I assume is the a7?

Thanks as always for the input.

Bill

freddusel Loc: Nashville

My general impression of the a7's is that "s" is for speed as for video production and "r" is for resolution. I have the a7rII and I am very pleased with it. It is my first digital camera since my advanced cancer has caused me to abandon my large format film cameras. Also, the Carl Zeiss Loxia lenses are supreme. The a7's had major problems with shutter vibrations and file compression that lost information but the later II's resolved these problems. Good hunting. Best, Fred

repleo Loc: Boston

A7 is the basic Full Frame Mirrorless version. I believe it was the first of its kind and has 24 mpix. The 'S' version is only 12 mpix but has a much higher ISO capability and is optimized for video. The 'R' versions are high resolution at 36 mpix for the original version. In each case the 'ii' is the second generation of the version and adds in-body stabilization plus extra features including a jump to 42 mpix for the A7Rii.

All versions are still 'current' models. Sony is known for a steady stream of new and upgraded products, the most recent being the A6500, the new e mount A9 and the alpha mount A99. The A7 series hasn't had an injection since 2015 so another round of upgrades may be due. Sony Rumours is reporting the imminent launch of a new full frame dedicated video camera and an RX model - nothing about an A7 series upgrade.

I would recommend the 'ii' versions over the original versions, but if you are going for new gear, your $2500 budget will only allow for the A7ii at $1700 with 27-70mm zoom. The A7ii is considered a very fine camera. The A7Rii is rated #1 on DxoMark. Despite the 42 mpx on the A7Rii vs the 24 mpx on the A7ii, the A7Rii has much better ISO / Noise performance due to its back illuminated sensor.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

These links should help.

(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

bleirer

Thanks for the input, Sony rumors thinks version iii might be November, I could wait until Christmas