Mirrorless for me?
Apr 30, 2019 13:52:22 #
Hello everyone! I'm an old hand at film photography, but new to digital. I'm contemplating a new mirrorless camera purchase, namely a Sony Alpha a7 II. It would be my first mirrorless. I'm concerned that the camera may be too small for my hands (I haven't found one to handle), and I'm not sure about Sony. I'm more familiar with Nikon and Minolta from the old days. Anyone care to throw in their 2 cents?
Apr 30, 2019 14:06:21 #
For me I can't see a gee-whiz-bag reason to go mirrorless.
I'll keep my DSLR thank you.
(Mirror slap and all.)
I'll keep my DSLR thank you.
(Mirror slap and all.)
Apr 30, 2019 14:07:51 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Just read a recent review comparing the a7II to the new Panasonic S1. One of the things he loved was how it fit the hand compared to the Sony which he stated felt cramped.
Apr 30, 2019 15:07:12 #
Good choice, the full frame 24MP A7II is a great camera... Just curious, did you think about Nikon full frame cameras since your familiar with that brand? They certainly wont be small for your hand.
Apr 30, 2019 15:24:51 #
shotgunner wrote:
Hello everyone! I'm an old hand at film photography, but new to digital. I'm contemplating a new mirrorless camera purchase, namely a Sony Alpha a7 II. It would be my first mirrorless. I'm concerned that the camera may be too small for my hands (I haven't found one to handle), and I'm not sure about Sony. I'm more familiar with Nikon and Minolta from the old days. Anyone care to throw in their 2 cents?
Welcome to UHH.
The Nikon Z6/7 MILC are a little larger than the Sony A7II, but not by much. Quite a few reviews of the Z cameras that I have read have stated that the Z cameras feel better in their hands, and they like the grip size of the Z cameras better than the Sony.
Again, this is based on reviews that I have read, and not my personal experience. I own Nikon's myself, and if I was going to consider purchasing a MILC, it would be a Nikon. I added a battery grip to my D800, as I prefer the larger size it provides, even with the added weight. I haven't tried out any MILC yet, but I don't think I would like the smaller size of the camera, especially with a longer lens on it.
Best thing you can do is try to find those two cameras someplace and hold them in your hands to see how they feel and to help you with your decision.
Just my 2¢.
Apr 30, 2019 16:39:57 #
This might help with your decision making : Myths about mirrorless cameras
Joking aside, the Sony full-frame models are much the same in size and weight. If you have access to any camera shop that sells any of the various A7 models, their look and feel will be much the same for physically handling. I can't speak for Nikon or Minolta film bodies, but the Sony is "square ish" like maybe a 1970s Canon AE1 or F1 and much the same weight, although the body is thinner give the absence of a swinging mirror inside the body.
As a 24MP full-frame sensor, the a7II is a great value. The only limitation is the battery life where newer Sony models have a longer battery live. If I'm shooting all day with just the a7II, I bring three full charged batteries, usually using one if not two of those batteries during a long day. When you need to get three batteries recharged overnight, have at least 2 chargers.
Although the purpose of this post was to show results from a manual focus Canon lens, the camera involved was the Sony a7II, including images at ISO-4000 from this camera : Visiting zoos with a manual focus 300mm lens
Joking aside, the Sony full-frame models are much the same in size and weight. If you have access to any camera shop that sells any of the various A7 models, their look and feel will be much the same for physically handling. I can't speak for Nikon or Minolta film bodies, but the Sony is "square ish" like maybe a 1970s Canon AE1 or F1 and much the same weight, although the body is thinner give the absence of a swinging mirror inside the body.
As a 24MP full-frame sensor, the a7II is a great value. The only limitation is the battery life where newer Sony models have a longer battery live. If I'm shooting all day with just the a7II, I bring three full charged batteries, usually using one if not two of those batteries during a long day. When you need to get three batteries recharged overnight, have at least 2 chargers.
Although the purpose of this post was to show results from a manual focus Canon lens, the camera involved was the Sony a7II, including images at ISO-4000 from this camera : Visiting zoos with a manual focus 300mm lens
Apr 30, 2019 17:10:35 #
You have to handle a few cameras to feel comfortable. I find 'The Rebel' and the Sony SLT similar....but haven't used anything else.
Sony bought out Minolta....The Sony Alpha series used a lot of Minolta lenses, but as time moves on...less and less, so a modern Sony Camera probably will not at all.
The mirrorless often have electronic viewfinders....some allow a 'stepped zoom view and focus' feature prior to shutter at your 'distance' choice. They also 'alter the 'view' as you spin through the F stops!! no more too dark images.
Go play before you buy.....It is a lot of cash if it disappoints. There has to be a brick and mortar shop - or a camera club.... close to home.
Sony bought out Minolta....The Sony Alpha series used a lot of Minolta lenses, but as time moves on...less and less, so a modern Sony Camera probably will not at all.
The mirrorless often have electronic viewfinders....some allow a 'stepped zoom view and focus' feature prior to shutter at your 'distance' choice. They also 'alter the 'view' as you spin through the F stops!! no more too dark images.
Go play before you buy.....It is a lot of cash if it disappoints. There has to be a brick and mortar shop - or a camera club.... close to home.
Apr 30, 2019 17:17:54 #
If a camera shop is a non starter, there are rental stores as an option, such as LensRentals.com
Apr 30, 2019 17:35:21 #
shotgunner wrote:
Hello everyone! I'm an old hand at film photography, but new to digital. I'm contemplating a new mirrorless camera purchase, namely a Sony Alpha a7 II. It would be my first mirrorless. I'm concerned that the camera may be too small for my hands (I haven't found one to handle), and I'm not sure about Sony. I'm more familiar with Nikon and Minolta from the old days. Anyone care to throw in their 2 cents?
Have you any significant experience with a Digital SLR?
Apr 30, 2019 18:24:58 #
shotgunner wrote:
Hello everyone! I'm an old hand at film photography, but new to digital. I'm contemplating a new mirrorless camera purchase, namely a Sony Alpha a7 II. It would be my first mirrorless. I'm concerned that the camera may be too small for my hands (I haven't found one to handle), and I'm not sure about Sony. I'm more familiar with Nikon and Minolta from the old days. Anyone care to throw in their 2 cents?
Here is my 2 cents!
If you are used to the old manual focus Nikon and Minolta then the A7 isn't too small. The good and bad things about the mirrorless vs DSLR has to do with the EVF. Check it out. If you like it it's good if you don't it's not good.
Apr 30, 2019 23:10:44 #
`
The a7-2 is a fine camera and a steal at its
current $900. If you'd had no problem with
the size of a Nikon FM/FE/FA series, or the
8008/N90, then you'll be fine with the size
of the a7-2. I went from the FE2 and 8008
to the a7-2 when I quit SLRs. No problem.
.
The a7-2 is a fine camera and a steal at its
current $900. If you'd had no problem with
the size of a Nikon FM/FE/FA series, or the
8008/N90, then you'll be fine with the size
of the a7-2. I went from the FE2 and 8008
to the a7-2 when I quit SLRs. No problem.
.
May 1, 2019 05:16:19 #
If you are just changing over from film get a Fuji XT3 all the controls will be familiar and you won't have to jiggle through menu after menu because the main things you need are on the external controls. Read the revues!
May 1, 2019 05:49:22 #
shotgunner wrote:
Hello everyone! I'm an old hand at film photography, but new to digital. I'm contemplating a new mirrorless camera purchase, namely a Sony Alpha a7 II. It would be my first mirrorless. I'm concerned that the camera may be too small for my hands (I haven't found one to handle), and I'm not sure about Sony. I'm more familiar with Nikon and Minolta from the old days. Anyone care to throw in their 2 cents?
I have just sold my Sony A7II but I still own a Sony A9 and A7III. They are small cameras but I have no issues with mine - even with a 100 - 400mm mounted on my A9 - and I don't use battery grips. Though I owned Canon/Nikon for 30 years I had no problem changing to Sony mirrorless. As far as I'm concerned, Canon/Nikon come a distant second to the latest Sony in full frame mirrorless cameras. Sony are offering a cashback scheme at the moment, though I do not know if it worldwide. They gave me £200 cashback when I bought my A7II and I've been advised the deal is still available.
In fairness, Canon or Nikon may be more suitable for you, and their four mirrorless cameras are pretty good, probably better than the Sony A7II, which is an old model. Don't overlook the new Panasonic S1/S1R full frame mirrorless cameras. Reviews indicate they handle really well.
May 1, 2019 06:04:08 #
Jeffcs
Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
I went mirrorless and I’m not looking back!
I love my Sony great performance with low light awesomeness
I love my OMDem1mk2 for everything else
I love my Sony great performance with low light awesomeness
I love my OMDem1mk2 for everything else
May 1, 2019 07:02:46 #
shotgunner wrote:
Hello everyone! I'm an old hand at film photography, but new to digital. I'm contemplating a new mirrorless camera purchase, namely a Sony Alpha a7 II. It would be my first mirrorless. I'm concerned that the camera may be too small for my hands (I haven't found one to handle), and I'm not sure about Sony. I'm more familiar with Nikon and Minolta from the old days. Anyone care to throw in their 2 cents?
I have large(ish) hands and the camera body size is not an issue (for me) when using my Canon RP.
I can shoot with my 5DIV, 6D and then pick up my mirrorless RP (mirrorless) and not miss a beat.
Even the menus and button layouts are similar.
When I started out using the Canon RP w/o the funky bottom (add on) spacer I found that I didn't need it.
After all, I wanted a smaller and lighter camera, I paid for it, I got it, and I use it that way.
I hold the RP with my left hand cupped under the lens palm up and the right hand in the traditional manner on the right side of the camera.
I then pull the camera Very Firmly to my right brow, feet shoulders width apart if possible, and elbows in against my sides to steady everything, then I shoot.
I other words, provide a firm steady base for your camera.
No matter which brand you commit to, enjoy your photographic journey!
Smile,
JimmyT Sends
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