Sony A7RII First Impressions from a Nikon Photographer

After seriously drooling over the specs of this camera at announcement, I got my hands on one for a couple days. Needless to say, I was stoked. Coming from the ergonomics of my Nikon, this is going to be a little of my hands-on experience having never really used Sony’s form factor before.

Also, I was only supplied with wide manual lenses, so I can’t really talk about the AF system, and I also didn’t spend much time with 4K video (this time).

Taking off the lens and simply holding the camera in my hands, I was shocked at how light it actually was. The traveler and street photographer in me screamed with joy because I loath carrying a ton of gear around. Though the lenses I had were beefy, the system was still compact enough for me to be comfortable. That said, this camera with a fast compact prime or zoom would be a dream if you’re all about the largest and highest quality images when out and about (though I feel like the a7 II or a7S II would more than suffice). The sensor on this bad boy was clearly made for landscape and studio work though. 42.2 MP is no joke, and with the upgrade to a 1/250th max sync speed over the first generation’s 1/160th sync speed, it’s perfect for either.

Now, I’m not sure if it’s because I’m so used to Nikon, but I felt that the process of changing my setting was simply clunky. It never felt fluid to me, and quite frankly kind made me think of a consumer-grade UI. I like to be able to change setting quickly without having to move my eye from the viewfinder if possible. I have to give it the benefit of the doubt though; it’s a new system to me. I can definitely say that I hope as their professional usage popularity grows, Sony’s system and ergonomics grow with it. That all said, a friend of mine, with a Fuji background, found the ergonomics somewhat familiar. Something to consider.

Ergonomics aside, I got some seriously yummy images, even at higher ISOs, and the dynamic range is killer.

Sony is making a new name for itself very fast and efficiently. It’s hard not to be excited for what they’re doing, and other big brands should take note. With all this, and 4K video, Sony is a contender on their way to the throne for the 35mm format.