Hello Dustin First .. thanks very much for yet another quality review 😊 Second point .. question - Did you experience a loss of sharpness compared to the A7RV (see DPReview and the results when doing tests shots in their test scene / studio..) Merci ! 😅
Have had this for a couple of months and love the image output. Love the rangefinder style body. It feels so much smaller than the typical body with the hump, though it really isn't that much smaller. It just looks smaller. Picture quality is incredible. I took some pictures of the fall leaves of my Persimmon tree. The colors in them are expertly revealed by this camera. The image is so different from sensors up to 33 mp. The leaves almost looked like a painting and totally lacking in grain, even when blown up. I guess one has to be careful with models as no blemish will be missed. But for detail and large prints, which I am more into, not video, this camera will deliver. I wish I could have the A7R5 but for about $1,000 less, I can live with it.
As someone who is specifically looking for a compact camera, I am really excited for the A7CR!! Thanks Dustin for the top notch review and your attention to detail, these details are so, so valuable when making possibly expensive decisions :)
The A7CR is a very compelling camera for those mostly interested in photography in a small package (travel) and willing to deal with the video compromises (same as the A7R V). For most folks, the other compromises aren't that bad, especially considering the price difference. I ended up getting the A7R V since Sony was (is) having a $400-off sale. Perhaps in a few months, I may consider getting the A7C II as a travel camera - since it is a more well rounded hybrid camera (less megapixels but better video support).
This camera I has a lot of pros and cons I Gus’s the view finder and the one card slot and no joy sticks are the main reason I am not going to buy it, even tho at first I was in love with if, looks like you save me from an argument with my wife lol. You are the best of the best reviewer ever.
This seems like a fantastic option for travel. With the ability to crop deeply into an image, you can cover a wider range of focal lengths with just a few lenses. Combine a compact superwide, such as the Sigma 17mm f/4 with Sony's FE 35mm f/1.8, and the Tamron 70-180 f/2.8, and you've got a very light, compact kit that will cover most needs, and will fit in a small bag, such as the Peak Design 6L.
What a great review! I'm coming from Fuji, which I've been shooting Jpeg only. Fuji's 40Mp sensor is very good, but I always wanted to have even higher pixel sensor camera for heavy cropping. Would you say this is good camera for Jpeg shooters like myself?
Hi Dustin, I'm Ray from the UK. Thank you for this detailed review/analysis. I see this Sony a7CR as 'relatively' poor man's Leica M11. With a similar sensor and the rangefinder style viewfinder. Paired with a couple of carefully selected prime lenses, this could be a killer combo. I've just ordered mine, with the 24mm F2.8, the 40mm F2.5 and the Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA. It suits my needs for street photography. Thanks again. Cheers, Ray. p.s. If you have any videos or suggestions on how to treat Sony files when It comes to editing them in Lightroom(colour and black & white) I'd very much appreciate your input.
Sounds like a nice little kit. As far as processing files, that's a whole other conversation that unfortunately I don't have time to engage in here. I would recommend watching some TH-cam videos on that, particularly if you find someone whose style you like.
Hi Dustin, can you create a playlist or video for the a7cr about the lenses you would recommend that are light weight good for travel. I watched your review on the viltrox 20 mm 2.8 and that was helpful. Thank you.
Thank you Dustin. I am a hobbyist and currently have the A7C as second body, and shoot mostly with A74. Looking to replace the A7C for travelling. I feel the A7CII is too similar to A74. If i am going to upgrade it should be to the A7CR. I will be using the 20-70mm F4 and 35mm F1.8 as my travel lenses. 61MP is probably overkill for me but I do crop heavily on my travels because i don't carry a bigger zoom or TC, and because I often can't get closer to the subject. My question is around transfer times, processing in light room, storage with these bigger files. I shoot JPEG+RAW. How much slower will the 61MP files be to transfer, download and process? Should i shoot MRaw (26MP) when i can and just shoot at 61MP when i don't have the reach?
I'm very accustomed to working with high resolution files, so I find them "normal" to work with. I do use the MRAW setting sometimes when I feel 61MP is overkill, but you do never know when that extra ability to crop might come in handy.
Thx you so much for taking the time to answer my question and so quickly too. I feel stupid for asking the question now because of course you would have need and the best IT set up for a high resolution cameras that transfer and processing would be non Issues 😂.
Seems like a pretty perfect all around camera. Was considering Leica for a bit but realized it would be completely stupid when a Sony can do everything it can and more for half the price. Went with the gfx 100s instead, still shoot with my a7rv as well. I get performance when needed and mf when I can get away with it. I let my models choose and they almost all pick overwhelmingly gfx pics instead of the a7rv to my surprise. And just from capture one previews…even though I end with probably 3 times as many Sony images because of speed. That being said, Sony is still what I trust. Really wish the a7rc came with a cfexpress though, speed and accuracy is what makes the Sony really shine. Thanks for all you do Dustin. You’ve really helped me navigate and learn photography and still do. Best reviewer out there hands down
Great review as always! For some time I'm contemplating to switch from A7R III to either A7C II or A7CR, but I'm not completely sure what would be the right choice. Right now my lens selection is Tamron 28-200 and Samyang 18mm 2.8, 24mm 1.8, 45mm 1.8, and 75mm 1.8, and in the future, I'm planning to use lenses in the same category size and price (so no GMs or lenses of similar quality). With that in mind, does going for an A7CR and 61mp sensor make sense, or it would just be diminishing returns with my lens selection and it's better to save some money and go with the A7C II?
These days I'm looking to lighten my load any way I can. The A7CR fits that role very well. I'll be selling my full size cameras. Being an amateur photographer, the A7CR more than meets my needs. It would be nice to have a larger grip, better EVF, and better screen. But, if they put all of those things in this model, what would they put in future models?
I agree, those compromises, the evf, the screen, one card, I can live with and don't need, as a amateur. If you want those things there is the a7v. I just want to travel with my apc s lenses, and have my 150-500 at home for wild life.
Thank you for yet another great review, I am considering this camera and by far you gave the best coverage of the pros and cons, a lot of channels on YT are a wee bit too yay Sony where only perfection exists 😀
Check out the smallrig plate for it. It's silver and adds so much style to it while also being arca swiss and more room for your pinkie. Solid review as always.
Hi Dustin. Thank you for this deep review. I own a A7CR and recognize everything you experienced during the test. The viewfinder is a pain, indeed. But it does the job. The handgrip is very usefull when i use heaver lenses. The AI focus and the picture quality is great. I don’t miss the joystick, using the range finder with my right eye, it’s rather easy to handle the focus pointer button with my dumb.
Great review, I choose the a7cr to have two cameras in one. I love my apc s lenses like the sigma 30 f1.4, the sony 70-350. I didn't want two bodies and the a7cr solves this. Your review confirmed my decision. I am selling my a6700.
Great comprehensive review as usual. 👍 Thanks. I need some advice about getting a travel camera and would appreciate your input. I am a Sony/Nikon shooter and was considering something like the Fuji X100VI for an upcoming trip. However, the X100VI is not cheap and impossible to get. There are a few Leica that could do the trick like the Q2 but it is outrageously expensive, even when buying used. Having just watched your review of the A7Cr, it seems this could be my best bet. I could slap the 35mm GM that I already have and get a pretty nice travel kit that’s fairly small and light. Does that make sense or am I missing other interesting options?
Hmmm, you didn't mention what file format you are shooting. If you are shooting any kind of full size RAWs, then you are definitely going to quickly hit buffer limits.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for responding. I tested all of the formats (uncompressed being the most demanding) and get 57 shots (about 7 seconds of action). On compressed raw I get 189 shots (about 24 seconds). I rarely need more than three - five seconds to capture a moment. I generally come away with 2-3k shoots per game, and if needed 24 second buffers I would easily have 10k shots per game. Its not pro level, but the AP Photographer I shoot with, never uses more than 5 seconds with his setup that shoots 10 fps. So practically speaking the buffer isn't an issue in apsc mode. I do agree with you that full frame fills up quickly and I can't use it for sports.
I'm interested on this camera but worries me the fact that a so recent product having a so low resolution EVF. I had to check it twice but why only 2.3M dots? My oldie Xpro3 has 3.6, the XT5 has 5.7 (same as Leica Q3, more than twice the 7CR). I'm I making from this such a big deal? How can 2.3 affect the experience or accuracy? Can some of the owners share the experience with me? Also bugs me the absence of a second card slot but not such a deal break so far to me.
The primary reason is probably because of the size allotted to the viewfinder, though a probably second reason is cost cutting...which is hard to accept in a camera that isn't particularly cheap.
If only the viewfinder was better... This could be the perfect camera for street photography. Use a light weight lens like the 40mm f2.5, maybe set raw resolution for full frame to 26mp, get the same image size at 60mm in aps-c mode... A killer camera. But the viewfinder reminds me of the NEX-6 from 2012. But with one difference: You could use different eye-cups on the old camera.
oh wow, I just looked this up and they are the same resolution. I'm shocked that 10 years later it's still the same. I loved my NEX 6 - it was my intro to sony.
It is worth noting that the A7Cr has not a fully mechanical shutter, only first curtain electronic shutter, like the Canon R8. It may alter bokeh in some situations. Sony advises not to use first curtain electronic shutter with long lenses at high aperture in the A7iv manual.
That's fair, though frankly I have found the whole bokeh thing a bit overrated. I shot a lot of images at F1.2 with this camera and the bokeh looked fine even with fast shutter speeds.
I am trying to move to full frame from e mount APSC. My 3 big things are, high resolution, low light performance, and dynamic range. Low light seems to be the biggest issue because of high MP here. I see MRAW/SRAW does help? (Higher Res becomes less a need in darker situations for me). This said, are there better ways to get around this or a combination of ways? Iow, could downsampling be better than M or SRAW? What about AI noise reduction? Would lossless be better with that? Can I use AI (Lightroom I guess has this?) How about crop mode? Will the AI in Lightroom fix the grid issue? Do I need to ultimately consider a different camera to get the full frame lowlight benefits I was thinking of moving from apsc? A6700 in my case. Street photography is my goal.
Thanks for another very good and thorough review. When you talk about replicating your workflow / settings from your other Sony cameras, I don't suppose that means that you could save settings from, say an a7R V to an SD card and load them onto the a7CR? In fact, I don't suppose that would be possible between any two Sony models because of the differences in functions, button layouts etc.?
Thanks, I understand. I have thought many times how cool it would be if you could just transfer your settings via an SD card when you upgrade / change to a new camera model but I do realise that it would not be feasible due to features and functions that are obviously not the same.
A very compelling camera which is on my wishlist, nice addition that of the smaller raw files, but from what I remember the lossless compressed 26mp files are still quite large in size, the compressed files of my a7rIIIa are only about 43MB and those are larger if I am not wrong, also the slow reading sensor isn't ideal for video, there should be something in the middle between this and a global shutter sensor....
Great test. I bought the camera for light travel with manual focus lenses (Voigtlander). All fine, but the view finder sucks. At this price point this is not acceptable. But I guess the camera is not primarily targeting the manual focus market.
I really wanted to get the A7CR, for the smaller size body size, but it's a total deal breaker for me that there's no USB-Micro for the use of external intervalometer and motorized Timelapse rigs..... had to go with the A7RV instead.
Dear, I would like to ask You a question…. I have a Sony camera A7R3- system-version 3.10 and I would like to ask you if the following is possible with this camera with a Sony 85mm F1.8 lens and aperture maybe set on F 5.6. I would like to make a timelapse/interval shooting, let’s say every 3 seconds a shot over a period of 30 seconds (10 shots in total) with myself in the picture walking towards the camera itself on tripod….. with eye-autofocus ON and real time tracking ON… and nobody pressing any button on the camera except myself pressing start and running towards my startpoint … I start walking at 25 meter distance… walk slowly towards the camera and looking into the lens…. After 30 seconds I’ll be at 1 meter distance away in front of the camera….. I’ll be happy with maybe 5 or 6 sharp pictures…. Of the total 10 pics…. I am trying but donot succeed… I cannot find the right settings …. I presume that my 6-year old Sony A7R3 cannot do this…. But…which Sony camera could do this? Maybe the Sony A7R4 or A7R5 or A7CR or… none these… ??? Do I have to switch brands? I try to find answers on the web… but I find nothing in clear detail about this item… Please advise me! Thank You so much for your time! Greetings, Jan van Roekel - Aruba - DWI Whatsapp +2977408131
Newer cameras certainly should be capable of that. You just have to set the autofocus settings as a part of setting the timelapse up. I've done it before.
NIce review. Dustion I currently have the a6700 ( which I got for the new features since I do wildlife and nature photography ) I also have the a7riii for my backup and landscapes, astro. Do you think I would be better off trading these 2 in for the a7cr. ( The a7rv is a little to much $ for me ). thanks
It probably would work. I don't think you're really losing much other than having a redundant body so you could have two lenses attached at the same time.
Does anyone know if it has a sensor dust cover for changing lenses, and does it allow for shutter speeds longer than 30 seconds without needing a remote/bulb mode? Thanks.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I think the hand held pixel shift mode is revolutionary. Gives you Medium format shots in a surprisingly small setup. And I think a lot of people disregard this aspect of the A7CR. I will check your 7RV video, interested in your thoughts on it.
Usage matters here I guess. Landscape shooters love the tilty, portrait shooters love the flippy, hybrid shooters well the the R is for you. (Ps. Not hybrid-hybrid ifykyk)
@@DustinAbbottTWI At first I was impressed with the A7RV's ability to do both tilt and flip. Now, though, it seems like a big steampunk kind of device. I would like something simpler and more elegant (probably not the right word). My biggest complaint, though, are designs that restrict the use of L-plates on cameras. Oh well. it's hard to have it all.
Zooming to 100% magnification on images of different resolution can show some misleading noise comparisons. Far better to show the difference between 61mp RAW and M-RAW at the same image size.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I'm curious about your perspective. I totally understand as a technical exercise looking at 100% or even 200% pixel magnification comparing sensor designs - even with very different resolution.. But an image is rendered and viewed at a particular size on screen or in print. Isn't there more actual comparative value in showing noise artifacts of different resolution captures at identical rendered image size?
In my tests I showed them both full size and then at a pixel level. In the past, I've often downsampled a high resolution image to a smaller standardized size, and even scaled a smaller image to the larger size. The point here is was to demonstrate what could be done in camera, and that MRAW could be an option in low light situations to give a cleaner result at both a full size and pixel level.
Thank you for your thorough review! Interesting Camera, I guess the lens will ultimately decide the compactness and the weight factor. And I would guess the high megapixel count will have its demands on the lens quality. Too bad the viewfinder is not so good and it only has one SD card slot.
I’ve been using Tamron lenses on my a7RIV/V for years and have had no issues with them handling the high resolution sensor. They also pair fantastically well with my a7CR
Great review, as always. The grid pattern becomes really obvious when I push dark areas. I don’t remember the pattern being as prominent on my A7RIV which, theoretically, uses the same sensor. While RAW M results in cleaner images re. noise, there are two issues. 1) None of the DeNoise application, including Lightroon DeNoise AI, DxO, and Topaz will work with Sony’s RAW M and RAW S format. The work-around is to bring up Topaz from the Lightroom app so it is converted to TIFF, or convert to a different format outside Lightroom/Topaz. I don’t know of a work-around for DxO PureRAW. 2) I have noticed significant vertical aliasing with the RAW M file, like Sony is skipping every other scan line.
Do want. My only fear is perhaps running into wanting more custom buttons than this provides. Also how it will handle with the larger two GM ii zooms. Life is hard. It's harder when you have to decide between A7CR and A7RV.
I was excited for this camera but feel this honest review has turned me off of it....which is great so thank you dustin for been honest and trustworthy as always. Personally, I'd prefer if it came with a fixed 35mm f 2.0 lens and replaced the other older version based on the a7r3. I struggle to see the value of this camera cause the lenses id want to pair it with to take full advatange of the feature will add a hefty bit to it anyway.
I agree. That is true of all small cameras. I have the A7RIV and was wondering about this compact body but I am not sold on the compactness. By the time you add the not so compact lenses, you end up with a hard to balance set.
This is not a pro camera so it doesn't need dual slots or full size HDMI ports, why do you reviewers insist that is a short coming? I do agree it should have had a cf-a slot, but two aren't needed.
@@DustinAbbottTWI It is always mentioned as a negative, when the audience for a camera like this is not one who will need/use two card slots or full size hdmi. I do lament not having the cfa slot because it keeps me from shooting proxy video on xavc-si formatted videos. But I am probably the only person on the planet that wants to do that. :)
I really don't understand all the hype about this 2-3 years too late camera concept - meanwhile I bought 2 SIGMA FP-L, don't need the mini or nano finder of the Sony C-models, the only thing I could miss are the IBIS and the mechanical shutter (for flash). .. (but an even more expensive camera like a Leica M does not sport an IBIS.. so it is the same standard;-.). for a much more attractive price and: the Sigma-body is much more robust and stealthy....
i will stick with my a7riv with leica r 50 and 90 and canon 35 f2 is and 50 1.2. sony has a habit of taking away features just to be tiny. no thank you.
This video is sponsored by Fantom Wallet. Visit store.fantomwallet.com and use code DUSTIN15 to get 15% off
Hello Dustin
First .. thanks very much for yet another quality review 😊
Second point .. question - Did you experience a loss of sharpness compared to the A7RV (see DPReview and the results when doing tests shots in their test scene / studio..)
Merci !
😅
Have had this for a couple of months and love the image output. Love the rangefinder style body. It feels so much smaller than the typical body with the hump, though it really isn't that much smaller. It just looks smaller. Picture quality is incredible. I took some pictures of the fall leaves of my Persimmon tree. The colors in them are expertly revealed by this camera. The image is so different from sensors up to 33 mp. The leaves almost looked like a painting and totally lacking in grain, even when blown up. I guess one has to be careful with models as no blemish will be missed. But for detail and large prints, which I am more into, not video, this camera will deliver. I wish I could have the A7R5 but for about $1,000 less, I can live with it.
That's a fair summation.
As someone who is specifically looking for a compact camera, I am really excited for the A7CR!! Thanks Dustin for the top notch review and your attention to detail, these details are so, so valuable when making possibly expensive decisions :)
My pleasure.
I Just bought A7CR ,thank you to r Abbott
Enjoy!
The A7CR is a very compelling camera for those mostly interested in photography in a small package (travel) and willing to deal with the video compromises (same as the A7R V). For most folks, the other compromises aren't that bad, especially considering the price difference. I ended up getting the A7R V since Sony was (is) having a $400-off sale. Perhaps in a few months, I may consider getting the A7C II as a travel camera - since it is a more well rounded hybrid camera (less megapixels but better video support).
Fair enough.
This camera I has a lot of pros and cons I Gus’s the view finder and the one card slot and no joy sticks are the main reason I am not going to buy it, even tho at first I was in love with if, looks like you save me from an argument with my wife lol. You are the best of the best reviewer ever.
Thank you very much.
This seems like a fantastic option for travel. With the ability to crop deeply into an image, you can cover a wider range of focal lengths with just a few lenses. Combine a compact superwide, such as the Sigma 17mm f/4 with Sony's FE 35mm f/1.8, and the Tamron 70-180 f/2.8, and you've got a very light, compact kit that will cover most needs, and will fit in a small bag, such as the Peak Design 6L.
Exactly.
What a great review! I'm coming from Fuji, which I've been shooting Jpeg only. Fuji's 40Mp sensor is very good, but I always wanted to have even higher pixel sensor camera for heavy cropping. Would you say this is good camera for Jpeg shooters like myself?
Sure. I think that Fuji has a bit of an advantage in their JPEG engine, but the bigger sensor will probably more than make up for that.
Dream camera for traveling light because we can just carry a small prime lens and crop a lot.
There's definitely some truth to that.
Hi Dustin, I'm Ray from the UK. Thank you for this detailed review/analysis. I see this Sony a7CR as 'relatively' poor man's Leica M11. With a similar sensor and the rangefinder style viewfinder. Paired with a couple of carefully selected prime lenses, this could be a killer combo. I've just ordered mine, with the 24mm F2.8, the 40mm F2.5 and the Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA. It suits my needs for street photography. Thanks again. Cheers, Ray.
p.s. If you have any videos or suggestions on how to treat Sony files when It comes to editing them in Lightroom(colour and black & white) I'd very much appreciate your input.
Sounds like a nice little kit. As far as processing files, that's a whole other conversation that unfortunately I don't have time to engage in here. I would recommend watching some TH-cam videos on that, particularly if you find someone whose style you like.
What’s the best way to move the focus point, every time I pick this camera up I forget how to move the focus point, other that touch screen.
The touchscreen is really the best answer to that question, though it obviously isn't what you would prefer.
Something no one says about the CR vs the Rv is that for on-camera flash, you get smaller shadows, since the flash isn't sitting on a big hump.
Hi Dustin, can you create a playlist or video for the a7cr about the lenses you would recommend that are light weight good for travel. I watched your review on the viltrox 20 mm 2.8 and that was helpful. Thank you.
That's a good idea. I'll see when I can fit it in.
how do you fix the green color shift ?
Don't shoot at ISO 51,200! You can also do a manual color balance fix.
@@DustinAbbottTWIyou mean adjusting the tint in lightroom ?
Top review always a pleasure to listen to you. Sooner or later I will buy this camera. All my best wishes from France for this new year.
Thank you!
Thank you Dustin. I am a hobbyist and currently have the A7C as second body, and shoot mostly with A74. Looking to replace the A7C for travelling. I feel the A7CII is too similar to A74. If i am going to upgrade it should be to the A7CR. I will be using the 20-70mm F4 and 35mm F1.8 as my travel lenses. 61MP is probably overkill for me but I do crop heavily on my travels because i don't carry a bigger zoom or TC, and because I often can't get closer to the subject. My question is around transfer times, processing in light room, storage with these bigger files. I shoot JPEG+RAW. How much slower will the 61MP files be to transfer, download and process? Should i shoot MRaw (26MP) when i can and just shoot at 61MP when i don't have the reach?
I'm very accustomed to working with high resolution files, so I find them "normal" to work with. I do use the MRAW setting sometimes when I feel 61MP is overkill, but you do never know when that extra ability to crop might come in handy.
Thx you so much for taking the time to answer my question and so quickly too. I feel stupid for asking the question now because of course you would have need and the best IT set up for a high resolution cameras that transfer and processing would be non Issues 😂.
Thank you for this review. Love your content Keep it up! I am planning on buying this camera cant wait to use it.
Glad it was helpful!
Seems like a pretty perfect all around camera. Was considering Leica for a bit but realized it would be completely stupid when a Sony can do everything it can and more for half the price.
Went with the gfx 100s instead, still shoot with my a7rv as well. I get performance when needed and mf when I can get away with it.
I let my models choose and they almost all pick overwhelmingly gfx pics instead of the a7rv to my surprise. And just from capture one previews…even though I end with probably 3 times as many Sony images because of speed.
That being said, Sony is still what I trust. Really wish the a7rc came with a cfexpress though, speed and accuracy is what makes the Sony really shine.
Thanks for all you do Dustin. You’ve really helped me navigate and learn photography and still do. Best reviewer out there hands down
That's very interesting about the models. I don't doubt it; MF images just look special.
What lenses are you using on the Sony compared to the Fuji?
Great review as always! For some time I'm contemplating to switch from A7R III to either A7C II or A7CR, but I'm not completely sure what would be the right choice. Right now my lens selection is Tamron 28-200 and Samyang 18mm 2.8, 24mm 1.8, 45mm 1.8, and 75mm 1.8, and in the future, I'm planning to use lenses in the same category size and price (so no GMs or lenses of similar quality). With that in mind, does going for an A7CR and 61mp sensor make sense, or it would just be diminishing returns with my lens selection and it's better to save some money and go with the A7C II?
I would say either camera will probably serve you well, but I do think your lenses are capable of surviving the a7CR
Thanks. Are my tamron lens good enough for the 61 mega pixel sensor?. 28 75 g2, 70 180 g2, 17 28, 28 200. Currently on a7.4
These days I'm looking to lighten my load any way I can. The A7CR fits that role very well. I'll be selling my full size cameras. Being an amateur photographer, the A7CR more than meets my needs. It would be nice to have a larger grip, better EVF, and better screen. But, if they put all of those things in this model, what would they put in future models?
I agree, those compromises, the evf, the screen, one card, I can live with and don't need, as a amateur. If you want those things there is the a7v. I just want to travel with my apc s lenses, and have my 150-500 at home for wild life.
That's a fair assessment.
Thank you for yet another great review, I am considering this camera and by far you gave the best coverage of the pros and cons, a lot of channels on YT are a wee bit too yay Sony where only perfection exists 😀
LOL - that sounds about right.
Check out the smallrig plate for it. It's silver and adds so much style to it while also being arca swiss and more room for your pinkie. Solid review as always.
Thanks for the tip!
Hi Dustin. Thank you for this deep review. I own a A7CR and recognize everything you experienced during the test. The viewfinder is a pain, indeed. But it does the job. The handgrip is very usefull when i use heaver lenses. The AI focus and the picture quality is great. I don’t miss the joystick, using the range finder with my right eye, it’s rather easy to handle the focus pointer button with my dumb.
I'm glad you are enjoying it.
Great review, I choose the a7cr to have two cameras in one. I love my apc s lenses like the sigma 30 f1.4, the sony 70-350. I didn't want two bodies and the a7cr solves this. Your review confirmed my decision. I am selling my a6700.
And that's what it is - two cameras in one. I use the a7RV the same way; it is my APS-C camera!
Great comprehensive review as usual. 👍 Thanks.
I need some advice about getting a travel camera and would appreciate your input. I am a Sony/Nikon shooter and was considering something like the Fuji X100VI for an upcoming trip. However, the X100VI is not cheap and impossible to get. There are a few Leica that could do the trick like the Q2 but it is outrageously expensive, even when buying used. Having just watched your review of the A7Cr, it seems this could be my best bet. I could slap the 35mm GM that I already have and get a pretty nice travel kit that’s fairly small and light.
Does that make sense or am I missing other interesting options?
Great review. Where do I find information about the recommended lenses?
In the text review, which is linked in the description.
Regarding the buffer shoot in apsc mode, with a v90 card. I shoot sports with this camera, and I don't have buffer issues.
Hmmm, you didn't mention what file format you are shooting. If you are shooting any kind of full size RAWs, then you are definitely going to quickly hit buffer limits.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for responding. I tested all of the formats (uncompressed being the most demanding) and get 57 shots (about 7 seconds of action). On compressed raw I get 189 shots (about 24 seconds). I rarely need more than three - five seconds to capture a moment.
I generally come away with 2-3k shoots per game, and if needed 24 second buffers I would easily have 10k shots per game.
Its not pro level, but the AP Photographer I shoot with, never uses more than 5 seconds with his setup that shoots 10 fps.
So practically speaking the buffer isn't an issue in apsc mode. I do agree with you that full frame fills up quickly and I can't use it for sports.
one thing I don't like on the a7cr I can't move the focus point
I have to touch the screen?
I definitely miss the joystick!
I'm interested on this camera but worries me the fact that a so recent product having a so low resolution EVF. I had to check it twice but why only 2.3M dots? My oldie Xpro3 has 3.6, the XT5 has 5.7 (same as Leica Q3, more than twice the 7CR). I'm I making from this such a big deal? How can 2.3 affect the experience or accuracy? Can some of the owners share the experience with me? Also bugs me the absence of a second card slot but not such a deal break so far to me.
The primary reason is probably because of the size allotted to the viewfinder, though a probably second reason is cost cutting...which is hard to accept in a camera that isn't particularly cheap.
hey dustin I got a a7cr and I love it
It is nice to have such a killer sensor in such a compact body.
If only the viewfinder was better...
This could be the perfect camera for street photography. Use a light weight lens like the 40mm f2.5, maybe set raw resolution for full frame to 26mp, get the same image size at 60mm in aps-c mode... A killer camera. But the viewfinder reminds me of the NEX-6 from 2012. But with one difference: You could use different eye-cups on the old camera.
Agreed. I would view this as pretty much the biggest single area for upgrade in the future.
oh wow, I just looked this up and they are the same resolution. I'm shocked that 10 years later it's still the same. I loved my NEX 6 - it was my intro to sony.
Hi. which shutter i need to choose mechanical or electronic? a have a7cr. thank you
That really depends on your needs. Most of the time I would say mechanical as it will give the best image quality if you are moving.
Is it true that the sync speed is significantly lower than in teh a7rv?
Yes. The a7RV is 1/250th, while the a7CR is 1/160th.
2:55 And let the cat in!
LOL
Wich one would you say it’s better on low light, the A7c ll or the A7CR.
The a7CII - about a stop better.
Thank you Dustin for the review. I've been looking at this camera. If I decide to buy it I will use your affiliate link. Appreciate your work.
Thanks for the support.
It is worth noting that the A7Cr has not a fully mechanical shutter, only first curtain electronic shutter, like the Canon R8. It may alter bokeh in some situations. Sony advises not to use first curtain electronic shutter with long lenses at high aperture in the A7iv manual.
That's fair, though frankly I have found the whole bokeh thing a bit overrated. I shot a lot of images at F1.2 with this camera and the bokeh looked fine even with fast shutter speeds.
@@DustinAbbottTWI It's probably not noticeable in most cases. I guess you used the 50 f/1.2 which not a focal length long enough to make it an issue.
I am trying to move to full frame from e mount APSC. My 3 big things are, high resolution, low light performance, and dynamic range. Low light seems to be the biggest issue because of high MP here. I see MRAW/SRAW does help? (Higher Res becomes less a need in darker situations for me). This said, are there better ways to get around this or a combination of ways? Iow, could downsampling be better than M or SRAW? What about AI noise reduction? Would lossless be better with that? Can I use AI (Lightroom I guess has this?) How about crop mode? Will the AI in Lightroom fix the grid issue? Do I need to ultimately consider a different camera to get the full frame lowlight benefits I was thinking of moving from apsc? A6700 in my case. Street photography is my goal.
I honestly think that using MRAW is the simplest solution.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank You
Thanks for another very good and thorough review. When you talk about replicating your workflow / settings from your other Sony cameras, I don't suppose that means that you could save settings from, say an a7R V to an SD card and load them onto the a7CR? In fact, I don't suppose that would be possible between any two Sony models because of the differences in functions, button layouts etc.?
No. What I mean is that I can set up my control scheme basically identically to my big cameras.
Thanks, I understand. I have thought many times how cool it would be if you could just transfer your settings via an SD card when you upgrade / change to a new camera model but I do realise that it would not be feasible due to features and functions that are obviously not the same.
A very compelling camera which is on my wishlist, nice addition that of the smaller raw files, but from what I remember the lossless compressed 26mp files are still quite large in size, the compressed files of my a7rIIIa are only about 43MB and those are larger if I am not wrong, also the slow reading sensor isn't ideal for video, there should be something in the middle between this and a global shutter sensor....
That's about the average size of the MRAW files that I'm seeing in my catalog, but, unlike the a7RIII, these are lossless compressed instead of lossy.
Great test. I bought the camera for light travel with manual focus lenses (Voigtlander). All fine, but the view finder sucks. At this price point this is not acceptable. But I guess the camera is not primarily targeting the manual focus market.
That would be the major disappointment, as the Voigt lenses are otherwise a nice fit.
I really wanted to get the A7CR, for the smaller size body size, but it's a total deal breaker for me that there's no USB-Micro for the use of external intervalometer and motorized Timelapse rigs..... had to go with the A7RV instead.
That 's interesting. It's the first time I've heard that feedback.
Dear, I would like to ask You a question….
I have a Sony camera A7R3- system-version 3.10 and I would like to ask you if the following is possible with this camera with a Sony 85mm F1.8 lens and aperture maybe set on F 5.6.
I would like to make a timelapse/interval shooting, let’s say every 3 seconds a shot over a period of 30 seconds (10 shots in total) with myself in the picture walking towards the camera itself on tripod….. with eye-autofocus ON and real time tracking ON… and nobody pressing any button on the camera except myself pressing start and running towards my startpoint … I start walking at 25 meter distance… walk slowly towards the camera and looking into the lens…. After 30 seconds I’ll be at 1 meter distance away in front of the camera….. I’ll be happy with maybe 5 or 6 sharp pictures…. Of the total 10 pics….
I am trying but donot succeed… I cannot find the right settings ….
I presume that my 6-year old Sony A7R3 cannot do this…. But…which Sony camera could do this? Maybe the Sony A7R4 or A7R5 or A7CR or… none these… ??? Do I have to switch brands?
I try to find answers on the web… but I find nothing in clear detail about this item…
Please advise me!
Thank You so much for your time!
Greetings,
Jan van Roekel - Aruba - DWI
Whatsapp +2977408131
Newer cameras certainly should be capable of that. You just have to set the autofocus settings as a part of setting the timelapse up. I've done it before.
@@DustinAbbottTWI THANK YOU... I will try !!! And I will try save money to buy a new Sony a7CR... my dream !!!!
Unfortunately your text review page is broken for the A7CR.
Are you sure? I just tested it and it loaded fine for me.
NIce review. Dustion I currently have the a6700 ( which I got for the new features since I do wildlife and nature photography ) I also have the a7riii for my backup and landscapes, astro.
Do you think I would be better off trading these 2 in for the a7cr. ( The a7rv is a little to much $ for me ). thanks
It probably would work. I don't think you're really losing much other than having a redundant body so you could have two lenses attached at the same time.
Does anyone know if it has a sensor dust cover for changing lenses, and does it allow for shutter speeds longer than 30 seconds without needing a remote/bulb mode? Thanks.
I didn't test the latter, but I can tell that the former is true. The shutter can be programmed to cover the sensor.
You can use the internal bulb timer for exposures longer than 30 seconds. 🍻
@@georgehayesviolin I've never heard of that before. It allows you to program how long bulb mode should be (no need for a remote over 30 seconds)?
@@pmc7105 That is correct. You can set it for any value between 2 seconds and 900 seconds.
@@georgehayesviolin Awesome, thanks, I'll probably snag one if/when it goes on sale.
Did you cover pixel shift?
I've covered it in previous models with the same sensor.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I think the hand held pixel shift mode is revolutionary. Gives you Medium format shots in a surprisingly small setup. And I think a lot of people disregard this aspect of the A7CR.
I will check your 7RV video, interested in your thoughts on it.
I was going to buy this when it came out, but the A7R5 was only $3498... and then it was on sale almost the rest of 2023.. so glad I did that instead.
There's definitely a lot more camera for $500!
I’m one of those weird people who prefers the simple tilty screens like on the A7iii.
I'm on team tilty. Tilty not flippy.
Usage matters here I guess. Landscape shooters love the tilty, portrait shooters love the flippy, hybrid shooters well the the R is for you. (Ps. Not hybrid-hybrid ifykyk)
There are definitely people in both camps. Best case scenario is the screen in the a7RV that does both!
@@DustinAbbottTWI At first I was impressed with the A7RV's ability to do both tilt and flip. Now, though, it seems like a big steampunk kind of device. I would like something simpler and more elegant (probably not the right word). My biggest complaint, though, are designs that restrict the use of L-plates on cameras. Oh well. it's hard to have it all.
I prefer tilted for photography and Flippy when I don't have a cage on the body for audio and monitor.
I follow your channel. It helps me a lot. I like to ask you that Sony a7RV or Sony a7CR which is better to buy, if I buy?
I personally prefer the a7RV, but it really depends on how important going small is to you.
Zooming to 100% magnification on images of different resolution can show some misleading noise comparisons. Far better to show the difference between 61mp RAW and M-RAW at the same image size.
I disagree. That defeats the point of showing how that using MRAW can have an advantage in certain situations.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I'm curious about your perspective. I totally understand as a technical exercise looking at 100% or even 200% pixel magnification comparing sensor designs - even with very different resolution.. But an image is rendered and viewed at a particular size on screen or in print. Isn't there more actual comparative value in showing noise artifacts of different resolution captures at identical rendered image size?
In my tests I showed them both full size and then at a pixel level. In the past, I've often downsampled a high resolution image to a smaller standardized size, and even scaled a smaller image to the larger size. The point here is was to demonstrate what could be done in camera, and that MRAW could be an option in low light situations to give a cleaner result at both a full size and pixel level.
Thank you for your thorough review! Interesting Camera, I guess the lens will ultimately decide the compactness and the weight factor. And I would guess the high megapixel count will have its demands on the lens quality.
Too bad the viewfinder is not so good and it only has one SD card slot.
That's true, though I will say that there are a ton of lightweight E-mount lenses that can handle this resolution just fine.
I’ve been using Tamron lenses on my a7RIV/V for years and have had no issues with them handling the high resolution sensor. They also pair fantastically well with my a7CR
Great review, as always. The grid pattern becomes really obvious when I push dark areas. I don’t remember the pattern being as prominent on my A7RIV which, theoretically, uses the same sensor. While RAW M results in cleaner images re. noise, there are two issues. 1) None of the DeNoise application, including Lightroon DeNoise AI, DxO, and Topaz will work with Sony’s RAW M and RAW S format. The work-around is to bring up Topaz from the Lightroom app so it is converted to TIFF, or convert to a different format outside Lightroom/Topaz. I don’t know of a work-around for DxO PureRAW. 2) I have noticed significant vertical aliasing with the RAW M file, like Sony is skipping every other scan line.
I don't recall that grid pattern as much in the past, either.
Do want. My only fear is perhaps running into wanting more custom buttons than this provides. Also how it will handle with the larger two GM ii zooms.
Life is hard. It's harder when you have to decide between A7CR and A7RV.
Yup. Adding the grip extender does help with the bigger lenses.
Thank you. I understood
Glad it helped
For this body and spec you go with the a 6700. I love a small body but the evf and the lcd…..are not reflective of the price
Perhaps, though with the a7CR you basically get an a6700 included in APS-C mode
I was excited for this camera but feel this honest review has turned me off of it....which is great so thank you dustin for been honest and trustworthy as always. Personally, I'd prefer if it came with a fixed 35mm f 2.0 lens and replaced the other older version based on the a7r3. I struggle to see the value of this camera cause the lenses id want to pair it with to take full advatange of the feature will add a hefty bit to it anyway.
I agree. That is true of all small cameras. I have the A7RIV and was wondering about this compact body but I am not sold on the compactness. By the time you add the not so compact lenses, you end up with a hard to balance set.
It sounds like you want a Leica. That's what you should buy 😊
Interesting feedback. People definitely have different priorities from their gear.
Good morning Dustin
Good morning.
'My soul camera' 2:18
I feel exactly the same...
This is not a pro camera so it doesn't need dual slots or full size HDMI ports, why do you reviewers insist that is a short coming? I do agree it should have had a cf-a slot, but two aren't needed.
So do you think that reviewers should not mention it?
@@DustinAbbottTWI It is always mentioned as a negative, when the audience for a camera like this is not one who will need/use two card slots or full size hdmi.
I do lament not having the cfa slot because it keeps me from shooting proxy video on xavc-si formatted videos. But I am probably the only person on the planet that wants to do that. :)
I really don't understand all the hype about this 2-3 years too late camera concept - meanwhile I bought 2 SIGMA FP-L, don't need the mini or nano finder of the Sony C-models, the only thing I could miss are the IBIS and the mechanical shutter (for flash). .. (but an even more expensive camera like a Leica M does not sport an IBIS.. so it is the same standard;-.). for a much more attractive price and: the Sigma-body is much more robust and stealthy....
Wow, I didn't enjoy the FP-L at all.
in my country, can buy it for 2400$, this is true a7rv with small size
That's great value!
Nice price. Which country?
@@jona4634 In Vietnam
2:54 🐈
She gets into EVERYTHING! I'm continually pulling her away if I work here at home.
im getting GAS
I'm afraid the treatment is expensive!
i will stick with my a7riv with leica r 50 and 90 and canon 35 f2 is and 50 1.2. sony has a habit of taking away features just to be tiny. no thank you.
Fair enough.
Who's the gorgeous sweetie at 8:31 ?. is she available for dating?
Unlikely.
@lemondropnaps
If i win one ill buy one cos i could actually use two in February. Even if i don’t win still might buy two 🤷
It's a nice camera, for sure.