Do I need an A7 or an A7R? Or maybe something completely different!! (or nothing)

[Fodrigal]

I've currently got an A77 mk1 and an RX1R and I have always had Sony SLR/SLT's so that the main reason why I've been looking at the A7 range

What I'm really after knowing is the main differences in real world usability between the two.

I know all the tech spec differences (spent far too long looking at the comparison tables!) so personal opinions are what I'm in need of to help me make my mind up

I'm more likely to shoot street style which had me leaning towards the A7 for AF performance but I've also just started doing some wedding photography and the low light performance of the A7R had me leaning back that way!

I'm not a pro photographer (even the wedding stuff I've done has been for friends/free etc) so I don't think I can justify the cost of a 5D or equivalent at the moment, but if there are any recommendations of other similarly priced camera systems to try that would be good too.

I was looking at getting the 2470z as a starter lens and adding from there so anything in the £2000 region for a body and lens with that sort of focal length covered would suit.

Or am I just trying to get improved performance for an unrealistic price, and be better off buying nothing at all!

That's a lot of questions, I know, so any feedback much appreciated

 

[Cap'n Bill]

The A7 is a great camera, small, high quality IQ and immensely adaptable. I have only one FE lens for it, the standard kit lens. Otherwise I use lenses from the A series or Leica M and these M lenses are the only reason I bought the A7.

If you are already into the Sony A system I see no compelling reason to move to FE system. If you do, I think the A7 is the best allrounder.Good autofocus, more than enough pixel count to crop a still print exhibition A3.

 

[twist]

Fyi, Your a77 is going to be a lot better than the a7 series in terms of auto focus.

 

[stevelmx5]

The main question is why you actually want an A7(R) other than GAS?

You've already got a good DSLR along with one of the most compact full frame cameras and you're not currently out to make money from your kit (not that your existing kit isn't perfectly adequate). Personally I'd suggest using what you've got until you know why it doesn't do what you think another system will.

Eventually you'll either work out what your kit can't do now or realise that it's perfectly fine. Also, as above, your A77 will probably have better AF performance and you've already got an excellent full frame Sony in the RX1r.

 

[Ulfric M Douglas]

I'm more likely to shoot street style which had me leaning towards the A7 for AF performance but I've also just started doing some wedding photography and the low light performance of the A7R had me leaning back that way!

I find this a bit confusing : you are saying the A7R is better low-light than the A7? - any links to that idea?

I was under the impression the new A7S is low-light master, and they all suffer from sub-par AF-speed.

Also : you already have an RX1R !

Maybe just wait for tne next full-frame SLST?

 

[BacktotheFuji]

The a7r has a better sensor than the a7 and subsequently has better high ISO capability, despite the extra megapixels. I really didn't rate the a7 for high ISO work due to the chroma noise present.

Anyway, the RX1r should be perfect for street photography. If you want something more versatile though, grab a Fuji X-E2 and a couple of the amazing prime lenses

 

[woof woof]

Oh dear, until I read this I never realised how sub par and generally naff my A7 is

Can't speak for the Sony DSLR but even with the kit lens A7 AF seems ok to me and high ISO ability seems very good.

OP - Your best option may be to borrow or hire an A7 and see if the perfotmance is good enough / better than your current kit.

New and what seem to be very good A7 lenses are coming along and they could help form a very good kit bag and no Fuji is going to be able to match the image qiality.