a7 should I buy an sony A7?

[williamlizihao]

Hi guys,

recently, I am looking to buy a new full frame camera on budget. my budget is under $800(best if come with lens). I am looking at A7 and A7 II, since those are the affordable ones. A7II is definitly better compare to A7, but A7 is more cheaper(ebay and FB market place people selling it for 5 or 600 dollars). so, I tend toward A7 now. but should I buy A7?

also want ask few other questions,what should I pay attention to when I buy such camera?

[thebeardedgroundsman]

It may not have all the gizmos and advances of the latest technology, but the A7 still has a good 24Mp sensor and will produce good photos.

However, the issue is in getting one that is not worn out. For this reason I would recommend using a proper camera shop or reputable dealer like MPB, who will give you a true assessment of the condition and, usually, a 6 month guarantee.

Personally I don't use the likes of E-bay or Gumtree for tis type of purchase as I'm always worried that they could be fencing stolen goods.

Have fun with whatever you buy!

[tadwil]

No, buy an A7II instead.  Feature wise they are almost identical except for the IBIS or Steady Shot in Sony jargon present on A7II.  Most FE lenses do not have OIS and if you want to keep shooting in less than ideal lighting condition, some sort of image stabilization is a must.  Price wise, when the cameras are available, A7II is about 100-200 CAD higher than the A7.  thebeardedgroundsman's suggestion is very sound but buying private can get you a better price.  I seldom buy new camera equipment.  Most of my purchases have been made from private sales advertised on CraigsList.  It's buyer's beware but so far I have not had any real bad experiences doing so.

[thebeardedgroundsman]

On reflection, I agree with Tadwil. - Having 5 axis stabilisation is a major benefit. (I had thought the A7 had IBIS because my "ancient" A100 had steady shot - but apparently the later A7 does not - or at least, nowhere near as good as the A7ii).

[Jasper_Brayden]

On 6/26/2022 at 8:27 PM, williamlizihao said:

Hi guys,

recently, I am looking to buy a new full frame camera on budget. my budget is under $800(best if come with lens). I am looking at A7 and A7 II, since those are the affordable ones. A7II is definitly better compare to A7, but A7 is more cheaper(ebay and FB market place people selling it for 5 or 600 dollars). so, I tend toward A7 now. but should I buy A7?

also want ask few other questions,what should I pay attention to when I buy such camera?

I have not much idea about Sony Alpha A7 ecause I did not use it personely.

Sony has made the new Sony A7 MII bigger and heavier to fit the image stabilisation the A7 is also the smallest and lightest full frame camera (with interchangeable lens). So to answer my first question: yes, the Sony A7 is still very much relevant in today's market.

[tadwil]

What is so good about having a small camera?  Unless the camera fits your hand comfortably, smallness is just a liability.  A7 has lousy ergonomics and it has a plastic lens mount on the body.  If you are going to shot with just the kit lens, a plastic mount might be adequate but if you use a faster and longer focal length lenses, the threat of the body's lens mount failing is real, as documented online numerously.