MrSMW

Along with the A7RV it also appears to have better SOOC colour. ”Define better?” In side by side comparisons, same lens, closest same settings etc, it looks better to my eye. Slightly less yellow than of recent (which itself replaced ‘greenish’), a fraction more muted and contrasty?

From what I have seen of the FX30 and A7RV, they have tweaked a few bits again and it's just tipped the 'colour science' for me into the actually like it camp. Yep, all of that and exactly that. Unfortunately, I have to do something... I'm grateful to have just been fully working again this year, but it's been 'painful'. Partly the sheer workload which has been insane, but mostly just fighting the tools to achieve the result. I really cannot...and do not, need to be going into another year doing that. So will not be. Otherwise yes, I think it's more like they will being something out next year, but what and probably too late for me. I know some disagree and don't think companies need to inform us of their plans but as a business user, I disagree and have to make informed decisions based on fact/availability etc.

Expensive full stop! But if I had gone that route, it would be as much a video camera for me as a stills, ie, genuine equal hybrid use. An FX6 is a completely different beast, - pure video and as such, utterly useless to me/for my needs. Z9 has moved the game on well beyond the S1H now. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed my time with the S1H, but the Z9 has almost double the stills resolution, without a filter, plus uncropped 8k 50p whereas my S1H can only do 4k cropped. From a purely 'pulling stills' from video, as a hybrid shooter, that is ENORMOUS. In camera, no rigging, - I am a hybrid wedding shooter not a purist filmmaker. You skim reader you 😜 I wrote: 100% video use, as in 0% photography use. Other than backup if required in a pinch. Actually, I have only been using LCD for years now so the lack of a viewfinder with the FX30 doesn't bother me and with this and the A7RV, they have improved both the auto WB (which I mainly use for my work) and colour compared with all other and preexisting models. For the first time, I actually quite like Sony colour! My needs are pretty simple yet VERY specific. 20+ years ago, I started out as a film photographer. Around 15 years ago, I switched to digital. Around 12 years ago, I added a video element and have been developing that ever since from being a photographer who offered a year on year, gradually improving/more consistent/more comprehensive video coverage, to a true one man band hybrid operator. For the last 3 years, other than one single 'photo only' job, everything I do is 50% photo and 50% video. Actually it's 100% photo and 100% video, ie, at every job I do the same work as both a photographer and a videographer. How? Part tech, mostly development, the latter of which has had a lot of trial and error. I have 'achieved' the results I have partly because of and partly despite, the kit. I now need to remove...or at least greatly reduce the 'partly despite' part of the equation. My needs are quite straightforward and the exercise here is simply, "brand aside, which tools are going to best allow me to do creatively what I need to do with the least compromise and least frustration". Right now, as in today, that is Sony. I need 3 cameras to do my job. Most of the time, I work with 2 and with something like the Z9, could actually use just 1. But at every job, there are 2 key times when I need 3 bodies; 2 static video and 1 roaming hybrid. Rest of the day I need; 1 roaming stills + 1 roaming video + 1 gimbal. The first 2 requirements could be combined into a single camera, a la Z9 and arguably could be with the A7RV, but for my needs, the A7RV is not a Z9, so in this instance, prefer the combo for the 'rest of the day', to be a dedicated stills unit in one hand and a dedicated video unit in the other. Other reasons: I can't keep compensating for less than stellar AF. AF is a key requirement for me at times and to date, I just have not had it so having to do workarounds (such as shooting at f8). No more! IBIS is a key. Other than static video, maybe 90% of my work is handheld. I don't have time to faff with tripods or monopods and am not a fan of the 'handheld' look. I can't be using a gimbal all day long either, only at very specific times. Lenses. It's not just about the bodies, but the total system. Of course there are compromises whether it be cost or size or weight or any other factor but my needs are the largest sensor possible in the smallest bodies possible all at a certain minimum spec level. One of the key lenses for me is the Tamron 35-150mm f2/2.8. It's relatively large. Larger than I'd ideally like, but that compromise is exchanged for the need to rarely have to change my lens (just twice, near the beginning of the day and towards the end, to something wider) and my ideal working focal length just happens to be 35-150! Ie, I rarely have (but do have some) requirement to go wider but never longer. Only 2 camera brands can currently shoot this lens; Sony natively and Nikon with an adaptor, but just what the performance is like with adaptor is a big Q as there is little info out there. Some, but not much and not really enough for a 8k+ investment to find out! The summary of all of the above is I removed brand out of the equation and then with all other factors considered...for MY specific needs, then it's a clear 'win' for Sony. Today. I'm not investing a single penny today. First off, I am packaging up my XH2 and sending it back for full refund. Then I am off-loading all of my L Mount kit that I am not going to use ever again (4 bodies) and some of the glass, but holding on to a few lenses on the off-chance that L Mount plop out a new camera within the next few months that ticks my boxes. I think the chance of that is slim, at least in time for early March when I need all my kit in place for the start of the next season. Conclusion: There are several ways to skin the proverbial cat, but there is usually one that is better than the other options. Right now, that's Sony. Again, for MY needs. YMMV!

Well, it's not 100% final, but looks like I am going to be going all in on Sony... The XH2 has been sitting on the shelf for 3 weeks. I have not touched it. Not shot a single frame or clip of video. It's going back. Return has been arranged. After years and years and years (12 actually) of wrestling with trying to find the 'perfect' system, I have somewhat reluctantly come to the conclusion that I have little choice but to become part of The Borg Collective, AKA Sony. Love Fuji, but I'd be juggling bodies and lenses all day. Love Nikon and arguably, the Z9 is THE hybrid camera to have right now and ticks all of my boxes, but it only ticks all of my boxes as one unit of three...and Nikon themselves don't currently have anything else that works for me and multiple systems is not really an option. L Mount. Oh L Mount. I wish you had what I need and in terms of outright image quality, you do, but what I actually need is a combo of the S5, the S1R and the S1H (in a single body, not 3 completely different ones) and maybe it's coming...and that is why my decision is not 100% made yet, because you still have 4 months to make it appear. Canon. Not quite... Sony offer me more of what I need with less compromise so... Isn't anyone else. I can't do M4/3 for stills and that is 50% of my work. A7RV (100% stills + about 10% video) plus battery grip (for the big lens) 2x FX30 (100% video, one in hand, on Spider holster or tripod, the other gimbal) Tamron 11-20mm f2.8 Tamron 20-40mm f2.8 Tamron 35-150mm f2/2.8 Ultimately, it's about the system and regarding the above, the compromises are about as minimal as they get... Compromise 1: Flip out rather than tilt screens on the FX30's. Compromise 2: Err, it's Sony and I'd rather champion the underdog? It's a bit of a no-brainer for me. I hate change. I hate change for change sake for sure, but the system I currently have just has not been working for me. It's been getting in the way and I have been grappling with it for 2 seasons now. As above, the clock is ticking Pannyboy. You still have a chance but it's really slipping away fast now. Maybe even one of your siblings, Leica or Sigma might slip something by and you know I would love an FP3 to 'my spec', but I can't pin my hopes on you as I have a business to run and a new season that starts in 5 months time... But then you don't have the lenses I desire and Tamron in E Mount does. I don't hate Sony. I've never hated on Sony. I just don't love 'em like I do some other brands, but ultimately, I'm a fella trying to earn a living.

Just in order to help out here and not pollute another thread, my fave cameras right (that exist) now are: Olympus OM-1 Fuji XH2/XH2S Nikon Z9 Hasselblad R2D2 (or whatever it’s called, the latest one anyway) And a ‘would love to and in some ways do but it’s so fucking flawed for my real world needs’ goes to the Sigma FP. Sony can go and do one. If there was no other option then sure, but to me they are just the most boring and uninspiring of tools.

It’s doomed, doomed I tell you. Nah, like so many things, there is a place for everything. It depends on so many things such as your needs, budget etc… I feel I could quite easily go with M4/3 for most if not all of my video needs. Where it begins to fall apart for me is on the stills side where I am going to argue that no M4/3 camera is going to best any recent Fuji APSC camera in any regard, never mind the latest and greatest full frame. Regarding image quality and low light capability on a ‘like for like basis’. There are some faster focusing and smaller, cheaper longer lens options etc, but I am talking raw camera stills ability. That’s just physics. The GH6 for me is a great bit of kit and had it been launched 2 years earlier, would probably be my workhorse. The OM-1 still could be but struggling to see any area where I would choose it over an XH2/s. I do love that dinky little fucker and if Fuji did not exist…

Unless anyone states that they paid for anything with their own cold hard-earned, I assume it’s either on loan or been gifted. Not that I much care either way because I’ll do research in a number of areas, am not much prone to ‘influencers’ (a word very similar to influenza) and make up my own mind. It’s rare anything I have purchased has been a disappointment. Probably as a result of the above.

They will need the latest Sony for sure (probably the next gen…or one after that, ie, will have to wait a few weeks) for when they make their, “Why I QUIT Van LIFE” video. Also, “Anyone Want A DOG As It Is No Longer A PUPPY”.

Cameras don’t make cat videos. Cat people do 😺

Agreed. I’m not really bothered about people ‘telling me stuff’ and even less, parroting what someone else has said, but people who ‘show me stuff’. If I look at the stuff I am being shown, I can decide whether I like it no matter what sizzle anyone puts on it. The worst ‘reviews’ are someone waving an older model camera that isn’t even the one in question and if you haven’t used the thing, it’s not a review but a highly dubious opinion. That might be total BS. But as we always say, none of this stuff being released is actually bad. Artificially crippled in some cases and often frustratingly so, but more a case of how well or whether it meets your needs. Or not.

Well Japan is No. 1 on my bucket list of countries to visit. They are supposed to be offering some kind of financial inventive to visit. An empty suitcase visit might be on the cards… Scuff ‘em up slightly, post or dump the packaging. Maybe a mass EOSHD shopping trip? Sound like a plan?

My thoughts re. the new Hassie for stills. Major MAJOR investment, but I reckon I could probably eke that one out for the next (and final) 9 years. I think the Z9 could be a 5 year camera for me and I am looking at 2x XH2 paired with a single XH2S as a 3 year deal. I then look at the cost and the Fuji makes the most sense… 🤪

I'm not sure whether it's even been a huge success, rather you just could not buy one new for love nor money this year and used, were commanding a 2k premium! Chip shortages and all that I think. I would have committed and never looked back this last August, but after trying for 2 months to buy one, I just gave up.

Import duty for those in the UK!! Bloody Brexit...

Size and...err, that's it. Other than provide espresso on tap (and it's size), agreed, - ticks every box for me. Every. Yes. I have considered every single possible camera and lens combo available. Z9 kills it in 3 areas for me and the only area the R3 (for me) beats Z9 is weight.

Or the new ZV-1F which literally no one is talking about. But rig it out and...OK, err, maybe not, I'll wait for the A7RVA announcement.

I also still want one. I think it is the single best standalone camera for my specific hybrid needs. I love a gripped body even though it goes against my preference for something small and discrete. Getting one as my principal tool would also mean a pair of OM-1’s as sidekicks and I loved that thing. For all of 5 minutes before I sent it back. I couldn’t use M4/3 as my main system but secondary, mainly static or gimbal, I sure could. Sitting on my fence however and seeing what shakes out over the next 2-3 months before fully committing, but that Z9 keeps calling to me and does something nothing else can, 8k 50p video internal and pull the stills from it in certain scenarios that require both from just one camera at the same time. Of all the tools currently available, the Z9 is the only one with ‘Game Changer’ engraved on it.

Bridges the gap between the IV and the A1 I suppose? Not too bothered about the price to be honest. For me it’s whether it can do the job I want it to do. For instance I have been considering the Z9 and the new Hassie (in different scenario combos) and those are +50% and +100% respectively, but ultimately it’s not the cost that puts me off but other factors. I’m just not prepared to buy another camera or system unless it’s near zero compromise and though cost is a factor, it’s nowhere near the top of my list. Not that I am made of money either!

It’s definitely more photo-orientated. Though someone will disagree with that statement, it’s mine and I am sticking with it 😜

This thread is reserved for the A7VI announcement.

It ticks most of my boxes and the most any Sony camera has to date. I could see myself using one of these for hybrid work with a pair of FX30’s. The only thing is I’d be using the Tamron 35-150 so would need a grip…and that then prompts me to ask whether I’d have it over the Z9 with this lens adapted? The answer is no so ‘interesting’ but not quite. Instead, I am still sitting on my single XH2s paired with 2x XH2 intended next 3 years use unless L Mount come up with something tangible within the next 2-3 months max. Good try though Sony and the stand out elements for me (other than the AF) are: 1: That tilt screen. Yup. 2: 8 stops of IBIS. 3: Lossless compressed raw.

Another vote for the Panny S5. I prefer my S1R as a pure stills machine and for dedicated video work, my S1H, but unless I needed: A: Stellar tracking video AF B: Err, that’s it really, anything else is nitpicking… I doubt there is a better option sub 2k and a mint used one could be picked up sub 1.5k. Or an XH2.

Well I am torn between primes and zooms actually… On one hand, I am looking at 3 bodies + 3 zooms and never having to change a lens. But on the other, 3 bodies plus 3 primes plus 3 zooms with arguably better resolution from those primes and not arguable better low light…but the trade off is having to cart around those 3 extra lenses and change them. Otherwise nah, not a wide angle guy at all, especially for video. It’s very rare I have any need to film in FF terms wider than 30mm and my principle range is 50-150. Even for stills, anything wider than 20mm is just too wide for my tastes and I rarely shoot wider than 28mm. So yes, 20-40mm over 11-20mm pretty much all day long! I’m still very much on the fence over committing to next years kit…which will then be the next 3 years minimum which is why I am still hesitating. I’m not going to continue with my L Mount system as it is as my current set up is a compromise. Love the output for both stills and video, but the combo I need of bodies and lenses doesn’t work as it should and as some other systems offer. L Mount is still in the running however depending on what is announced and available prior to the end of Feb 2023. The clock is very much ticking regarding L Mount… I could very easily flip to an A7iv + Tamron 35-150 plus pair of FX30’s one with the 20-40 and the other with the 17-70 and be done…and it may be what I do. My current first choice however is a pair of XH2’s and a single XH2S and I am currently trying the former but struggling to find both the time and the typical conditions to test it properly. With Fuji, it would be a primarily prime based set up with a switch to zooms for ceremonies and speeches at weddings as I don’t really favour their zoom options over the Sony zoom options. Then there is the Nikon Z9 curveball but can I go back to a camera that big…?? I wish Sigma would just build me an FP-L with; tilt screen, mechanical shutter (or e:shutter comparable with the Z9), IBIS, 4K 50/60p and a bigger battery and I’d never buy another camera the rest of my career. Am I asking too much of Sigma? 😂

That and a rear tilt screen...which is why for me, the XH2S has to 'win', - it has at least 1 of my 2 'missing' features. But otherwise, I think it's pretty fabulous in terms of looks & form factor and has a zero compromise lens line up for me; Tamron; 20-40mm f2.8, 17-70mm f2.8 (or 28-75), 35-150mm f2/2.8 The above lenses at 1.5x crop factor are PERFECT for my needs. So maybe why not just go Sony you might say... As a hybrid shooter, I'm not fully convinced by Sony for stills... There's something about the colour that even with recent models, is still slightly off for me.

Well this year, whatever the standard is with the S1H in 4k 50p (200?) and the S1R in 10 bit 5k 30p and 8 bit 4K 50p. But moving to Fuji, not sure yet… Probably going to shoot your suggested 8k option with the pair of XH2’s I intend to use for roaming stills and static video (the latter in 8k 25 or 30p) plus a single XH2s roaming video in 4K 50p/4K 100p with the closest settings as the 8k static stuff. Slightly different topic I know, but neither the XH2 nor the XH2s individually meet my needs, but as a pairing used for specific things, they do.