Hey everyone,

I could really use your advice. I’m planning to upgrade from my RX100VA to full frame, but I can’t decide between the A7 V and the A7R V.

 

I’ll be doing both video and photography, though not on the same dive. I’ll also use the camera topside alongside my A7S III and A7C II.

 

Here are my thoughts so far:

 

Pros A7 V:

• Faster sensor

• 4K 60 without crop

• Dual base ISO of 8000

 

Pros A7R V:

• Ability to crop for macro with 61 MP

• Basically two cameras in one with APS-C mode

• Better viewfinder

 

Which one would you go for?

 

Thanks!

 

 

Edit: Or should I go for the A7CR and use the A7C II for video dives, and the A7CR for photo dives? The only downside is that I’m not a huge fan of the smaller bodies for topside use…

You're going to need a new housing one way or another I suppose, and the A7C II/ R do use the same Nauticam housing which is somewhat cheaper than the A7R V housing, as well as slightly smaller. Not sure about housing compatibility with the A7 V and A7R V.

Exactly, that’s a good point. I’ll need a new housing anyway, and with the A7C II I already have a camera that fits (same for the A7CR).

The real question for me is how much added value the A7 V would actually bring over the A7C II. The main things that come to mind are the lack of crop in 4K 60p and the higher usable ISO in S-Log3…

Hi Assist,

I am proud owner of A7R5 for almost three years. This camera is perfect for me, but I am photocentric and do (almost) no video.

Many here have A1 or A1II for both photo and video and seem pretty satisfied with this camera ...

I am sure A75 is very good for both photo and video for many here (A7R5 is perfect for photo, but few would go for this camera for serious video). SInce you have A7CII, you can decide by yourself whether both photo and video fulfills your demands (A75 will be better in both, but I believe that there are NOT worlds inbetween. I think in case A7CII is not good enough, A75 will also not do it)...

Besides this, outstanding UW-photos or UW- videos can be produced with any of the cameras you consider. They all have high technical quality and the person behind the camera is, by far, the rate limiting factor...

Maybe you can get a used housing for your A7CII and just go UW to make photos and videos (and then decide whether with A75, A1II, A7CR etc. the results will be better). Besides this, switching between A7CR and A7CII looks sexy to me (but a photo that is not good with A7CII will not become better with A7CR and a video done badly with A7CR will not improve with A7CII)...

Another consideration is the lenses. These may be more important than the camera itself. Which do you have and/or intend to use?

Wolfgang

Edited 5 hours ago5 hr by Architeuthis

Hi Wolfgang,

Thanks a lot for your detailed reply — it makes total sense!

I think part of my problem is that I’m trying to find the perfect solution for both topside and underwater in one go. For topside, I would go 100% for the Sony A7R V, as I simply prefer the larger bodies ergonomically, and I already have the Sony A7SIII as a great video camera.

Underwater, things look a bit different though. I’m a bit concerned about noise performance and especially rolling shutter on the A7R V — do you have any experience with that?

Maybe going for a housing for the Sony A7C II would actually be the better approach, and if I ever feel limited by megapixels, I could still add an Sony A7CR later.

Regarding lenses, I’m currently leaning towards the 28–60 with the WWL-1 solution — I already own the 28–60.

I also have the 16–35 GM II and the 90 mm macro, but with the 16–35 I’m a bit worried about soft corners when using a 180 mm dome, and the 230 mm dome just feels too bulky for travel.

Best regards

Hello,

I faced a similar question at the beginning of 2024... Should I stick with the "large" A7 series, which at that time was the A7IV, or go for the more compact A7CII?

I ultimately decided on the A7CII, even though I already owned the A7IV. I haven't regretted that decision at all. I think I would make the same choice again today. For one thing, the housing is a bit more compact, and besides Nauticam, there's a top-notch alternative housing, for example, with AOI.

In my opinion, the optics and lighting are far more crucial in this whole matter. When it comes to quality in underwater photography, these are the two absolutely decisive factors.

For wide-angle shots, I personally switched from the 16-34mm f/4 to the 28-60mm with WWL-1 after upgrading to the A7CII, and I wouldn't want to go back to the large dome port. For macro photography, I've been using the 90mm lens for many years, which I supplement with various wet lenses like the MFO-1, MFO-3, and SMC-3. My current favorite would be the new 100mm. (Anyone still looking for a 90mm with a compatible port...? 😜)

No matter which system you choose, the difference compared to your current RX100 series will be enormous! If you live near Lake Constance, feel free to get in touch and take a look at the equipment or even try it out. I still have the 180mm dome lens and the 16-35mm available as well.

Greetings from the Swiss shore of Lake Constance,

Tino