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Activity Forums DSLR Video Canon 7D vs. Sony a7r

  • Canon 7D vs. Sony a7r

    Posted by Matt Mills on August 13, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    So, I’ve been shooting video on a Canon 7D for a few years. Now I have an opportunity to buy a used Sony a7r, and I’m wondering if it’s worth it to make the switch.

    I typically shoot more run-and-gun, handheld style, or on a travel tripod. But I also do some more small-scale productions with tripods and sliders. I edit in Premiere/AE and grade with Looks.

    While I know the still image quality of the Sony a7r is incredible, I’ve read mixed reviews about its video capabilities. Does anyone know how it stacks up against the old Canon 7D? Would it be a significant upgrade, or not so much?

    Thanks!

    Bill Bruner replied 10 years, 9 months ago 3 Members · 4 Replies
  • 4 Replies
  • Blaise Douros

    August 13, 2015 at 9:25 pm

    The A7s is the Sony camera you want. The A7r, not so much.

    It will be a major improvement over the 7D regardless, because the 7D is really old. But the A7s is better for video than the A7r. That’s where I’d invest my money if I were you.

    Don’t forget that you’ll need an adapter for your Canon glass–that will add cost.

  • Matt Mills

    August 13, 2015 at 9:37 pm

    Hi Blaise, thanks so much for the response.

    I agree; I’d much rather get the a7s. The thing is, it’s waaay out of my pricerange. The a7r is out of my pricerange, too, but someone I know offered to sell me his for $800 (he wants to upgrade to the a7r II). He only does still photography, though.

    So, are you saying that the a7r would indeed be a major improvement over the Canon 7D? Obviously, it’s not the ideal choice, but right now it’s my only choice haha.

  • Blaise Douros

    August 13, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    I’ve learned not to buy “intermediate” gear. That $800 could be spent on a lot of things that you can keep using long after any camera body–lenses, camera support, audio. Buy those things first, and then, when you’ve made money from those, get the camera body you really want.

    Will the video quality be better? Yes. Would you rather have another camera? Then don’t buy it, and save up for the one you really want!

  • Bill Bruner

    August 18, 2015 at 11:15 am

    I recommend you jump on it. $800 is a great price for a full frame camera with a headphone jack and 1080/60p slow motion that can give you results like these:

    Koco Blaq 2015 Fashion Line by Joe Gunawan

    Iran by Memorias de Oriente

    Year One by David DiCicco

    If you don’t like it, you can always sell it for a couple of hundred dollars more than you bought it for and buy a camera with 4 times your 7D’s resolution, the $797.99 4K Panasonic G7.

    This camera can give you results like these:

    Indianapolis 500 In 4k by Bonocore Visual Studios

    Away from the City by Irfan Khokhar

    Pasa Tiempo behind the scenes – in 4K shot with a panasonic G7 and Ronin M by Dourado

    Either of these $800 choices would be an upgrade from your 7D.

    Hope this is helpful and good luck!

    Bill
    Hybrid Camera Revolution

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