Canon 5D Mark iv and the Sony AR7 ii – What’s In My Bag

People always ask me what my latest camera gear is. What’s in the bag Bo?

Well I upgraded last year to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. I was shooting with the Canon 6D and 7D. Still have and love those cameras. But the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was a dream camera and I absolutely love it.

The touch screen on the back is GOLD for saving time getting to settings quickly. I love how this camera feels in my hand as well. This is my main camera for shooting commercial work, senior and family portraits.

Here is a Summary of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Features and Benefits

• 30.4 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS Sensor
• 7 fps continuous shooting and silent shutter mode
• 4k 30fps video with 8.8 mp still frame grab, Full 1080p HD 60 fps, HD 720p mode at 120 fps
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or Live View shooting
• Dual Pixel RAW
• Built-in GPS
• Built-in WiFi, NFC (Near-Field Communication)
• 3.2″ (81.1mm), approximately 1,620,000 dot Clear View II LCD monitor with full touch-screen interface, including selection of AF area
• DIGIC 6+ image processor
• 61-point High-Density Reticular AF II system (like 1D X Mark II) including up to 41 cross-type AF sensors, with EOS iTR, f/8 AF
• EV -3 AF sensitivity, EV -4 when in Live View mode
• 150,000-pixel RGB+IR, 252 zone metering sensor for improved AE and AF precision
• Zone, Spot and AF Point Expansion focusing modes
• ISO 100-32000 with expansion up to 102400, down to 50
• Short 58ms shutter lag
• Flicker Mode adjusts shutter release timing to avoid flickering light issues
• Dual Memory Card Slots supporting one CF (UDMA Mode 7) and one SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) memory card
• Upgraded Transparent LCD viewfinder with 100% coverage
• Dual-Axis Electronic Level with dedicated viewfinder display
• Time-lapse Movie function
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System (EICS)
• Peripheral Illumination, Chromatic Aberration, Distortion and Diffraction Corrections in-camera along with DLO (Digital Lens Optimizer)
• Magnesium alloy body, shutter durability rated up to 150,000 cycles, improved dust and weather resistance
• Mirror Vibration Control System to reduce mirror vibration-caused blur
• Customizable Quick Control screen
• +/- 5 stops of exposure compensation
• Super Speed USB 3.0 for high-speed tethering and image/movie transfer
• In-camera Multiple Exposure and HDR modes, HDR 30 fps video
• Improved custom controls with built-in intervalometer and bulb timer

Again LOVE LOVE LOVE this camera. It is a workhorse.

I started hearing a lot about the Sony a7R II Full-Frame Mirrorless 42.4 MP – Sony A7R III is out now as well.

Watched a lot of videos and reviews on the Sony a7R II 42.4MP Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and had to add it to my bag for nature landscape photography work. The Sony a7R III 42.4MP Full-frame Mirrorless was just release so I thought I would stay one behind and get a better deal. I think it is well worth the Money at about $1800 now. What I love most about this camera is the electronic view finder. It is nice to view images through it and use like a lupe.

To use canon lenses on this camera you have to get an adapter. Make sure you update the firmware on a regular basis as they are making some nice improvements. This is the recommended adapter Sigma Mount Converter MC-11 For Use With Canon SGV Lenses for Sony E when adding canon lens to the AR7. It works well with the canon lens. I am not ready to do any portrait work with this camera yet as I am still working with it. But great camera with lots of great features.

Here are some key features of the Sony AR7 II

• UHD 4K Video Recording in XAVC S Format – In addition to the first BSI full-frame sensor, the a7R II is the first full-frame camera to offer internal UHD 4K video recording at 30 or 24 fps. This is possible using either the full-frame sensor or the Super 35 format which uses oversampling with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. This limits moire and aliasing common with high-resolution sensors. Video recording also benefits from live tracking thanks to the 399 phase-detection AF points present in the Fast Hybrid AF system. An additional benefit of this camera is the ability to switch back and forth between NTSC and PAL operation for worldwide use.

• Timecode and User Bit Settings –The a7R II has multiple timecode recording options to meet different workflows. It has the standard ‘Record Run” mode that only advances the timecode when recording, as well as “Free Run” timecode that advances the timecode even when not recording, which can be great for syncing multiple cameras at live events. It can also record timecode in both drop frame and non-drop frame modes. When recording internally the a7R II is also able to output timecode via HDMI.

• Customizable Picture Profiles and S-Log2 Gamma –To make sure the a7R II is able to use its extensive dynamic range while recording video it incorporates extensive customizable color and gamma controls. Users can adjust the gamma, black level, knee, color level, and more. Also users can use the same S-Log2 Gamma Curve that is found on high end Sony Cinema cameras that squeezes up to 1300% more dynamic range into the video signal then traditional REC709, for increased post-production flexibility.

• 3.0″ 1,228.8k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor – With a higher 1,228.8k-dot resolution, the LCD screen will provide shooters with an excellent screen for composing images, adjusting settings, and reviewing video and photos. It also tilts upward 107° and downward 41° for working with multiple shooting angles. Use in sunlight is improved with the implementation of WhiteMagic technology which doubles the brightness of the display through a RGBW pixel structure.

• 0.5″ 2.36M-Dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder Electronic Viewfinder – With its 4-lens optical system using double-sided aspherical elements the viewfinder faithfully displays what will appear in your recording, including the effects of your camera settings. You’ll enjoy rich tonal gradations and improved contrast. High-end features like 100% frame coverage and a 0.78x magnification enable comfortable and stable eye-level composition.

• Redesigned Grip, Shutter Release Button, and Controls –With a larger, more refined shape to the grip, users will find the a7R II to have a more secure feel and grasp even when large lenses are mounted. Also, the shutter release button has been reshaped and moved forward for a more natural shooting position and a decrease in camera shake. The controls also have been refined with new position for easier handling and improved operation. Button customization is available with the ability to assign any of 56 functions to any of the 10 customizable buttons for a more personalized setup.

• Magnesium Alloy Construction and Robust Lens Mount –The compact form is well-built with a magnesium alloy top cover, front cover, and internal structure. The lens mount has been redesigned with a greater strength and rigidity for extra security when using larger or longer lenses. The body itself also features greater sealing for dust and moisture resistance, providing more protection when shooting out in the elements. Additionally, the optical filter on the sensor has an anti-static coating and there is an anti-dust mechanism to prevent dust from adhering to the sensor.

• Reduced-Vibration Shutter & Silent Shooting –Cutting down on mechanical vibrations by 50% is the durable reduced-vibration shutter implemented in the a7R II. It has been tested to last for 500,000 cycles and also uses an electronic front curtain shutter. Additionally, a Silent Shutter mode is available for completely silent shooting when needed in certain environments.

• Audio Input & Headphone Jack –The a7R II features a 3.5mm microphone input jack for compatibility with external microphones. And for users needing more the a7R II is also compatible with the Sony XLR-K2M XLR Adapter for recording professional balanced XLR audio signals with phantom power and adjustable mic/line inputs. For monitoring audio the a7R II features a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as real time audio levels for a visual reference.

• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC –Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables the a7R II to instantly share imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online to social networking, via email, and to cloud storage sites. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, which allows for one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices; no complex set-up is required. Once connected, the linked mobile device can also display a live view image on its screen and remotely control the camera’s shutter.

Additionally, PlayMemories Camera Apps are also supported via the built-in Wi-Fi connection, and allow you to personalize the camera’s features depending on specific shooting styles. Apps are available to suit creating portraits, detailed close-ups, sports, time lapse, motion shot, and other specific types of imagery.

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