No, it's not. It's not a "given" any more than ISO performance or AF speed are "givens". They're all design parameters that are implemented in hardware and firmware by manufacturers. Initially, when the a7-series was announced, many were complaining about how few FE-mount lenses were available, and about the poor performance of some (Leica and Canon) adapted lenses. Those weren't givens. Those were design choices made by a Sony. When I worked for Ma Bell, the old AT&T, black telephones were a "given". Until they weren't.
*******But Joe, the day you pre ordered or currently bought you knew going in what Sony RAW files are..... it is NOT A A7RII SPECIFIC defect... it is a given for a Sony camera that shoots RAW that it is that way right now... can or will it be changed? Maybe but right now it is a know spec going in.******
The RAW file format of ANY camera is a design choice that is alterable by the manufacturer IF there is customer demand. As users of the Sony a7-series migrate to that platform from Nikon, Canon, Leica, etc., they have certain expectations of a pro-level $3,200 camera. Lossless compressed RAW is one of them. I'm not an idle complainer nor do I consider finding the absence of a lossless compressed RAW option "foolishness". I understand and accept that some photographers shoot JPEG, or don't print their images to 20x30" as I do, or don't post-process their images to optimize color, tone and smoothness. Maybe, in those use cases, lossy compressed RAW (or JPEG) is OK.
*******Joe, the foolishness is a like customer going to a dealer looking for a RED car and they had none then buying a WHITE one. Then coming home and complaining that it is white instead of red.... we know Sony RAW format going in. If one buy's a Sony this is the RAW format they use........******
I've owned an a7R since it was first introduced. Now I have three a7-series cameras, one converted to IR. I also shoot with a Nikon D810 and a Pentax 645Z. And I've been shooting digitally since the Sony Mavica. This isn't my first rodeo. As an engineer by education and a veteran of Bell Labs, I'm inclined to question design choices critically. If they don't make sense, I call them out. I'm not alone. I participate in GetDPI because it isn't inhabited by fanboys and photography wannabees. I can point to countless posts where well-respected members critique a lens because it's decentered, criticize a camera because it exhibits a poor service history, or complain about a manufacturer because it doesn't treat its customers with respect.
******These are defects or issues a customer would or might not know going in.... the RAW issue is known before one buy's. Far from my first rodeo either .. I started with digital with a AGFA 1280 and film with a Honeywell spotmatic.*******
And if you've been following the trends in photography, DSLR sales are down and mirrorless sales are up. Sony mirrorless IS competing with Nikon and Canon DSLRs (and Leica rangefinders) and they're taking market share.
*******Not competing directly apple for apple .....they may take some potential customers away but that is due to a technological change that appeal to buyers who may of bought slr's before. Like saying truck sales are in competition with sports car sales. Because one of these group sales raise or lower as the other one moved alternately does not mean trucks compete with sports cars just the buyers wants and needs changed.*******
That's why mirrorless cameras from Sony, Fuji and others have evolved into full-featured tools that can now be used by professionals engaged in landscape, architecture, street, portraiture/studio, fashion (tribute to Mancuso), etc. Many of us hope that the convergence of mirrorless, DSLR and medium-format features will continue, and that by being explicit and vocal about our photographic needs, manufacturers will listen. Sony definitely listened between the introduction of the a7R and the a7RM2. Let's hope they continue to listen and evolve their offerings.
I will continue to campaign for lossless compressed RAW. You can ignore me if you wish.
*******Joe, I have no intention to ignore you or anyone and campaigning for any change for the better is a great thing and I am all for it. Would I like lossless RAW's? Sure why not if they improve my final output IQ. This is not the issue I was pointing out. What I was stating is not having lossless RAW files is NOT a unknown a7rII specific objectionable condition prior to purchase. Like the above car purchase the buyer knows going in the car he is buying is white not red. The Sony buyer right now knows going in that it does not have lossless RAW files thus can't be considered as a a7rII specific issue to complain about. Yes we can state we would want a different this or that and if this wheel squeaks loud enough these things most likely will be done but as of right now if one pays their money the current RAW file Sony uses is a GIVEN going in. If it is a deal breaker then right now Sony is not their preferred product going in.******
Joe