A very timely thread for me.
Evaluating the merits of all the choices is so personal that it is near impossible to be definitive. As Guy says, it's great that we have so many choices :thumbs:
Whether one is a recent convert evangelizing on the joys of a rangefinder like Keith, or long time addict like Jono or myself … Leica owns the rangefinder way of seeing … unless you have "seeing" issues like Jack (I also almost had to bail on Ms before cataract surgery corrected my problem, and astigmatism along with it).
If, like Jack, I had bailed on Ms, I would not have bought back into expensive M lenses just because the A7/A7R came along. There are just to many other great choices these days. But I didn't, and kept it all which allowed exploration beyond only a M solution.
My personal evaluation of how the Sony A7R fits into the array of my gear bag:
Despite 36 meg resolution, the A7R is not a replacement for my S2 kit. The S2 sits comfortably at the top of my IQ list by a good margin. Likewise, extensive testing of the M240 served only to show just how good the S2 really is. Since ALL of my S mount lenses are CS versions, comparisons are moot anyway.
The A7R is not a replacement for my Leica Monochrome. The whole rangefinder aspect aside, even 36 meg B&W conversions can't equal the presence of the 18 meg B&Ws from the Leica. Dedication matters.
The A7R is not a replacement for the Sony A99. The A7/A7R doesn't have IBIS, doesn't have dual card slots, doesn't have the versatile LCD, and is ill suited for work with a speed-light.
IMO, the A7/A7R need not be compared to anything.
It exists in my bag for one reason: size.
It says in my bag for one reason: size.
It goes with me often for one reason: size.
Size without giving up excellent IQ. Size while delivering low light performance. Size that allows use of small native AF lenses, plus many other smallish lenses. Size that doesn't hog space in the A mount bag when serving as a side-kick for available light work beyond the A99's ability.
In some areas it stands on its own, and while it cannot replace any of my various kit, it oddly can serve as back-up to all of them … not bad for the price IMO.
- Marc