Switching my camera from APS-C size to Full-size (SONY α7 II)

[Introduction]

I have operated this blog as a travel blog with lots of photos, so I haven’t dealt with photo equipment itself such as camera body and lenses so far. However, since I have entirely changed my camera system, I will write about it just for your reference.

[Main Part]

Used Sony’s interchangeable camera (APS-C size) for five years

It was in June 2011 when I bought a Sony’s interchangeable camera for the first time. I was fascinated with a SONY’s TV commercial located in Onomichi and bought SONY NEX-C3.

Since then, I have used SONY’s interchangeable camera for five years, though I have replaced older model with new models a few times. Recently I have used α6000 for two years. Anyway, in terms of camera, I love SONY 🙂

Just to mention sensor size, all of the cameras I have used (from NEX-C3 to α6000) have APS-C size image sensor. On the other hand, SONY has introduced “α7” series that have full-size image sensor since November 2013.

Generally speaking, full-size camera is better than APS-C size camera in terms of image quality, but as far as I have used APS-C size camera, I am satisfied with it. In addition, full-size camera is more expensive, larger and heavier than APS-C camera. So, I didn’t expect to switch from APS-C camera to full-size camera at all until when I pressed the shutter of SONY α7 II just for trial at SONY Ginza Building the other day…

Surprised at shutter sound

SONY holds seminars for SONY users and I often attend them. The other day (3/13), I went to SONY Ginza Building to attend a seminar. Since I arrived at the venue earlier, I tried SONY’s camera, in particular “α7” series, just to kill time.

Now SONY lines up six models for “α7” series, which are α7, α7 II, α7R, α7R II, α7S and α7S II. I realized each model has different shutter sounds and when I tried α7 II, I was really impressed with its shutter sound.

“Oh my God, this shutter sound is great. Loudness, pitch and feeling to my arms, all of them are perfect for me!”

So far I haven’t placed so much weight on shutter sounds when I chose cameras, as shutter sounds themselves do not have any impacts on image quality. However, the shutter sound of α7 II changed my mind. After I pressed the shutter of α7 II, I thought I would like to have α7 II to hear its shutter sound.

Decided to switch to full-size camera

Well, so much for preamble. I bought α7 II and switched to full-sized camera!

In addition, I bought three full frame format lenses (SEL1635Z, SEL55F18Z and SEL90M28G).

[Closing]

From tomorrow (3/20), I am going to Onomichi where a SONY’s TV commercial (SONY NEX-C3) was shot. As mentioned, the TV commercial became a trigger for me to buy SONY’s camera. So, this is the ideal place for me to take first photos with my new camera (α7 II).

When I return from my trip, I will write articles about it with lots of photos, so please stay tuned with my blog 🙂

[Edit] After using α7 II for two years, I replaced it with the successor model (2018.04).
“Change Camera Setting from “α7 II ＆ SEL1635Z” to “α7 III ＆ SEL1635GM””