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Sony A7R II vs Nikon D810 DSLR System Considerations: Battery Life, Weight, Service and Support
See also: Reader Comment: Travel Cameras, Small Kit.
The mirrorless camera market has displaced the DSLR from many of its strongholds. Various attributes account for this: weight and size of camera and lenses, EVF display, new features, etc.
But a product is far more than specifications and a few lenses, and the serious shooter or the pro that must rely on a product to get the job done may have more considerations than are obvious at first glance, some in the “plus” column, and some not.
Here are just some of the things one might consider:
- Size and weight of the camera and lenses, especially the weight that actually gets the job done (e.g. enough batteries). Drone users might have to use mirrorless in some cases (for example).
- 'Killer' app: the Sony A7R II image stabilization makes handheld shooting much more viable at risky shutter speeds.
- The Sony A7R II EVF EVF make it possible to shoot manual focus lenses with critically sharp focus, impossible with the crude (for accuracy) optical viewfinder of the DSLR.
- Focus accuracy under the conditions needed.
- Availability of suitable optics for the job(s), the value they retain over time, the ability to get them serviced promptly and professionally the need arises and/or loaners.
- System value a year or two after purchase, longer term value of lenses and camera.
- Service and support. In this regard, either Nikon or Canon are serious contenders, with Sony offering truly awful service and support. This might stop some pros right there—and it ought to.
- If prompt and professional service and support are lacking, this could weeks-long waits without a camera—so a camera that costs about $3200* like the Sony A7R II really costs twice that: a spare body is mandatory for anyone needing to deliver work to a client. No-one shooting for a living can go without a camera for a week, let alone the 4-6 weeks service may take.
- Realistic lifespan of the camera, particularly if there is poor service and support (1/2/3/5 years later, what happen and is it an issue?).
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