Sony a7SII New Design (Rumor)

[tillhavis]

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[dcloud]

based on a7r II overheating issues, seems like a good idea. better battery options too i hope

 

[dmitrizigany]

Hmm... My pet theory is that the next FS video camera will be full frame. Maybe based on the A7S chip.
Maybe it doesn't make that much sense with an A7Smk2 if the A7rII already has 4K internal (and it's problematic).
The VG10/20/30/900 line didn't do too good as far as I know, but with better sensors and codecs they would make great b cams. So maybe something between a A7 and a VG camcorder?

 

[Ebrahim Saadawi]

Makes complete sense.

They clearly can't do 4K in the A7s body or even the larger A7rII due to limited size and cooling system. So going larger is the only single choice they have to make the a7sII people expect (reliable/normal internal 4k from the 12mp beast of a sensor plus IBIS).

I would guess they'll go bigger and make DSLR size/shape, like a 70D/xc10, not go camcorder shape with a big departure (VG30)

The XC10 design is very neat actually but let down with a few quirks, so if it's executed Sony-style it'd be a killer camera (E-mount, a7s buttons, and an EVF plus the ability for the XLR module) that design with the beast 12 mp FF native sensor, IBIS, 4K codec to dual SDs, NDs, larger Canon-size battery, it would be the closest we ever got to the perfect balanced camera. I say go ahead and copy the XC10 platform. If not, a DSLR platform with e-mount would suffice.

 

[k0bayashi]

Makes complete sense. They clearly can't do 4K in the A7s body or even the larger A7rII due to limited size and cooling system. So going larger is the only single choice they have to make the a7sII people expect (reliable/normal internal 4k from the 12mp beast of a sensor plus IBIS). I would guess they'll go bigger and make DSLR size/shape, like a 70D/xc10, not go camcorder shape with a big departure (VG30)....

That's also the same rumour I've heard from a few sources lately - the next A7s or video centric Alpha series camera (whatever they call it) will have a XC10-like shape, to deal with precisely the cooling required for internal 4K from a Full Frame sensor and also built-in 3 stop ND filter. So I won't be surprised to see an announcement at IBC in two weeks or maybe later in October/November. I'd buy a camera like that in a split second. Would become my A-cam to my RX10 2.

 

[dmitrizigany]

My Dream Wishlist for any new Sony A7SII (or whatever it's called)

I think those wishes are way optimistic for the A7-series.
But something along those lines could come as a FS-series full frame camera, which is my guess will come pretty soon. Something in the $4-5000 range to fill the void of the FS100/700. My guess is that it would have limitations in codec/bit depth/frame rates with no raw output etc. And be a bit of a testing ground for future high end full frame video cameras.
Sony could probably be quite aggressive on the pricing of such a camera as the 28-135 lens would almost be an obligatory buy for owners of it

As for A7SmkII, it seems like a tough nut to crack. As the A7S was the most expensive in the A7 line, if that still holds true, an A7SmkII would have to sell for something like $3500, which puts it a bit too high for most DSLR shooters, I'd guess.

 

[dmitrizigany]

Hi Dmitrizgany ! Your probably right about being optimistic, then again if they are set on becoming a disruptive force maybe they will go some way towards this.

They are also a major corporation. They cannot allow their "cheap" still cameras to compete too much with the video cameras.
Also the A7 line is by heart still cameras that shoot video. The FS line is the e-mount video cameras. I think that distinction will remain.
My guess is there will be an A7SmkII, that will not deviate too far from earlier versions and then there will be a FS series full frame video camera.
But I'm also just speculating and know nothing!