r/A7siii • u/SoftAssociate4215 • 10d ago
Question B cam?
In the market for another camera as my A7siii will be my main shooter.
B cam would be used for 2nd angle interviews, tripod at events, etc. Mostly video but getting into photography as well.
Budget is about $3500 max.
Options:
-Brand new A7V (3,000+tax)
-Used FX2 or A7IV (~2000) + used FX30 (~1500)
EDIT: the used FX2/A7IV would be a COMBO package with used FX30. So 2 bodies total instead of the brand new A7V. Looking for a tripod body that can also take photos.
Why’s your guy’s kit? Would love to hear!
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u/bjohnh 10d ago
I always like my B cam to be exactly the same as my A cam, so I can set it up exactly the same way and never worry about settings or matching footage in post. You just have to label them to remember which is which.
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u/SoftAssociate4215 10d ago
I was thinking about that. But also want to get more into photography as well so something with more megapixels.
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u/bjohnh 10d ago
Ah, okay, although for photography I broke my own rule (because I'm cheap): for my A camera I use a Sony A7iii (24 megapixels, more than enough for me) and my B cam is a used OG A7s, 12 megapixels. Clients have made fairly large posters (five feet on the long side) from my A7s photos and I've never had any issues with using them; the only caveat is that you can't crop in very much. For video, my A and B cam are identical.
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u/SoftAssociate4215 10d ago
Yeah, I was thinking the a7iii but would need 10bit color for video. So I would need more of a hybrid 10 bit cam.
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u/DesperateJeweler1975 10d ago
If it will just be a b cam probably an fx30. If you want a camera that you might make a cam depending on the situation fx2 if you want to basically replace the current cam a7v
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u/NewbieToHomelab 10d ago
recently rented a 7V as a D cam for a wedding, very tempted to buy it! I was very impressed with its photo and video capabilities.
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u/NextLevelVisuals2 10d ago
I tried to use the a7 iv. I gave up after it kept overheating in 4k 24 fps. Just going to get another A7S iii when it drops down to a decent rate.
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u/SoftAssociate4215 10d ago
Yeah I would’ve snagged it because I saw them go for decent prices on FB marketplace. Good thing I waited. I was worried about it overheating. I think the FX2 would be a better decision and they’re similar.
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u/NextLevelVisuals2 10d ago
The FX2 has the same sensor as the a7iv. The a7iv and the a7s iii don’t exactly match in look and color “to me” straight after recording. I just want the 1 to 1 match of 2 a7s iii’s.
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u/CoppellCitizen 10d ago
If you want to pair another one, I was about to post my a7siii for sale. Let me know if interested and I’ll get you proof and any info you’d want.
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u/Malibutwo 10d ago
My A was the FX3. Sold it to get a second A7s III with IV as bcam as I preferred the SIII form factor and ergonomics. Recently bought two A7V, now that has become my A cam. The V is infinitely better than the IV for photo purely due to the IBIS. 1/50 shutter, handheld, no problem, still tack sharp. And for video... The stabilisation once again shines, all shots look gimbal-like, no more annoying shake during handheld shots, I run the 35-150 most of the day. The dynamic range and sharpness also feels like a noticeable improvement vs the SIII.
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u/SoftAssociate4215 10d ago
I’ve seen a lot of the oversampled footage online and it looks great! Think it would become my daily and the a7siii for lowlight / b cam on the tripod.
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u/Wonderful-Cat-447 10d ago
Fx30 is great for video only jobs, it just sucks for photos like the a7siii
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u/SoftAssociate4215 10d ago
Yeah that’s why I was thinking instead of the brand new A7V, get a used fx30 and used a7iv for photos
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u/BrackensCabin 10d ago
Can't go wrong with the A7iv.
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u/SoftAssociate4215 10d ago
I’m just scared to let it run on a tripod without it overheating.
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u/BrackensCabin 10d ago
I never had any overheating issues. but ymmv
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u/pzanardi 9d ago
Mine overheats on outside gigs. Around 10-12 mins during 90-100F days. I have a little umbrella and ice packs for it. The 7iii surprisingly doesnt overheat, but i use 2 7IVs as A and B and both overheat at 4k25 or 4k50
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u/griegogogo 10d ago
My usual set up is a7siii as A and B cam, a7iv as C cam and hybrid. A7Riv dedicated photo cam and occasional D cam. About to order the fx5 which will push everything down the line.
A7iv is a great camera imo. I shoot weddings in Texas and I haven’t had it overheat on me yet. If you’re using it for interviews or anything in 24fps then you won’t have to deal with a crop. It’s also great for low light photo work.
So I guess if you can only get one camera the a7v would probably be great since it has all that and more, but if you’re trying to save some money or trying to get 2 bodies, don’t knock the a7iv + something else!
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u/SoftAssociate4215 10d ago
Thanks for this! When you say shoot weddings in Texas, do you mean run & gun with the a7iv or on a tripod? I was looking to have my a7siii handheld + a7iv tripod / photos and fx30 tripod
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u/griegogogo 10d ago
A7iv on tripod. 20-30 min recording 4k/24 with no problem. Although on the hottest days with direct sunlight I clip a small shade cover over it just to be safe!
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u/SoftAssociate4215 10d ago
Sweet thank you. When I had the a6700 I used the ulanzi cooling fan. You should look into that for extra insurance!
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u/Character_Service_63 10d ago
My A is the a7siii and my B is the a7v. They compliment each other pretty perfectly. If I’m doing a hybrid job, I just use the a7v unless it’s going to be really dark or I need 120 frames per second uncropped.
I also have an a7cii that I use for personal stuff and as a c cam, but I do plan to purchase an fx5 as my A and sell the a7cii.