JesseDriftwood I was at a Sony store yesterday. I had the camera in my hand. I wanted to buy but... I just can’t get over the missing flip LCD... Sorry Sony.
As more of a photo guy, I definitely prefer the tilt screen. I think it would definitely make sense on a video focused model though. Perhaps, the A7S III will have one.
9:25 i have a sony a6500 and when i first got it, i went filming without the face detection autofocus and was pretty disappointed with the focus hunting. It was SUPER BAD and i was confused, because when doing my research i saw people saying it was amazing. Then after tweaking the settings and using the face detection + zone/wide i noticed its a game changer, even when there's no face to detect (idk why), the autofocus gets REALLY great, extremely reliable and fast. Rarely have focus hunting now. Probably you had something similar since you said you didn't use the face detection autofocus to use it like you do with Canon, but i thought it would be good to share this, since it's a thing that happens and nobody told me about when i got the a6500.
I have the a6500 as well and completely agree with you. Setting the focusing area to wide and turning on Face detection makes it perform a lot better. At some point i'm planning on selling my a6500 and upgrading to the A7III.
@Kartikeya Sundaram No. It's just different and people complain about new things. I actually find it easier to navigate than my Nikons, but personal preferences vary.
I understand that you were using the center point focus point like you do With Canon, but not using all the Sony features to get best performance doesn’t seem like a fair comparison for the Sony. Would have loved to see how much better if wouldn’t perform when using face detection autofocus as well after you had a couple problems with hunting focus when in Hawaii
I agree completely. His video is the only one I've seen this camera hunt like that. The AF in this camera is one of the best I've seen... it's the reason I forked over 6k to make the switch from Nikon... lmao
Yeah I've seen videos of people vlogging with the A7SII and was curious how the hell they were getting such good AF with it since I've seen it look so bad in other videos, it's all about dat face detection.
Dude,you gotta use the technology..Face detection af-c normal works great.If you had that on you would have seen a night and day difference..Cine 2 and 4 works great. no need for s-log on this camera..
Creative Films that's good to here - I want to buy the A73 and didn't fancy having to work in slog - if there's a relatively easy to work with profile that great news
You didn't use FACE DETECT?!?!? WTF!!! ;) How can you then say that the Canon still has better AF when you didn't even use the built-in Sony AF feature we called FACE DETECT... using your 'logic' you should have turned off the Canon Dual-Pixel AF because the Sony didn't have it either.
Streets of Vancouver why are you mad? 😂😂 He was using it how he regularly uses it. He doesn't use face detection on canon, so he compared this to the way he regularly films. Btw cannons AF is better. Face detection or not.
So he didn't use Face Detect in the review... but then you assert how much better the "Canon" AF is than the Sony (though the Face Detect feature also meters the light of the skin tone off of the face that is detected which is a superb feature).
Victor Valencia better marginally and better in only some situations. Max Yurvey showed that the a7iii and Canon dual pixel autofocus trade blows with either camera out performing the other depending on the situation .
I’m really surprised with the autofocus issue you had. I definitely would have used face detect. It works very well. I’ve had no issues with my A7iii autofocus yet. It’s incredible, especially the eye AF for photos.
I agree, one of the biggest selling points of the camera from a video perspective was overlooked simply to compare to a system that was designed differently is a little disappointing. But I've seen all the reviews i need to know that this camera is almost perfect for me and is my next purchase haha
The Sony A7III is definitely a beast! Definitely using face detection would improve the autofocus for sure. Also I talk with my hands a lot also and it can trick the auto focus sometimes but I haven't had that issue with the A7III. Overall it's a great camera and would love to see you pick it up and put it to use. I know that voice is in the back of your head getting louder over time 🤣🤣. See you on the other side, great vid.
Matti Haapoja the idea that you wanted to use the Sony the way you use your Canon is probably the least logical attempt at a comparison I've heard. Why limit yourself by not using new and better technologies that Sony provides to get a better result? Otherwise why progress technology at all? You may have been the only one to say it's bad but I imagine you are the only one who decided to bypass using what the camera actually offers. End rant 🤣
We found the same thing with the A7S2, 120fps + s-log3, footage was falling apart so bad. We switched to 60fps for slow motion and s-log 2 and it's a bit cleaner like you mentioned. Loved the way that pool scene graded! Color was so good!
Love you videos and I’m pumped that you really enjoyed using it, but I think that this review doesn’t quite do the camera justice. Face detection AF is amazing, low light, DR, 4K, video features plus amazing photographic capabilities really make this the best hybrid camera (I think) of all time for the price point.
Dude, I LOVE when you talk about cameras. You're very technical and give honest reviews no matter what. I really appreciate it because if you were bias and I go by your recommendation and it turns out it freaking sucks, I'd be MAD. I really appreciate to know what I have to deal with and fix after I splurge on a tool. If I could give you an advice: I would've loved to see you using all the Sony features instead of trying to replicate Canon's. I now is what you are used to, but explore everything as a whole.
I agree on all points except for the AF hunting but as others here said - set to wide and add face detection, charm! Bur regarding the colors and profiles, guys, invest in EOSHD Color Pro3 and ProLOG , you get all the settings for 5 picture profiles that you then use for stills and video, and you’re also geting great LUTs in the package. Look it up on the internet and there’s also a forum to ask.
I bought a 6D ii a few months back and have been pretty uninspired by it. This camera is a game changer! Cant wait to eventually get one! Great review Matti!! Also your Hawaii footage is buttery smooth goodness!
Hey Matti, I just want to thank you for inspiring people like me who want's to be a creator. I just started youtube and trying the things that I learned from you and Peter. Hoping you could support me with this journey. BTW, Congrats on the new office! AND and I hope you do a live Q&A with Peter too!
Yay! Probably will get mine this june, been watching tons of videos about it, but it's great to see the opinion of those we watch constantly! Thanks Matti! Regards from Brazil!
I love my sony, I went with the a6500 though. For your average dude the 6500 does almost everything almost as well, but the final decision was based on the G 18-105 lense for the crop sensor. It was just so much cheaper than comparable full frame glass.
About what you said around 6:40 - using dial to shoot slowmo. If you use the S&Q it is only 60mbit. If you shoot it in the normal 120p 100mbit it is much better. About compression artefacts - you can go around it ;) but you have to modify your profiles. Simply setting your saturation to higher value will improve the color problems after grading A LOT! Other modifications can improve SOOC material and the compression problems will be almost gone. The only downside - if you are using LUTs made for SLOG - they will not work properly. About the AF yes it can be bad at times but it is like everything else with Sony - you have to get used to it and find the right settings that work for you. After that it works very good. It even has the lock-on function via touch screen like the Canon but it is kinda hidden and you have to activate it... Nothing in Sony cameras work perfect from the beggining, you have to take your time and learn how to make it work. After that it is surprisingly good at many things.
Happy to hear you say that you love vlogging in 1080 - I use the A6500 and I just don’t have time to edit and upload in 4k (time poor teacher over here!)
Panos Economou yep - my channel is education focused - so there isn’t as big a focus on cinematic footage (I think I might be one of the few in my field of expertise actually incorporating b-roll even!)
"It would be nice to see some improvement in the autofocus." they did, and it was called face detection, and I love it! It has been a game changer for me and I would love you to actually give it a try and see what you think.
Forgive me, but the S&Q mode is baked into the video in real time, correct? This seems unnecessary and risky when it comes to getting those shots. Wouldn't it be better to just shoot in a higher frame rate and do it in post for the flexibility?
Ok this makes a little more sense in regards to focus. It seems like most that use video in this format are using constant focus with face detect. Great review! Thanks!
Thank you Matti! You are the first person "in the world" mentioning, that the bitrate is stretched on more frames, which takes a lot of magic out of the fact 1080p 120p. Because smartphones can do this with reduced bitrate too. And f.e. Canon 5D4 could do this too easily I think. They just didn't want to loose the quality. But technical limitation is the bitrate, which hasn't progress in this camera if you ask me. Canon could leave the decision to us to choose between high fps and high bitrate though.
Overall, glad to hear you approve of this camera. I’m going to pick one up as soon as I sell some of this Canon gear. I’m excited for the improvement in video quality and the EyeAF for stills!
Great review Matti! As far as the autofocus, I never tried the a7 iii, but the a7r iii doesn't do the hunting at all. Didn't see it in over 100 videos shot with it so far. I'm able to use the ronin, pass in front of an object and it keeps the focus on what I want or even better if you use the touch focus it works really well to respect the focus point. Another side note, no issue editing 4k in Final Cut on any computer I have, and export is as quick as in 1080p almost. I would say 0.45sec/min of footage in export time. If that helps people who have a crazy workflow. I also really like the colour that comes out right out of the camera, especially with the creative style "Light". Another quick note, if the face autofocus is on, it's pretty damn good and never failed me so far. I decided to get the a7r iii because it's overall a more complete camera, but for sure if budget is tight I do think the a7 iii would be a really good choice. I would never go back to Canon ever, even after using the 1DX ii because the footage is not as sharp I feel, the files are gigantic, the images are pretty much like the 5d iv and the only thing appealing is the fast burst for me as I do a lot of sports shot. 10fps is way enough for what I do and I think for what 98% of people shoot. That's my food for thought! Have a great day brother and keep up the good work
Nice review but I have to disagree with you with not using the Eye/Face detect AF. You just said that companies should provide a flip-out screen for their cameras given this age of self filmmaking/vlogging. Therefore, having Eye/Face detect AF is big advantage for these kind of videos and shouldn't be neglected simply because you wanted to use the A7III the same way you would use your Canon.
Cool review... when you compared the dynamic range to Canon, it was a definate win for the Sony, but your skin tone looked way more natural on the Canon one. I am not a fanboy of either brands, but my current camera could use an upgrade (Fuji X-T1), and before I upgrade to the X-H1 I want to consider other brands as well (I want to do more with video).
Whahahaha... you have been bitten by the bug and you’ll have a Sony in about 3 weeks (as soon as the next shipment arrives). But please turn on Face Detection next time because I have not seen another vlog that had focus hunting like you had in the previous vlog. So, forget your old Canon habits and embrace the new world order lol. ...and when you try Eye AF for photos, you’ll pee your pants! Guaranteed. :-D As for a flip out screen, at least the screen does move for lower and upper shots and that makes a big difference. I think we’ll see the a6500 update to a stellar vlogging camera. It already has incredible autofocus, the APS-C sensor is remarkable and the entire set up is small, light and affordable. I’m speculating that the a6500 just might address this niche. I just got the a7III and I love it!! What a spectacular camera! (Sadly, a solid decade of Canon use has ended). Please note,.. adapted lenses do not work well with video and autofocus. They are fine with photography but adapted lenses for video is Manual Focus. Native e-mount lenses are very fast and sharp. Zeiss is behind much of Sony’s glass and even the Sigma Art series is coming out for Sony and they too have a great reputation. So... the Sony Seed has been planted and it won’t be long. The Canon 6DmkII is sadly a joke compared to this a7III camera... I know it and so do you. A flip out screen shouldn’t be the deal breaker! Lol Dear Canon, after just over 10 years of using Canon cameras, waving the Canon flag, and pointing others to your product line... the long long long long wait for this type of camera is over. Sony listened to the market and produced what we were all waiting for. I have left Canon because I ‘have to’. The switch has been expensive and difficult, and that’s your fault. The bottom line is, staying with Canon was crippling my business growth. You have too many starter level cameras, more than I can even count, and then a massive leap to pro gear that is out of reach for most users trying to grow. Features have been held back to protect the upper levels and in the end you have lost trust, respect and the very abled buyers who wanted to grow. I know Canon will eventually step up and drop a camera on the table that kicks ass, but, it’s too late. The aggressive videographers who needed better tools have already left. And now that the a7III has hit the market, the game has changed. Even DSLR’s are now on their way out. Times have changed, technology has moved forward yet again and this new Sony camera is all the evidence anyone needs to see that change has arrived. Onward and Upward... Don’t let your lens droop! 😄
You say the footage takes more time to color grade than Canon footage. Wouldn't the new Premiere update solve that issue? I am talking about the new color matching feature, you just need a reference picture (or clip), click on a button and let Premiere do the rest (and adjust it afterwards if needed).
Auto-focus could be better? You didn't use the camera properly then complain about it could be better? Stop trying not to be bias, because it's all over your lame attempt not to. Why did you even call this a review bro? Anyways you got yourself a "Click". "...I enjoyed Hd because 4k is so hard to edit .." ~~ lol
Great review Matti. I've been keenly interested in seeing trusted creatives with real world, unbiased reviews. Seems like an interesting camera. I don't usually like smaller cameras, simply the ergonomics don't work well, but that could be because I'm used to something bigger. I guess, with all my Canon glass, I'm hoping Canon step it up, and quickly. I don't want to switch because of the cost involved. I'll wait and see for now, working older kit which is just about still suitable for me. If the focus with face detection works as well as Canon, then that's a huge deal. Colour grading could be harder for less experienced, but if it's pretty close, it's not too hard to learn. Really interesting stuff Matti. Looking forward to the next video. Cheers JT
We are waiting for our shipment! I'm a canon girl (photography) but with starting to film weddings we needed something lighter on the gimbal. So bought the A7III for my husband to mainly use on the gimbal. I"m really struggling though with my own camera upgrade for film making. I currently have two 5D mark III and a bunch of L-lenses. UG! If i switch sony i would want to stay native on the glass for the AF purposes for weddings. But I'm also considering the 1DX but man, that price point! HOWEVER, sony camera + native lenses might equal the amount i'd pay for a 1DX mark ii with my current lenses. So unsure on what to do....file sizes and cards scare me on that thing!
Glenn Strid very frustrating hearing mention the autofocus. The face detection is equal for video to canon. As someone that owned a 5d mark 4 and 80d and currently owned a a7r3
Thanks for explaining how you were using the focus mode. I was really worried when I saw all the focus pulling in the Hawaii video. I am pretty sure if you had face detection going it would have been stable.
I've been Canon exclusive up to this point, but there definitely seems to be some value to the Sony. Especially with 120 frames, dynamic range, and low light! Thanks for making this one Matti.
one thing about my 6D ii, all of the AF points are only in the center of the frame, even the 1DX ii has the same, they are all packed in the center, the new Sony has more 90% coverage, that's interesting.
Great review Matti. I noticed the AF hunting in the other video, which kinda killed it for me. The 6D MkII is so good in that respect, but good to see Sony have a few different options for it. Sony's low light performance is amazing. No competition there. The flip screen is the deal breaker though. Not having that after having the luxury of one on the 6D MkII would drive me nuts. Maybe Sony will incorporate one next time.
11:20 Actually the A7iii outperforms the A7sii in low light video. There's already shootout videos proving this... Also why would a person vlog with this camera and have Phase Detection turned off? Let's be honest the lack of a flip out screen is the only real knock on the this body. But for only $2k compared to the competition is it really a knock? This plus the new Black Magic Cinema 4k camera will be my 1, 2 combo this fall.
with the smallHD focus honestly the flip out screen isnt that big of a deal anymore these days anyway, naturally having a flip screen would make it alot easier to carry around but yeah there are work arounds
For Auto Focus, I can't stress enough about the importance of needing to use Face Detection mixed with Wide/Zone focus rather than Center focus. It'll HUGELY improve results for vlogging purposes.
Is it fair to not use the face detection, which by most accounts/reviews is great, and then say the auto focus is "2nd place"? It seems like the face detect feature is precisely what is keeping Sony competitive with Canon in that department. I know it's not a feature you use on Canon, and you DID mention that face detect would have made the focus perform better, but I would imagine that a lot of people curious about upgrading or changing camera systems would want to know how all of the features hold up. Other than that , thanks for the great vid!
User error on this one... Sony af is a different tool than a canon. Unfortunately the af was handicapped by the setting choice for the task it was asked to do...
Matti! Bajezus! I have a massive Q for you: When you show the circles where the bitrate is breaking down... I can't tell! I need to know what you see that I don't. I'm happy to lug gear for a week for free for the answer. I live in TO. PLEASE help get me to that next level! (awesome vlog, BTW... many bows to the master! :)
i think its a bit weird that you would turn off face recognition. I get that you would want a fare comparising but your judging a camera without use of the full potential of the camera. And I think that with it turned on you would never have the focus hunting. Because if you watch other vlogs where a sony camera is used you dont see this problem with the hunting.
I've been waiting to hear what you had to say about this camera. I had initially clicked Peter's vid to watch it and as soon as saw your thumbnail. I had to switch to yours first ;) ... now back to my regularly scheduled youtube watching LOL I do plan on getting this camera. I am switching from an APS Nikon to this one.
superconfused about the autofocus on this camera and if it actually works. you said it didn't focus on you face when you had face detection off, but that it probably would if you only had it on. Well why didn't you have the function on in the first place to give it the best chance possible. It seems to me like cutting of it's leg and asking it to run... just not gonna happen. Will the autofocus always search the way it did in your vlog? I didn't understand if the autofocus worked or not...
Dude, you should be using the face detection. Not sure why you’d want to handicap the Sony - it’s a feature it has so why not use it regardless of if canon has this or not. You’d have quite a different experience of the auto focus, but sounds like you are aware of that. I’ve heard people say the canon dual pixel auto focus in video is better but my experience of it is different. I used an 80d and found it inferior to my a6500. But then it has a flip out screen so that’s a big benefit, come on Sony - flip out screen please....
Great review Matti! Did they give you a production model of the A7iii? I’ve been using Sony a while and have never had issues with hunting like that, seems very strange. Glad you gave it a fair shot though!
He mentioned that he decided not to use face detection. Personally I don't understand the logic for not using the tech if it's there, especially considering that face detection and eye autofocus on this thing are killer based on what literally everyone else has shown.
"I was playing around with all the settings [but I didn't use the facial recognition to aid with the focus issue]" Missed opportunity for a true comparison. I'll have to find someone else who gave this camera a "true" test.
A Family of 5 for vlogging 16-35 2.8 gm. Currently using rx100 for RUclips which is amazing but can’t wait for better image quality and audio. For photography and cinematics I got the Sony 35 1.4 and batis 85 1.8!! So excited to get back into the photography aspect
RaymeHendrix the image is breaking up; you can see little squares when panning. There is less data there (where he circled in his video). I had the same thing on the mavic pro, but dji increased the mbps in the air & I dont have those issues anymore
I've got the A7SII and waiting for the A7S III ;) I'm loving the Sony Mirrorless options though. It's possible to love both Sony and Canon right? Because I DO. PS: Agreed with the flip screen. Surprised they didn't adapt this for the III.
Really good to hear about the battery option as well, because that''s a big complaint with the A7SII is battery endurance. I looked at the battery grip as an option but it's $499 CND for a GRIP?!?!?!? No....thanks.
Ya most likely. It's the ONE thing they're missing that will put them ahead of the game. That with the increase in their lens library which is growing crazy fast now.
I'm getting this! But i think asking for flip out lcd screens for every camera is unfair, this is obviously a camera geared towards filmmakers not vloggers, though you can use it as a vlogging camera, sony is more focused on the pro film industry unlike canon who's gearing their efforts towards the digital vlogging community.
Vlogging aside I’ve allllways wanted a flip lcd on every camera. It’s great on gimbals or glidecam or sliders or anything. And not just filmmakers either photographers too for low shots or high shots. I don’t think either are gearing anything towards vlogggers.
Really good review! I´m looking for my first full format camera, but it´s really hard! Any tips out there? Right know I´m between Nikon D850, Sony A7III and Sony A7RIII. I do a lot of video, but love to take photos as well! Love the channel Matti! I have gotten some really good tips from your tutorials :D
I know this going to sound crazy but I been watching this video more like 20 times already because I want to be sure what I see is what I get, I watch this video in my computer I have the Dell 39th ultra wide, I watch it in my Galaxy S8, s9, S10, iPhone 8, x Samsung Tab S4, OnePlus 6t, lg v40. And all the times I've been watching this video the Sony looks way better I prefer the Sony colors they looks more warm and they'd appealing way better to the eyes, I'm try and try to understand what people think about color sciences. I've been a Canon forever user but I prefer Soni colors in special for photos. I wish you can do it video just about color science because I think maybe you'll be surprised people don't know where they talking about about color science. I guarantee you people with shoes the Soni colors, they looks way better in my opinion. They looks more like film.
Dude. Try the a7r3 love mine. LCD way brighter and sharper as well as EVF. Same with the a9. Also as someone that owned a 80d and 5d mark 4, i can assure you that the face detection puts it right there with dual pixel. Like no difference whatsoever, no hunting, nothing. I will be getting another canon to join my sony but (I just love canon) but will keep the Sony as a everyday shooter do to its ibis, 4k, 42mp and portability.
Soooo anybody getting the A7III?
Already got it
Yeah, just been waiting for your review boss
Matti Haapoja got it and ❤️ it!
I am. Waiting for it in Colombia
Yes it's not in dubai yet
Dear Sony, put in a flip LCD. Charge an extra 200 bucks.
Sincerely, everyone.
Take $1000 while your at it! haha
shhhh! don't give them any ideas JesseDriftwood! ;) I've got 9 kids to feed! (I don't really have 9 kids to feed) but still...SHH! ;)
this and then, TAKE MY MONEY!!!
JesseDriftwood I was at a Sony store yesterday. I had the camera in my hand. I wanted to buy but... I just can’t get over the missing flip LCD... Sorry Sony.
As more of a photo guy, I definitely prefer the tilt screen. I think it would definitely make sense on a video focused model though. Perhaps, the A7S III will have one.
9:25 i have a sony a6500 and when i first got it, i went filming without the face detection autofocus and was pretty disappointed with the focus hunting. It was SUPER BAD and i was confused, because when doing my research i saw people saying it was amazing. Then after tweaking the settings and using the face detection + zone/wide i noticed its a game changer, even when there's no face to detect (idk why), the autofocus gets REALLY great, extremely reliable and fast. Rarely have focus hunting now. Probably you had something similar since you said you didn't use the face detection autofocus to use it like you do with Canon, but i thought it would be good to share this, since it's a thing that happens and nobody told me about when i got the a6500.
btw, loved the review
Hagazo people complain about the interface and usability on the a6500. I'm planning to buy it.. is it that bad?
I have the a6500 as well and completely agree with you. Setting the focusing area to wide and turning on Face detection makes it perform a lot better. At some point i'm planning on selling my a6500 and upgrading to the A7III.
@Kartikeya Sundaram No. It's just different and people complain about new things. I actually find it easier to navigate than my Nikons, but personal preferences vary.
Good tip. I mostly shoot animals and didn't think it would help with them but I'll try the face detect and see if it does better.
"Some improvement can be made to autofocus"... They did. It's called face detection, you just have to use it lol.
EXACTLY!!! ...why couldn't he get this?! SMH
I understand that you were using the center point focus point like you do With Canon, but not using all the Sony features to get best performance doesn’t seem like a fair comparison for the Sony. Would have loved to see how much better if wouldn’t perform when using face detection autofocus as well after you had a couple problems with hunting focus when in Hawaii
I agree completely. His video is the only one I've seen this camera hunt like that. The AF in this camera is one of the best I've seen... it's the reason I forked over 6k to make the switch from Nikon... lmao
I like his review. I also agree that if he was in face detect it would have NEVER hunted! Min locks on for dear life and never hunts in that AF mode!
it is quite stupid indeed.... :-S it is like compare a bike and a ferrari at 20km/h....
Yeah that's what I wondered about as well .. doesn't make any sense and this way the 1st video makes it look pretty bad
Yeah I've seen videos of people vlogging with the A7SII and was curious how the hell they were getting such good AF with it since I've seen it look so bad in other videos, it's all about dat face detection.
Dude,you gotta use the technology..Face detection af-c normal works great.If you had that on you would have seen a night and day difference..Cine 2 and 4 works great. no need for s-log on this camera..
Creative Films "i want to use it the same way as i do it with the canon cameras" makes no sense when there are better tools for the auto focus 😂
Creative Films that's good to here - I want to buy the A73 and didn't fancy having to work in slog - if there's a relatively easy to work with profile that great news
Mark, do you shoot with PP Off with this?
Brian Mulligan FCPX
You didn't use FACE DETECT?!?!? WTF!!! ;)
How can you then say that the Canon still has better AF when you didn't even use the built-in Sony AF feature we called FACE DETECT... using your 'logic' you should have turned off the Canon Dual-Pixel AF because the Sony didn't have it either.
Streets of Vancouver why are you mad? 😂😂
He was using it how he regularly uses it.
He doesn't use face detection on canon, so he compared this to the way he regularly films.
Btw cannons AF is better. Face detection or not.
So he didn't use Face Detect in the review... but then you assert how much better the "Canon" AF is than the Sony (though the Face Detect feature also meters the light of the skin tone off of the face that is detected which is a superb feature).
Victor Valencia better marginally and better in only some situations. Max Yurvey showed that the a7iii and Canon dual pixel autofocus trade blows with either camera out performing the other depending on the situation .
Obviously he's a Canon guy.
"Let me review the Sony fairly but first let me take the face detection autofocus off so Canon can have a better shot"..... WTH
I’m really surprised with the autofocus issue you had. I definitely would have used face detect. It works very well. I’ve had no issues with my A7iii autofocus yet. It’s incredible, especially the eye AF for photos.
I agree, one of the biggest selling points of the camera from a video perspective was overlooked simply to compare to a system that was designed differently is a little disappointing. But I've seen all the reviews i need to know that this camera is almost perfect for me and is my next purchase haha
Have to agree with you! :)
He is canon's fan boy showing us the full power of Sony's A7iii is not good
Agreed, no issues focusing at all, ever. Continuous and Spot (S) works great overall with face detect / eye focus
Agree too. No issues so far with autofocus.
The Sony A7III is definitely a beast! Definitely using face detection would improve the autofocus for sure. Also I talk with my hands a lot also and it can trick the auto focus sometimes but I haven't had that issue with the A7III. Overall it's a great camera and would love to see you pick it up and put it to use. I know that voice is in the back of your head getting louder over time 🤣🤣. See you on the other side, great vid.
CJKnowsTECH just keep it on standard and not responsive than you should not have a problem with hand movements...
You're probably the first person I've heard say the autofocus could be better.
Hah yea I tell it like it is 😊
Matti Haapoja no complaints there! That’s why I’m subscribed. Thank you for this in-depth review.
Matti Haapoja the idea that you wanted to use the Sony the way you use your Canon is probably the least logical attempt at a comparison I've heard. Why limit yourself by not using new and better technologies that Sony provides to get a better result? Otherwise why progress technology at all? You may have been the only one to say it's bad but I imagine you are the only one who decided to bypass using what the camera actually offers. End rant 🤣
That's what I was thinking. If he would've used eye AF he wouldn't have said that
Lol for the reply.
We found the same thing with the A7S2, 120fps + s-log3, footage was falling apart so bad. We switched to 60fps for slow motion and s-log 2 and it's a bit cleaner like you mentioned. Loved the way that pool scene graded! Color was so good!
Love you videos and I’m pumped that you really enjoyed using it, but I think that this review doesn’t quite do the camera justice. Face detection AF is amazing, low light, DR, 4K, video features plus amazing photographic capabilities really make this the best hybrid camera (I think) of all time for the price point.
Face detection autofocus puts Sony’s Autofocus above Canon in my opinion. No question. I keep it on all the time.
Dude, I LOVE when you talk about cameras. You're very technical and give honest reviews no matter what. I really appreciate it because if you were bias and I go by your recommendation and it turns out it freaking sucks, I'd be MAD. I really appreciate to know what I have to deal with and fix after I splurge on a tool. If I could give you an advice: I would've loved to see you using all the Sony features instead of trying to replicate Canon's. I now is what you are used to, but explore everything as a whole.
I agree on all points except for the AF hunting but as others here said - set to wide and add face detection, charm! Bur regarding the colors and profiles, guys, invest in EOSHD Color Pro3 and ProLOG , you get all the settings for 5 picture profiles that you then use for stills and video, and you’re also geting great LUTs in the package. Look it up on the internet and there’s also a forum to ask.
I bought a 6D ii a few months back and have been pretty uninspired by it. This camera is a game changer! Cant wait to eventually get one! Great review Matti!! Also your Hawaii footage is buttery smooth goodness!
Yea it’s basically just a good vlogging camera. This one is good for everything
Hey Matti, I just want to thank you for inspiring people like me who want's to be a creator. I just started youtube and trying the things that I learned from you and Peter. Hoping you could support me with this journey. BTW, Congrats on the new office! AND and I hope you do a live Q&A with Peter too!
Nice work matti ! Love how you give all brands a go so happy you did a review on this camera
Great review. Nice to see some honest feedback from a Canon shooter
Yay! Probably will get mine this june, been watching tons of videos about it, but it's great to see the opinion of those we watch constantly! Thanks Matti! Regards from Brazil!
Yea man do the research and try it out!
I love my sony, I went with the a6500 though. For your average dude the 6500 does almost everything almost as well, but the final decision was based on the G 18-105 lense for the crop sensor. It was just so much cheaper than comparable full frame glass.
About what you said around 6:40 - using dial to shoot slowmo. If you use the S&Q it is only 60mbit. If you shoot it in the normal 120p 100mbit it is much better.
About compression artefacts - you can go around it ;) but you have to modify your profiles. Simply setting your saturation to higher value will improve the color problems after grading A LOT! Other modifications can improve SOOC material and the compression problems will be almost gone. The only downside - if you are using LUTs made for SLOG - they will not work properly.
About the AF yes it can be bad at times but it is like everything else with Sony - you have to get used to it and find the right settings that work for you. After that it works very good. It even has the lock-on function via touch screen like the Canon but it is kinda hidden and you have to activate it... Nothing in Sony cameras work perfect from the beggining, you have to take your time and learn how to make it work. After that it is surprisingly good at many things.
Happy to hear you say that you love vlogging in 1080 - I use the A6500 and I just don’t have time to edit and upload in 4k (time poor teacher over here!)
Are you happy enough with the 1080p footage from a6500?
Panos Economou yep - my channel is education focused - so there isn’t as big a focus on cinematic footage (I think I might be one of the few in my field of expertise actually incorporating b-roll even!)
"It would be nice to see some improvement in the autofocus." they did, and it was called face detection, and I love it! It has been a game changer for me and I would love you to actually give it a try and see what you think.
The face focus is much better... but more than anything, turn the focus speed down.. and that really makes it much much better and smoother.
Forgive me, but the S&Q mode is baked into the video in real time, correct? This seems unnecessary and risky when it comes to getting those shots. Wouldn't it be better to just shoot in a higher frame rate and do it in post for the flexibility?
Ok this makes a little more sense in regards to focus. It seems like most that use video in this format are using constant focus with face detect. Great review! Thanks!
oooooohhhhhhh decisions.... hmmmmm :P
It’s deeeeefinitely good option 🙌🏻
I dare ya
Thank you Matti! You are the first person "in the world" mentioning, that the bitrate is stretched on more frames, which takes a lot of magic out of the fact 1080p 120p. Because smartphones can do this with reduced bitrate too. And f.e. Canon 5D4 could do this too easily I think. They just didn't want to loose the quality. But technical limitation is the bitrate, which hasn't progress in this camera if you ask me. Canon could leave the decision to us to choose between high fps and high bitrate though.
Overall, glad to hear you approve of this camera. I’m going to pick one up as soon as I sell some of this Canon gear. I’m excited for the improvement in video quality and the EyeAF for stills!
Fantastic review Matti! I hope to see more footage and content from this camera!
Maybe if I get my hands on one again 🙌🏻
I think with vlogging you might want to switch the AF to not responsive so it doesn't try to hunt for new target when you're not moving
My A7 III just came in today! I'm loving it so far!
Great review Matti! As far as the autofocus, I never tried the a7 iii, but the a7r iii doesn't do the hunting at all. Didn't see it in over 100 videos shot with it so far. I'm able to use the ronin, pass in front of an object and it keeps the focus on what I want or even better if you use the touch focus it works really well to respect the focus point. Another side note, no issue editing 4k in Final Cut on any computer I have, and export is as quick as in 1080p almost. I would say 0.45sec/min of footage in export time. If that helps people who have a crazy workflow. I also really like the colour that comes out right out of the camera, especially with the creative style "Light". Another quick note, if the face autofocus is on, it's pretty damn good and never failed me so far. I decided to get the a7r iii because it's overall a more complete camera, but for sure if budget is tight I do think the a7 iii would be a really good choice. I would never go back to Canon ever, even after using the 1DX ii because the footage is not as sharp I feel, the files are gigantic, the images are pretty much like the 5d iv and the only thing appealing is the fast burst for me as I do a lot of sports shot. 10fps is way enough for what I do and I think for what 98% of people shoot. That's my food for thought! Have a great day brother and keep up the good work
Soo you disabled the focus and compare it to $6000 Canon?
Seams fair.
Nice review but I have to disagree with you with not using the Eye/Face detect AF. You just said that companies should provide a flip-out screen for their cameras given this age of self filmmaking/vlogging. Therefore, having Eye/Face detect AF is big advantage for these kind of videos and shouldn't be neglected simply because you wanted to use the A7III the same way you would use your Canon.
Cool review... when you compared the dynamic range to Canon, it was a definate win for the Sony, but your skin tone looked way more natural on the Canon one. I am not a fanboy of either brands, but my current camera could use an upgrade (Fuji X-T1), and before I upgrade to the X-H1 I want to consider other brands as well (I want to do more with video).
I agree about the screen...I'm in a wheelchair and it literally helps so much
I can see the difference in skin tones matti always talks about. Eventually I'll see the parts where it falls apart due to lower mbps lol
The mirrorless camera that changed everything for hybrid creators!
Whahahaha... you have been bitten by the bug and you’ll have a Sony in about 3 weeks (as soon as the next shipment arrives). But please turn on Face Detection next time because I have not seen another vlog that had focus hunting like you had in the previous vlog.
So, forget your old Canon habits and embrace the new world order lol. ...and when you try Eye AF for photos, you’ll pee your pants! Guaranteed. :-D
As for a flip out screen, at least the screen does move for lower and upper shots and that makes a big difference. I think we’ll see the a6500 update to a stellar vlogging camera. It already has incredible autofocus, the APS-C sensor is remarkable and the entire set up is small, light and affordable. I’m speculating that the a6500 just might address this niche.
I just got the a7III and I love it!! What a spectacular camera! (Sadly, a solid decade of Canon use has ended).
Please note,.. adapted lenses do not work well with video and autofocus. They are fine with photography but adapted lenses for video is Manual Focus. Native e-mount lenses are very fast and sharp. Zeiss is behind much of Sony’s glass and even the Sigma Art series is coming out for Sony and they too have a great reputation.
So... the Sony Seed has been planted and it won’t be long. The Canon 6DmkII is sadly a joke compared to this a7III camera... I know it and so do you. A flip out screen shouldn’t be the deal breaker! Lol
Dear Canon, after just over 10 years of using Canon cameras, waving the Canon flag, and pointing others to your product line... the long long long long wait for this type of camera is over. Sony listened to the market and produced what we were all waiting for. I have left Canon because I ‘have to’. The switch has been expensive and difficult, and that’s your fault. The bottom line is, staying with Canon was crippling my business growth. You have too many starter level cameras, more than I can even count, and then a massive leap to pro gear that is out of reach for most users trying to grow. Features have been held back to protect the upper levels and in the end you have lost trust, respect and the very abled buyers who wanted to grow.
I know Canon will eventually step up and drop a camera on the table that kicks ass, but, it’s too late. The aggressive videographers who needed better tools have already left. And now that the a7III has hit the market, the game has changed. Even DSLR’s are now on their way out. Times have changed, technology has moved forward yet again and this new Sony camera is all the evidence anyone needs to see that change has arrived.
Onward and Upward... Don’t let your lens droop! 😄
You say the footage takes more time to color grade than Canon footage. Wouldn't the new Premiere update solve that issue? I am talking about the new color matching feature, you just need a reference picture (or clip), click on a button and let Premiere do the rest (and adjust it afterwards if needed).
Auto-focus could be better? You didn't use the camera properly then complain about it could be better? Stop trying not to be bias, because it's all over your lame attempt not to. Why did you even call this a review bro? Anyways you got yourself a "Click". "...I enjoyed Hd because 4k is so hard to edit .." ~~ lol
True dat, its like getting a ride with a ferrari, manual shift and not going over 2nd gear
Great review Matti. I've been keenly interested in seeing trusted creatives with real world, unbiased reviews. Seems like an interesting camera. I don't usually like smaller cameras, simply the ergonomics don't work well, but that could be because I'm used to something bigger. I guess, with all my Canon glass, I'm hoping Canon step it up, and quickly. I don't want to switch because of the cost involved. I'll wait and see for now, working older kit which is just about still suitable for me.
If the focus with face detection works as well as Canon, then that's a huge deal. Colour grading could be harder for less experienced, but if it's pretty close, it's not too hard to learn.
Really interesting stuff Matti. Looking forward to the next video.
Cheers
JT
We are waiting for our shipment! I'm a canon girl (photography) but with starting to film weddings we needed something lighter on the gimbal. So bought the A7III for my husband to mainly use on the gimbal. I"m really struggling though with my own camera upgrade for film making. I currently have two 5D mark III and a bunch of L-lenses. UG! If i switch sony i would want to stay native on the glass for the AF purposes for weddings. But I'm also considering the 1DX but man, that price point! HOWEVER, sony camera + native lenses might equal the amount i'd pay for a 1DX mark ii with my current lenses. So unsure on what to do....file sizes and cards scare me on that thing!
I think with face detection the autofocus would be the same as the canon......But good video as always 😎👍
You're such an inspiration...
Thanks for the amazing content you upload. Cheers from Brazil.
I love the grade in the vlog. Very natural, did you use a LUT or did you just grade it manually?
too bad you didn't try face detection as well. It is there to help! Otherwise great review once again!
Glenn Strid very frustrating hearing mention the autofocus. The face detection is equal for video to canon. As someone that owned a 5d mark 4 and 80d and currently owned a a7r3
All Cars United mind breaking that down for me, did not quite get it. Haha!
Thanks for explaining how you were using the focus mode. I was really worried when I saw all the focus pulling in the Hawaii video. I am pretty sure if you had face detection going it would have been stable.
Does Playmemories work on this one? heard it doesn't????
That seemed like a really even review. Enjoyed it. What I really want to see is one on the new black magic pocket cinema!
I've been Canon exclusive up to this point, but there definitely seems to be some value to the Sony. Especially with 120 frames, dynamic range, and low light! Thanks for making this one Matti.
one thing about my 6D ii, all of the AF points are only in the center of the frame, even the 1DX ii has the same, they are all packed in the center, the new Sony has more 90% coverage, that's interesting.
Great review Matti. I noticed the AF hunting in the other video, which kinda killed it for me. The 6D MkII is so good in that respect, but good to see Sony have a few different options for it. Sony's low light performance is amazing. No competition there.
The flip screen is the deal breaker though. Not having that after having the luxury of one on the 6D MkII would drive me nuts.
Maybe Sony will incorporate one next time.
11:20 Actually the A7iii outperforms the A7sii in low light video. There's already shootout videos proving this... Also why would a person vlog with this camera and have Phase Detection turned off? Let's be honest the lack of a flip out screen is the only real knock on the this body. But for only $2k compared to the competition is it really a knock?
This plus the new Black Magic Cinema 4k camera will be my 1, 2 combo this fall.
couldn't agree more
with the smallHD focus honestly the flip out screen isnt that big of a deal anymore these days anyway, naturally having a flip screen would make it alot easier to carry around but yeah there are work arounds
Really solid review
For Auto Focus, I can't stress enough about the importance of needing to use Face Detection mixed with Wide/Zone focus rather than Center focus. It'll HUGELY improve results for vlogging purposes.
Is it fair to not use the face detection, which by most accounts/reviews is great, and then say the auto focus is "2nd place"? It seems like the face detect feature is precisely what is keeping Sony competitive with Canon in that department. I know it's not a feature you use on Canon, and you DID mention that face detect would have made the focus perform better, but I would imagine that a lot of people curious about upgrading or changing camera systems would want to know how all of the features hold up. Other than that , thanks for the great vid!
User error on this one... Sony af is a different tool than a canon. Unfortunately the af was handicapped by the setting choice for the task it was asked to do...
Notification squad ✌️ Matti ❤️❤️❤️ was waiting for ur review
🙌🏻
Loved the review! Not quite thinking it's right for me, but we'll see! I'm still surprised how boss my old Rebel T3i has been. The hunt continues :P
Matti! Bajezus! I have a massive Q for you: When you show the circles where the bitrate is breaking down... I can't tell! I need to know what you see that I don't. I'm happy to lug gear for a week for free for the answer. I live in TO. PLEASE help get me to that next level! (awesome vlog, BTW... many bows to the master! :)
Matti! Please please please, can you do a video about Log and Cine profiles? Thank you!
Hey! Can you do a video on which lenses would be best for sony A7iii and also keeping the cost as a deciding factor
i think its a bit weird that you would turn off face recognition. I get that you would want a fare comparising but your judging a camera without use of the full potential of the camera. And I think that with it turned on you would never have the focus hunting. Because if you watch other vlogs where a sony camera is used you dont see this problem with the hunting.
I've been waiting to hear what you had to say about this camera. I had initially clicked Peter's vid to watch it and as soon as saw your thumbnail. I had to switch to yours first ;) ... now back to my regularly scheduled youtube watching LOL
I do plan on getting this camera. I am switching from an APS Nikon to this one.
I got mine last week, shot a wedding this weekend and I absolutely love it!!!😍
I will say, Using face detection makes a world of difference, after owning both canon and sony cameras.
Hey Matt, check out Jason Vong. He is really knowledgeable about Sony cameras and has videos on how to best use the autofocus on them.
superconfused about the autofocus on this camera and if it actually works. you said it didn't focus on you face when you had face detection off, but that it probably would if you only had it on. Well why didn't you have the function on in the first place to give it the best chance possible. It seems to me like cutting of it's leg and asking it to run... just not gonna happen. Will the autofocus always search the way it did in your vlog? I didn't understand if the autofocus worked or not...
benjamin mellingen no, he's trying to sling the advantage to Canon. He didn't use face detect which is bs
well he is canon guy hahaha , man when he switch on the face detection . this beats will kill canon dual pixel methode .
Rad review! The colors are definitely not quite as good as Canon’s but otherwise it seems like a killer camera, especially at the price point.
I just got mine yesterday. I love it already. My canons are staying in the house
THANK YOU MATTI FOR THIS ONE!
Dude, you should be using the face detection. Not sure why you’d want to handicap the Sony - it’s a feature it has so why not use it regardless of if canon has this or not. You’d have quite a different experience of the auto focus, but sounds like you are aware of that. I’ve heard people say the canon dual pixel auto focus in video is better but my experience of it is different. I used an 80d and found it inferior to my a6500. But then it has a flip out screen so that’s a big benefit, come on Sony - flip out screen please....
Face detection doesn't work in 120p mode, at least on a7riii, only work 60p below.
Hmm. Don't see you do any content with Peter lately. Lol. Thought something like this would be interesting if Peter is involved
Got my A7iii yesterday. Loving it so far
Great review Matti! Did they give you a production model of the A7iii? I’ve been using Sony a while and have never had issues with hunting like that, seems very strange. Glad you gave it a fair shot though!
this is a great review? we dont even see the camera!
He mentioned that he decided not to use face detection. Personally I don't understand the logic for not using the tech if it's there, especially considering that face detection and eye autofocus on this thing are killer based on what literally everyone else has shown.
What was the minimum iso on slog 2 & 3? Did you use an ND ?
I want to hear Mattys and Peters opinion on Fuji cameras (x-t2/x-h1).
Interested to know what lenses you were using when you camera was 'hunting' for autofocus. I've heard native lenses operate a lot better.
I‘m going to get the A7III and step up my filmmaking game. So far I only use iphone, but becoming a professional requires an upgrade :)
Any reviews on the GH5S in comparison to the Sony A7Riii?
Hey Matti! Great review! I would love to know how well it does with Canon glass! Anyone else?
Thank you for your review, Matti!
Great video bud!👌💯
Good morning my man! I will consider this camera pretty hard. I need some good slo-mo
Go for it
I don't like this Talking down into a Camera thing you are peter do... Pretty Annoying. Have everything at eye level...
"I was playing around with all the settings [but I didn't use the facial recognition to aid with the focus issue]" Missed opportunity for a true comparison. I'll have to find someone else who gave this camera a "true" test.
Parker walbeck i saw he review a a7iii and 1dx mark ii.
Waiting for my order from
B&H. Sooooo hyped to take my vid quality to the net level. Already got all my glass in just need the body 😩😩
Yea man it’s awesome 🙌🏻
Ernest Arrellano what glasses did you get?
A Family of 5 for vlogging 16-35 2.8 gm. Currently using rx100 for RUclips which is amazing but can’t wait for better image quality and audio.
For photography and cinematics I got the Sony 35 1.4 and batis 85 1.8!! So excited to get back into the photography aspect
Also I bet it would better if you use the WIDE auto focus setting, not center.
What do you mean by "it's falling apart" when talking about the 120p?
RaymeHendrix the image is breaking up; you can see little squares when panning. There is less data there (where he circled in his video). I had the same thing on the mavic pro, but dji increased the mbps in the air & I dont have those issues anymore
I've got the A7SII and waiting for the A7S III ;) I'm loving the Sony Mirrorless options though. It's possible to love both Sony and Canon right? Because I DO. PS: Agreed with the flip screen. Surprised they didn't adapt this for the III.
I think so! I rocked a canon Sony and Panasonic for the longest time
Really good to hear about the battery option as well, because that''s a big complaint with the A7SII is battery endurance. I looked at the battery grip as an option but it's $499 CND for a GRIP?!?!?!? No....thanks.
The next gen bodies for Sony will definitely have them. Their goal is to eliminate all competition it seems like.
They will do it for the a6700 i think...
Ya most likely. It's the ONE thing they're missing that will put them ahead of the game. That with the increase in their lens library which is growing crazy fast now.
I'm getting this! But i think asking for flip out lcd screens for every camera is unfair, this is obviously a camera geared towards filmmakers not vloggers, though you can use it as a vlogging camera, sony is more focused on the pro film industry unlike canon who's gearing their efforts towards the digital vlogging community.
Vlogging aside I’ve allllways wanted a flip lcd on every camera. It’s great on gimbals or glidecam or sliders or anything. And not just filmmakers either photographers too for low shots or high shots. I don’t think either are gearing anything towards vlogggers.
You should use camera How it's meant to use haha nice review and that slow mo was awesome 😘
Really good review! I´m looking for my first full format camera, but it´s really hard! Any tips out there? Right know I´m between Nikon D850, Sony A7III and Sony A7RIII. I do a lot of video, but love to take photos as well!
Love the channel Matti! I have gotten some really good tips from your tutorials :D
I know this going to sound crazy but I been watching this video more like 20 times already because I want to be sure what I see is what I get, I watch this video in my computer I have the Dell 39th ultra wide, I watch it in my Galaxy S8, s9, S10, iPhone 8, x Samsung Tab S4, OnePlus 6t, lg v40. And all the times I've been watching this video the Sony looks way better I prefer the Sony colors they looks more warm and they'd appealing way better to the eyes, I'm try and try to understand what people think about color sciences. I've been a Canon forever user but I prefer Soni colors in special for photos. I wish you can do it video just about color science because I think maybe you'll be surprised people don't know where they talking about about color science. I guarantee you people with shoes the Soni colors, they looks way better in my opinion. They looks more like film.
Dude. Try the a7r3 love mine. LCD way brighter and sharper as well as EVF. Same with the a9. Also as someone that owned a 80d and 5d mark 4, i can assure you that the face detection puts it right there with dual pixel. Like no difference whatsoever, no hunting, nothing. I will be getting another canon to join my sony but (I just love canon) but will keep the Sony as a everyday shooter do to its ibis, 4k, 42mp and portability.