Thanks
@dmaxphil !
After experimenting with a few modes I found Expand Flexible Spot to work great with these shots. When you go through so many files you get a real feel for how well the camera (and photographer
) performed. When the stage was well lit the hit rate was almost perfect. Even in low light the AF hit rate was 90% or better. The buffer on the A7rii seemed endless and left the NEX-7 in the dust. It never slowed down the camera for me and I was shooting consecutive bursts one after another. I was extremely pleased with the results.
I will say that it is a camera you need to spend time with. I imagine a Fuji or Olympus would be easier to use, but once you set up a few custom buttons and learn the modes on the A7rii you're off to the races. Then Fn button has become my favorite - it sends you to a grid menu that allows you to quickly changes the major settings (ISO,SS,f/stop,AF,WB,etc.)
As for surprises - I was surprised how well IBIS works. The complexity of the menu was also a bit overwhelming, you really need to spend time on it. Biggest negative surprise was the battery life. Using the cameras side by side, I feel the battery life of the A7rii is less than half that of the NEX-7. I assume the better EVF and IBIS have a lot to play with that.
I have 2 native FE lenses. The 55mm and the Sony 85mm 1.8.
Both are great but I'm quickly warming up to the 85.
The image quality is a good step up from the NEX-7, especially above ISO 400. My 8mm fisheye no longer renders purple vignetting on this camera. The images also feel much less "digital" to me and I feel the color rendering is much better.