Sony A7CR First Impressions: Why I Chose It Over the A7 IV and a7RV.

Written By jack bell

Sony A7CR: My New Camera

For the past few years, I’ve mainly been shooting with the Sony A7R IV. It’s an incredible camera that I’ve loved using, and it has been everything I needed for still photography, up until recently.

Sony A7Riv

I also picked up the Sony A7 IV. With its endless possitive reviews and hybrid capabilities, I thought it would be the perfect solution for both photo and video. But that wasnt the case: every time I reached for it, something felt off. Not because it’s a bad camera, but simply because I didn’t enjoy using it.

That’s something many people overlook when buying gear: how it feels. The A7 IV never inspired me to shoot, so I stuck with the A7RIV for stills.

so why the change? i wanted smaller, lighter, keeping a high resolution sensor. Then, after some consideration, I decided to add the Sony A7CR to my kit. Ticking all of the boxes for me, ergonomics, weight, image sensor and most importantly, it just feels right.


Why the A7CR over the Sony A7RV?

Simply because it is smaller, more compact, and extremely lightweight. (and more affordable) For me, it’s about portability too, and a camera as small as the a7CR is almost pocketable with the right lens. i like to carry my gear in a small camera sling, and i am able to fit this body along with 2 primes, easily, whilst keeping lightweight and comfortable to carry. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a camera, but this was my biggest concern with this latest purchase.

That’s what led me to the Sony A7CR. On paper, it checked all my boxes:

  • Compact and lightweight

  • Same high-resolution files I love from the R series

  • Ergonomics that just feel right for me.

Most importantly, I want to pick it up. That alone makes a huge difference. When a camera feels good in your hands, you’ll take it everywhere and that leads to more photos, and more joy in the process, allowing progression in your photography.

It also helps me keep a minimal set up. I don’t want to pack multiple bodies and a mountain of lenses “just in case.” For short trips, one reliable, enjoyable camera is all I need.

Sony A7CR

Early Impressions

It’s still early days with the A7CR, but so far, I’m impressed. I’ll share a full review once I’ve spent more time travelling and shooting with it.

The left-side viewfinder turned out to be a small change that makes a big difference, it’s more comfortable, more enjoyable, and one more reason this camera feels right.

And for those wondering: I went with the all-black version. Why? First, it draws less attention when shooting. Second, the silver trim cut off by the lens mount would’ve driven me crazy every time I looked at it.

Maybe you have been considering a change in your camera, maybe it is the a7cr. This isn’t a post to share what I think you should do, but maybe it can help you consider more carefully when looking for your next gear purchase. choose intentionally.


Here is a small selection of the First few images I shot with the Sony A7CR:







jack bell