Why I Chose the A7S II in 2025: The Perfect 2-Camera Setup for Client Work

Introduction: Embracing My Roots and New Beginnings

Hello, everyone! Drew here, excited to share some thrilling updates for 2025. I'm coming to you from my family home in Washington State, nestled in what my folks call the "heritage suite." While relaxing here, I've been reflecting on my journey and the tools that have shaped my videography career. Today's blog post is all about my recent gear upgrade for Christmas and why the A7S II is now a mainstay in my toolkit.

Camera Upgrade: From A7S I to A7S II

The festive season brought me the Sony A7S Mark II—it’s an exciting leap from the Mark I, which I've cherished since 2016. My journey with the A7S I began with my project "Benlo's Locker" because of its phenomenal performance in low-light settings. The upgrade enhances my ability to conduct two-camera shoots, now essential for my client work.

Previously, the challenge was synchronizing my camera with my videographer’s equipment, which didn't support S Log2. This made post-production color matching rather tedious. Now, with both cameras shooting in S Log2, achieving consistency in color grading is a breeze.

Features That Make a Difference

The A7S II comes equipped with in-body stabilization, a game-changer for anyone wanting to work with vintage glass manual lenses. The original A7S lacked this, making handheld shots with a manual lens a challenge. With in-body stabilization, I can securely shoot handheld and use a monopod, opening up creative opportunities when filming my upcoming short film.

For those wondering why I didn't opt for models like the FX 30, my decision hinges on practicality. While 10-bit recording is excellent for high-end commercial work, my typical projects—video business cards, testimonials, and training videos—don't require such intense color correction. With proper lighting and framing, 8-bit with S Log2 suits most needs.

Workflow Enhancements

Although occasionally I might need 10-bit for projects like short films, accessories like the Ninja V or Blackmagic Video Assist allow me to record in 10-bit if necessary. The flexibility of renting these tools or borrowing from fellow videographers solves 10-bit needs without hefty investments.

Real-World Application and Benefits

The dual-camera setup, primarily used for interviews and event videos, integrates seamlessly into my workflow. The improved low-light capabilities are crucial for unpredictable venue lighting during event shoots. Both cameras support time code synchronization, simplifying multi-camera setups.

Concluding Thoughts

In closing, the A7S II is an unexpectedly versatile tool, even competing alongside newer models. For aspiring videographers on a budget, vintage lenses paired with this camera offer cost-effective solutions without sacrificing stability or quality.

While the 30-minute recording limit of the A7S II may seem a hindrance, there are reliable workarounds, such as configuring the record button or utilizing open memories tweaks.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of my upgraded setup. Whether you're diving into videography or weighing equipment options, I hope my insights offer valuable guidance. The A7S II, though an older model, remains robust, capable, and a testament to investing wisely in equipment. Here’s to capturing more incredible stories in 2025!

Thank You

Thanks so much for checking out this blog post. I really appreciate your attention and hope you found this content both entertaining and valuable.

If you did, you know what to do—subscribe if you haven't to stay updated with my next adventure.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and as always, stay classy!