Sony a7r II Review – Dynamic Range Compared to Canon 5DsR, Canon 1Dx and Nikon D810

September 21, 2015 ·

Michael Tapes

web-1-Screen-Shot-2015-09-21-at-12.19.22-PM

Publishers Note:  A few weeks ago I was in conversation with Michael Tapes about the NEW Sony A7R II camera and the dynamic range that this new camera and sensor is capable of – especially when compared to other popular DSLR cameras.

If any of you know Michael, you will know he is a very meticulous in his processes and methods.  First off, he is an excellent photographer.  He is known best for his WhiBal, FocusTune and LensAlign products.  These are incredibly useful tools for photographers.  His main focus with his products and photography, in general, is to get the most out of the image and to make sure the color balance and focus are accurate.

As we spoke, he discussed a method he’d like to try to test the dynamic range of the new Sony sensor used in the A7R II.  I suggested that the only way this could be done well was to do a comparison.  I have always seen that once you have something to compare something else with you have a reference for true evaluation.   He agreed and said he would undertake a comparison test with the Sony A&R II, Nikon D810, Canon 1Dx and the Canon 5dsR.

Today Luminous-Landscape is pleased to share Michael Tapes’ review video on the Sony A7r II Dynamic Range – Part One.  We choose to present this in a video format as it is easier to understand what you see in this fashion.  The video runs about 20 minutes.

Also, Michael has provided some files that can be downloaded for inspection on your computer.  The link for the download is below.  You’ll download a zip file that contains 16 files.  These are broken out into 4 sets, 4 (one for each camera) at ISO 100 normal exposure, 4 files at ISO 100 pushed 5 stops, 4 files at ISO 6400 Normal exposure and 4 files at ISO 6400 pushed 5 stops.  Once you see the video, you’ll understand better what these files represent.

I’d like to thank Michael for sharing this with our readers and we hope you’ll find it helpful as a means to understand the Dynamic Range of the new Sony A&R II sensor as well as the other cameras that it was compared to.  We will be exploring the Sony A7R II’s other abilities in future articles.  Michael is already busy working on these.

The Video

The Files

Sony A7r II Dynamic Range Test Images - 16 files

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Avatar photo

Michael is a life-long photographer, inventor, and designer of professional audio and photographic products. He owns and operates Michael Tapes Design, well known for their innovative products LensAlign, FocusTune, WhiBal and Instant JPEG from RAW. As both a teacher and student, Michael continues to explore the boundaries where art and technology meet.

You May Also Enjoy...

Guide to Capture One Pro 8 (Update) Just Released

September 10, 2015 ·

Christopher Sanderson

We have just published a new set of videos on Guide to Capture One Pro 8 (Update) Kevin Raber, James Johnson and a special talk


JVC HM100 Demo

January 13, 2009 ·

Michael Reichmann

Press the PLAY button. The video might then take a short while till it begins. You may need the free Adobe Flash player to view