Sony Mirrorless Cameras

[SkyScrapin]

Not really a good place to post this outside of this sub-forum, so let's give it a go.

I'm looking at a Sony a7R IV as a camera as a solution for photographing immobile objects, but be flexible for action sports too. In theory it's just a toy, and it would be used for shooting pieces of gear, long exposures at night, and as a tool to photograph things for sale.

Looking at the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM lens as my primary lens. The wide field of view pair with copious pixel counts should lend itself to a pretty easy crop/cut job.

I have access to 100% of Adobe's software suite for the ultra flat rate of $free.99, and that's most definitely what will be used for editing.

If you were going down this path, what setup and config would you go with? If you were to persuade me another direction with Sony, what would it be?

 

[Threadcutter308]

What kind of experience do you have in photography ? If it's limited, a high dollar camera like that could have a very steep learning curve. Also, Sony lenses are expensive and are not all that highly regarded. I did have an A7Rii a few years ago and generally I liked it. At that time, Sony didn't have much in the way of lenses, so I used an adapter and used my Leica lenses on it. While successful, all lens adjustments were manual and I finally succumbed to the hassle factor.

If you can get the Adobe software for little/free, go for it. If you've never used something like that before, it also has a healthy learning curve.

Personally, I have Fuji XT-2, -3 and -4 bodies. I have an XF 16-55 f2.8 and a 50-140 f2.8 lens and I love both of them. I use the 16-55 about 80% of the time though. I have avoided buying primes because of hassle factor of constantly changing them and I get such good results with the 16-55.

FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens

Buy FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens featuring X-Mount Lens/APS-C Format, 24-84mm (35mm Equivalent), Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22, Three Extra-Low Dispersion Elements, Three Aspherical Elements, Nano-GI and HT-EBC Lens Coatings, Twin Linear Autofocus Motor, Weather-Sealed Construction...

www.bhphotovideo.com

FUJIFILM XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens with UV Filter Kit

Buy FUJIFILM XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens with UV Filter Kit featuring X-Mount Lens/APS-C Format, 76-213mm (35mm Equivalent), Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22, Five ED Elements & One Super ED Element, Nano-GI and HT-EBC Lens Coatings, Triple Linear Autofocus Motor, Optical Image...

www.bhphotovideo.com

FUJIFILM X-T3 16755657 Replacement for FUJIFILM X-T3 16588509 | B&H Photo Video

Shop B&H's in stock, large inventory for fast shipping, great service and everyday low prices on FUJIFILM X-T3 16755657 Replacement for FUJIFILM X-T3 16588509. For more info, please call 800-947-4415

www.bhphotovideo.com

Holiday/Black Friday sales are hitting a little early. If I had it to do all over again, I would buy the Fuji X-T3 and the Fuji 16-55 that BHP have on sale right now.

Fuji takes a different approach with their cameras/operating systems/controls. They are much more like film cameras of old, mimicing analog. I despise digital menus and having to drill down 6 layers to make a simple parameter change. Fuji is best in this regard.

I also use Iridient Developer for processing. It's simpler than Lightroom/Photshop and yields excellent results. Fuji has an excellent reputation for high quality JPEG's right out of the body and as a result, I post process less now. I also do all my processing on a MacBook Pro with an external Asus Graphics Monitor. Stunning results.

I have been entirely satisfied with my Fuji gear.

 

[SkyScrapin]

Good input.

I’m learning. By no means an expert, but I’m compulsive and will end up spending the time to figure everything out. The more complex the better, else I loose interest. But... I don’t want to be looking for a needle in a hay stack either. Hmmm

 

[gr8fuldoug]

While Fuji is an excellent crop sensor camera, the Sony A7R IV is in a totally different league. It's full frame and 61 MP. We have sold a ton of them and the results are amazing. As far as Sony lenses, their FF lenses are as good as anything coming out of Japan. The learning curve on any of the better cameras today, regardless of brand is higher then in the film days as they have so many features. There are great books on the most popular cameras and awesome youtube videos to help along. In a similar price range is the new Canon R5, we have some coming in by Tuesday. The R5 is amazing and 45 MP and also Full Frame Forget BHP, we, as a sponsor here will do the right thing for you on whatever camera you buy

Feel free to give me a call
Joel
Camera Land, long time SH sponsor
516-217-1000

 

[DangerRanger]

I really enjoy my a7. I use the 35, 55 and 70-200 a lot.

I’d say most of my use is with the 55 but if I could only have one it would be a toss up with the 35 and 55

 

[Threadcutter308]

Good input.

I’m learning. By no means an expert, but I’m compulsive and will end up spending the time to figure everything out. The more complex the better, else I loose interest. But... I don’t want to be looking for a needle in a hay stack either. Hmmm

The best advice that I can give is the advice that I ignored, I learned the hard/expensive way. I bought the expensive/high end "name brand" stuff, but not only didn't it make me a better photographer, I wasn't happy with the results.

Pick your lens brand first. Buy top end and stick with that brand. The Fuji 16-55 fits a very wide bill for me. Look at the reviews on BHP, 5 stars/300 reviews . I started out with an X-T1 body and was really happy with it. I think I paid a grand for it back then. I saw a used one on the local Craigslist the other day for $250.00 Gawd, start with one of them and buy a new 16-55. You'd be into it for ~$1,200.00 and have a really nice set up. As you learn/grow, just upgrade to a newer body. At $250, You could afford to throw the X-T1 in the trash if you wanted, you'd lose so little. Generally, stay away from kit lenses (body and lens combo). Shoot and learn before buying a whole whack of accessories (polarizing filters, etc.).

The photography industry lives to sell the latest trinket, bauble/doodad at the highest possible price via marketing. It's really hard to wade through all the bullshit datasheets/webpages and find something that's right for you. I had Cannon, I had Nikon and I was never happy with them. As I said, I had Sony and it was pretty good, but the lack of lenses (at that time) kind of killed it for me.

For DSLR's the manufacturers come out with a new body every 18 to 24 months. It's called digital rot. The X-T1 above ? I still have it, still love it. But, it went from at least $1K to $250 in a relatively short period of time. Lenses hold their value much better. Also, if you do buy a body, be sure of the accessories that you want to buy for it before purchasing. The manufacturers change the bodies for one generation to the next to make sure the old accessories (battery pack/grips) don't fit the new bodies.

 

[Threadcutter308]

While Fuji is an excellent crop sensor camera, the Sony A7R IV is in a totally different league. It's full frame and 61 MP. We have sold a ton of them and the results are amazing. As far as Sony lenses, their FF lenses are as good as anything coming out of Japan. The learning curve on any of the better cameras today, regardless of brand is higher then in the film days as they have so many features. There are great books on the most popular cameras and awesome youtube videos to help along. In a similar price range is the new Canon R5, we have some coming in by Tuesday. The R5 is amazing and 45 MP and also Full Frame Forget BHP, we, as a sponsor here will do the right thing for you on whatever camera you buy

Feel free to give me a call
Joel
Camera Land, long time SH sponsor
516-217-1000

Yes, wholeheartedly agree, support Hide Sponsors !

 

[Im2bent]

Talk about swatting flies with nuclear weapons. Your op says you want to take picks of gear and occasionally some things for sale. Your smart phone will do that and then some. If you have the bucks to blow go for it though. That camera is top of the line.

 

[NiteQwill]

I used to shoot a Sony. Now I shoot with Fuji. I wouldn't go back. The capabilities and color reproduction of Fuji cameras is amazing. Their lens selection is great. There is a constant argument regarding cropped vs full frame sensors... but I realized that it didn't matter for me. Lots of professionals shoot both systems.

For me, shooting photography is about having fun, just like shooting. I like SOOC photos, I hate editing if I can avoid it, etc. I didn't ever find it enjoyable to shoot Sony (menu is lackluster, moving through menus to have full manual control, large MP files to deal with, etc.).

Good luck!

These are straight out of my Fujifilm X-T4 with a 90 mm f2 and 56 mm f1.2

 

[SkyScrapin]

Talk about swatting flies with nuclear weapons. Your op says you want to take picks of gear and occasionally some things for sale. Your smart phone will do that and then some. If you have the bucks to blow go for it though. That camera is top of the line.

The analogy is fitting and absolutely true. It’s like buying a shitty scope, to then go and buy a slightly better scope, and so on.. I know I’ll want more, and instead of going down the revolving door of optics, just start up high and you’ll be satisfied for ages.

 

[SkyScrapin]

I used to shoot a Sony. Now I shoot with Fuji. I wouldn't go back. The capabilities and color reproduction of Fuji cameras is amazing. Their lens selection is great. There is a constant argument regarding cropped vs full frame sensors... but I realized that it didn't matter for me. Lots of professionals shoot both systems.

For me, shooting photography is about having fun, just like shooting. I like SOOC photos, I hate editing if I can avoid it, etc. I didn't ever find it enjoyable to shoot Sony (menu is lackluster, moving through menus to have full manual control, large MP files to deal with, etc.).

Good luck!

These are straight out of my Fujifilm X-T4 with a 90 mm f2 and 56 mm f1.2

This is the type of post that persuades me. Exactly what was it about the Sony that was that much of a burden? I’d be open to opinions

 

[Threadcutter308]

I used to shoot a Sony. Now I shoot with Fuji. I wouldn't go back. The capabilities and color reproduction of Fuji cameras is amazing. Their lens selection is great. There is a constant argument regarding cropped vs full frame sensors... but I realized that it didn't matter for me. Lots of professionals shoot both systems.

For me, shooting photography is about having fun, just like shooting. I like SOOC photos, I hate editing if I can avoid it, etc. I didn't ever find it enjoyable to shoot Sony (menu is lackluster, moving through menus to have full manual control, large MP files to deal with, etc.).

Good luck!

These are straight out of my Fujifilm X-T4 with a 90 mm f2 and 56 mm f1.2

Yep

And, these are not even full resolution either and they are this good. I think the only people that get to post full res on the Hide are tit posters....

 

[Im2bent]

Yep

And, these are not even full resolution either and they are this good. I think the only people that get to post full res on the Hide are tit posters....

Go on.........

 

[SkyScrapin]

So there’s a lot of value to me in taking a photo and being nearly done with it without throwing it in a photo processing software. What’s the reality that I can do that with the Sony v Fuji or others?

 

[NiteQwill]

This is the type of post that persuades me. Exactly what was it about the Sony that was that much of a burden? I’d be open to opinions

Processing. Plus the use of a Sony camera is NOT intuitive at all. Too many clunky menus. With a Fuji, I just turn a dial and go. I spend less time in a menu, in fact, I rarely (if ever) go through the menu.

Plus, unless you have a good PC/Mac, post processing Sony RAW sucks balls. The files are huge. I use the latest Nvidia dedicated GPU on my PC (and a MacBook Pro) and I still hated it. Now, if I really want to get every pixel out of Fuji's RAF/RAW, I use Iridient Transformer. Honestly, I shoot RAW-JPEG... I end up just keeping the jpeg.

So there’s a lot of value to me in taking a photo and being nearly done with it without throwing it in a photo processing software. What’s the reality that I can do that with the Sony v Fuji or others?

You will have to process Sony RAW images. It's unavoidable.

 

[Mr. F]

@SkyScrapin

Rent before you buy. Most reputable shops will put the rent cost towards final purchase within a reasonable amount of time.

Use that credit to buy cards, bags or whatever else shit you need if you find a good deal somewhere else...

Im a Sony shooter myself. Low light shooting is no joke with a Sony. Lens selection gripes are a thing of the past and sharpness is on par with the top stuff from Canon, Nikon, ect,,,

Menus are not child proof... that said if you can set up a Kestrel, you can set up a Sony Menu and in turn you'll get a ton of custom functions, a ton. If you want a menu/custom button setup thats more linear, look elsewhere.

If you get hi-speed FF lenses for the Sony the in body stab with a FF is hard to beat for the same price at around 2K if you shop the "older ish" current gen A7III series cameras. Video performance between Sony and fuji IN THAT PRICE BRACKET is a wash in my opinion after you factor out the FF sensor.

Rent before you buy

 

[SkyScrapin]

This is all great input. Keep the advice rolling.

I’m all about try before ya buy, but I’m also about keeping the $$ in the family. Doug is going to get my business undoubtedly and I haven’t a clue if rentals are an option. Frankly, I’d be learning how to use the thing from day one and I doubt there would be much gain for me, or them. Hence the RFI.

 

[moosemeat]

Sony hands down. Sony FF lenses are good. Sony G-Master are great. Sigma Art line is as good and made for sony. Sony has smart adapters for other lenses(we have a Sony adapter for canon lens. Works 100%).
More pixels isn't necessarily better. You need more memory(bigger cards) that are faster(more $$) and they dont do as well in lower light with more noise. The a7iii or a7riii maybe better for you than the a7r4.
If you want to get good results in post shoot in RAW. Compose right, settings correct and it takes very little post process, but shoot raw anyways so all the info it available to edit.

ETA- I love Fuji cameras. But to me it's like paying Sako prices for a CZ. It's really good and differnt, but why not just get the TRG if your paying close to the same. If you want to shoot JPEG and dont see a need for FF depth of field and boké Fuji would be my choice.

 

[kl3309]

...Looking at the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM lens as my primary lens. The wide field of view pair with copious pixel counts should lend itself to a pretty easy crop/cut job...

Yes, but no. If your subject is in the center of the frame side-to-side and top-to-bottom, the cropped image from the 24 should be acceptable. Should the subject be off-center, the wide angle lens will show a certain amount of "draw" or linear distortion where the subject stretches out to the extreme corners. Image quality for any given lens also tends to drop off as you move away from center.

 

[SkyScrapin]

I picked up the a7 iii based on Joel’s feedback. He also recommended a solid fixed 35mm lens. This addiction is going to be a problem, just like gun, thermal and night vision.

Hazard4 makes cool camera packs. Who else should I look at?

 

[Mr. F]

I picked up the a7 iii based on Joel’s feedback. He also recommended a solid fixed 35mm lens. This addiction is going to be a problem, just like gun, thermal and night vision.

Hazard4 makes cool camera packs. Who else should I look at?

I love 35mm primes on the A7iii. Look at Sigma real hard

Good stuff

 

[kl3309]

Does Sony have a dedicated macro in the 100mm range? Macro lenses are typically the sharpest in the range. Good focal length for portraiture as well but the sharpness may not be so flattering for some subjects.
You're gonna need an electronic flash (or 3), something with wireless slave capabilities would be preferrable.

 

[SkyScrapin]

Believe they do have a macro, but you're also right, it's prob going to show to much

 

[flyfisher117]

I'm just a poor boi... but I Love my Sony 6400.

Fiancee has only ever ran Nikon but likes the Sony and is considering changing over to the A7 series. Her skills and uses require it. If she does I will have to commandeer it..

 

[NiteQwill]

A touch of Photoshop helps

View attachment 7466293

I can't stand Adobe's subscription pricing. So I can't fathom paying for them.

 

[Animal357]

Agreed. I "purchased" the CS6 version and am still using that. I will not subscribe to their extortion service. I will eventually switch to a competitor rather than subscribe

 

[NiteQwill]

Affinity photo looks like a good alternative. I will probably switch to them at some point

I like capture one. Just wish they offered storage and a mobile app like Lightroom for cataloguing.

 

[SkyScrapin]

I was able to secure Creative Cloud for $129 per year through "friends and family" Adobe discounts. Otherwise, I'd pass.

 

[G-Dog]

I’ve got an old Sony a6000 I bought years ago, and have really like it, even though it is old tech now. Sure it is old, but it shoots well, I am fine with the lenses I picked up, and I REALLY like mirrorless.

It has really good automatic settings, and I don’t think the menus are too bad. For manual mode I’ve configured ISO, shutter and F stop for easy access on the dials. Fast and easy.

Integrates and backs up photos into my phone and online without much hassle.

My next upgrade will be a newer Sony mirrorless, but that’s because I already have lenses and am familiar with it. My wife and I no longer use her cannon, we just grab the Sony. But as many have suggested there are other good options as well.

 

[NineHotel]

I too am a Fuji guy. Buy a generation behind unit for pennies on the dollar (so X-T3 in current parlance), invest in good glass, and use the rest of the money on learning how to shoot pics/

Full frame really is not necessary these days, and the APSC-specific lenses are SOOO much more compact than full frame lenses.

I was heavily invested in Canon. I took an X-T1 home just as a second cameral for landscapes when the big lens was on the Canon body one Friday. The following Monday I consigned ALL of my Canon gear and bought Fuji glass with the funds.

Current rig is the X-T2 with battery grip and a gaggle of lenses, plus an X-E3 as the spare body/landscape camera while out birding with the X-T2 set up with the big lens and birding settings.

The X-T body is small enough to take as a vacation camera when stripped down. Pick up a pancake for it and the 18-55 kit lens and you'll have an awesome travel/vaca setup.

 

[ghostrider272]

Bought a Sony 6000 from Doug and Joel with the kit lens and then added two other lenses. I really like the Sony software. The pictures I've shot with it have been pretty good for a novice like me.

 

[SkyScrapin]

It's possible that I lucked out.

My best amigos broski makes his income off of photography. He uses Adobe Creative Suite for photo editing and I've asked him to show me around the technology and give me sources of youtube accounts that can drive me in the right direction.

Oddly, he doesn't really use a PC for any of his editing. He does it straight from his phone app. Is this common place? Is it easier to do it this way?

 

[NiteQwill]

It's possible that I lucked out.

My best amigos broski makes his income off of photography. He uses Adobe Creative Suite for photo editing and I've asked him to show me around the technology and give me sources of youtube accounts that can drive me in the right direction.

Oddly, he doesn't really use a PC for any of his editing. He does it straight from his phone app. Is this common place? Is it easier to do it this way?

It's pretty common. Adobe does have that market cornered really well. Lightroom mobile is a great app. And gives you access to all your catalogued photos.

But, if you're really looking to make accurate corrections. You'll need a calibrated monitor. It was one of those things I thought didn't matter until I saw the results.

Good luck!

 

[adubeau]

I have a Sony A6400 - with a G-series 18-115 Lens - it takes awesome pictures, also have several lens that I purchased for my NEX5 (e-mount), that work as well.. I highly recommend it.. I didn't consider other brands because of the amount of cash I already invested in lenses for the NEX5. Why buy again.

 

[Capt_Right]

I was in the same boat about a year ago and picked the A7iii as I wanted the bigger pixels for better low light. The images are already huge so I am glad I didn’t go for more MP. I paired it with a F4/24-105 G lens which has been very versatile and takes great pictures. I also have a prime F1.8/55mm lens which loois great, but I find myself wanting more FOV for indoor shooting so I will probably pick up the 24mm GM.