New member, semi old guy.

[braapZ]

Hello all, my introduction.
I am looking forward to the all the amazing things I'll learn here and hopefully able to repay back at least on some level, some valuable nuggets that others may benefit from. Wil be acquiring either new or used Sony Alpha series in the next week or so, (we already have a ZV-E10 in our fleet as my wifes Studio/talking head cam, that is my only hands on Sony experience at this time).
I'm an old School Forums guy having started and still one of the OG admins on a niche high performance Sports Car forum since 1999 and prefer the Forums format for sharing and learning vs the shallower depth of the more modern Social Media "groups/communities".
20+ yrs as a novice/wannabe amature photograper and vidoegraphy, pretty sure I'm still in the novice category, very much enjoying the journey as I capture experiences and views and continue to gain experience in sharing that with others that share similar interests. Started my journey shooting when I bought the Nikon D70s early 2000's when it came out that I still have, then picked up a Nikon D700 few years ago, LOVE this camera though as my missions have evolved bringing Videography into the mix, I've been leaning heavily on my phone for that aspect, I'm ready for a more serious machine for that role. With today's hybrid offerings being so capable of both rolls, photo quality and usability that is at least equal to or better than my beloved Nikon D700, and able to shoot decent Video all in a lighter faster package?!... I'm struggling to find good reason to hang on to the D700.
Being as realistic as possible with my budget the camera/s I have currently on my short list for the replacement of the D700 are the Sony A7 iv and the A7S iii. In not ruling out the APS-c sensors the A6700 and FX30 are also on this list. (I did consider Cannon though it seemed the more digging I did, all the little nuances of Cannon vs Sony it was becoming quite clear my desired path aligns more in the Sony Camp).
What I am looking for is a robust all around starter Hybrid cam, ideally with the new menu system and the A7iv, A7Siii seem to fit that perfectly, and the A6700 and FX30 also seem like very good units at slightly lower entry point that most likely would fill the mission role. Trying to keep my mind open to the older models as a starter and long term back up machine such as the A7iii and A6400 or even the A6100, then save up for the A7iv. To be honest the average used prices I'm finding for those isn't enough of savings to settle for the old menu system on top of its age. When I bought my wife the ZV-e10 back in 2021 that clunky menu system had me scratching me head. The camera in all its capabilities, features, etc fits the role we bought it for PERFECTLY, but that clunky menu system?!... I can get around in it and use it ok but this is 2021, struggling to see with all the other advances in the camera why it's menu system can't also be more intuitive than that. Because of that alone I started this research journey with Cannon as my first choice. The more I kept seeing Sony's popularity soar over the past 10 years I couldn't ignore that so started to look into Sony options and finding that Sony did finally update the menu system within the Alpha line in the A6700/FX30 and A7iv, A7Siii.
All that said, looking forward to hopefully picking up an A7iv or A7Siii, or A6700/FX30. If anyone has a good source for picking up used A7iii or even A6100-A6400 for very reasonable prices please do share.

Paul R, Central OR USA

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Welcome Paul.

I went a6000 > a6400 > a6700, and let me tell you, its not just the menus that got updated. Autofocus accuracy, video resolution, better battery and slight improvement in ergonomics (oh, and the new menu system!) mean I will never go back to an earlier APSC model. That's my 2 cents, it is an excellent hybrid camera. Plus if your wife has an APSC already, you can share lenses if you go with the a6700.

That said, the limitations of the smaller layout include: having only one memory card slot, no joystick on the rear controls, inferior EVF and rear screen (compared to full frame models), max shutter of 1/4000 (never been a problem to me but I hear the full frames get up to 1/8000?), and if you have big hands you might not have anywhere to rest your little finger (you get used to this soon though).

We had a member until recently who covered a ton of drag races with his A7IV and he was fairly happy with it. I sometimes wish I had more resolution at my disposal like the a7iv offers. It also has pretty much all the video features you need in a hybrid camera. Of course it goes without saying that the tradeoff is cost and size of lenses.

 

[Unframed Dave]

Welcome Paul,

My wife uses the a6600 exclusively and I have one for when I'm travelling light.

Very capable cameras with a great range of lenses at your disposal.

I wouldn't get too hung up about the menu, once you get the camera set up to your liking, you don't go in there too often.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

You know what, I remembered another benefit of the current small body cameras (A6700, A7C-II, A7C-R) they have a dedicated switch for Stills, Video, S&Q. When I had the A6400, I remember the frustration of changing all my settings every time I wanted to go between taking video or photos. These newer models make that easier because when you switch to video it remembers the last used settings and same for photo.

 

[braapZ]

First off, huge thank you to all who offered advice.
Found a few used A7x and A6xxx offerings on FB market place near home, reached but not getting any replies. Flew down to Vegas on a Sunday for a marketing/business event this week and just for giggles reached out to a handful of potential Alpha bodies on FB MrktPlce here. WOW! almost all responded and promptly.
Short version, ended up with an A7Sii in like new condition, shutter count is less than 5000, w/28-70 f/3.5-5.6, (think this is a kit lens?), at a smoken deal, AND an A6400 w 2 lenses, 16mm f2.8 and a 10-18 f/4. (The A7Sii is not my first pic for due to its weak AF, would rather have an A7iii instead but this one was less than half of any of the S7iii currently listed and in such good condition, I jumped on it),
Should be fun getting to know these 2 rigs as I save up for the A7iv in the future.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Well, that's great that you found what you wanted.
If vlogging is what you're after, that a6400 with the 10-18 is going to be a good combination. I think one youtuber I used to follow said that the 10-18 will work on the full frame camera too (for part of the zoom range), try it out and see.

I have heard mixed reviews about the 16mm pancake, but hope it works out for ya.

 

[Richard A]

Welcome to the forum @braapZ. Glad that you have some gear to play with now.

 

[BrianN]

Hello all, my introduction.
I am looking forward to the all the amazing things I'll learn here and hopefully able to repay back at least on some level, some valuable nuggets that others may benefit from. Wil be acquiring either new or used Sony Alpha series in the next week or so, (we already have a ZV-E10 in our fleet as my wifes Studio/talking head cam, that is my only hands on Sony experience at this time).
I'm an old School Forums guy having started and still one of the OG admins on a niche high performance Sports Car forum since 1999 and prefer the Forums format for sharing and learning vs the shallower depth of the more modern Social Media "groups/communities".
20+ yrs as a novice/wannabe amature photograper and vidoegraphy, pretty sure I'm still in the novice category, very much enjoying the journey as I capture experiences and views and continue to gain experience in sharing that with others that share similar interests. Started my journey shooting when I bought the Nikon D70s early 2000's when it came out that I still have, then picked up a Nikon D700 few years ago, LOVE this camera though as my missions have evolved bringing Videography into the mix, I've been leaning heavily on my phone for that aspect, I'm ready for a more serious machine for that role. With today's hybrid offerings being so capable of both rolls, photo quality and usability that is at least equal to or better than my beloved Nikon D700, and able to shoot decent Video all in a lighter faster package?!... I'm struggling to find good reason to hang on to the D700.
Being as realistic as possible with my budget the camera/s I have currently on my short list for the replacement of the D700 are the Sony A7 iv and the A7S iii. In not ruling out the APS-c sensors the A6700 and FX30 are also on this list. (I did consider Cannon though it seemed the more digging I did, all the little nuances of Cannon vs Sony it was becoming quite clear my desired path aligns more in the Sony Camp).
What I am looking for is a robust all around starter Hybrid cam, ideally with the new menu system and the A7iv, A7Siii seem to fit that perfectly, and the A6700 and FX30 also seem like very good units at slightly lower entry point that most likely would fill the mission role. Trying to keep my mind open to the older models as a starter and long term back up machine such as the A7iii and A6400 or even the A6100, then save up for the A7iv. To be honest the average used prices I'm finding for those isn't enough of savings to settle for the old menu system on top of its age. When I bought my wife the ZV-e10 back in 2021 that clunky menu system had me scratching me head. The camera in all its capabilities, features, etc fits the role we bought it for PERFECTLY, but that clunky menu system?!... I can get around in it and use it ok but this is 2021, struggling to see with all the other advances in the camera why it's menu system can't also be more intuitive than that. Because of that alone I started this research journey with Cannon as my first choice. The more I kept seeing Sony's popularity soar over the past 10 years I couldn't ignore that so started to look into Sony options and finding that Sony did finally update the menu system within the Alpha line in the A6700/FX30 and A7iv, A7Siii.
All that said, looking forward to hopefully picking up an A7iv or A7Siii, or A6700/FX30. If anyone has a good source for picking up used A7iii or even A6100-A6400 for very reasonable prices please do share.

Paul R, Central OR USA

Hi Paul,

Welcome to this community.....as an A7IV user I can certainly recommend it , a great hybrid and as you mention saving for it....keep your eye on prices a bit later on this year as Sony will be launching the A7V later this year and I would expect to see a possible price drop.

 

[braapZ]

Update. Still have the original 2 Alpha's mentioned above, (A6400 and A7Sii), and bought a couple more.
Gave the A6400 to our 14 year old son, he is LOVING it! Got him a 16-50 kit lens and also an adapter so he can use my old Nikon Nikor APSc 70-300 lens from our old Nikon D70s, he is having SO much fun!
Found another A6400 on FB MrktPlce local to us with a 18-135 lens and DJI Ronin S Gimbal, bought that and gave the Gimbal to our son, the camera and lens went to our youngest daughter, she is having SOO much fun, taking it everywhere with her, major win.
I went a little crazy wanting a little more modern body than the A7Sii, mentally had settled on the A7iv, A7Cii, or A7Siii as possible options. After much back and forth and not really able to settle on just one, I bought a brand new A7Rv. WOWZERS! Almost a month now with it, this thing is a beast! AMAZING! All of its features and options, a bit overwhelming, working on just trying to keep it simple and focus on the basics for now, (settings and workflows in use etc), then little by little will work my way into the deeper aspects of what this body brings to the table. I'm still intrigued with the A7Cii for its simpler more cozy form factor but honestly, this A7Rv is AMAZING on so many levels.
Next is finding a good running yet cheap 2nd hand A6100 or A6400 for my son in law.
Next for me.... lenses! Working the FE 28-70, the Sony 10-20 APSc and 18-105 APSc lenses for now. Wanting a decent 50mm or 85mm FE for portrait work and an FE Tele for some long range work, in the 400-500mm range.

 

[BrianN]

Update. Still have the original 2 Alpha's mentioned above, (A6400 and A7Sii), and bought a couple more.
Gave the A6400 to our 14 year old son, he is LOVING it! Got him a 16-50 kit lens and also an adapter so he can use my old Nikon Nikor APSc 70-300 lens from our old Nikon D70s, he is having SO much fun!
Found another A6400 on FB MrktPlce local to us with a 18-135 lens and DJI Ronin S Gimbal, bought that and gave the Gimbal to our son, the camera and lens went to our youngest daughter, she is having SOO much fun, taking it everywhere with her, major win.
I went a little crazy wanting a little more modern body than the A7Sii, mentally had settled on the A7iv, A7Cii, or A7Siii as possible options. After much back and forth and not really able to settle on just one, I bought a brand new A7Rv. WOWZERS! Almost a month now with it, this thing is a beast! AMAZING! All of its features and options, a bit overwhelming, working on just trying to keep it simple and focus on the basics for now, (settings and workflows in use etc), then little by little will work my way into the deeper aspects of what this body brings to the table. I'm still intrigued with the A7Cii for its simpler more cozy form factor but honestly, this A7Rv is AMAZING on so many levels.
Next is finding a good running yet cheap 2nd hand A6100 or A6400 for my son in law.
Next for me.... lenses! Working the FE 28-70, the Sony 10-20 APSc and 18-105 APSc lenses for now. Wanting a decent 50mm or 85mm FE for portrait work and an FE Tele for some long range work, in the 400-500mm range.

Sounds fantastic ....I am looking to upgrade to the A7Rv in the future....for the telephoto consider the Tamron 50-400mm its so versatile and cheaper than the 100-400 and at 50mm get 1:2 magnification.

 

[Richard A]

I have had my A7R5 for about 18 months now. It is a fantastic camera. Let me know if I can be of any help. Also, there are quite a few good YouTube videos for setting up the camera. Let me know if you would like kinks to them.