Canon to Sony?

[Beav]

Hi guys,

i've used a Canon DSLR now for a good 10 years (as a hobbyist). 2 years ago I upgraded to a Canon 6D (my first full frame camera).

However I often shoot static cars and now I just use my phone and edit the photos in photoshop. I have been thinking for a while now to swap it for a Sony mirrorless setup. For the price it would be the mark 1 A7 body. I couldn't justify anything much newer as I do only shoot static cars (possibly a puppy as well soon as we are collecting one shortly ).

Has anyone gone from Canon to Sony?

 

[woof woof]

I had Canon DSLR's, 300D, 10D, 20D and lastly a 5D. Micro Four Thirds convinced me that mirrorless was the future and I preordered an A7 pretty much as soon as could and I still have it.

For me mirrorless offers many advantages over a traditional DSLR. Being able to see what you're going to get DoF and exposure wise is great, the focus consistency and accuracy are great and being able to focus anywhere in the frame with face detect (the A7 doesn't have eye detect) rather than just having your subjects face in the central area where DSLR focus point are is just wonderful. I also like being able to use manual focus lenses too and being able to focus very accurately with the magnified view.

The A7 does have issues though, the focus tracking is best described as leisurely and it has no electronic shutter but apart from that it does just about everything I want and with faster focusing lenses it's actually quite quick in use. The files it gives are a lightyear away from anything I got from those old Canons too.

So, I think it's an option worth looking at.

 

[Craikeybaby]

What do you want to get from the swap to Sony?

 

[Beav]

What do you want to get from the swap to Sony?

They seem much more compact especially compared to my 6D (bit of a pain carrying that around all day at car shows). Seems to be the way everyone is going with car photography as well? Would also like to try mirrorless.

With the Sony A7 I'm not sure I would benefit with spending the extra and getting the A7 II over the A7?

Will get a quote from MBP later to trade in my 6D and 2 lenses.

 

[imattersuk]

For static car photography a Fujifilm would be more than adequate and a joy to use, full frame is not needed.

 

[woof woof]

For static car photography a Fujifilm would be more than adequate and a joy to use, full frame is not needed.

Well... not necessary is an opinion some may disagree with. Size and weight wise I don't think you save a lot with APS-C over the FF A7 unless the lenses are vastly different as the A7 is a small camera plus if you go Fuji you've got those pesky Fuji files to deal with if you see them as pesky.

The A7 is old kit now but it does have a FF sensor and 14 stops of DR so it could be worth thinking about if blisteringly fast AF and good tracking aren't needed. The MKII has a redesigned body with some would say better handling and it has IS whereas the A7 doesn't but the MKII is AFAIK heavier.

 

[imattersuk]

Well... not necessary is an opinion some may disagree with. Size and weight wise I don't think you save a lot with APS-C over the FF A7 unless the lenses are vastly different as the A7 is a small camera plus if you go Fuji you've got those pesky Fuji files to deal with if you see them as pesky.

The A7 is old kit now but it does have a FF sensor and 14 stops of DR so it could be worth thinking about if blisteringly fast AF and good tracking aren't needed. The MKII has a redesigned body with some would say better handling and it has IS whereas the A7 doesn't but the MKII is AFAIK heavier.

What's pesky about them ? Have you ever owned one ? I've had several over the last few years and the files are fine, the film sims are also a big plus for many car photographers which is why so many have adopted Fuji.

There are many much smaller, lighter bodies and lenses than Sony in the Fuji range.

 

[rob-nikon]

Has anyone gone from Canon to Sony?

I’ve gone the opposite way! It was mainly due to handling. I didn’t get on with the smaller sized Sony camera bodies and button distances. The handling to me didn’t feel comfortable. FF Mirrorless and smaller size is bit of a fallacy. The camera bodies are smaller but generally FF lenses are generally the same size on mirrorless as DSLRs. There are some lenses that are smaller but most roughly the same size if FF. Sony played a blinder initially making out mirrorless lenses would be smaller but later releases of equivalent FF lenses were about the same size as their DSLR equivalent.

I’d personally question what you will get from swapping from a canon 6D to a Sony A7. The A7 was one of Sonys early mirrorless camera bodies. Due to it’s not one of the best performers. Battery life and focus speed/accuracy won’t be as good as their new camera bodies. I doubt you will see much improvement over your canon 6D.

If you want lightweight/small size at bang for buck I’d have a look at Olympus.

 

[TimHughes]

For static cars I don’t think you’re going to see much of any change in the end photos. In terms of weight try adding up the Sony option. When I’ve checked that before there has not been a dramatic weight difference for equivalent setups.

If weight is the main issue, as above check out micro four thirds or Fuji

 

[Beav]

Thanks guys, sounds like I'm better off sticking with my 6D and saving the cash

 

[Craikeybaby]

They seem much more compact especially compared to my 6D (bit of a pain carrying that around all day at car shows). Seems to be the way everyone is going with car photography as well? Would also like to try mirrorless.

With the Sony A7 I'm not sure I would benefit with spending the extra and getting the A7 II over the A7?

Will get a quote from MBP later to trade in my 6D and 2 lenses.

The bodies are smaller, but the lenses are roughly the same size, so there's not much size saved. https://camerasize.com is a great resource for comparing camera/lens sizes.

I went through the same process and went from a 5D to Fuji X-T2, as both the lenses and body are smaller. I then added a Fuji X100V, as it is significantly smaller than my old set-up. As I just happen to have a photo from a car show with the X100V:

Coffee and Chrome by Lewis Craik, on Flickr

 

[Beav]

The bodies are smaller, but the lenses are roughly the same size, so there's not much size saved. https://camerasize.com is a great resource for comparing camera/lens sizes.

I went through the same process and went from a 5D to Fuji X-T2, as both the lenses and body are smaller. I then added a Fuji X100V, as it is significantly smaller than my old set-up. As I just happen to have a photo from a car show with the X100V
Coffee and Chrome by Lewis Craik, on Flickr

80% of the time I feel editing my phone photos in photoshop does the job for social media uploads (main use for my photos). Sometimes close ups aren't too good and if I zoom in a lot

 

[woof woof]

What's pesky about them ? Have you ever owned one ? I've had several over the last few years and the files are fine, the film sims are also a big plus for many car photographers which is why so many have adopted Fuji.

There are many much smaller, lighter bodies and lenses than Sony in the Fuji range.

Potentially Pesky - The whole XTrans thing and all it can bring but no I haven't had one and wouldn't touch one with a barge pole. The Fuji sales hyperbole is enough in itself to put me off. These are of course just my views and you and others are welcome to enjoy your Fujis

The size thing depends on the body and lens combination and if you head on over to the camera size comparison site the Sony A7 and the Fujis are doubtless there to be compared. For example my A7 and either Sony 35mm f2.8 or Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 is pretty compact and light. If going for a smaller and lighter set up then sorry but I still wont touch Fuji, I'd go all in for MFT which can offer real savings if you choose the options with bulk and weight saving in mind.

 

[stumac]

One word ....Fuji
Especially if you don't want to sit and edit . The RAWS are great but the jpegs are sublime.

 

[woof woof]

Thanks guys, sounds like I'm better off sticking with my 6D and saving the cash

For things like cars maybe there's little advantage for you. I think there could be an advantage in mirrorless if you take pictures of people because then the advantages of face/eye detect and being able to place your subject anywhere in the frame come into play and are very possibly real game changers.

 

[snerkler]

Hi guys,

i've used a Canon DSLR now for a good 10 years (as a hobbyist). 2 years ago I upgraded to a Canon 6D (my first full frame camera).

However I often shoot static cars and now I just use my phone and edit the photos in photoshop. I have been thinking for a while now to swap it for a Sony mirrorless setup. For the price it would be the mark 1 A7 body. I couldn't justify anything much newer as I do only shoot static cars (possibly a puppy as well soon as we are collecting one shortly ).

Has anyone gone from Canon to Sony?

For subjects like that you'll gain nothing from moving to Sony imo. Yes the body might be a bit lighter but lenses don't tend to be any lighter as you're still having to cover the same image circle. The ergonomics of the gen 1 and 2 Sonys are awful (imo). The only benefit is better liveview.

Neither the 6D or A7 are going to be great at taking pics of a puppy that's running around, obviously static shots will be fine.

For static car photography a Fujifilm would be more than adequate and a joy to use, full frame is not needed.

In your opinion I have a love hate relationship with Fuji, I think I like the idea of using them more than actually using them.

One word ....Fuji
Especially if you don't want to sit and edit . The RAWS are great but the jpegs are sublime.

Fuji files are hit and miss for me. For taking pics of static cars though I think they'd work very well, their film profiles are rather nice.

 

[TimHughes]

A bit off topic, but what’s the problem with Fuji files? I have a couple of Fuji GFX and the files are outstanding.

 

[snerkler]

A bit off topic, but what’s the problem with Fuji files? I have a couple of Fuji GFX and the files are outstanding.

That's opening a can of worms

 

[EspressoJunkie]

One word ....Fuji
Especially if you don't want to sit and edit . The RAWS are great but the jpegs are sublime.

This! Even Fuji RAW files (IMO) take very little ‘tinkering’ to get to a finished image.

The cameras are also a joy to use.

I’m currently shooting Nikon (Z5) and even for all it’s FF loveliness, there’s still a big part of me that misses the Fuji system.

Also if you do go Fuji I’d recommend checking out Capture One. It’s a game changer for Fuji files.

 

[Phil V]

Thanks guys, sounds like I'm better off sticking with my 6D and saving the cash

The 6d is a v small FF camera.
As others have said, if you really want something smaller then you’ll need to reduce format

 

[Beav]

The 6d is a v small FF camera.
As others have said, if you really want something smaller then you’ll need to reduce format

Think I will stick to it for the time being.

I not long brought a 28mm F1.8 Canon lens for indoor car shows.

I did add my Canon 6D, 24-105L and 28mm F1.8 lens to the MBP to swap for a Sony A7, Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART lens and the difference I would pay would be £300.

Only problem with having just one 35mm lens is very rarely I do motorsport photography (only as a hobby) so I would need a longer lens, would also be handy when taking photos of our puppy.

 

[imattersuk]

A bit off topic, but what’s the problem with Fuji files? I have a couple of Fuji GFX and the files are outstanding.

There isn’t a problem with Fuji files, the problem is with people that watch too many YouTube videos.

 

[snerkler]

There isn’t a problem with Fuji files, the problem is with people that watch too many YouTube videos.

This isn’t true, however whether it’s a problem or not is down to the individual user

 

[imattersuk]

This isn’t true, however whether it’s a problem or not is down to the individual user

What isn’t true ? You can sell a car to someone who can’t drive, that’s not the manufacturers fault.

 

[snerkler]

Think I will stick to it for the time being.

I not long brought a 28mm F2 Canon lens for indoor car shows.

I did add my Canon 6D, 24-105L and 28mm F2 lens to the MBP to swap for a Sony A7, Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART lens and the difference I would pay would be £300.

Only problem with having just one 35mm lens is very rarely I do motorsport photography (only as a hobby) so I would need a longer lens, would also be handy when taking photos of our puppy.

The 35mm art is quite a hefty lens so I think you’d add weight over the 28mm f2 and 6D

 

[snerkler]

What isn’t true ? You can sell a car to someone who can’t drive, that’s not the manufacturers fault.

Lol, some of the Fuji rendering ‘issues’ are present in JPEG’s too so nothing to do with the end user

 

[TimHughes]

Lol, some of the Fuji rendering ‘issues’ are present in JPEG’s too so nothing to do with the end user

what rendering issues? I've never had any such problems. For Fuji pictures if I shoot raw I use Capture One. I'm happy that I've not had any problems, but I'm curious what the complaining is about.

 

[Craikeybaby]

Think I will stick to it for the time being.

I not long brought a 28mm F1.8 Canon lens for indoor car shows.

I did add my Canon 6D, 24-105L and 28mm F1.8 lens to the MBP to swap for a Sony A7, Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART lens and the difference I would pay would be £300.

Only problem with having just one 35mm lens is very rarely I do motorsport photography (only as a hobby) so I would need a longer lens, would also be handy when taking photos of our puppy.

If you want smaller kit and are happy with just a 35mm lens, the Fuji X100 is perfect.

 

[snerkler]

what rendering issues? I've never had any such problems. For Fuji pictures if I shoot raw I use Capture One. I'm happy that I've not had any problems, but I'm curious what the complaining is about.

Ok so a few years back computer software made a right hash of demosaicing Fuji xtrans files and you got some very weird artefacts such as worms and a painterly effect, Lightroom was one of the worst. They are MUCH better now and you don’t get that anymore, however every now and again the Xtrans does have a VERY slight issue in rendering fine detail in foliage etc. They can on very odd occasions make rocks look slightly plasticky.

Now like a lot of things like how lenses can give a specific ‘look’ some people see it more than others, just like 3D pop, sharpness, noise etc etc.

I’ve owned a few Fuji cameras and as I used to shoot a lot of landscapes it was more of an issue for me. I keep downloading Fuji samples every now and again to see if it’s still there as I do like them as a system but for me there is still a hint, for example last week I downloaded some JPEG’s for the HS2 and I can still see a hint.

Imo it’s best not to go looking as if you’re happy with the files why go try looking for flaws. I’m just very picky, it’s like with Sony files I don’t like the colour profiles even though they are much better these days so use color fidelity instead

 

[TimHughes]

Ok so a few years back computer software made a right hash of demosaicing Fuji xtrans files and you got some very weird artefacts such as worms and a painterly effect, Lightroom was one of the worst. They are MUCH better now and you don’t get that anymore, however every now and again the Xtrans does have a VERY slight issue in rendering fine detail in foliage etc. They can on very odd occasions make rocks look slightly plasticky.

Now like a lot of things like how lenses can give a specific ‘look’ some people see it more than others, just like 3D pop, sharpness, noise etc etc.

I’ve owned a few Fuji cameras and as I used to shoot a lot of landscapes it was more of an issue for me. I keep downloading Fuji samples every now and again to see if it’s still there as I do like them as a system but for me there is still a hint, for example last week I downloaded some JPEG’s for the HS2 and I can still see a hint.

Imo it’s best not to go looking as if you’re happy with the files why go try looking for flaws. I’m just very picky, it’s like with Sony files I don’t like the colour profiles even though they are much better these days so use color fidelity instead

thanks Toby, appreciate the background. With the GFX files I've never seen any hint of these problems. Looking up the sensor info, GFX is not xtrans. Thread digression over!

 

[snerkler]

thanks Toby, appreciate the background. With the GFX files I've never seen any hint of these problems. Looking up the sensor info, GFX is not xtrans. Thread digression over!

TBH, I'll probably have another flirt with Fuji at some point, 99% of the time the files are beautiful and I do far less landscapes than I did

 

[EspressoJunkie]

TBH, I'll probably have another flirt with Fuji at some point, 99% of the time the files are beautiful and I do far less landscapes than I did

Fuji is the one system that is always a massive draw for me. I think I’ve done more than flirt with it over the years, it’s like a mistress when I’m shooting any other system

 

[Nod]

For static cars, I usually use a baby Fuji X-30 compact. Plenty good enough for A3 prints of the whole frame and slight crops.

 

[Tysonator]

I own a 7Dii with various lens and this purchased a Sony A6600 & sigma 18-50 f2.8 contemporary lens. For me I wanted a smaller, lighter set for travel and holiday. As I have a sigma MC-11 adapter I can put my canon L lens on the A6600. This enable me to shoot wildlife utilizing the animal eye detect which is pretty damn good.
The A6600 is small, compact, 24mp sensor, good IQ, good AF tracking, able to adapt canon EF mount lenses. What is there not to like ! !

 

[Beav]

I own a 7Dii with various lens and this purchased a Sony A6600 & sigma 18-50 f2.8 contemporary lens. For me I wanted a smaller, lighter set for travel and holiday. As I have a sigma MC-11 adapter I can put my canon L lens on the A6600. This enable me to shoot wildlife utilizing the animal eye detect which is pretty damn good.
The A6600 is small, compact, 24mp sensor, good IQ, good AF tracking, able to adapt canon EF mount lenses. What is there not to like ! !

The adapter seems good. Trouble is do I spend £400 on the Sony A7 II (inc trading in my Canon 6D) plus the adapter?

This would allow me to use my current lenses but then the adapter cost/weight would most likely not make it worth it? (unless the A7 II image quality / focusing speed is a big improvement over the 6D?)

 

[fujilover]

There is a huge change from canon dslr to sony mirrorless.

I would try in a local camera shop even if i had to drive 2 hours each way.

I only had 2 Sony bodies, a A7S MK 1 and A7R MK 3. The A7R MK 3 was a huge improvement and i would never buy another old Sony body myself.

 

[Beav]

There is a huge change from canon dslr to sony mirrorless.

I would try in a local camera shop even if i had to drive 2 hours each way.

I only had 2 Sony bodies, a A7S MK 1 and A7R MK 3. The A7R MK 3 was a huge improvement and i would never buy another old Sony body myself.

To be honest I upgraded from a Canon 60D to a 6D a few years back and it may seem daft but the shutter button feels very squishy, I find it hard to hold it down half way while it focuses then actually take the photo once I press the button fully.

I'm thinking of treating myself and spending a little extra for the A7 II if I go for it. (Using the MC-11 adapter). I do have a business as well so it will get used for product photos from time to time. (Not a photography business)

 

[LeeRatters]

I swapped from the 5D2 to the A7 many years ago. No regrets at all throughout. The only thing I really missed was the little thumb joystick for the focus point but in no way a big issue.

 

[Beav]

I swapped from the 5D2 to the A7 many years ago. No regrets at all throughout. The only thing I really missed was the little thumb joystick for the focus point but in no way a big issue.

Did you swap the lenses as well or use an adapter? I know the adapters stop the auto-focus feature for video but not photos. To be honest the videos I do are for social media so I do them on my phone 16 : 9 format anyway.

 

[RichardC27]

I've gone from a Canon 80D to a Fuji X-T4 and would never, ever go back.

The Fuji files and film simulations are wonderful, I absolutely love the more retro approach of having dials for shutter and ISO, although you can set it up to not use those and behave like any other modern camera.

The worms thing is a non-issue, even in Lightroom. If you're seeing worms you're oversharpening the file.