Should I buy the Sony A6700 (shooting 90% wildlife and BIF) ?

Never did i think of buying a Sony camera.

Seemed their menu's were not well thought out..colors are a bit different (easy to fix in RAW, after one adjusts to the difference) and , well never liked one .

But...reading and watching some videos on this new model has me thinking.

Here's how I see the A6700 improving over my Z 50 (for my wants and type of shooting):

I will gain

1. AF tracking that seems to work like the Z9/8 do..very sticky to subject.

With independent settings for animal, birds, insects and few more, and watching this in action (via video only) it would make easier task of shooting Swallows, Terns and Dragonflies in flight.

Keeper rate should go Way up.

2. (3) Custom positions on mode dial. I always use these.

3. Better buffer. Seems double the shots in RAW..but buffer might clear Way faster.

Makes good use of UHS-II SD card (250 mb's) and once buffer is filled, it seems to be able to still take shots..with Z 50 I would have to wait a few seconds before I could take another shot.

4. IBIS..claimed 5 stops. Z 50 has 0 stops IBIS. But I mostly use lenses with VR.

Still it would come in handy.

6. Better battery. A benefit, but not a big one..as I always have extra battery.

7. (3) assignable buttons (like function buttons on Nikon). More is better for me.

I hate placement of ISO and exposure comp buttons..and no way to reassign to function buttons. I hope A6700 allows for more options to assign, as with my 8-10yr old Panasonic cameras.

8. Better video...better AF in video...Auto framing function

9. 3rd dial (on back of camera) Always liked these over just 4 way pad



Other options/benefits are:

AF stacking ability...in camera panoramic mode...BULB setting...USB-C charging...headphone jack...longer lasting shutter...possibly less rolling shutter with electronic shutter....26MP resolution (over 20MP) so a slight increase.

For lenses..and this is where it might be a slight step down from Z lenses.

But I would only use 2..maybe 3.

70-350mm G lens...a 16-50mm (Sigma maybe)..and a wide angle lens.

70-350mm might replace my Sigma 100-400mm...wich needs the FTZ on my Z 50.

So about 3 inches smaller and 1 1/2 lbs lighter..but loosing 50mm on the tele end (maybe 26MP will help counter this).

Thoughts?

Thanks

ANAYV

ANAYV said:

Never did i think of buying a Sony camera.

Seemed their menu's were not well thought out..colors are a bit different (easy to fix in RAW, after one adjusts to the difference) and , well never liked one .

But...reading and watching some videos on this new model has me thinking.

Here's how I see the A6700 improving over my Z 50 (for my wants and type of shooting):

I will gain

1. AF tracking that seems to work like the Z9/8 do..very sticky to subject.

With independent settings for animal, birds, insects and few more, and watching this in action (via video only) it would make easier task of shooting Swallows, Terns and Dragonflies in flight.

Keeper rate should go Way up.

2. (3) Custom positions on mode dial. I always use these.

3. Better buffer. Seems double the shots in RAW..but buffer might clear Way faster.

Makes good use of UHS-II SD card (250 mb's) and once buffer is filled, it seems to be able to still take shots..with Z 50 I would have to wait a few seconds before I could take another shot.

4. IBIS..claimed 5 stops. Z 50 has 0 stops IBIS. But I mostly use lenses with VR.

Still it would come in handy.

6. Better battery. A benefit, but not a big one..as I always have extra battery.

7. (3) assignable buttons (like function buttons on Nikon). More is better for me.

I hate placement of ISO and exposure comp buttons..and no way to reassign to function buttons. I hope A6700 allows for more options to assign, as with my 8-10yr old Panasonic cameras.

8. Better video...better AF in video...Auto framing function

9. 3rd dial (on back of camera) Always liked these over just 4 way pad

Other options/benefits are:

AF stacking ability...in camera panoramic mode...BULB setting...USB-C charging...headphone jack...longer lasting shutter...possibly less rolling shutter with electronic shutter....26MP resolution (over 20MP) so a slight increase.

For lenses..and this is where it might be a slight step down from Z lenses.

But I would only use 2..maybe 3.

70-350mm G lens...a 16-50mm (Sigma maybe)..and a wide angle lens.

70-350mm might replace my Sigma 100-400mm...wich needs the FTZ on my Z 50.

So about 3 inches smaller and 1 1/2 lbs lighter..but loosing 50mm on the tele end (maybe 26MP will help counter this).

Thoughts?

Thanks

ANAYV

Click to expand...

I don't think it's worth it.

The camera companies always do little leapfrogging jumps over each other.

Next year, Nikon will have a Z 70 and it'll be better than the A6700 and then you'll be back in the forum asking if it's worth it to switch from the A6700 to the Z 70 for the better AF, better buffer, better video, etc etc.

Just stick with Nikon.

Plus there's always a value loss when you sell your old gear (which I always do when I rarely switch systems.)

I switched from Canon FD to Canon EF in the mid-1990s, then again from Canon EF to Nikon F about two years later, also in the 1990s. And I've stuck with Nikon ever since then.

During the 26 years or whatever I've been with Nikon F, there have been several occasions where Canon was "better" but I never cared. Coz there were also times when Nikon had the lead. It really never ends. Best not to get distracted by such things.

Cameras are a _system_.

--
irc.libera.chat #photogeeks

As your gear list is blank it is difficult to comment on unknown costs of getting new lenses et cetera.

Sony seem to have a product in your price range before Nikon.

If Nikon launch what you want within 6 months (nobody knows) you could be better off staying with Nikon.

ANAYV,

My take is for the types of photography you shoot, your hit rate will greatly exceed what you now get, as the Sony 6700's focusing abilities are miles ahead of the Z50.

Even the pocket sized Sony RX100vii's focusing blows away the Z50, as well as all the way up to the Z7ii.

Den

capanikon said:

ANAYV said:

Never did i think of buying a Sony camera.

Seemed their menu's were not well thought out..colors are a bit different (easy to fix in RAW, after one adjusts to the difference) and , well never liked one .

But...reading and watching some videos on this new model has me thinking.

Here's how I see the A6700 improving over my Z 50 (for my wants and type of shooting):

I will gain

1. AF tracking that seems to work like the Z9/8 do..very sticky to subject.

With independent settings for animal, birds, insects and few more, and watching this in action (via video only) it would make easier task of shooting Swallows, Terns and Dragonflies in flight.

Keeper rate should go Way up.

2. (3) Custom positions on mode dial. I always use these.

3. Better buffer. Seems double the shots in RAW..but buffer might clear Way faster.

Makes good use of UHS-II SD card (250 mb's) and once buffer is filled, it seems to be able to still take shots..with Z 50 I would have to wait a few seconds before I could take another shot.

4. IBIS..claimed 5 stops. Z 50 has 0 stops IBIS. But I mostly use lenses with VR.

Still it would come in handy.

6. Better battery. A benefit, but not a big one..as I always have extra battery.

7. (3) assignable buttons (like function buttons on Nikon). More is better for me.

I hate placement of ISO and exposure comp buttons..and no way to reassign to function buttons. I hope A6700 allows for more options to assign, as with my 8-10yr old Panasonic cameras.

8. Better video...better AF in video...Auto framing function

9. 3rd dial (on back of camera) Always liked these over just 4 way pad

Other options/benefits are:

AF stacking ability...in camera panoramic mode...BULB setting...USB-C charging...headphone jack...longer lasting shutter...possibly less rolling shutter with electronic shutter....26MP resolution (over 20MP) so a slight increase.

For lenses..and this is where it might be a slight step down from Z lenses.

But I would only use 2..maybe 3.

70-350mm G lens...a 16-50mm (Sigma maybe)..and a wide angle lens.

70-350mm might replace my Sigma 100-400mm...wich needs the FTZ on my Z 50.

So about 3 inches smaller and 1 1/2 lbs lighter..but loosing 50mm on the tele end (maybe 26MP will help counter this).

Thoughts?

Thanks

ANAYV

Click to expand...

I don't think it's worth it.

The camera companies always do little leapfrogging jumps over each other.

Click to expand...

Indeed.

capanikon said:

Next year, Nikon will have a Z 70 and it'll be better than the A6700 and then you'll be back in the forum asking if it's worth it to switch from the A6700 to the Z 70 for the better AF, better buffer, better video, etc etc.

Click to expand...

No way to be sure of this. Nikon might come out with a say, Z 70.

Could happen and possible that i would come back..but really i never leave them. Z 50 might just stay home much more often (but could be sold like the D7500 if I know it will just sit.

But, most likely a higher end Z DX will be close to size and weight of D500.

Price most certain will be higher than A6700

Also no way to know if AF will be cutting edge for wildlife on it, or if Z9/8 will still have better algorithms, due to being top models.

capanikon said:

Just stick with Nikon.

Click to expand...

I still use Nikon cameras, but the Sony, if i get it, will be the wildlife shooter.

Z 50 can stay next to D300s and D3300 ..or could be sold not sure. No rush at all

capanikon said:

Plus there's always a value loss when you sell your old gear (which I always do when I rarely switch systems.)

Click to expand...

Most always, but i have been fine with selling older cameras over the years.

Not a problem to loose some $$$ after a lot of use over few years..but I don't have to sell the Z 50 to fund the A6700.

capanikon said:

I switched from Canon FD to Canon EF in the mid-1990s, then again from Canon EF to Nikon F about two years later, also in the 1990s. And I've stuck with Nikon ever since then.

Click to expand...

I still like Nikon. Just want better AF for moving subjects, but don't want to spend over $2,000 either (my guess as price for a Z 70/ Z 500). This is Just a hobby for me, so best to limit funds for it. (yet here I am about to spend more $$$

capanikon said:

During the 26 years or whatever I've been with Nikon F, there have been several occasions where Canon was "better" but I never cared. Coz there were also times when Nikon had the lead. It really never ends. Best not to get distracted by such things.

Click to expand...

Means nothing to me...i don't care whats better. Not in competition.

I don't care that my Z 50 is the low end of the Z cameras...nor that I use the Z 50-250mm kit lens the most ($100 lens, as was the 16-50mm kit lens..so $1,000 for camera and 2 lenses.

capanikon said:

Cameras are a _system_.

Click to expand...

True.

Lens is my possible short turn dilemma.

But..the Sony G 70-350mm might replace my Sigma 100-400mm and FTZ.

Big gain for me would be (if it works out to be as good or better) it's smaller and lighter and no FTZ needed.

AF will be big improvement, especially for BIF, over the Sigma, me thinks

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

ANAYV

ANAYV said:

Never did i think of buying a Sony camera.

Seemed their menu's were not well thought out..colors are a bit different (easy to fix in RAW, after one adjusts to the difference) and , well never liked one .

But...reading and watching some videos on this new model has me thinking.

Here's how I see the A6700 improving over my Z 50 (for my wants and type of shooting):

I will gain

1. AF tracking that seems to work like the Z9/8 do..very sticky to subject.

Click to expand...

I did buy the a6700 and have used it on a few jobs now, The focus tracking and overall focus system works better then any camera I have ever owned In over 25 years of shooting it amazing. And I have been shooting at F 1.4 with the Sigma 56mm lens

ANAYV said:

With independent settings for animal, birds, insects and few more, and watching this in action (via video only) it would make easier task of shooting Swallows, Terns and Dragonflies in flight.

Click to expand...

And they are easy to change to.

ANAYV said:

Keeper rate should go Way up.

2. (3) Custom positions on mode dial. I always use these.

Click to expand...

I custom set mine up it took three times but I have the way I want now.

I turned off the back round dial 3 sides of it that way I am using it.

ANAYV said:

3. Better buffer. Seems double the shots in RAW..but buffer might clear Way faster.

Click to expand...

So far no buffer filled up problem.

ANAYV said:

Makes good use of UHS-II SD card (250 mb's) and once buffer is filled, it seems to be able to still take shots..with Z 50 I would have to wait a few seconds before I could take another shot.

4. IBIS..claimed 5 stops. Z 50 has 0 stops IBIS. But I mostly use lenses with VR.

Still it would come in handy.

6. Better battery. A benefit, but not a big one..as I always have extra battery.

Click to expand...

I just shot 645 photos yesterday on a High school senior session shooting both raw and jpg and the battery is still showing 64% left. I shot it all with the Elc shutter so I could shoot at F 1.4 out side. No problem.

It is listed as a flash sync speed of 160 but I can flash sync at 200 with my Godox flash.

ANAYV said:

7. (3) assignable buttons (like function buttons on Nikon). More is better for me.

I hate placement of ISO and exposure comp buttons..and no way to reassign to function buttons. I hope A6700 allows for more options to assign, as with my 8-10yr old Panasonic cameras.

Click to expand...

I set exposure comp to the top back dial and the front is set to F stop but in the menu you can turn on to split it so when in Manual the back is set to shutter speed in place of exposure comp.

ANAYV said:

8. Better video...better AF in video...Auto framing function

Click to expand...

Yes and 4K60 and 4K 120 and the new now included Cinitone color setting.

ANAYV said:

9. 3rd dial (on back of camera) Always liked these over just 4 way pad

Other options/benefits are:

AF stacking ability...in camera panoramic mode...BULB setting...USB-C charging...headphone jack...longer lasting shutter...possibly less rolling shutter with electronic shutter....26MP resolution (over 20MP) so a slight increase.

For lenses..and this is where it might be a slight step down from Z lenses.

Click to expand...

I have the Sigma 56mm 1.4 and it is every bit as sharp as my FF Nikon Z 85MM 1.8 and produces great looking background blur.

Also have the Sigma 18-50 2.8 also a very sharp lens small and lite to use on a gimbal and I got the Sony 11mm 1.8.
I have coming in tomorrow the new 75mm 1,2 lens that will be the butter maker for the background. Will be buying the Tamron 17-70 zoom as well for the extra reach 105 =.

ANAYV said:

But I would only use 2..maybe 3.

70-350mm G lens...a 16-50mm (Sigma maybe)..and a wide angle lens.

70-350mm might replace my Sigma 100-400mm...wich needs the FTZ on my Z 50.

Click to expand...

For mega zoom stuff for both photos and video I will be buying the Sony RX10 4 tomarrow that gives you a built in F4 lens that is 24-600mm plus with the extra zoom setting Sony has it can get out even more that still looks very good. A much lighter setup then using a large heavy lens setup.

I also have the new Sony Digital Shotgun Microphone ECM-M1 on order it is showing it will be here Monday. No wires needed when using it on the a6700.

ANAYV said:

So about 3 inches smaller and 1 1/2 lbs lighter..but loosing 50mm on the tele end (maybe 26MP will help counter this).

Thoughts?

Click to expand...

The down side I am finding is the view finder is not as sharp as my Z6 or the Z50. I am getting use to it as it still works good. And the exposure comp dose not work as fast as on my Nikons it has a slite delay to show the change.

Some have stated that the A6700 has no back focus toggle but once you see how it works you don need that. I was worried about that. The back round dial can do the normal move focus point around but if you are shooting in the tracking mode you dont need any dial to set the focus point.

If the focus point is up in the top right of the screen just push the back AF-ON button when in tracking mode and just put the focus point on the subject by moving the camera and then it locks on and then just re compose the camera as you wish and its locked in on focus on that subject. So for for everything I have been doing it never louses focus just keep the back AF-On button pushed and then click the shutter when ever you want to take the shot.

I am amazed how it nails the eye in focuser shooting portraits every when the subject is walking around and you are moving as well.

ANAYV said:

Thanks

ANAYV

Click to expand...

Here is two photos from the portrait session shot with the a6700 and sigma 56mm lens.
I dont need FF anymore to get a great look - My Z6 and 85mm 1.8 would have-not done any better. And this was from JPGS as I still have no RAW support yet from Capture One I use.

The second one I was walking backwards shooting as she was walking and the focus tracking never missed in around 40 shots for the walk.





--
Started shooting digital back with the first 2MP cameras. Over 20 cameras later still going. I shoot for a living - family and people portraits, weddings, Sports and a little of everything.

ANAYV said:

Never did i think of buying a Sony camera.

Thoughts?

Thanks

ANAYV

Click to expand...

Seems Sony has currently set the new bar for APS-C cameras (and maybe to a lesser degree Canon with the R7.) I love my Nikons but am also considering an APS-C body primarily for video work and the A6700 checks all the boxes - especially at $1400. Other than a relatively weak EVF it's a nice package. And with one of the E-to-Z adapters, any E-mount lenses I buy can be used on my Z's.

Unless Nikon announces something similar very soon the A6700 may be my next bit of kit.

This is little to no evidence to back up the suggestion above that whatever Nikon releases is going to leapfrog the Sony focus-wise

I sort of went through this last year, but with the Canon R7. Fast Auto focus, but terrible rolling shutter artifacts, and the shooting lag was bad as well. In focus rate was a little better but rolling shutter effects and bad composition due to shutter lag, evened out the keeper rate comparison. The Z 8 has solved all of those issues. But give it a try. At least when nikon finally fleshes out their dual stream tech and fast refresh rate to the entire lineup, you will be able to use your acquired Sony lenses through the available ETZ convertors. It is great to have all of these wonderful toy choices. Mike

ANAYV said:

Never did i think of buying a Sony camera.

Seemed their menu's were not well thought out..colors are a bit different (easy to fix in RAW, after one adjusts to the difference) and , well never liked one .

But...reading and watching some videos on this new model has me thinking.

Here's how I see the A6700 improving over my Z 50 (for my wants and type of shooting):

I will gain

1. AF tracking that seems to work like the Z9/8 do..very sticky to subject.

With independent settings for animal, birds, insects and few more, and watching this in action (via video only) it would make easier task of shooting Swallows, Terns and Dragonflies in flight.

Keeper rate should go Way up.

2. (3) Custom positions on mode dial. I always use these.

3. Better buffer. Seems double the shots in RAW..but buffer might clear Way faster.

Makes good use of UHS-II SD card (250 mb's) and once buffer is filled, it seems to be able to still take shots..with Z 50 I would have to wait a few seconds before I could take another shot.

4. IBIS..claimed 5 stops. Z 50 has 0 stops IBIS. But I mostly use lenses with VR.

Still it would come in handy.

6. Better battery. A benefit, but not a big one..as I always have extra battery.

7. (3) assignable buttons (like function buttons on Nikon). More is better for me.

I hate placement of ISO and exposure comp buttons..and no way to reassign to function buttons. I hope A6700 allows for more options to assign, as with my 8-10yr old Panasonic cameras.

8. Better video...better AF in video...Auto framing function

9. 3rd dial (on back of camera) Always liked these over just 4 way pad

Other options/benefits are:

AF stacking ability...in camera panoramic mode...BULB setting...USB-C charging...headphone jack...longer lasting shutter...possibly less rolling shutter with electronic shutter....26MP resolution (over 20MP) so a slight increase.

For lenses..and this is where it might be a slight step down from Z lenses.

But I would only use 2..maybe 3.

70-350mm G lens...a 16-50mm (Sigma maybe)..and a wide angle lens.

70-350mm might replace my Sigma 100-400mm...wich needs the FTZ on my Z 50.

So about 3 inches smaller and 1 1/2 lbs lighter..but loosing 50mm on the tele end (maybe 26MP will help counter this).

Thoughts?

Thanks

ANAYV

Click to expand...

It looks like the Sony a6700 is what a nikon Z70 should be.

If the Z50 is not giving the results you want and let you down to much for your type of shooting then make the switch (maybe renting first to convince yourself?). You can always sell the Sony gear later if you are not satisfied or nikon comes with a Z70 or Z90.

--
Greetings,
Marc

goactive said:

ANAYV said:

Never did i think of buying a Sony camera.

Seemed their menu's were not well thought out..colors are a bit different (easy to fix in RAW, after one adjusts to the difference) and , well never liked one .

But...reading and watching some videos on this new model has me thinking.

Here's how I see the A6700 improving over my Z 50 (for my wants and type of shooting):

I will gain

1. AF tracking that seems to work like the Z9/8 do..very sticky to subject.

Click to expand...

I did buy the a6700 and have used it on a few jobs now, The focus tracking and overall focus system works better then any camera I have ever owned In over 25 years of shooting it amazing. And I have been shooting at F 1.4 with the Sigma 56mm lens

goactive said:

With independent settings for animal, birds, insects and few more, and watching this in action (via video only) it would make easier task of shooting Swallows, Terns and Dragonflies in flight.

Click to expand...

And they are easy to change to.

goactive said:

Keeper rate should go Way up.

2. (3) Custom positions on mode dial. I always use these.

Click to expand...

I custom set mine up it took three times but I have the way I want now.

I turned off the back round dial 3 sides of it that way I am using it.

goactive said:

3. Better buffer. Seems double the shots in RAW..but buffer might clear Way faster.

Click to expand...

So far no buffer filled up problem.

goactive said:

Makes good use of UHS-II SD card (250 mb's) and once buffer is filled, it seems to be able to still take shots..with Z 50 I would have to wait a few seconds before I could take another shot.

4. IBIS..claimed 5 stops. Z 50 has 0 stops IBIS. But I mostly use lenses with VR.

Still it would come in handy.

6. Better battery. A benefit, but not a big one..as I always have extra battery.

Click to expand...

I just shot 645 photos yesterday on a High school senior session shooting both raw and jpg and the battery is still showing 64% left. I shot it all with the Elc shutter so I could shoot at F 1.4 out side. No problem.

It is listed as a flash sync speed of 160 but I can flash sync at 200 with my Godox flash.

goactive said:

7. (3) assignable buttons (like function buttons on Nikon). More is better for me.

I hate placement of ISO and exposure comp buttons..and no way to reassign to function buttons. I hope A6700 allows for more options to assign, as with my 8-10yr old Panasonic cameras.

Click to expand...

I set exposure comp to the top back dial and the front is set to F stop but in the menu you can turn on to split it so when in Manual the back is set to shutter speed in place of exposure comp.

goactive said:

8. Better video...better AF in video...Auto framing function

Click to expand...

Yes and 4K60 and 4K 120 and the new now included Cinitone color setting.

goactive said:

9. 3rd dial (on back of camera) Always liked these over just 4 way pad

Other options/benefits are:

AF stacking ability...in camera panoramic mode...BULB setting...USB-C charging...headphone jack...longer lasting shutter...possibly less rolling shutter with electronic shutter....26MP resolution (over 20MP) so a slight increase.

For lenses..and this is where it might be a slight step down from Z lenses.

Click to expand...

I have the Sigma 56mm 1.4 and it is every bit as sharp as my FF Nikon Z 85MM 1.8 and produces great looking background blur.

Also have the Sigma 18-50 2.8 also a very sharp lens small and lite to use on a gimbal and I got the Sony 11mm 1.8.
I have coming in tomorrow the new 75mm 1,2 lens that will be the butter maker for the background. Will be buying the Tamron 17-70 zoom as well for the extra reach 105 =.

goactive said:

But I would only use 2..maybe 3.

70-350mm G lens...a 16-50mm (Sigma maybe)..and a wide angle lens.

70-350mm might replace my Sigma 100-400mm...wich needs the FTZ on my Z 50.

Click to expand...

For mega zoom stuff for both photos and video I will be buying the Sony RX10 4 tomarrow that gives you a built in F4 lens that is 24-600mm plus with the extra zoom setting Sony has it can get out even more that still looks very good. A much lighter setup then using a large heavy lens setup.

I also have the new Sony Digital Shotgun Microphone ECM-M1 on order it is showing it will be here Monday. No wires needed when using it on the a6700.

goactive said:

So about 3 inches smaller and 1 1/2 lbs lighter..but loosing 50mm on the tele end (maybe 26MP will help counter this).

Thoughts?

Click to expand...

The down side I am finding is the view finder is not as sharp as my Z6 or the Z50. I am getting use to it as it still works good. And the exposure comp dose not work as fast as on my Nikons it has a slite delay to show the change.

Some have stated that the A6700 has no back focus toggle but once you see how it works you don need that. I was worried about that. The back round dial can do the normal move focus point around but if you are shooting in the tracking mode you dont need any dial to set the focus point.

If the focus point is up in the top right of the screen just push the back AF-ON button when in tracking mode and just put the focus point on the subject by moving the camera and then it locks on and then just re compose the camera as you wish and its locked in on focus on that subject. So for for everything I have been doing it never louses focus just keep the back AF-On button pushed and then click the shutter when ever you want to take the shot.

I am amazed how it nails the eye in focuser shooting portraits every when the subject is walking around and you are moving as well.

goactive said:

Thanks

ANAYV

Click to expand...

Here is two photos from the portrait session shot with the a6700 and sigma 56mm lens.
I dont need FF anymore to get a great look - My Z6 and 85mm 1.8 would have-not done any better. And this was from JPGS as I still have no RAW support yet from Capture One I use.

The second one I was walking backwards shooting as she was walking and the focus tracking never missed in around 40 shots for the walk.





--
Started shooting digital back with the first 2MP cameras. Over 20 cameras later still going. I shoot for a living - family and people portraits, weddings, Sports and a little of everything.

Click to expand...

You are really tempting me now. I have a z6 and 85mm for portraits, with the occasional landscape when traveling. However, life changes, and something smaller and lighter would be ideal for carry on travel. Besides that, I just started shooting sports, volleyball and soccer, and the z6 autofocus leaves a lot to be desired.

If you're finding your portraits are of a similar quality, it may be worth the switch. I was concerned about going from FF to aps c.



Additional question, have you done studio with it? Flash sync?

ANAYV said:

Never did i think of buying a Sony camera.

Seemed their menu's were not well thought out..colors are a bit different (easy to fix in RAW, after one adjusts to the difference) and , well never liked one .

But...reading and watching some videos on this new model has me thinking.

Here's how I see the A6700 improving over my Z 50 (for my wants and type of shooting):

I will gain

1. AF tracking that seems to work like the Z9/8 do..very sticky to subject.

With independent settings for animal, birds, insects and few more, and watching this in action (via video only) it would make easier task of shooting Swallows, Terns and Dragonflies in flight.

Keeper rate should go Way up.

2. (3) Custom positions on mode dial. I always use these.

3. Better buffer. Seems double the shots in RAW..but buffer might clear Way faster.

Makes good use of UHS-II SD card (250 mb's) and once buffer is filled, it seems to be able to still take shots..with Z 50 I would have to wait a few seconds before I could take another shot.

4. IBIS..claimed 5 stops. Z 50 has 0 stops IBIS. But I mostly use lenses with VR.

Still it would come in handy.

6. Better battery. A benefit, but not a big one..as I always have extra battery.

7. (3) assignable buttons (like function buttons on Nikon). More is better for me.

I hate placement of ISO and exposure comp buttons..and no way to reassign to function buttons. I hope A6700 allows for more options to assign, as with my 8-10yr old Panasonic cameras.

8. Better video...better AF in video...Auto framing function

9. 3rd dial (on back of camera) Always liked these over just 4 way pad

Other options/benefits are:

AF stacking ability...in camera panoramic mode...BULB setting...USB-C charging...headphone jack...longer lasting shutter...possibly less rolling shutter with electronic shutter....26MP resolution (over 20MP) so a slight increase.

For lenses..and this is where it might be a slight step down from Z lenses.

But I would only use 2..maybe 3.

70-350mm G lens...a 16-50mm (Sigma maybe)..and a wide angle lens.

70-350mm might replace my Sigma 100-400mm...wich needs the FTZ on my Z 50.

So about 3 inches smaller and 1 1/2 lbs lighter..but loosing 50mm on the tele end (maybe 26MP will help counter this).

Thoughts?

Thanks

ANAYV

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Purely from an AF standpoint, I would say unless you're willing to buy a Z8 or Z9, then the a6700 (or an a6600 or a6400 for that matter) may be better. I think Sony's AF algorithsm compared to the Z5/Z6/Z7/Z50 at least is more refined when it comes to tracking. I had contemplated this myself (getting a cheaper Canon or Sony to compliment my Nikons for wildlife shooting, but still keeping Nikon as my primary camera system, but this was also before the Z8 was released).

That being said though, I don't think the a6700 is the best value (it is the newest iteration out there) but if you don't need IBIS then you can probably find a great deal on an a6400 or you could save a little but get most of the functionality of a 6700 in a 6600.

--
NOTE: If I don't reply to a direct comment in the forums, it's likely I unsubscribed from the thread/article..

Rhaegar said:

This is little to no evidence to back up the suggestion above that whatever Nikon releases is going to leapfrog the Sony focus-wise

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There is no evidence either that Nikon will not

Steve Perry rated the best Sony and Nikon as about equal for wildlife and BIF AF - giving the nod to Nikon for a better range of wildlife lenses.

This professional opinion was when the Nikon Z9 was on firmware 2 - now much improved for AF etc with firmware 4.

goactive said:

I dont need FF anymore to get a great look -

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Nobody ever did ;-)

Leonard Shepherd said:

As your gear list is blank it is difficult to comment on unknown costs of getting new lenses et cetera.

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Oh. Currently I use a Z 50 with 50-250mm and a Sigma 100-400mm (with a 1.4x TC.)

I Like te results, but the Sigma is a bit big and heavy for me, and it needs the FTZ.

It would be nice to loose a few inches and about 1 1/2 lbs

Leonard Shepherd said:

Sony seem to have a product in your price range before Nikon.

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Yep. This is plan B. Plan A is to stick with Nikon

Leonard Shepherd said:

If Nikon launch what you want within 6 months (nobody knows) you could be better off staying with Nikon.

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Could be. But it seems DX is not a proirity for them. More money in FX.

How long has it been since folk were asking about a higher end DX?

Perhaps a few years now. Still it might happen.

But I doubt it would be less than $2,000. Maybe closer to $2,500.

If I buy the Sony, I still might keep the Z 50.

Still have a D300s and a D3300 at home. Plus few Nikon F mount lenses.

Thanks Leonard

ANAYV

The thing that bothers me with Sony is the lack of support. Looking at the RX100 VII,VI, and the VA, they must be perferct because no firmware update was ever released (says the internet). I have the VI and while it's an ok little camera, I suppose one could have tweaked the AF and improved other things given the price. WIth my mobile phones back in the day it was similar, same story with my Sony headset. My Z6 received some meaningful upgrades for free and now it's really good value for the money.
As the other posters mentioned, also check out the A6600. The reviews I read mentioned that the A6700 is the better camera, but not every one needs the improvements and the older model might be the better value.

My old N8008 could track this person. As could my old EOS-1, and my old F4s, and the N90s, D1, D100, D200, D300, D3, etc.

Tracking someone walking is something cameras have been doing for 35 years at least. It's old hat.

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irc.libera.chat #photogeeks

sirhawkeye64 said:

That being said though, I don't think the a6700 is the best value (it is the newest iteration out there) but if you don't need IBIS then you can probably find a great deal on an a6400 or you could save a little but get most of the functionality of a 6700 in a 6600.

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To see what the rumored a7cii or the a7cR brings.....

Rumored announcement on August 29, 2023.

24Peter said:

ANAYV said:

Never did i think of buying a Sony camera.

Thoughts?

Thanks

ANAYV

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Seems Sony has currently set the new bar for APS-C cameras (and maybe to a lesser degree Canon with the R7.) I love my Nikons but am also considering an APS-C body primarily for video work and the A6700 checks all the boxes - especially at $1400. Other than a relatively weak EVF it's a nice package. And with one of the E-to-Z adapters, any E-mount lenses I buy can be used on my Z's.

Unless Nikon announces something similar very soon the A6700 may be my next bit of kit.

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+1

Exactly where I am too. I've been waiting to jump into mirrorless for a couple of years (after more than that watching things develop), starting with a mid-high end APS-C. I'd set myself a deadline of this holiday, foolishly thinking that this year would be the year Nikon would do something...

With thanks to goactive for his impressions - especially as someone who isn't shooting birds

BackToNature1 said:

BackToNature1 said:

That being said though, I don't think the a6700 is the best value (it is the newest iteration out there) but if you don't need IBIS then you can probably find a great deal on an a6400 or you could save a little but get most of the functionality of a 6700 in a 6600.

Click to expand...

To see what the rumored a7cii or the a7cR brings.....

Rumored announcement on August 29, 2023.

Click to expand...

Perhaps, but it depends on how much the OP wants to spend. The a7C II I could see easily being closer to $2k and maybe more. Same for the other one. My guess is they want good AF, but not spend a ton of money (not that the A6700 is cheap, but it's on the lower-end in general compared to FF options).