a1 vs fx6 question

[Anthony_Chicago]

Hello Friends,

Hope you are all well. I'm looking at spending a maximum of $8,000 on one of two cameras. I was going to pull the trigger on a Sony FX6 to shoot personal narrative shorts that will be posted on youTube and Vimeo. Then the A1 came out. I know we can talk tech specs until the end of time on the two cameras. But my question is, how much advantage does the FX6 really have over the A1 in terms of exported content. If the average viewer cant tell the difference, then I'd be more inclined to purchase an A1 for its versatility and its ability to hold resale value.

8K is something that I'm not concerned about, nor are audio jacks etc. Really all I'm wondering is if the two are the same when it comes to skin tones and highlight roll-off on the skin tones. As I stated earlier, I know numbers will say this and say that, but I'm really mostly interested in the end result for the viewer when humans are the subject of a narrative video. I'm interested to know peoples general consensus instead of tech specs. Thank you!

Godspeed.

-Anthony

 

[SafariBob]

To me, it sounds like the a7c would be a good fit. The difference in video features generally is more about the workflow to get your desired results.

ie, questions such as:

- grading

- audio

- output format

But I am not a Expert on video, recommend watching dpreview tv reviews, tend to go through video features quite well. Especially from a high end YouTube/Vimeo POV

 

[Markr041]

Hello Friends,

Hope you are all well. I'm looking at spending a maximum of $8,000 on one of two cameras. I was going to pull the trigger on a Sony FX6 to shoot personal narrative shorts that will be posted on youTube and Vimeo. Then the A1 came out. I know we can talk tech specs until the end of time on the two cameras. But my question is, how much advantage does the FX6 really have over the A1 in terms of exported content. If the average viewer cant tell the difference, then I'd be more inclined to purchase an A1 for its versatility and its ability to hold resale value.

8K is something that I'm not concerned about, nor are audio jacks etc. Really all I'm wondering is if the two are the same when it comes to skin tones and highlight roll-off on the skin tones. As I stated earlier, I know numbers will say this and say that, but I'm really mostly interested in the end result for the viewer when humans are the subject of a narrative video. I'm interested to know peoples general consensus instead of tech specs. Thank you!

Godspeed.

-Anthony

Picture quality differences between the hybrid camera and the FX6 are trivial. The issue is the hardware that extends capability. And the key difference is this: The FX6 features Sony's unique built-in electronic Variable Neutral Density (ND) filter. Unlike conventional optical ND Filters, the electronic ND Filter on the FX6 can be controlled from 1/4 ND to 1/128 ND linearly, or set to auto. Works with any lens.

If you do any shooting outdoors you will need to use ND filters - ND filters are essential for video, not so much for stills. But, more importantly, having a variable ND that does not degrade and is built in means you can have more scope for creativity - you can shoot shallow DOF shots in bright sun or wide DOF shots at the same shutter speed (180 rule) with just a turn of a dial - choose the aperture that is right for the shot, and compensate exposure with the variable ND.

In addition you have more buttons to make customizing shots easier on the FX6, controls that are essential for video.

Finally, the FX6 has the same size sensor, but with much bigger (and less) pixels, so it should be better in low light than the A1 in principle. It should have less rolling shutter also. But this is likely not a big deal. The built-in ND is the clincher.

But the FX6 does not have IBIS, unlike the A1 - so you need to rely on lens OSS for handheld, or use gyro stabilization in post. The A1 is better for pure handheld.

So, none of this is about numbers - it is about features.

 

[Bank Shot]

Hello Friends,

Hope you are all well. I'm looking at spending a maximum of $8,000 on one of two cameras. I was going to pull the trigger on a Sony FX6 to shoot personal narrative shorts that will be posted on youTube and Vimeo.

Both of those cameras are way overkill for youtube and vimeo, especially if you are shooting in an environment where you have control over lighting conditions.

Don't ignore audio, it's 50% of the presentation.

 

[MikeInOr]

I completely agree that both of these cameras are WAY overkill for youtube and vimeo.

If your primary purpose is video I would go for the video camera. But if you continually upgrade your hardware then you will get a much better return on the A1 than you will the FX6 when you do your next upgrade and the A1 should be plenty for your purposes.

 

[Markr041]

• Bank Shot wrote:

Hello Friends,

Hope you are all well. I'm looking at spending a maximum of $8,000 on one of two cameras. I was going to pull the trigger on a Sony FX6 to shoot personal narrative shorts that will be posted on youTube and Vimeo.

Both of those cameras are way overkill for youtube and vimeo, especially if you are shooting in an environment where you have control over lighting conditions.

Don't ignore audio, it's 50% of the presentation.

No, they are not overkill. And, yes, audio is important. But so is lighting. And set design.

 

[Anthony_Chicago]

Thanks for the thorough response and explanation. I really appreciate it. So essentially one of the biggest benefits is the Electronic ND filter allowing for a much greater range on control over image quality/versatility when outside. The value of this feature seems to be well worth it since most of what I now like to shoot is outside.

As much as i like the versatility of the a1, I'm not the most dedicated when it comes to bringing along accessories and filters. I've shot mostly interior video with the Canon 5D Mii for about seven years now and like the form factor of the FX6 better. I think I'm ready for a different form than a DSLR. I bought the BMPCC4K but recently sold it as I wanted something without a cage and wires etc hanging everywhere. Sony has tossed everything at its costumers the past few months and it's hard to sort it all out. Thanks again.

 

[AGshots]

Personally for the same price I would get an A7Siii and some lenses or nice mics for audio.

I considered the FX6 as well but ended up getting two A7Siii’s instead and have not regretted it at all.

here is a video I recently helped my brother-in-law record. Everything was done with the A7Siii

 

[Anthony_Chicago]

Thanks for the response. Lots of awesome footage in that video, and great content. Thanks for sharing, it is helpful to hear your experience and to see your use with the AS7 camera.

Thanks for your feedback. Yes it is a tough choice between two awesome cameras or just one awesome camera.

Thanks.