Switch from Sony, or only the A Mount?

Hi, have a dilemma. I have used my trusty Sony A100 from 2009 to 2017. I don't have any kit lenses, but all are vintage Minolta lenses:

• Minolta - AF 50 F1.7
• Minolta AF 35-80mm F4-5.6 II
• Minolta AF 75-300mm F4.5-5.6 II

I've done a lot of travel, and bird photography with these lenses.

But now, I've after 5 years of rigorous jobs and responsibilities, I got some time for me. And I want to relive my photography hobby. But being an iPhone 11 (company provided) user now, the A100's IQ seems too limited to me, especially in low light the max usable ISO is 800 even with the 1.7 50mm. So for last 1 year, I've ended up using only my phone on my official and personal trips.

I've been somewhat detached from the progress in photography made in the last couple of years and don't know any better than a common person. So, I want guidance from others in choosing a new budget APS-C setup under 1000$ (Equivalent of INR price as I am from India), while keeping in mind the following points:

• I want to keep the camera for a looong time, as I've done with the A100. So the tech that is phasing out doesn't seem good. This is the reason I am ready to sell/dump my precious Minolta collection because I find no future support for A-Mount whatsoever. Even the adaptor costs 19k INR(250$) in India.
• Linked to the above point is that should I go with mirrorless and be future-ready? DSLR ergonomics are good, but I can still adjust with the mirrorless form factor.
• Coming from a low-income group, I want to go with a route that has good lens support. I am also thinking there is a good option to get a body + 18-135/105/140 mm kit, and then buy a used 100-400, 150-500/600 in the used market (India or Canada), like the ones from Sigma or Tamron.
• The goal is again travel photography with my wife, and occasional bird photography, widlife safari's
• Fixed lens superzooms aren't my cup of tea, unfortunately. I've had Fz200 for a brief time in 2016-17, as I couldn't live with noisy images from the tiny sensor.
• Although I've iphone for 4k videos. But having that option in a big sensor device would also be good. Not necessary, but good to have.

Keeping in mind these points, I've thought of the following options but am not sure:

• Nikon D5600 with 18-140mm
• Sony A6100 with 16-50mm (Not sure if it has a cheap telephoto option even with an adaptor)
• Nikon Z50 or Zfc (sometimes it goes on sale selling at only 3-4000 INR more than Z50). Also not sure if it has any cheap telephoto option.
• Fujifilm X-A7 also seems a worthy option. But I don't anything about the fuji's lens ecosystem and their availability in India.

I hope these articulated points are enough to help finalize my search.

gursharan-info wrote:

I've been somewhat detached from the progress in photography made in the last couple of years and don't know any better than a common person. So, I want guidance from others in choosing a new budget APS-C setup under 1000$ (Equivalent of INR price as I am from India), while keeping in mind the following points:

• I want to keep the camera for a looong time, as I've done with the A100. So the tech that is phasing out doesn't seem good. This is the reason I am ready to sell/dump my precious Minolta collection because I find no future support for A-Mount whatsoever. Even the adaptor costs 19k INR(250$) in India.
• Linked to the above point is that should I go with mirrorless and be future-ready? DSLR ergonomics are good, but I can still adjust with the mirrorless form factor.
• Coming from a low-income group, I want to go with a route that has good lens support. I am also thinking there is a good option to get a body + 18-135/105/140 mm kit, and then buy a used 100-400, 150-500/600 in the used market (India or Canada), like the ones from Sigma or Tamron.
• The goal is again travel photography with my wife, and occasional bird photography, widlife safari's
• Fixed lens superzooms aren't my cup of tea, unfortunately. I've had Fz200 for a brief time in 2016-17, as I couldn't live with noisy images from the tiny sensor.
• Although I've iphone for 4k videos. But having that option in a big sensor device would also be good. Not necessary, but good to have.

Keeping in mind these points, I've thought of the following options but am not sure:

• Nikon D5600 with 18-140mm
• Sony A6100 with 16-50mm (Not sure if it has a cheap telephoto option even with an adaptor)
• Nikon Z50 or Zfc (sometimes it goes on sale selling at only 3-4000 INR more than Z50). Also not sure if it has any cheap telephoto option.
• Fujifilm X-A7 also seems a worthy option. But I don't anything about the fuji's lens ecosystem and their availability in India.

I hope these articulated points are enough to help finalize my search.

Yes, It is time to make a clean break from the Sony/Minolta A-mount past and look forward to something new. I still shoot with some of the last A-mount camera and lens models and have already moved to Sony's E-mount.

Cameras have changed so much, it may be a good idea to visit a camera store - not to buy anything - just to see all the new features that are available now. Features lIke 100s of focus points, electronic viewfinders, touch screens, 5-axis image stabilization, face/eye focusing, and even more. A bad feature is the cost of mirrorless cameras and their lenses has increased a lot.

It has become very clear that DSLR cameras are also just starting to fade into history. This isn't good since you're looking for long-term (decades) support. But this is where you'll currently find the best value for your money.

All camera manufacturers have been affected by chip shortages. Sony is currently having big problems getting enough parts for their APS-C cameras. Here in the USA, new Sony APS-C cameras are just about impossible to find.

Have you looked at DPR's Buying Guides, Camera Feature search,Lens search?

lehill wrote:

gursharan-info wrote:

I've been somewhat detached from the progress in photography made in the last couple of years and don't know any better than a common person. So, I want guidance from others in choosing a new budget APS-C setup under 1000$ (Equivalent of INR price as I am from India), while keeping in mind the following points:

• I want to keep the camera for a looong time, as I've done with the A100. So the tech that is phasing out doesn't seem good. This is the reason I am ready to sell/dump my precious Minolta collection because I find no future support for A-Mount whatsoever. Even the adaptor costs 19k INR(250$) in India.
• Linked to the above point is that should I go with mirrorless and be future-ready? DSLR ergonomics are good, but I can still adjust with the mirrorless form factor.
• Coming from a low-income group, I want to go with a route that has good lens support. I am also thinking there is a good option to get a body + 18-135/105/140 mm kit, and then buy a used 100-400, 150-500/600 in the used market (India or Canada), like the ones from Sigma or Tamron.
• The goal is again travel photography with my wife, and occasional bird photography, widlife safari's
• Fixed lens superzooms aren't my cup of tea, unfortunately. I've had Fz200 for a brief time in 2016-17, as I couldn't live with noisy images from the tiny sensor.
• Although I've iphone for 4k videos. But having that option in a big sensor device would also be good. Not necessary, but good to have.

Keeping in mind these points, I've thought of the following options but am not sure:

• Nikon D5600 with 18-140mm
• Sony A6100 with 16-50mm (Not sure if it has a cheap telephoto option even with an adaptor)
• Nikon Z50 or Zfc (sometimes it goes on sale selling at only 3-4000 INR more than Z50). Also not sure if it has any cheap telephoto option.
• Fujifilm X-A7 also seems a worthy option. But I don't anything about the fuji's lens ecosystem and their availability in India.

I hope these articulated points are enough to help finalize my search.

Yes, It is time to make a clean break from the Sony/Minolta A-mount past and look forward to something new. I still shoot with some of the last A-mount camera and lens models and have already moved to Sony's E-mount.

Cameras have changed so much, it may be a good idea to visit a camera store - not to buy anything - just to see all the new features that are available now. Features lIke 100s of focus points, electronic viewfinders, touch screens, 5-axis image stabilization, face/eye focusing, and even more. A bad feature is the cost of mirrorless cameras and their lenses has increased a lot.

It has become very clear that DSLR cameras are also just starting to fade into history. This isn't good since you're looking for long-term (decades) support. But this is where you'll currently find the best value for your money.

All camera manufacturers have been affected by chip shortages. Sony is currently having big problems getting enough parts for their APS-C cameras. Here in the USA, new Sony APS-C cameras are just about impossible to find.

Have you looked at DPR's Buying Guides, Camera Feature search,Lens search?

Thanks Lehill. I think I will do the same and move from A-mount.

My other question was that should I go with Sony again and move to E-mount, or Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Olympus have better lens support in my scenario? 
I am concerned with the cost of zoom telephoto lenses. My limited understanding says that Sony E-mount telephoto lenses are costlier in that aspect. So should I consider these brands or go with Sony?

The chip shortage is also an issue I know, but in my area, I can get hands-on these cameras in retail stores.

I know that I've said that I want my setup for long-term usage, but it won't be that long this time. If right now, a DSLR is more value for money and has a possibility of surviving the next 4-5 years, I am open to that option as well.  
But if, the mirrorless option is a little bit costlier (not more than 1.5x), I can save more and wait a little more.

gursharan-info wrote:

Hi, have a dilemma. I have used my trusty Sony A100 from 2009 to 2017. I don't have any kit lenses, but all are vintage Minolta lenses:

• Minolta - AF 50 F1.7
• Minolta AF 35-80mm F4-5.6 II
• Minolta AF 75-300mm F4.5-5.6 II

I've done a lot of travel, and bird photography with these lenses.

But now, I've after 5 years of rigorous jobs and responsibilities, I got some time for me. And I want to relive my photography hobby. But being an iPhone 11 (company provided) user now, the A100's IQ seems too limited to me, especially in low light the max usable ISO is 800 even with the 1.7 50mm. So for last 1 year, I've ended up using only my phone on my official and personal trips.

I've been somewhat detached from the progress in photography made in the last couple of years and don't know any better than a common person. So, I want guidance from others in choosing a new budget APS-C setup under 1000$ (Equivalent of INR price as I am from India), while keeping in mind the following points:

• I want to keep the camera for a looong time, as I've done with the A100. So the tech that is phasing out doesn't seem good. This is the reason I am ready to sell/dump my precious Minolta collection because I find no future support for A-Mount whatsoever. Even the adaptor costs 19k INR(250$) in India.
• Linked to the above point is that should I go with mirrorless and be future-ready? DSLR ergonomics are good, but I can still adjust with the mirrorless form factor.
• Coming from a low-income group, I want to go with a route that has good lens support. I am also thinking there is a good option to get a body + 18-135/105/140 mm kit, and then buy a used 100-400, 150-500/600 in the used market (India or Canada), like the ones from Sigma or Tamron.
• The goal is again travel photography with my wife, and occasional bird photography, widlife safari's
• Fixed lens superzooms aren't my cup of tea, unfortunately. I've had Fz200 for a brief time in 2016-17, as I couldn't live with noisy images from the tiny sensor.
• Although I've iphone for 4k videos. But having that option in a big sensor device would also be good. Not necessary, but good to have.

Keeping in mind these points, I've thought of the following options but am not sure:

• Nikon D5600 with 18-140mm
• Sony A6100 with 16-50mm (Not sure if it has a cheap telephoto option even with an adaptor)
• Nikon Z50 or Zfc (sometimes it goes on sale selling at only 3-4000 INR more than Z50). Also not sure if it has any cheap telephoto option.
• Fujifilm X-A7 also seems a worthy option. But I don't anything about the fuji's lens ecosystem and their availability in India.

I hope these articulated points are enough to help finalize my search.

Bump..!!

I've refined and changed my shortlist from the feedback and reviews in other forums and from talking to my local friends.

• Sony A6000 with 18-105mm. I am getting this one used for around $700 (USD). The prices for 6100 and 6400 have skyrocketed with the global shortage, and people are selling used one's close to the price of new camera's. 
  For Telephoto, I will buy Sony 70-350, or Sigma 150-600 Contemporary 6-8 months later.
  My doubt here is the longevity of the model. Also, the size is a bit smaller for my hands. The reason I've selected this is the availability of a cheaper telephoto zoom option.
• Fujifilm X-T30 with 18-135mm. I am getting this kit used for about $700 (USD). For Telephoto, I can buy XF 100-400, 6-8 months later.
  I like the look and in-hand feel of this camera kit. The only hesitation is the ever-increasing price of the lenses. In the past 3 months XF 100-400 has gone from $1750 to $2300.
• Olympus e-m10 mark IV with 14-150mm or a used e-m5 mark iii. I will buy the Zuiko ED 100-400mm 6-8 months later.
  At first, this seemed the best option to me. But checking a real one in hands is very hard as Olympus is almost non-existent in the local Indian market. Its available only online and the online prices have skyrocketed recently.  This new kit now costs almost $1300 (USD), and used ones are not available anywhere. 

Can anyone guide me in choosing an option among these?

For the Fuji option I would suggest an X-T3 rather than the X-T30, should be only slightly more expensive used and is a much better camera in every respect.

Deak wrote:

For the Fuji option I would suggest an X-T3 rather than the X-T30, should be only slightly more expensive used and is a much better camera in every respect.

Thanks Deak.

Unfortunately, the X-T3 is limited in the used camera market here. The price I've got for some used kits are:

• Body Only with a canon lens adaptor: INR 70000 ($920).
• Body + 18-135mm lens: INR 110000 ($1450)
• Body + 16-80 F4 ($1700)

New kit here with 16-80 F4 is costing INR 161500 ($2120).
So, I think these would far exceed my current budget of $1000.

Additionally, do you by any chance if these cameras have a lower value in Canada? My parents are currently traveling and would be back within one month. I can ask my sister to buy if these cameras are of better value there.

Local market prices definitely vary from country to country. The used market here in Canada is pretty strong, I would expect to get a used X-T3 and 18-55mm lens for about $1400CDN ($1110US).

Pole Cat wrote:

gursharan-info wrote:

Hi, have a dilemma. I have used my trusty Sony A100 from 2009 to 2017. I don't have any kit lenses, but all are vintage Minolta lenses:

• Minolta - AF 50 F1.7
• Minolta AF 35-80mm F4-5.6 II
• Minolta AF 75-300mm F4.5-5.6 II

I've done a lot of travel, and bird photography with these lenses.

But now, I've after 5 years of rigorous jobs and responsibilities, I got some time for me. And I want to relive my photography hobby. But being an iPhone 11 (company provided) user now, the A100's IQ seems too limited to me, especially in low light the max usable ISO is 800 even with the 1.7 50mm. So for last 1 year, I've ended up using only my phone on my official and personal trips.

I've been somewhat detached from the progress in photography made in the last couple of years and don't know any better than a common person. So, I want guidance from others in choosing a new budget APS-C setup under 1000$ (Equivalent of INR price as I am from India), while keeping in mind the following points:

• I want to keep the camera for a looong time, as I've done with the A100. So the tech that is phasing out doesn't seem good. This is the reason I am ready to sell/dump my precious Minolta collection because I find no future support for A-Mount whatsoever. Even the adaptor costs 19k INR(250$) in India.
• Linked to the above point is that should I go with mirrorless and be future-ready? DSLR ergonomics are good, but I can still adjust with the mirrorless form factor.
• Coming from a low-income group, I want to go with a route that has good lens support. I am also thinking there is a good option to get a body + 18-135/105/140 mm kit, and then buy a used 100-400, 150-500/600 in the used market (India or Canada), like the ones from Sigma or Tamron.
• The goal is again travel photography with my wife, and occasional bird photography, widlife safari's
• Fixed lens superzooms aren't my cup of tea, unfortunately. I've had Fz200 for a brief time in 2016-17, as I couldn't live with noisy images from the tiny sensor.
• Although I've iphone for 4k videos. But having that option in a big sensor device would also be good. Not necessary, but good to have.

Keeping in mind these points, I've thought of the following options but am not sure:

• Nikon D5600 with 18-140mm
• Sony A6100 with 16-50mm (Not sure if it has a cheap telephoto option even with an adaptor)
• Nikon Z50 or Zfc (sometimes it goes on sale selling at only 3-4000 INR more than Z50). Also not sure if it has any cheap telephoto option.
• Fujifilm X-A7 also seems a worthy option. But I don't anything about the fuji's lens ecosystem and their availability in India.

I hope these articulated points are enough to help finalize my search.

Sony came out with the LA-EA5 but only a few cameras are completely supported. I found it frustrating for my Sony, Canon and Sigma EF lenses worked better than Minolta. And so as much as it pained me I sold my Minolta lenses knowing they didn't have a good future.

If I were you I'd start by picking the lenses you like best and will want to use for 10 or more years.

If you are only considering APSC, then I would go FujiFilm since they are the only ones fully committed these days. I would not trust Sony, Canon or Nikon to make ASPC cameras in 3 years. It is the opposite if you want to go FF in the coming years. Not FujiFilm.

Thanks.

I agree with you on APSC support. The only reason I had considered Sony for APSC, just because it has a used market existence here in North India. And I can easily get a used A6500 with 18-105 F4 asily for about US $950 and a new Sigma 150-600 for $1250 and be be done with my complete kit in almost half the price. But in reality I really hate its handling.

I completely agree with you on Fujilfilm side. But what Fuji lacks is options for wildlife telephoto lenses. The only option is 100-400mm and that is ridculosly expensive (US $2350 - blame the import taxes in India). As Fuji was not that popular in India earlier, the used market is virtually non-existent. Only Canikons and now Sony has some existence in the used market.

I did try fuji X-T3 for one day borrowed from a friend's friend. The handling is great, great color reproduction of SOOC JPGs. As much as I loved using it, I think I still have to rule out fuji, as wildlife has been almost 50% of my photography collection. I intend to continue that.

Now, I am seriously inclined more towards Olympus e-m1 mark ii. I am getting this open box with 12-40mm f2.8 for $1500 (new is $1800 here) with 2 year warranty from an autorised dealer. A used panasonic 35-100 f 2.8II is available with an friend's friend who is willing to sell for $300. I think this is pretty reasonable if I get this kit for now and it can cover my travel needs this year. And then I can add Oly 100-400 to my collection for proper wildlife later on.

I am just doubtful on aspect, that I am going to buy 5-6 year old camera, new in 2022. Or maybe I am just guilty of overthinking.

Aberaeron wrote:

Do not buy in haste. There are occasional bargains and promotions. About nine months ago, here in the UK, an on-line British retailer was selling brand new Olympus E-M1 Mk2 for £620 delivered. I bought one. The Mk3 is currently selling for £1100 as a minimum.

Take your time and you may spot a bargain but do be aware that price inflation of nearly everything is taking place in many countries due to the current international situation. Since India is buying cheap oil from Russia, [undermining international sanctions] you might be spared this issue.

Thanks Aberaeron.

I agree with you on this point, and I am certainly not in a rush to buy immediately. The issue here is the lack of a proper used market for these brands in India.

And to make things harder we cannot even use ebay in India since there is no GSP support. Indian version of Ebay has been discontinued since Flipkart tied up with them. Buying from global ebay.com with huge customs tax (also arbitary) in India, makes the used electronics costlier to buy online.