Looking for a Budget and modern Sony camera

[Hamad A]

Hi everyone

A friend reached to me asking for a budget Sony camera around 1000$ with or without kit lens .. I have no experience in crop sensor cameras since I’m using full frame..

As far as I know there is only APS-C and FF, DSLR’s is not an option of ILCE ?

I did my searching I find that a6400 fall in that price range .. but the lack of IBIS make me hesitate since he’s a total beginner .. and btw he’s not interested in video at all

I would love to hear you recommendations ..

and also recommended lens less than 600$ around 16-55mm focal length, Sony or third party

Thank you

 

[JayJee]

Hi everyone

A friend reached to me asking for a budget Sony camera around 1000$ with or without kit lens .. I have no experience in crop sensor cameras since I’m using full frame..

As far as I know there is only APS-C and FF, DSLR’s is not an option of ILCE ?

I did my searching I find that a6400 fall in that price range .. but the lack of IBIS make me hesitate since he’s a total beginner .. and btw he’s not interested in video at all

I would love to hear you recommendations ..

and also recommended lens less than 600$ around 16-55mm focal length, Sony or third party

Thank you

May I suggest the Sony A6400 ($898) + Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD ($749).

About 50 dollars over your total budget, but boom, you are done with a fantastic quality camera with a close to best-in-market, super fast, stabilized lens and a big, useful focal range.

The lens and camera are Sony APS-C, so 25.5mm to 105mm full-frame equivalent.

Prices are current at B&H Photo.

 

[Martin_99]

Based on desired reach, budget and maximum aperture I would go for A6400 with:

- Sony 18-135 OSS

- Tamron 17-70f2.8 VC

- Sigma 18-50f2.8

Sigma is my favourite - the smallest f2.8 zoom for apsc, but is not stabilised, so it's question, if good for beginner.

 

[Bread chef]

Since he's a total beginner, as you mention, how about the Sony a6100 body + used Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS? The Sony a6100 might present a more suitable device for an absolute beginner imo with the E 18-55mm being an older kitlens however fairly sharp, stabilized, a better performer than the 16-50mm kitlens and to be had for a very small price. Once more experienced there will still be enough budget left to buy optics suitable for whatever form of photography preferenced by then, be it macro/street/wildlife etc. as the a6100 will still be adequate and advanced enough to take it to the next level from there independent from whatever optics fitted to it.

 

[Martin_99]

Since he's a total beginner, as you mention, how about the Sony a6100 body + used Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS? The Sony a6100 might present a more suitable device for an absolute beginner imo with the E 18-55mm being an older kitlens however fairly sharp, stabilized, a better performer than the 16-50mm kitlens and to be had for a very small price. Once more experienced there will still be enough budget left to buy optics suitable for whatever form of photography preferenced by then, be it macro/street/wildlife etc. as the a6100 will still be adequate and advanced enough to take it to the next level from there independent from whatever optics fitted to it.

If budget is an issue, I would check A6100 with 18-135 on used market. He can sell it for similar price when not interested anymore. 18-55 have similar image quality as 16-50, just with different strenghts. I would avoid it in 2022.

 

[Bread chef]

Since he's a total beginner, as you mention, how about the Sony a6100 body + used Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS? The Sony a6100 might present a more suitable device for an absolute beginner imo with the E 18-55mm being an older kitlens however fairly sharp, stabilized, a better performer than the 16-50mm kitlens and to be had for a very small price. Once more experienced there will still be enough budget left to buy optics suitable for whatever form of photography preferenced by then, be it macro/street/wildlife etc. as the a6100 will still be adequate and advanced enough to take it to the next level from there independent from whatever optics fitted to it.

If budget is an issue, I would check A6100 with 18-135 on used market. He can sell it for similar price when not interested anymore. 18-55 have similar image quality as 16-50, just with different strenghts. I would avoid it in 2022.

I have no experience with the 18-135mm so I cant reference it but I do still have an excellent copy of the older 18-55mm which is more than a notch above both 16-50mm's I did away with in favor of the 18-55mm. The 18-135mm is interesting because of the broader range so you might be on to something.

 

[Martin_99]

Since he's a total beginner, as you mention, how about the Sony a6100 body + used Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS? The Sony a6100 might present a more suitable device for an absolute beginner imo with the E 18-55mm being an older kitlens however fairly sharp, stabilized, a better performer than the 16-50mm kitlens and to be had for a very small price. Once more experienced there will still be enough budget left to buy optics suitable for whatever form of photography preferenced by then, be it macro/street/wildlife etc. as the a6100 will still be adequate and advanced enough to take it to the next level from there independent from whatever optics fitted to it.

If budget is an issue, I would check A6100 with 18-135 on used market. He can sell it for similar price when not interested anymore. 18-55 have similar image quality as 16-50, just with different strenghts. I would avoid it in 2022.

I have no experience with the 18-135mm so I cant reference it but I do still have an excellent copy of the older 18-55mm which is more than a notch above both 16-50mm's I did away with in favor of the 18-55mm. The 18-135mm is interesting because of the broader range so you might be on to something.

I never had old 18-55 as I jumped on Sony train later with A6000 and 16-50, which I shortly exchanged for 18-135 shortly after. I find this kitlens quite uninteresting - neither wide, neither long, neither fast aperture. Main positives are price and size, which from my experience never work well, at least in my example - consequence is second purchase, this time the right lens. Beginner could ask in this case - why should I bother with camera over my iphone?

I see the main advantage of 18-135 in its reach - not only the ability to nicely shoot medium distant objects, but also ability to blur the background a little bit at that FL and also ability of close up shooting at 135mm.

You correctly wrote, that you have excellent copy - early Sony apsc lenses have problems with quality, lenses were hit and miss regarding decentering. It was the reason why I didn't purchased 16-70f4 at the end.

 

[Bread chef]

I never had old 18-55 as I jumped on Sony train later with A6000 and 16-50, which I shortly exchanged for 18-135 shortly after. I find this kitlens quite uninteresting - neither wide, neither long, neither fast aperture. Main positives are price and size, which from my experience never work well, at least in my example - consequence is second purchase, this time the right lens. Beginner could ask in this case - why should I bother with camera over my iphone?

Well that is all debatable as without having used a device it is not possible to say anything positive or negative about it. And an iphone isnt to be compared with a dedicated photographic device such as the a6100, no matter the optics, period. I guess you missed something in what I said earlier as I in fact did mention a follow up purchase as the step after a period of orientation with an inexpensive kitlens, a piece of optics easily sold off again without any loss as well.

Can you back up your claim about the lack of 'quality control' regarding the 18-55mm lenses? As a matter of fact I have never heard much negative about it, on the contrary.

Loading…

www.opticallimits.com

 

[Hamad A]

Hi everyone

A friend reached to me asking for a budget Sony camera around 1000$ with or without kit lens .. I have no experience in crop sensor cameras since I’m using full frame..

As far as I know there is only APS-C and FF, DSLR’s is not an option of ILCE ?

I did my searching I find that a6400 fall in that price range .. but the lack of IBIS make me hesitate since he’s a total beginner .. and btw he’s not interested in video at all

I would love to hear you recommendations ..

and also recommended lens less than 600$ around 16-55mm focal length, Sony or third party

Thank you

May I suggest the Sony A6400 ($898) + Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD ($749).

About 50 dollars over your total budget, but boom, you are done with a fantastic quality camera with a close to best-in-market, super fast, stabilized lens and a big, useful focal range.

The lens and camera are Sony APS-C, so 25.5mm to 105mm full-frame equivalent.

Prices are current at B&H Photo.

is motion blur is going to be a real issue ? What’s the safest shutter speed for such person ? As he’s a beginner .. as far as I know even stabilized lenses doesn’t offer a good stabilization as IBIS ..

 

[Hamad A]

Based on desired reach, budget and maximum aperture I would go for A6400 with:

- Sony 18-135 OSS

- Tamron 17-70f2.8 VC

- Sigma 18-50f2.8

Sigma is my favourite - the smallest f2.8 zoom for apsc, but is not stabilised, so it's question, if good for beginner.

Thanks for suggestions

indeed lack of IBIS make me can’t decide .. maybe I should turn off ibis in my A7r IV and let him try it and see if it’s gonna work ?!

 

[Hamad A]

Since he's a total beginner, as you mention, how about the Sony a6100 body + used Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS? The Sony a6100 might present a more suitable device for an absolute beginner imo with the E 18-55mm being an older kitlens however fairly sharp, stabilized, a better performer than the 16-50mm kitlens and to be had for a very small price. Once more experienced there will still be enough budget left to buy optics suitable for whatever form of photography preferenced by then, be it macro/street/wildlife etc. as the a6100 will still be adequate and advanced enough to take it to the next level from there independent from whatever optics fitted to it.

Thank for suggestions

The a6100 still one of the option .. my only concern right now is IBIS since he’s going to use it inside building mostly, he needs it for small event and with his students inside classes and stuff like that.. is lenses stabilization can be enough for such a place ?

 

[Bread chef]

Since he's a total beginner, as you mention, how about the Sony a6100 body + used Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS? The Sony a6100 might present a more suitable device for an absolute beginner imo with the E 18-55mm being an older kitlens however fairly sharp, stabilized, a better performer than the 16-50mm kitlens and to be had for a very small price. Once more experienced there will still be enough budget left to buy optics suitable for whatever form of photography preferenced by then, be it macro/street/wildlife etc. as the a6100 will still be adequate and advanced enough to take it to the next level from there independent from whatever optics fitted to it.

Thank for suggestions

The a6100 still one of the option .. my only concern right now is IBIS since he’s going to use it inside building mostly, he needs it for small event and with his students inside classes and stuff like that.. is lenses stabilization can be enough for such a place ?

Having IBIS as well isnt an option within your budget unless you opt for a used a6500 which is still a solid performer but somewhat lacks in the autofocus department compared to the a6100 and a6400.

Considering the fact that your friend will be shooting indoors mostly you might want to take the "Sony ZV-E10" into consideration as well, which could be just the camera fitting to his needs. The ZV-E10 lacks an EVF and is essentially a vlogging camera but it does have all the a6100/a6400 benefits where it comes to stills and it is one of Sony's latests offerings , he might not even miss the EVF and while being used taking pictures with his phone (I'm guessing as much) its ergonomics most probably wont bother him at all.

By the way, stabilized lenses are pretty good concerning shooting indoors, I have two such lenses and shoot comfortably with it, both indoors and outdoors.

 

[Martin_99]

Based on desired reach, budget and maximum aperture I would go for A6400 with:

- Sony 18-135 OSS

- Tamron 17-70f2.8 VC

- Sigma 18-50f2.8

Sigma is my favourite - the smallest f2.8 zoom for apsc, but is not stabilised, so it's question, if good for beginner.

Thanks for suggestions

indeed lack of IBIS make me can’t decide .. maybe I should turn off ibis in my A7r IV and let him try it and see if it’s gonna work ?!

You overestimate influence of IBIS. If lens is stabilised, you don't need IBiS. Photographers shot without stabilisation at all for decades anyway.

He need to learn about proper shutter speed in various situations. There is no universal value.

 

[Hamad A]

Since he's a total beginner, as you mention, how about the Sony a6100 body + used Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS? The Sony a6100 might present a more suitable device for an absolute beginner imo with the E 18-55mm being an older kitlens however fairly sharp, stabilized, a better performer than the 16-50mm kitlens and to be had for a very small price. Once more experienced there will still be enough budget left to buy optics suitable for whatever form of photography preferenced by then, be it macro/street/wildlife etc. as the a6100 will still be adequate and advanced enough to take it to the next level from there independent from whatever optics fitted to it.

Thank for suggestions

The a6100 still one of the option .. my only concern right now is IBIS since he’s going to use it inside building mostly, he needs it for small event and with his students inside classes and stuff like that.. is lenses stabilization can be enough for such a place ?

Having IBIS as well isnt an option within your budget unless you opt for a used a6500 which is still a solid performer but somewhat lacks in the autofocus department compared to the a6100 and a6400.

Considering the fact that your friend will be shooting indoors mostly you might want to take the "Sony ZV-E10" into consideration as well, which could be just the camera fitting to his needs. The ZV-E10 lacks an EVF and is essentially a vlogging camera but it does have all the a6100/a6400 benefits where it comes to stills and it is one of Sony's latests offerings , he might not even miss the EVF and while being used taking pictures with his phone (I'm guessing as much) its ergonomics most probably wont bother him at all.

By the way, stabilized lenses are pretty good concerning shooting indoors, I have two such lenses and shoot comfortably with it, both indoors and outdoors.

Yes I just saw some reviews about it .. I’ll show him these options and make him decide.. Thank you.

 

[Hamad A]

Based on desired reach, budget and maximum aperture I would go for A6400 with:

- Sony 18-135 OSS

- Tamron 17-70f2.8 VC

- Sigma 18-50f2.8

Sigma is my favourite - the smallest f2.8 zoom for apsc, but is not stabilised, so it's question, if good for beginner.

Thanks for suggestions

indeed lack of IBIS make me can’t decide .. maybe I should turn off ibis in my A7r IV and let him try it and see if it’s gonna work ?!

You overestimate influence of IBIS. If lens is stabilised, you don't need IBiS. Photographers shot without stabilisation at all for decades anyway.

He need to learn about proper shutter speed in various situations. There is no universal value.

I’ll show him these options for bodies and stabilized lenses suggested earlier .. Thank you

 

[Fujiuseruk]

Well in apsc you have 6100, 6400 and the zve10 which has great AF by the way .

Lens stabilisation is actually a good option as it’s designed for that lens where as in body has to be able to adjust for all lens types.
At the worst it’s a case use for a tripod .

Now if you want ibis , full frame and a lens on a budget there’s the A7ii with 28-70 kit lens of 24-7- f4 zeiss around your budget. Still available new and more than good enough But in all fairness even the A6000 would be enough camera for a newbie

 

[Bender79ita]

Since he's a total beginner, as you mention, how about the Sony a6100 body + used Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS? The Sony a6100 might present a more suitable device for an absolute beginner imo with the E 18-55mm being an older kitlens however fairly sharp, stabilized, a better performer than the 16-50mm kitlens and to be had for a very small price. Once more experienced there will still be enough budget left to buy optics suitable for whatever form of photography preferenced by then, be it macro/street/wildlife etc. as the a6100 will still be adequate and advanced enough to take it to the next level from there independent from whatever optics fitted to it.

Thank for suggestions

The a6100 still one of the option .. my only concern right now is IBIS since he’s going to use it inside building mostly, he needs it for small event and with his students inside classes and stuff like that.. is lenses stabilization can be enough for such a place ?

If he's using the camera indoors with a relatively low height ceiling he should use a bounce flash, why push the bottom end of the shutter speed when you can get much better images.

Besides, pretty sure lens OSS > in body i. s. for Sony aps-c, and both are useless if the subject is not totally still, unlike a flash, or a fast lens.

 

[Bread chef]

If he's using the camera indoors with a relatively low height ceiling he should use a bounce flash, why push the bottom end of the shutter speed when you can get much better images.

Besides, pretty sure lens OSS > in body i. s. for Sony aps-c, and both are useless if the subject is not totally still, unlike a flash, or a fast lens.

Good point as stabilization only counts when photographing static objects. So perhaps the best consideration is to add a fast lens into the mix (from the get go) as using a flash during events could easily disrupt the ambience. There are lots of quality (fast) third party optics available within that budget.

 

[PhotoFactor]

If he's using the camera indoors with a relatively low height ceiling he should use a bounce flash, why push the bottom end of the shutter speed when you can get much better images.

Besides, pretty sure lens OSS > in body i. s. for Sony aps-c, and both are useless if the subject is not totally still, unlike a flash, or a fast lens.

Good point as stabilization only counts when photographing static objects. So perhaps the best consideration is to add a fast lens into the mix (from the get go) as using a flash during events could easily disrupt the ambience. There are lots of quality (fast) third party optics available within that budget.

If he's going to shoot indoors, he should get a bright prime at the right focal length rather than going with a zoom.

 

[BackToNature1]

Well in apsc you have 6100, 6400 and the zve10 which has great AF by the way .

Lens stabilisation is actually a good option as it’s designed for that lens where as in body has to be able to adjust for all lens types.
At the worst it’s a case use for a tripod .

Now if you want ibis , full frame and a lens on a budget there’s the A7ii with 28-70 kit lens of 24-7- f4 zeiss around your budget. Still available new and more than good enough But in all fairness even the A6000 would be enough camera for a newbie

The battery life for the a7ii is horrible. I know because I still own one.