Sony Many Options, what to get based on what I'll be using it for?

[nialltom]

The more I research, the more possibilities turn up, so wanted to post my specific use cases here and get recommendations.
Primary Uses:

• Outdoor filming of hiking, camping and other adventures
• Night sky timelapses during the above
• Family filming, mostly of my kids indoor and outdoor.
• Birding, but mostly still images for birding.

I currently have a Sony A6500 which is primarily used for Zoom meetings so a bit of a hassle to disconnect from that setup every time I want to use it, but definitely doable, and a DJI Action 4.

Initially, I thought a hybrid like the A7CII, or an A7IV would be good options, due to the good video capability + higher megapixel count (33mpx) for birding images. However, both lack in 4k 120fps which isn't a need to have, but would be nice.


Now I am wondering if I am picking up all that much in the birding capability by going with the hybrids compared to what I already have in my A6500. In other words, should I go dedicated video workhorse like an FX3 or ZVE1 (though I don't like the lack of a dedicated viewfinder), and use my A6500 for the bird photography?

What about time lapses then? I'm assuming this would be a big missing piece for the FX3. I may even find I can use the 12MPX images out of the FX3 for birding, (I don't plan to blow them up, but being able to crop in on a higher Mpx count would obviously be nice) but not sure if that's doable. In either case, I plan to add good glass to them no matter what I get, and budget for the camera body, I'd like to stay under $3500 if possible.

Would appreciate your thoughts here, and any other recommendations in the sony lineup you think I should consider.

 

[Waku Waku]

If money is no object the A1II at $6500 USD does everything you listed.

However, at $3500 target you'll have to sit down and think hard where to compromise. What is more important birding or video?

Maybe take a look at Sony a6700? It has 4K120 and can also do birding. Has the latest AI AF system Sony offers. However, it isn't the optimal choice for either birding or video.

 

[ray_burnimage]

If money is no object the A1II at $6500 USD does everything you listed.

However, at $3500 target you'll have to sit down and think hard where to compromise. What is more important birding or video?

Maybe take a look at Sony a6700? It has 4K120 and can also do birding. Has the latest AI AF system Sony offers. However, it isn't the optimal choice for either birding or video.

Or a used A1 for about $3500

 

[deednets]

If money is no object the A1II at $6500 USD does everything you listed.

However, at $3500 target you'll have to sit down and think hard where to compromise. What is more important birding or video?

Maybe take a look at Sony a6700? It has 4K120 and can also do birding. Has the latest AI AF system Sony offers. However, it isn't the optimal choice for either birding or video.

Or a used A1 for about $3500

You sure this somewhat extensive and all-over-the-place first post ever wasn't an AI exercise?

Wouldn't happen here on dpreview. But check out the auto-correct on So Many Options = Sony Many Options? Clever for a 1st post - but smells AI to me.

But, hey, why not engage with AI? In the past, those posts were often standalone posts, no further engagement after the initial post, but that's gonna change soon me thinks. My personal calibration tends to not to engage with highly elaborate posts written by newbies. Life too short etc.

Deed

 

[nialltom]

But, hey, why not engage with AI? In the past, those posts were often standalone posts, no further engagement after the initial post, but that's gonna change soon me thinks.

Deed

Nah, I'm a human, Detective Deed. But I get your reasoning. I guess I just check my writing for grammar and spelling?

 

[nialltom]

I will check into the a6700, thank you. I have been trying to go full frame, but APS-C keeps coming up as a viable alternative...

 

[Waku Waku]

I will check into the a6700, thank you. I have been trying to go full frame, but APS-C keeps coming up as a viable alternative...

FF is always going to be a premium over APS-C so that often comes up when someone has a target budget.

Alternatively, you can look at other systems that offer more hybrid options, but they all have their quirks or corners cut. Example, Nikon Z8, Fuji X-H2s, Canon R5ii etc.

 

[nialltom]

Or a used A1 for about $3500

Hmmm, that sent me down a bit of an A1 rabbit hole. Appreciate the suggestion. For my use the main and only drawback of the ACII when compared to the A1 is the A1's 4k 120fps, which would be really nice to have. But not a need to have for me.

Seems the A7C II would get me 90% of the capability for 50% of the cost (or a bit more if buying used).

 

[ray_burnimage]

If money is no object the A1II at $6500 USD does everything you listed.

However, at $3500 target you'll have to sit down and think hard where to compromise. What is more important birding or video?

Maybe take a look at Sony a6700? It has 4K120 and can also do birding. Has the latest AI AF system Sony offers. However, it isn't the optimal choice for either birding or video.

Or a used A1 for about $3500

You sure this somewhat extensive and all-over-the-place first post ever wasn't an AI exercise?

Wouldn't happen here on dpreview. But check out the auto-correct on So Many Options = Sony Many Options? Clever for a 1st post - but smells AI to me.

But, hey, why not engage with AI? In the past, those posts were often standalone posts, no further engagement after the initial post, but that's gonna change soon me thinks. My personal calibration tends to not to engage with highly elaborate posts written by newbies. Life too short etc.

Deed

I know where you are coming from, but on this occasion you are wrong. I suggest we all proceed with caution and due diligence..... but put the "benefit of the doubt" at the top of our agenda.

 

[ray_burnimage]

Or a used A1 for about $3500

Hmmm, that sent me down a bit of an A1 rabbit hole. Appreciate the suggestion. For my use the main and only drawback of the ACII when compared to the A1 is the A1's 4k 120fps, which would be really nice to have. But not a need to have for me.
Seems the A7C II would get me 90% of the capability for 50% of the cost (or a bit more if buying used).

Just a suggestion..... I'm a fan of buying used personally

 

[deednets]

If money is no object the A1II at $6500 USD does everything you listed.

However, at $3500 target you'll have to sit down and think hard where to compromise. What is more important birding or video?

Maybe take a look at Sony a6700? It has 4K120 and can also do birding. Has the latest AI AF system Sony offers. However, it isn't the optimal choice for either birding or video.

Or a used A1 for about $3500

You sure this somewhat extensive and all-over-the-place first post ever wasn't an AI exercise?

Wouldn't happen here on dpreview. But check out the auto-correct on So Many Options = Sony Many Options? Clever for a 1st post - but smells AI to me.

But, hey, why not engage with AI? In the past, those posts were often standalone posts, no further engagement after the initial post, but that's gonna change soon me thinks. My personal calibration tends to not to engage with highly elaborate posts written by newbies. Life too short etc.

Deed

I know where you are coming from, but on this occasion you are wrong. I suggest we all proceed with caution and due diligence..... but put the "benefit of the doubt" at the top of our agenda.

--
Ray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ray_burnimage/

Hehe, I have an idea where you are coming from, I guess, but I work in IT and know it's there. The response as well. My issue is a bit like when you work for the police and question a lot of what's happening around you. So, when someone completely new to any platform writes an elaborate post, no "hi, I am new here" etc then my doubts outscore the benefits by a mile and a half. A lot of the work I do concerns cyber crime, deep fake etc where I question on a daily basis what's real anymore.

Maybe utterly unfair, as it's near impossible to figure out what's what these days, but since clever bots are now regularly infiltrating elections with questions, answers, responses and jokes, the percentage is actually measurable!

So, call me damaged goods, but I have sadly already seen too much of this to assume that this would never ever ever happen on dpreview? You may remember in the past some newbie responses to posts that were a few years old? Are you convinced that ALL of those posters were real? My guess is that in the future there will be a certain percentage with an odd mix of motivations that will participate in fora like this. Marketing could be a motivation or pranksters favourite toy: damage and destruction etc

If you want to try this for yourself, visit some flirt chats where a substantial numerous of bots, Emily Pellegrini style, are already at play. Or Google deep fake fraud New Zealand to get an idea.

Sorry this got so long winded, I will make my own decisions here, in reality I started looking at the poster's history and counter. Anyone with a count of below 10 who joined yesterday and writes a longer that average post ?

Dunno, maybe you know more than I do, but there are a few red flags here. Typically one doesn't understand the dynamics of a forum at first, so the first EVER question people ask is: is this the right place? Then double check auto-text, then make sure you don't address people as Sir or Dear Friend etc.

Here's a prediction, going by what happens on other platforms: in 2 years time the detection rate will go higher, VPN and proxies will be excluded more and more from chat platform use (each side catching up I guess??) and then dpreview will post the number of verified bots

Wanna bet? 5 quid???

I hope I didn't breach protocol here? To the OP: Nothing personal, just a little attempt of vetting, impossible to do I know. And if you read my post here you may understand where I am coming from.

Deed

 

[Waku Waku]

If money is no object the A1II at $6500 USD does everything you listed.

However, at $3500 target you'll have to sit down and think hard where to compromise. What is more important birding or video?

Maybe take a look at Sony a6700? It has 4K120 and can also do birding. Has the latest AI AF system Sony offers. However, it isn't the optimal choice for either birding or video.

Or a used A1 for about $3500

You sure this somewhat extensive and all-over-the-place first post ever wasn't an AI exercise?

Wouldn't happen here on dpreview. But check out the auto-correct on So Many Options = Sony Many Options? Clever for a 1st post - but smells AI to me.

But, hey, why not engage with AI? In the past, those posts were often standalone posts, no further engagement after the initial post, but that's gonna change soon me thinks. My personal calibration tends to not to engage with highly elaborate posts written by newbies. Life too short etc.

Deed

I know where you are coming from, but on this occasion you are wrong. I suggest we all proceed with caution and due diligence..... but put the "benefit of the doubt" at the top of our agenda.

Hehe, I have an idea where you are coming from, I guess, but I work in IT and know it's there. The response as well. My issue is a bit like when you work for the police and question a lot of what's happening around you. So, when someone completely new to any platform writes an elaborate post, no "hi, I am new here" etc then my doubts outscore the benefits by a mile and a half. A lot of the work I do concerns cyber crime, deep fake etc where I question on a daily basis what's real anymore.

Maybe utterly unfair, as it's near impossible to figure out what's what these days, but since clever bots are now regularly infiltrating elections with questions, answers, responses and jokes, the percentage is actually measurable!

So, call me damaged goods, but I have sadly already seen too much of this to assume that this would never ever ever happen on dpreview? You may remember in the past some newbie responses to posts that were a few years old? Are you convinced that ALL of those posters were real? My guess is that in the future there will be a certain percentage with an odd mix of motivations that will participate in fora like this. Marketing could be a motivation or pranksters favourite toy: damage and destruction etc

If you want to try this for yourself, visit some flirt chats where a substantial numerous of bots, Emily Pellegrini style, are already at play. Or Google deep fake fraud New Zealand to get an idea.

Sorry this got so long winded, I will make my own decisions here, in reality I started looking at the poster's history and counter. Anyone with a count of below 10 who joined yesterday and writes a longer that average post ?

Dunno, maybe you know more than I do, but there are a few red flags here. Typically one doesn't understand the dynamics of a forum at first, so the first EVER question people ask is: is this the right place? Then double check auto-text, then make sure you don't address people as Sir or Dear Friend etc.

Here's a prediction, going by what happens on other platforms: in 2 years time the detection rate will go higher, VPN and proxies will be excluded more and more from chat platform use (each side catching up I guess??) and then dpreview will post the number of verified bots

Wanna bet? 5 quid???

I hope I didn't breach protocol here? To the OP: Nothing personal, just a little attempt of vetting, impossible to do I know. And if you read my post here you may understand where I am coming from.

Deed

TBH, I am also a b0t powered by a secret AI project.

 

[ray_burnimage]

If money is no object the A1II at $6500 USD does everything you listed.

However, at $3500 target you'll have to sit down and think hard where to compromise. What is more important birding or video?

Maybe take a look at Sony a6700? It has 4K120 and can also do birding. Has the latest AI AF system Sony offers. However, it isn't the optimal choice for either birding or video.

Or a used A1 for about $3500

You sure this somewhat extensive and all-over-the-place first post ever wasn't an AI exercise?

Wouldn't happen here on dpreview. But check out the auto-correct on So Many Options = Sony Many Options? Clever for a 1st post - but smells AI to me.

But, hey, why not engage with AI? In the past, those posts were often standalone posts, no further engagement after the initial post, but that's gonna change soon me thinks. My personal calibration tends to not to engage with highly elaborate posts written by newbies. Life too short etc.

Deed

I know where you are coming from, but on this occasion you are wrong. I suggest we all proceed with caution and due diligence..... but put the "benefit of the doubt" at the top of our agenda.

Hehe, I have an idea where you are coming from, I guess, but I work in IT and know it's there. The response as well. My issue is a bit like when you work for the police and question a lot of what's happening around you. So, when someone completely new to any platform writes an elaborate post, no "hi, I am new here" etc then my doubts outscore the benefits by a mile and a half. A lot of the work I do concerns cyber crime, deep fake etc where I question on a daily basis what's real anymore.

Maybe utterly unfair, as it's near impossible to figure out what's what these days, but since clever bots are now regularly infiltrating elections with questions, answers, responses and jokes, the percentage is actually measurable!

So, call me damaged goods, but I have sadly already seen too much of this to assume that this would never ever ever happen on dpreview? You may remember in the past some newbie responses to posts that were a few years old? Are you convinced that ALL of those posters were real? My guess is that in the future there will be a certain percentage with an odd mix of motivations that will participate in fora like this. Marketing could be a motivation or pranksters favourite toy: damage and destruction etc

If you want to try this for yourself, visit some flirt chats where a substantial numerous of bots, Emily Pellegrini style, are already at play. Or Google deep fake fraud New Zealand to get an idea.

Sorry this got so long winded, I will make my own decisions here, in reality I started looking at the poster's history and counter. Anyone with a count of below 10 who joined yesterday and writes a longer that average post ?

Dunno, maybe you know more than I do, but there are a few red flags here. Typically one doesn't understand the dynamics of a forum at first, so the first EVER question people ask is: is this the right place? Then double check auto-text, then make sure you don't address people as Sir or Dear Friend etc.

Here's a prediction, going by what happens on other platforms: in 2 years time the detection rate will go higher, VPN and proxies will be excluded more and more from chat platform use (each side catching up I guess??) and then dpreview will post the number of verified bots

Wanna bet? 5 quid???

I hope I didn't breach protocol here? To the OP: Nothing personal, just a little attempt of vetting, impossible to do I know. And if you read my post here you may understand where I am coming from.

Deed

Hey Deed, you're one of my favourite posters here..... but man that's a long post about ignoring posts

 

[Handiworks]

I hope I didn't breach protocol here? To the OP: Nothing personal, just a little attempt of vetting, impossible to do I know. And if you read my post here you may understand where I am coming from.

Deed

Hey Deed, you're one of my favourite posters here..... but man that's a long post about ignoring posts

Man, this made me lol. Needful considerations (sadly)... I spent a good hour going over the pros and cons of AI with my kids yesterday and getting their thoughts on where this tech may lead society and culture. We homeschool and it was part of our social studies / technology subject matter for the day... interesting replies (most of them thought a less intelligent societal outcome would result). My favorite question was from my 6 year old "Dad, with AI.. whose art is it then?"... I digress .

I'd have to agree with considering a used A1. Owning both the A7IV and A7RV, neither of them give me the FPS I'd really like with BIF. A7IV is better in low light, but I pick up the A7RV every time simply due to it's other features (Improved IBIS, Subject AI, LCD/EVF Res, etc.). I also have found the A7RV cleans up very well in post... I can't prove this (interested in other's thoughts), It seems when I shoot in MRaw or Crop Mode my high ISO output appears cleaner.

Aside from the A1, If you were a friend, I'd encourage you to maybe look at a Z6iii or Z8. Their all-around package for the criteria you gave matches better.

Happy hunting!
--
"The present is the only point where time touches eternity" C.S. Lewis

 

[deednets]

If money is no object the A1II at $6500 USD does everything you listed.

However, at $3500 target you'll have to sit down and think hard where to compromise. What is more important birding or video?

Maybe take a look at Sony a6700? It has 4K120 and can also do birding. Has the latest AI AF system Sony offers. However, it isn't the optimal choice for either birding or video.

Or a used A1 for about $3500

You sure this somewhat extensive and all-over-the-place first post ever wasn't an AI exercise?

Wouldn't happen here on dpreview. But check out the auto-correct on So Many Options = Sony Many Options? Clever for a 1st post - but smells AI to me.

But, hey, why not engage with AI? In the past, those posts were often standalone posts, no further engagement after the initial post, but that's gonna change soon me thinks. My personal calibration tends to not to engage with highly elaborate posts written by newbies. Life too short etc.

Deed

I know where you are coming from, but on this occasion you are wrong. I suggest we all proceed with caution and due diligence..... but put the "benefit of the doubt" at the top of our agenda.

Hehe, I have an idea where you are coming from, I guess, but I work in IT and know it's there. The response as well. My issue is a bit like when you work for the police and question a lot of what's happening around you. So, when someone completely new to any platform writes an elaborate post, no "hi, I am new here" etc then my doubts outscore the benefits by a mile and a half. A lot of the work I do concerns cyber crime, deep fake etc where I question on a daily basis what's real anymore.

Maybe utterly unfair, as it's near impossible to figure out what's what these days, but since clever bots are now regularly infiltrating elections with questions, answers, responses and jokes, the percentage is actually measurable!

So, call me damaged goods, but I have sadly already seen too much of this to assume that this would never ever ever happen on dpreview? You may remember in the past some newbie responses to posts that were a few years old? Are you convinced that ALL of those posters were real? My guess is that in the future there will be a certain percentage with an odd mix of motivations that will participate in fora like this. Marketing could be a motivation or pranksters favourite toy: damage and destruction etc

If you want to try this for yourself, visit some flirt chats where a substantial numerous of bots, Emily Pellegrini style, are already at play. Or Google deep fake fraud New Zealand to get an idea.

Sorry this got so long winded, I will make my own decisions here, in reality I started looking at the poster's history and counter. Anyone with a count of below 10 who joined yesterday and writes a longer that average post ?

Dunno, maybe you know more than I do, but there are a few red flags here. Typically one doesn't understand the dynamics of a forum at first, so the first EVER question people ask is: is this the right place? Then double check auto-text, then make sure you don't address people as Sir or Dear Friend etc.

Here's a prediction, going by what happens on other platforms: in 2 years time the detection rate will go higher, VPN and proxies will be excluded more and more from chat platform use (each side catching up I guess??) and then dpreview will post the number of verified bots

Wanna bet? 5 quid???

I hope I didn't breach protocol here? To the OP: Nothing personal, just a little attempt of vetting, impossible to do I know. And if you read my post here you may understand where I am coming from.

Deed

Hey Deed, you're one of my favourite posters here..... but man that's a long post about ignoring posts

 

[ray_burnimage]

If money is no object the A1II at $6500 USD does everything you listed.

However, at $3500 target you'll have to sit down and think hard where to compromise. What is more important birding or video?

Maybe take a look at Sony a6700? It has 4K120 and can also do birding. Has the latest AI AF system Sony offers. However, it isn't the optimal choice for either birding or video.

Or a used A1 for about $3500

You sure this somewhat extensive and all-over-the-place first post ever wasn't an AI exercise?

Wouldn't happen here on dpreview. But check out the auto-correct on So Many Options = Sony Many Options? Clever for a 1st post - but smells AI to me.

But, hey, why not engage with AI? In the past, those posts were often standalone posts, no further engagement after the initial post, but that's gonna change soon me thinks. My personal calibration tends to not to engage with highly elaborate posts written by newbies. Life too short etc.

Deed

I know where you are coming from, but on this occasion you are wrong. I suggest we all proceed with caution and due diligence..... but put the "benefit of the doubt" at the top of our agenda.

Hehe, I have an idea where you are coming from, I guess, but I work in IT and know it's there. The response as well. My issue is a bit like when you work for the police and question a lot of what's happening around you. So, when someone completely new to any platform writes an elaborate post, no "hi, I am new here" etc then my doubts outscore the benefits by a mile and a half. A lot of the work I do concerns cyber crime, deep fake etc where I question on a daily basis what's real anymore.

Maybe utterly unfair, as it's near impossible to figure out what's what these days, but since clever bots are now regularly infiltrating elections with questions, answers, responses and jokes, the percentage is actually measurable!

So, call me damaged goods, but I have sadly already seen too much of this to assume that this would never ever ever happen on dpreview? You may remember in the past some newbie responses to posts that were a few years old? Are you convinced that ALL of those posters were real? My guess is that in the future there will be a certain percentage with an odd mix of motivations that will participate in fora like this. Marketing could be a motivation or pranksters favourite toy: damage and destruction etc

If you want to try this for yourself, visit some flirt chats where a substantial numerous of bots, Emily Pellegrini style, are already at play. Or Google deep fake fraud New Zealand to get an idea.

Sorry this got so long winded, I will make my own decisions here, in reality I started looking at the poster's history and counter. Anyone with a count of below 10 who joined yesterday and writes a longer that average post ?

Dunno, maybe you know more than I do, but there are a few red flags here. Typically one doesn't understand the dynamics of a forum at first, so the first EVER question people ask is: is this the right place? Then double check auto-text, then make sure you don't address people as Sir or Dear Friend etc.

Here's a prediction, going by what happens on other platforms: in 2 years time the detection rate will go higher, VPN and proxies will be excluded more and more from chat platform use (each side catching up I guess??) and then dpreview will post the number of verified bots

Wanna bet? 5 quid???

I hope I didn't breach protocol here? To the OP: Nothing personal, just a little attempt of vetting, impossible to do I know. And if you read my post here you may understand where I am coming from.

Deed

Hey Deed, you're one of my favourite posters here..... but man that's a long post about ignoring posts

Nothing too much for you, old friend (I never met, but who nose???).

I got carried away, but thought it deserved more that a quick yeah/nah, as we would say in Noo Zeald

You're a rock star mate

 

[Handiworks]

I got carried away, but thought it deserved more that a quick yeah/nah, as we would say in Noo Zeald

Most beautiful country in the world! A photographers wonderland. I've been to Australia and New Caledonia (Navy Submarines), but haven't made it to the world of LOTR... yet! .

I use the Rouvy App for my indoor cycling and most my favorite Rides/Routes use video footage from New Zealand.



This was my ride yesterday .





--
"The present is the only point where time touches eternity" C.S. Lewis

 

[gwatsonphoto]

I'd generally agree I think with others here that the A7IV is a good option in the Sony lineup. It's a good camera but quite old at this point and compares somewhat poorly to the Nikon and Canon alternatives, even though it's still competitive. The sensor readout is fairly slow though so you're going to find the video to look a little jello-ey when panning and electronic shutter will be of limited use.I would probably push you to expand your budget a little and get an A1 and then have a camera that will genuinely do all the things you're asking about at a high level. You should be able to find a used one in good condition right around your budget. Unfortunately the A7IV and A1 are basically the only viable hybrid Sony options at the moment. Supposedly the A7V will be coming out at some point this year but there's no point in shopping for a camera that doesn't exist yet. It could very well have the same sensor and you'll have waited months for a camera that doesn't solve any of the fundamental complaints about the previous generation you could have already owned.

I upgraded to the A1 recently and it's a totally different world. It's an amazing camera and I completely understand how it made as much of an impact as it did when it came out in 2021. I'd also say that Sony's market segmentation is not good at the moment in the hybrid space, despite singlehandedly creating the segment. The Z8 and R5 II both compare equally or better in almost all aspects to the A1 and A1 II and are dramatically more affordable. It's something to at least consider.