Sony A6000 vs Canon 70D

zealmax on 03/06/2016 - 09:26

I currently shoot Nikon FX camera. I would like to down size because it is just to hard to carry so much gear. Both A6000 and 70D have come down in prices. A6000 can be had for $800 with kit lens and 70D about $1100 with kit lens. I have shot both older Sony and Canon entry level models before. I hear both A6000 and 70D can take great photos and very strong in Video, with silent AF.

My priority is, 1. photo quality 2. Video quality 3. Ergonomics. I am kind of leaning towards the Sony for reasons 1 and 2, but I know Canon tops Ergonomics with intuitive menu system and a fantastic touch screen. I really wish Nikon had some kind of STM and dual pixel equivalent.

My concerns with the A6000 is battery life, and Video AF since there is no touch to focus. Also don't know how the AF system will perform. Concern with 70D, is size and image quality.

Also Sony lenses seem to costt 40% more than Canon equivalent. I really only expect to buy maybe 3-4 lenses, kit zoom, telephoto zoom, 50 F1.8, and maybe a ultra wide.

What are your experiences with either camera? Is the Canon worth the extra initial cost?

Poll Options

  • 15
    Sony A6000
  • 2
    Canon 70D
  • 1
    Both bad
Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • plmko on 03/06/2016 - 09:37

    I would like to down size

    Then why are you considering the Canon 70D, very marginal differences to Nikon.

    • zealmax on 03/06/2016 - 09:38

      Yeah, I know. However the weight and size compared to D800 and 70-200 VRII is significant. I would like to take videos of the kids without trying to manual focus.

      • plmko on 03/06/2016 - 09:41
        +1

        If it's the kids that's your objectives, then definitely the a6300. The face tracking is phenomenal on that camera.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdOvvvRRXh0

        • zealmax on 03/06/2016 - 18:23

          A6300 costs more than I would like to spend.

      • syousef on 30/06/2016 - 19:47

        The downsize to a D7100 or D7200 and a 70-300VR.

  • garffi on 03/06/2016 - 09:42

    I have the A6000 and I think the photo quality is great. Haven't tried video.
    The battery life is actually decent if you turn on airplane mode (wifi uses up the battery). I did purchase a battery pack with charger. It chargers so much faster than going through the camera.
    I like to take landscape photos and I find the kit lens lacking (images not sharp on zoom). Probably need to buy a new lens.
    AF is quite fast, compared to the point and shots I used before.
    I've never used the canon 70d before so I can't give any opinion on that.

    • zealmax on 03/06/2016 - 10:00

      I had Sony NEX F3. The US version did 1080P 30FPS but my AU version only did 1080P 25FPS. Is this the case with A6000 AU version? The specs I read says A6000 50FPS for AU version and US version all state 60FPS. I don't know why Sony does this. It is forcing me to buy gray imports.

      • hivboy1 on 03/06/2016 - 10:08

        Well you can change the camera setting to ntsc to get 60fps but the annoying warning screen will show every time startup.

        • zealmax on 03/06/2016 - 10:34

          How annoying is it? Can you just press ok and get on with the boot?

        • aim54x on 03/06/2016 - 13:31

          @zealmax: just tested it on my A6000, it just goes "running on NTSC" and sticks around until you half-press the shutter.

  • aNoPHeLeS on 03/06/2016 - 10:41

    Panasonic GX8. Comparable still quality, better video, way better lens selection (and cheaper). Also consider Olympus E-M5 ii or panasonic G8 or GX85

  • aim54x on 03/06/2016 - 13:35

    I am a Nikon FX/DX/CX user but over the last two years I have added an Sony A7 and Sony A6000 into the kit (no native lenses yet) due to the IQ and size advantage. I have shot some short videos with the A7 (with a borrowed SEL2470Z) and have been pretty blown away by how user friendly and smooth the focus is. Ergonomics wise, due to the light weight the A6000 sits nicely in the hands and the menu system you will get used to, it is a lot better than the menu system on the NEX-F3.

  • picant on 03/06/2016 - 15:24

    I used to have Canon 20D and when time came to upgrade I had similar dilemma. For me the picture quality and size were 2 main priorities. At the end I picked Sony a6000 and never regretted. The picture quality of a6000 is excellent. I imagine that you might spot a difference with Canon if you make huge prints otherwise the available quality is more than enough. I used to carry a backpack to fit my Canon and lenses now I need a small bag (camera with a lens + 2 extra lenses + flash). The latest camera firmware takes care of battery issues. So very happy with Sony. One word of adwise though. For external flash I went with Phottix wireless remote flash. I never used Sony flashes but read in many places that they are not good (are overpriced and have serious overheating issues).

    • zealmax on 03/06/2016 - 18:25

      I have Nikon and Yongnuo flash they should work im manual mode?

  • zealmax on 03/06/2016 - 15:31
    +1

    Well, I just went to JB HIFI to check out both cameras. I didn't realise how big the 70d was. It is bigger than the D7200. Tried the A6000. It seem to be pretty responsive. and half the weight. They didn't have any new A6000, just the demo one. Sony is low on stock due to recent earth quake. I asked for a deal, and I ended up getting A6000(demo), 16-50, 55-210, 50 OSS for $1,000. Less than the cost of 70D body. I coudn't refuse, especially since these a Australian stock with warranty.

    I hope it lives up the my expectations, so that I can get rid of the FX gear.

  • zealmax on 03/06/2016 - 23:23

    Judging by the poll, I would say Ozbargain are full of Sony fan boys.

    Have to admit after using a6000 for couple of hours, the AF is by no means the best. Trying to auto focus on a can of Mother, in the black area, and it could not auto focus. While my cheaper D3300 was able to lock on straight away. The black part has small patterns, and isn't completely black.

    • speedracer on 04/06/2016 - 07:50

      Thanks for the topic. I have the same dilemma. My experience with smaller cameras is that you are always sacrificing something, whether it be slower AF or picture quality. We just cant expect the same performance, the 70D will surely be better image quality but is useless if the size is not to your liking. Have you decided which one you will choose and if so can you share the best price you have found.

      • zealmax on 04/06/2016 - 12:51

        Image quality, I think a6000 is better, when using kit lenses. Canon has fallen behind with regards to image quality for consumer grade cameras. Focus speeds, is like night and day. Canon is faster. Focus area, Sony wins. Under normal shooting conditions, Sony should be able to focus, if abit slower thant he Canon. In day light I would say Sony would be even faster and accurate, with so many AF points.

        Oh as I stated in my previous comment, I bought the a6000 shortly after opening this post. It fit in my jacket pocket, and was cheaper than 70D. I don't think I will be throwing out my Nikon D800 just yet, I need to test the Sony a bit more.

        Got a6000 for $1000 from JB HIFI. I got the display model, they didn't have any new in box. I went home and checked the shutter actuations, and it had done none before my photo. I think this was due to the fact that the camera was a body only and didn't have a lens, so nobody took photos with it.

        SELP1650, SEL55210, SEL50F18 lenses were included in the deal. Even when looking at the cheapest gray imports of the lenses, it adds up to about $850, so really I only paid $150 for the body, and the fact everything was Australian stock with warranty.

        • picant on 04/06/2016 - 17:40

          Check if you have latest firmware version 3.10. Beside power issues this firmware improved various camera timings. Could make auto focus a bit faster as well.

        • zealmax on 05/06/2016 - 22:27

          @picant: Updated firmware, and realised that there are lens firmware too. Had to update to version .02 for the lens to get phase detect focusing. Working a lot better now. Is now focusing on low contrast areas. Couldn't be happier.

        • speedracer on 10/06/2016 - 09:35

          Are you happy with the lenses or recommend going with something else?

        • zealmax on 10/06/2016 - 10:24

          @speedracer: The lenses are quite good. The 55-210 is a little dark at F6.3. Not a problem in good light. I keep comparing it to my 70-200 F2.8 VRII, which is unfair. 55-210 fits in my pocket, 70-200 doesn't. I am looking at the Sigma 30mm F1.4. I had it for the Canon many years ago. Nice lens, but had to send the lens and body in, due to back focusing. I don't think I will run into this issue with the A6000, since the PDAF is on the sensor, and also uses CDAF.

        • syousef on 30/06/2016 - 19:49

          The 80D is suppose to be better for IQ. Similar DR to D7200. Canon just had a "lul"

        • zealmax on 01/07/2016 - 08:07

          @syousef: i am happy with the a6000. I like go play around with vintage lenses and the a6000 can adapt any vintage lens via cheap adapter. Also ordered LT2 which is only available for mirrorless.

  • decryption on 04/06/2016 - 10:59

    I actually own both these cameras and from a quality standpoint, I find the 70D nudges a little better - this is probably due to the lenses. Sony's e-mount lenses, are fine, but you can get good Canon glass for much less. I like the 70D better for video work and when I'm not travelling. I like the A6000 for when I'm on holiday :)

    • zealmax on 04/06/2016 - 12:54

      Image quality wise, not quite at the level of D3300, but very close. I think it will take a while for me to get the hang of the a6000. Face detection, eye focus all seems to be working really well. Being able to focus without selecting points on the dpad is excellent. Less missed shots of the kids.

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