Hi OzB's,
Looking at the Sony A7 II As it has become cheaper with the release of the newer models. Does anyone have any good deals, or even suggestions as to other cameras? I saw a deal on Tobydeals for an A7 II with a 28-75mm lens included for about $1,500.
A beginner photographer but looking to start strong on a budget. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Disagree, Sony A7ii are liquid on the used market and sell for close to retail price. Very low risk to try the hobby out. m43 cameras on the other hand are harder to sell and your cost recovery isn't going to be great if you find the hobby isn't for you.
Sony also have great automated features which help beginners visualise their settings, makes it more enjoyable to learn when you see instant results. The top video features also supplement the photo hobby and can keep interest for longer.
I say all this as someone who is not tied to the hobby but tried it, learnt it, loved it but understood it was too much. Now I'm out of it, very much not out of pocket but could choose to get back in with a feature point & shoot when I'm ready.
Yep would also recommend a second hand a7ii. Fantastic full frame camera and assuming you don't destroy it you won't lose much if you buy and then sell a second hand one of those.
Even the most dog used A7ii go for about ~$600 on Ebay. Basically how I see it, as Sony keeps raising the price ceiling of the A7 from iii to iv, the more valuable the older end models get because they become entry level systems for the ecosystem. Especially since there is nothing wrong with the A7ii in performance, it's still a good amateur camera so many people are willing to pay maybe $1000-$1200 for a no compromise starter camera.
For most use cases I bet if you compare the final print of a micro 4/3 camera to a full frame camera the same price, that you wouldn't even be able to tell the difference. You could get a cheaper m43 and buy a better lens.
Nah, don't go M4/3, it's a dead system. No more new bodies, no more new lenses. Only going to be people looking to get rid of their M4/3 equipment to move to other systems. Unlike film gear which can hold its value, M4/3 stuff will become completely worthless in a few years when there are no new bodies.
Panasonic are still committed to the m4/3 system
They're saying that, but are they really with their new FF cameras? I can't really imagine them pouring more R&D into lenses for M4/3.
@p1 ama: you have a point, but the S series are in a different budget range.
their m4/3 are still strong. and they have many great lenses in the range.
i have too many different camera systems which is why i have not gone into m4/3
What do you like to shoot? That will probably help in focusing which system and body/lens combination would be most suitable for you.
Why Sony? I've been a Sony shooter for the past few years. These days I'd recommend going with Canon. Their latest mirrorless offerings are phenomenal and they've got fantastic value across the entire stack.
At the budget end, the Canon EOS RP is a real winner for just general photography. From memory it's around $1700 and comes with a bonus 35mm f/1.8 lens, which is good as a walkaround general purpose lens.
My biggest complaint with the Sony system is just that the ergonomics aren't as good as the Canon system and there are still small software issues that just annoy me with Sony. When I first decided to drop my Canon DSLRs for Sony, they were the only viable mirrorless option, but now with stiff competition, I think all-round Canon is better. Better ergonomics, better bodies (EOS R5 and R6 are phenomenal), better lenses, more commitment to the photography industry…etc.
Thanks mate, been looking into the RP since you've recommended it. The deal is great too: perfect timing as it lasts until end October.
What do you want to photograph?
Hey mate, if you are a beginner I would suggest starting with something cheaper, to see if you like it. You may find after using a mirrorless, that you actually prefer m43, or dslr, or polaroids (so much fun). Can I ask, what drove your decision to go full frame straight immediately?
I am a m43 user, but I wouldnt necessarily recommend these for you - the future of the m43 system is in question, and practically, the focus hunting is extremely irritating. m43's main advantage is size, so my cameras are mainly used for travel - I could bring one even though all I brought was 7kg carry on, for a solo around the world trip.
For general use, I'd suggest a beginner level Fuji, maybe the xt30 or even a step down from that. The benefit of this, is it gives you the opportunity to try the experience out, but also ensures you haven't immediately invested heaps in one system, which you may later want to change.
And yes, I am a big fan of polaroids - would take more but each snap is at least $1. It is honestly so fun. I use the Lomo Instant.
Hope you've read all the reviews on dpreviews too!