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Archive 2021 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon

  
 
AlaskanNiz
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p.1 #1 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


Hey guys! I'm a bit of a lurker here who's been debating a decision for a while. I have been shooting on an a7iii for about a year and am somewhat invested, I have three lenses, zoom trinity and all were purchased used so I'm not terribly invested. I'm debating moving to the r5 or r6. I do really like mirrorless or else I would be thinking about a 5dm3.

My reasons for switching include ergonomics, robustness, customer support, and colors. I have large hands and I've been shooting in Alaska sometimes at 40 below and when my hands go wooden from cold I have been gripping my camera at times and I've hit the lens release and almost spun off a lens, zooming. Granted I've gotten better at holding my camera so as not to do that but it's another thing to think about when I'd like to focus more on, you know, the shooting part. Also holding the camera sucks with my large hands and the distance between mount and grip with all of my lenses... I've shot on Canon's before and loved the grip and ergonomics. The next thing is robustness. I'm a rock climber, currently taking some time off due to injury, and I want to shoot more of an adventure style of photography, I also shoot landscape, wildlife, and action. I also just finished shooting a winter season in Northern Alaska and the Sony has performed very well, admittedly in the cold. The "adventure photography" scene is dominated by Canon although I have met a few people shooting on Sony's... I can't even count the number of battered, chipped, and beaten Canon bodies that I've seen people still taking amazing images on. I guess I'm wondering just how robust the r5 and r6 are compared to Sony's? This also kind of leads me into the next point with Canon's customer service... It seems, anecdotally, that you have much more luck with them than you'll ever have with Sony. Which as someone who plans to dangle from ropes and shoot as well as spend all my time with my gear in the elements I would see that as being a clear point for Canon. And then colors I suppose I can get over but man I just have a tough time in Lightroom getting an image to look how I want it and then get skin tones to look how I want them, friends on Canon seemingly have much less trouble.

Also in this vein I was wondering how people like the Fv mode on the r5 and r6? I like using Auto Iso minimum shutter speed on sony's especially in the cold for making sure i get the shot with as minimal jacking around as possible and haven't minded the camera picking an iso for me and although their doesn't seem to be an as easily accessed, equivalent feature on the Canon's the Fv mode seems like a very viable option if you set the flexible variables to Av and Tv and then had the camera adjust ISO based off Exposure Comp? Just want to make sure I'm understanding this right.

Anyway, anyone who wants to weigh in, I appreciate it. Just thinking for what I want, Canon may be for me.

Cheers!



Apr 15, 2021 at 11:24 PM
raminolta
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p.1 #2 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


I am surprised no Canon proponent has come forward to tell you how rightful it is to switch from Sony to Canon, lol. I am a Sony user and just came cross the Canon forum for the first time out of curiosity. Let me add my pennies.

While I cannot say anything about robustness and customer support (you may be right), I find ergonomics is subjective and I personally have no problem with the Sony bodies. That said depending on the lens, the distance between the lens and the grip on the Canon bodies may be even tighter than on the Sony bodies. This is because a Canon RF lens near the mount is wider than a Sony lens due to the larger mount. If you have large hands, you may particularly find the distance too tight on a Canon body. I would suggest try it out first before committing to buy.

Moreover, if I were a rock climber, I would definitely compare the size and weight of the camera bodies and all the lenses I intend to buy and carry. As a rock climber, weight and size must be the crucial factors. I have to say, I really like the canon R5. For the price, it is nearly all that A1 is maybe just a tad less. Yet A1 is so much more expensive.

Finally per color, I have come to believe it is all about superstition and self-deception (at least as far as one shoots raw). It's all anecdotal and I think people just believe what they want to believe.

If I ever switch to Canon, it would be for the complete touch interface of Canon cameras. I hate that Sony undervalues this. What keeps me in the Sony system is the abundance of native lenses, both OEM and third party. There are lenses of all sort in the Sony system. Some of these lenses are stellar or the best ever made and, some are super compact and light.

Edited on Jun 22, 2021 at 08:48 AM · View previous versions



Apr 15, 2021 at 11:55 PM
EB-1
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p.1 #3 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


I don't know what your rental options are in AK, but that is my suggestion.

EBH



Apr 16, 2021 at 12:35 AM
JohnSil
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p.1 #4 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


raminolta wrote:
I am surprised no Canon proponent has come forward to tell you how rightful it is to switch from Sony to Canon
There are lenses of all sort in the Sony system


I think it's only rightful that you switch from Sony to Canon. I mean, I mean, if were out there hanging by one hand from a rock and suddenly realized I was the only one with a Sony...., I'm sure I'd fall OFF!!! LoL
I personally would have a little trouble going with a 5Dlll because of the low mp. At least look at the 5DIV if not a 5Ds. The 5Ds is amazing if you don't need a high fps!
As for lenses, there are a hundred Canon lenses alone, not to mention all the 3rd party lenses made with the Canon dedicated mounts, not using adapters.
Good luck
John



Apr 16, 2021 at 12:49 AM
renascens
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p.1 #5 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


Hi there,
I've been lurking around these parts for some time and your question struck a chord so thought I would respond.
I'm a hobbyist but have been fortunate to use Sony gear for some time including the A7r, A7rIII and A7rIV. I've also recently used a Canon R5.

The R5 is a great camera, and its price is very competitive too. But where Canon really shines in my view is in its glass. I was lucky enough to have some time with an RF 85 1.2 L DS. Boy, what a lens that is. If I could afford it, I would add an R5/6 to my gear for that lens alone. The rendering is stunning. However, it comes with two big caveats. Cost and weight!

My hunch is that this is going to be true of many of Canon's L primes, best in class but with weight and cost penalties. At the lower end of the market Canon hasn't got started yet so its unfair to judge - but I really don't like the RF 50 1.8 and RF 35 1.8.

My hunch is that Canon will probably overtake Sony's technical prowess in bodies soon too, but I am glad Sony seems to be sticking to smaller, lighter principles. Nevertheless, it's great to have that competition and there are some exciting times ahead.

In the end, for non-professional needs, I think the Sony is an altogether more rounded system and Sony does appear to be upping its game with its recent GM primes.




Apr 16, 2021 at 02:09 AM
evertdoorn
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p.1 #6 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


All I can say is: what an amazing time we live in that we have so many great options! I myself have shot Canon for the past 25 years, now two R5's which is my first venture into mirrorless and all I can say is wow.. by far the best camera's I've ever owned. But the colleagues (I'm a pro shooter) and friends I have that work with Sony are very happy with their choice either. I think ultimately the devil is in the details; what is important specifically for your needs?

Renting or loaning an R5 is certainly a good idea; I suggest doing that for a bit longer than just a few days. It took me quite some time to get used to and set it up to my preferences.

Happy shooting!



Apr 16, 2021 at 03:10 AM
dhphoto
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p.1 #7 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


evertdoorn wrote:
All I can say is: what an amazing time we live in that we have so many great options! I myself have shot Canon for the past 25 years, now two R5's which is my first venture into mirrorless and all I can say is wow.. by far the best camera's I've ever owned. But the colleagues (I'm a pro shooter) and friends I have that work with Sony are very happy with their choice either. I think ultimately the devil is in the details; what is important specifically for your needs?

Renting or loaning an R5 is certainly a good
...Show more

If I weren't right at the end of my career I expect I'd try Canon mirrorless but I am so invested in dslr's and EF lenses I can't be bothered.

My only similar experience was with my Eos M5, which I really do not like at all.



Apr 16, 2021 at 03:53 AM
evertdoorn
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p.1 #8 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


dhphoto wrote:
If I weren't right at the end of my career I expect I'd try Canon mirrorless but I am so invested in dslr's and EF lenses I can't be bothered.

My only similar experience was with my Eos M5, which I really do not like at all.


Yeah, I had the M5 for a while, sold it early last year I think. It just was too slow and not very practical in use for me.

I did also try the original R (got a review loaner I took on a wildlife trip) and it had many things going for it, but still preferred the handling, speed and intuitive use of the 5D IV. Now, with the R5, I can safely say for my professional needs, the R5 is great and is the first time I have a mirrorless camera that 'gets the job done'.

And looking at the stuff camera's like the A1 and upcoming R3 can do, it'll only get better.




Apr 16, 2021 at 04:48 AM
Dragonfire
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p.1 #9 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


Sony's sensor is much better than Canon's and ASAP I will be moving from Canon to Sony.


Apr 16, 2021 at 06:09 AM
Optics Patent
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p.1 #10 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


I switched from Nikon Z6 after many years to Canon for the advanced RF lenses. And trusted they would create something as good as the R5.


Apr 16, 2021 at 06:11 AM
arbitrage
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p.1 #11 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


Ergonomics between R5 vs A7III is better. Ergonomics between R5 vs the latest Sony body is barely different.

The R5 will give you slightly more room between grip and lens....slightly.
The R5 will eliminate any chance of hitting the lens release button (of note the newer Sony bodies tucked that button further under the lens so more difficult to hit by accident).
The R5 has very flush buttons, the latest Sony bodies have much nicer buttons than the R5. The R5 vs A7III are probably on par but there are a number of buttons on the R5 which would be impossible to find with gloves on.

So far SPS has impressed me 100x more than CPS ever did. Every time I email SPS I get contacted within 1-2hrs. They follow up with more questions about my issues. CPS was good when I needed to send something in (something I haven't had to do with SPS yet) but CPS was terrible to try and report issues to or even to renew my membership (which took 4 weeks of back and forth emails and phone calls).

Robustness claims IMO are BS. Yes the A7III isn't weather sealed on the bottom plate. That is legitimate. But the later bodies are and construction and seal diagrams between a current Sony and the R5 look identical. The R5 doesn't feel any more robust than a latest gen Sony. LensRentals teardown of the A7RIII said is was sealed as good as anything they'd seen other than the bottom plate problem. It has only gotten better since.

Color could certainly be a reason to switch. It is a very personal decision. Surely the R5 colors are nicer IMO than the A7III generation Sony colors. The A7RIV and now A7SIII/A1 colors are basically identical to the R5 colors from what I can tell. There are nuances but it certainly isn't much different anymore.

The R5 is an amazing camera...easily top three camera I've ever owned if I group the A9/A9II into a single slot. It won't be a bad decision to switch. It also wouldn't be a bad decision to just upgrade to a current generation Sony. Waiting on an A7IV later this year may be the most prudent thing to do. That camera should have all the latest A7SIII/A1 processor advancements, the latest ergonomics and ruggedness, the latest color science and be priced lower than an R5.



Apr 16, 2021 at 06:13 AM
gdanmitchell
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p.1 #12 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


A general comment on the idea of switching brands...

You have invested in a system — camera and lenses — that is highly regarded and which can produce excellent results. Lot of people use the brand you currently use to produce excellent photography, including of the subjects you are shooting and in similar/same circumstances.

The thrill of gear acquisition is seductive, and the words of people thrilled with their new gear can seem compelling. Slick marketing campaigns are effective. And, in fact, each new system introduction brings new pluses that may surpass to some degree those that you found so attractive in the system that you now own.

But each advance from Company A will soon be countered by Company B and Company C (and others). While A may momentarily pull ahead, B will soon do something to make it seem better again. And C is waiting in the wings to trump A and B, after which A will again respond and may seem to pull ahead again.

In the end, this really doesn't matter much at all, at least not to your choices of equipment. The best and smartest thing to do is to almost always to stick with the brand you have, focusing instead on your picture making skills.

I don't write this in support of any particular brand. I say the same thing to Canon, Nikon, Sony and other users considering the radical "switch."' There are, no doubt, a few situations in which a switch will make a difference (one company may produce a specific lens that the other doesn't and you photography is depenent on it?)... but usually this isn't the case.

Dan

AlaskanNiz wrote:
Hey guys! I'm a bit of a lurker here who's been debating a decision for a while. I have been shooting on an a7iii for about a year and am somewhat invested, I have three lenses, zoom trinity and all were purchased used so I'm not terribly invested. I'm debating moving to the r5 or r6. I do really like mirrorless or else I would be thinking about a 5dm3.

My reasons for switching include ergonomics, robustness, customer support, and colors. I have large hands and I've been shooting in Alaska sometimes at 40 below and when my hands go wooden
...Show more




Apr 16, 2021 at 08:32 AM
Elusivesouls
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p.1 #13 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


arbitrage wrote:
Ergonomics between R5 vs A7III is better. Ergonomics between R5 vs the latest Sony body is barely different.

The R5 will give you slightly more room between grip and lens....slightly.
The R5 will eliminate any chance of hitting the lens release button (of note the newer Sony bodies tucked that button further under the lens so more difficult to hit by accident).
The R5 has very flush buttons, the latest Sony bodies have much nicer buttons than the R5. The R5 vs A7III are probably on par but there are a number of buttons on the R5 which would be impossible to find
...Show more


Thanks for sharing, Arbitrage. Out of curiosity, what are your top 3 cameras? I am assuming D850, A9/A9II (grouping), and R5?

I currently have the R5 and have used all the cameras mentioned thus far except for the D850. The R5 is an amazing camera, one of the best I have used as well; the main issue I am encountering right now that is proving to be extremely frustrating is the inability to get lenses for the camera. It's a non-factor if you're existing Canon user, but it's a major roadblock right now to new Canon users who are switching from other systems OR are re-entering the photography market after a hiatus, as I am.



Apr 16, 2021 at 08:52 AM
amacal1
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p.1 #14 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


Canon shooter here to say that these are the most civil and respectful Sony v. Canon discussions I've yet encountered. Well done, all. I also agree with most everything said so far, but since I've used zero Sony bodies and only the EOS R, RP, and M50... please feel free to completely ignore my thoughts on the matter.


Apr 16, 2021 at 09:02 AM
marximus4192
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p.1 #15 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


I dipped a toe (okay, half my body) into Sony for a year or two. I owned the a6300, a6400, a6600, a7III, and a7RIV, after having owned mostly Canon DSLRs. When I bought the R6, it brought me back. I bought the R5 when I found one available, and sold the a7III, a7RIV, and 7D Mark II. Ergonomics are vastly superior in my opinion, and I've never had an issue with the gap between lens and grip. I feel pretty confident about taking my R5 out in the snow/rain, where I felt less comfortable with the a7III in that regard (the RIV was better). I prefer Canon's AF system for my personal needs (mostly wildlife, with some dabbling in weddings/portraits).


Apr 16, 2021 at 09:48 AM
lighthound
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p.1 #16 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


You weren't out climbing somewhere around Beluga point along Turnagain Arm last Aug 17th were you? If so, I might have a shot of you and a young lady climbing that I could send you.

Considering your concern/need for robustness, it sounds like you've already witnessed the beating Canon bodies can take. The Sony A7III on the other hand would have me very concerned based on recent lawsuits regarding mechanical robustness.

Sony sued over shutter failure

If you decide to stay with Sony, I'd at least ditch the A7III you're using and move to a different model then hope that body doesn't have the same failure issue down the road.

When it comes to ergo's, I think both S & C are narrowing in on the same optimal size. Canon has shrunk their large "bricks" and Sony has increased their tiny "toys", such that they are becoming similar in size. At last that's the current trend. The R5/6 are not the same size as their 5DIII & 5DIV predecessors. If you liked the size of Canon bodies from previous experiences, then it would be prudent to rent or at least visit a store to handle the newer RF bodies to see what you think. I personally think the R5 is the perfect size for me. I was very happy to see they didn't make them ridiculously hand cramping tiny. As Geoff pointed out, some of the R5 buttons are too flush and hard to find even without gloves on. Not a major, but just something to keep in mind.



Apr 16, 2021 at 09:48 AM
scottiet
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p.1 #17 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


Regarding customer support; I have been a Pro member with Sony Canada and they have been fantastic to deal with.


Apr 16, 2021 at 09:55 AM
mikeinctown
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p.1 #18 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


I cannot convince anyone to switch, but will say the touch screen system that Canon has seems better. Canon used to have bodies that felt better in larger hands as well. In fact this is the reason why I bought my first Canon camera over a Nikon. The new RF bodies are slightly smaller though and to me don't quite feel as good as they used to.

The Sony battery tech seems like it is better than the Canon battery tech, which may help some in cold weather.

I will say that the Canon CPS system is by far the best customer service I have encountered from any large company selling and repairing tech. For a minimal yearly cost they'll clean your stuff, loan you gear to test, and get you discounts on repairs. For comparison, my local shop charges at least $40 per sensor cleaning, so one a year on my two bodies practically pays for the CPS membership. They also have CPS at big events and even at trade shows like WPPI. The last three times Canon touched my gear I didn't have to send anything to them, it was at a CPS event. (in fairness, other companies also had techs on hand at some events, but not at the same level)

Edited on Apr 16, 2021 at 10:59 AM · View previous versions



Apr 16, 2021 at 10:48 AM
CW100
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p.1 #19 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon


dhphoto wrote:
If I weren't right at the end of my career I expect I'd try Canon mirrorless but I am so invested in dslr's and EF lenses I can't be bothered.

My only similar experience was with my Eos M5, which I really do not like at all.


I'm still using the Canon M5 !

But I'm considering the R5 or R6

www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless



Apr 16, 2021 at 10:49 AM
evertdoorn
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p.1 #20 · Debating switching from Sony to Canon




I'm still using the Canon M5 !

But I'm considering the R5 or R6

www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless


well, you're in for a very, very pleasant surprise then!



Apr 16, 2021 at 10:52 AM
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