p.1 #1 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
First, I shoot with both Sony and Canon and know this is a Sony Forum.
Currently own 2 x A1 and a First generation EOS R5 as well as other Sony bodies.
I’ve given some thought to upgrading my sole Canon body to their newer stacked sensor R5 Mark II and selling off one of my A1’s and the R5 to pay for it. You may ask why and it’s as simple or complex as enjoying the diversity in the two camera systems. I’ve shot Canon since my film days in the 1970’s and then moved to digital with them. Sony I’ve been shooting with them now for ten years to take advantage of mirrorless technology.
I’m sure a lot here have given a look at the new R5 Mark II features and reviews and I’m wondering if this makes any sense.
My available lenses that I already own in each system will easily cover my needs and I really don’t see any breathtaking new introductions coming down the pike in each. Of course the smarter thing to do would wait for the A1 II but I expect that to be a year away I’m thinking and pre-capture is a feature I would like to take advantage of for wildlife and birds and the A9III’s resolution is to low for me. I could also just sell my Canon gear and buy a 300mm and 600mm GM. Have considered that as well.
p.1 #4 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
The resolution between the A1 and the A9III is not as cut and dried. If you don't crop, I am finding the larger photosite to be an advantage, especially in terms of clarity.
p.1 #6 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
I admire those who shoot different systems simultaneously. I tried the Nikon Z9+600 TC and later the Z8+800 PF because I like these lenses. I gave up quickly. After I hadn't touched the Z8 for a month, I took it out for a walk, the only buttons I knew what for were the power button and shutter button, I had no idea how to use the camera. That was the moment I told myself never shoot two systems again. But it's just me. My memory (both brain and muscle) is not what it used to be.
p.1 #7 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
One might say you're crazy for basing your decision on what others, many of which would be strangers, thoughts are. I thought I had a lot of equipment, but looking at your profile, you have me beat. We may already have crossed that line.
So it really comes down to whether you think it's crazy. Ultimately you are the one who lives with the decision.
swldstn wrote:
First, I shoot with both Sony and Canon and know this is a Sony Forum.
Currently own 2 x A1 and a First generation EOS R5 as well as other Sony bodies.
I’ve given some thought to upgrading my sole Canon body to their newer stacked sensor R5 Mark II and selling off one of my A1’s and the R5 to pay for it. You may ask why and it’s as simple or complex as enjoying the diversity in the two camera systems. I’ve shot Canon since my film days in the 1970’s and then moved to digital with them. Sony I’ve been shooting with them now for ten years to take advantage of mirrorless technology.
I’m sure a lot here have given a look at the new R5 Mark II features and reviews and I’m wondering if this makes any sense.
My available lenses that I already own in each system will easily cover my needs and I really don’t see any breathtaking new introductions coming down the pike in each. Of course the smarter thing to do would wait for the A1 II but I expect that to be a year away I’m thinking and pre-capture is a feature I would like to take advantage of for wildlife and birds and the A9III’s resolution is to low for me. I could also just sell my Canon gear and buy a 300mm and 600mm GM. Have considered that as well.
p.1 #8 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
swldstn wrote:
First, I shoot with both Sony and Canon and know this is a Sony Forum.
Currently own 2 x A1 and a First generation EOS R5 as well as other Sony bodies.
I’ve given some thought to upgrading my sole Canon body to their newer stacked sensor R5 Mark II and selling off one of my A1’s and the R5 to pay for it. You may ask why and it’s as simple or complex as enjoying the diversity in the two camera systems. I’ve shot Canon since my film days in the 1970’s and then moved to digital with them. Sony I’ve been shooting with them now for ten years to take advantage of mirrorless technology.
I’m sure a lot here have given a look at the new R5 Mark II features and reviews and I’m wondering if this makes any sense.
My available lenses that I already own in each system will easily cover my needs and I really don’t see any breathtaking new introductions coming down the pike in each. Of course the smarter thing to do would wait for the A1 II but I expect that to be a year away I’m thinking and pre-capture is a feature I would like to take advantage of for wildlife and birds and the A9III’s resolution is to low for me. I could also just sell my Canon gear and buy a 300mm and 600mm GM. Have considered that as well.
Depends. Is your hobby taking collecting and playing with camera equipment, or taking photos? If the former it makes a lot of sense, if it is the second it seems like a waste of money unless you absolutely must have pre capture today and A9 III won't cut it for you.
The A1 will be 4 years at the end of this year, so I would expect an upgrade sooner than a year from now. Particularly now that R5 II is out. And it will have to outperform the R5 II to justify its price tag.
p.1 #9 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
tsdevine wrote:
One might say you're crazy for basing your decision on what others, many of which would be strangers, thoughts are. I thought I had a lot of equipment, but looking at your profile, you have me beat. We may already have crossed that line.
So it really comes down to whether you think it's crazy. Ultimately you are the one who lives with the decision.
Not really basing it on the decision of others but gathering more data has always been approach I’ve taken. An electrical and semiconductor engineer by training it always help me take that approach during my career and it’s still an approach i value.
p.1 #10 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
randomguy wrote:
Depends. Is your hobby taking collecting and playing with camera equipment, or taking photos? If the former it makes a lot of sense, if it is the second it seems like a waste of money unless you absolutely must have pre capture today and A9 III won't cut it for you.
The A1 will be 4 years at the end of this year, so I would expect an upgrade sooner than a year from now. Particularly now that R5 II is out. And it will have to outperform the R5 II to justify its price tag.
I guess my hobby is both since I can’t be out shooting all the time. As I responded earlier I’m an electrical engineer who worked in semiconductor tech. I also spent time designing CCD sensors so the technology itself always fascinated me. Started with me building, with my older brother’s help, a black and white film darkroom when I was 13. Ever since I’ve had one foot in each camp. Admittedly for the last six months undergoing multiple foot surgeries I’ve been stuck home more with no ability to get out and shoot so I’ve been thinking about this more.
If it’s only six months till a refresh I guess I can wait it out. Thank you.
p.1 #11 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
But without giving more insight into your shooting, it’s tough to really provide much tangible advice. In any case, I’m no help, other than just creating noise.
If it were me, I’d just wait for the a1 II.
swldstn wrote:
Not really basing it on the decision of others but gathering more data has always been approach I’ve taken. An electrical and semiconductor engineer by training it always help me take that approach during my career and it’s still an approach i value.
p.1 #12 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
YOLO
The R5II sounds like a nice camera and if you like the lens options - why not? You can always flip the Canon gear if needed GAS will inevitably strike when the A1 MK II launches.
p.1 #13 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
If you feel you need pre-capture now, I'd say go for it.
I have the impression I take the best shots shortly after acquiring new gear, but coincidentally that is also why I decided to stop buying new stuff all the time...
p.1 #14 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
I can’t see having two systems that basically do the same thing. I can see having a Fuji GFX system for landscapes and a Sony A7cr for travel…but an A1 and R5ii along with the equivalent lenses to basically shoot the same subjects just seems like GAS at it’s finest. That’s fine as long you justify it as GAS and not something you really need to make great photos.
p.1 #16 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
I've shot the R5II borrowed from my generous friend. First day was pretty dreary weather, today was good conditions but couldn't find all the subjects I had hoped for to give it a full workout.
For what I shoot, the R5II does two things better than the A1. The first is pre-capture...works great...limited on how you can configure it (it always gives you 15 frames covering 0.5s regardless of what you set your FPS to). But it works and 0.5s at 30FPS is a reasonable setting if you are going to force a single one on us. (I preferred 0.3s on the A9III).
The second is subject detection....you probably already know this but even the R5 is better at detecting birds/eyes when they are not flying than the A1. The R5II is better still. I don't think this really translates to BIF photography but for non-BIF the R5II is a clear winner.
There are other things the R5II is better at but they just don't matter to me. Things like better image stabilization, BEAF in video, top LCD etc.
Other than that I prefer every other thing about the A1 over the R5II. Just a few of many off the top of my head:
1) Zebras in stills
2) Better buttons and ways to customize them
3) Better acquisition and retention of BIF at distance and/or against more complicated background.
4) Better ways to have AF modes interact with Tracking and no Tracking, BEAF or no BEAF
I'm waiting for the A1II. It will get me everything the R5II does better except maybe not the subject detect and do a lot more on top. Yes it will cost a lot more but I'm okay with that. My guess is A1II will be Spring 2025...4 years exactly after the A1.
But you have your own experience with both so I think you should be able to figure it out for your own needs. View the R5II as your R5 with stacked sensor and pre-capture and even better subject detect. If that is enough to make it make sense to go all Canon than do it and don't look back.
p.1 #17 · Sony Alpha 1 for a Canon EOS R5 Mark II - Pros and Cons
I've been a 2 system shooter for years. Currently shooting with Nikon Z setup and Sony 9iii. I am considering going back to Canon, not because of either the R5ii or R1 but rather for the RF 100-300 and 24-105mm 2.8. Having used the A9iii for a month now, if the speed and subject recognition algorithms are an indication of what the A1ii will be like I would say get the 300mm GM and 600mm GM and wait.
. But it's just me. My memory (both brain and muscle) is not what it used to be.