The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
p.3 #1The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
I could make a way longer laundry list for Canon and Nikon recent products than you have made here for Sony.
The grass isn't any greener on the other side of the fence....in fact, IMO it is a lot browner.
YMMV
The grass isn't any greener on the other side of the fence....in fact, IMO it is a lot browner.
YMMV
Jul 09, 2026 at 09:12 AM
p.3 #2The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
duncangr wrote:
So complaining the A7R6 doesn't have Sony's best autofocus or that the 200-600 has focus breathing but failing to mention the lousy autofocus on the Z8 or the limit of 20fps RAW, complete lack of RAW pre-capture or the soft Z 180-600 when used at f/6.3 or the slow readout on the R5ii, the pre-capture autofocus that doesn't work - that's what you call fair criticism.
I actually find the Z8's lack of pre capture raw or 20fps raw limitations less annoying. The a7rVI has pre capture raw and 30fps but they're not useful in their main use case, which is for action photography, due to the slower sensor readout speed. On the a7rVI if I want to take action photos, I need to use the mechanical shutter, which limits me to 10 fps, which is 1/2 the fps of the Z8. It's almost feels as if Sony added pre capture raw and 30fps to get the marketing buzz, but didn't actually give photographers what they're really looking for, which is to be able to use those features for action photography. On the AF side, whether Nikon's or Sony's AF works better for your needs aside, you know the Z8 has Nikon's best AF. Sony is the one saying the a7rVI does 60 calculations per second while the a1ii does 120 calculations per second. Which is a bit of a head scratcher to me since the EVF refreshes 120 times per second on the a7rVI. The a7rVI isn't a $2,000 entry level cameras it's a $4,500 top of the line camera. Which then gets me to price, the Z8 is currently selling for about $3,500. Now on the flip side, I would find it completely fair to call out how you will have more issues with LED lights with the Z8 due to it lacking a Mechanical shutter.
As for the Nikon 180-600mm being soft, I call this a tose up. The Sony 200-600mm is sharper at 600mm in the center, but the Nikon 180-600mm is sharper at 200mm and 400mm, and basically as sharp at the edge of the frame at 600mm as the 200-600mm. Personally, though, I wouldn't call the Sony soft at 200mm or the Nikon soft at 600mm.
Lens tip MTF:
https://www.lenstip.com/695.4-Lens_review-Nikon_Nikkor_Z_180-600_mm_f_5.6-6.3_VR_Image_resolution.html
https://www.lenstip.com/690.4-Lens_review-Sony_FE_200-600_mm_f_5.6-6.3_G_OSS_Image_resolution.html
As for readout speeds:
Canon R5II: about 6.3ms
Sony a1II: about 3.8ms
Sony a7rVI: about 19ms
So yes, the R5II is about 65% slower than the a1ii, but the a7rVI is about %400 slower than the a1ii. That is a drastic difference.
So complaining the A7R6 doesn't have Sony's best autofocus or that the 200-600 has focus breathing but failing to mention the lousy autofocus on the Z8 or the limit of 20fps RAW, complete lack of RAW pre-capture or the soft Z 180-600 when used at f/6.3 or the slow readout on the R5ii, the pre-capture autofocus that doesn't work - that's what you call fair criticism.
I actually find the Z8's lack of pre capture raw or 20fps raw limitations less annoying. The a7rVI has pre capture raw and 30fps but they're not useful in their main use case, which is for action photography, due to the slower sensor readout speed. On the a7rVI if I want to take action photos, I need to use the mechanical shutter, which limits me to 10 fps, which is 1/2 the fps of the Z8. It's almost feels as if Sony added pre capture raw and 30fps to get the marketing buzz, but didn't actually give photographers what they're really looking for, which is to be able to use those features for action photography. On the AF side, whether Nikon's or Sony's AF works better for your needs aside, you know the Z8 has Nikon's best AF. Sony is the one saying the a7rVI does 60 calculations per second while the a1ii does 120 calculations per second. Which is a bit of a head scratcher to me since the EVF refreshes 120 times per second on the a7rVI. The a7rVI isn't a $2,000 entry level cameras it's a $4,500 top of the line camera. Which then gets me to price, the Z8 is currently selling for about $3,500. Now on the flip side, I would find it completely fair to call out how you will have more issues with LED lights with the Z8 due to it lacking a Mechanical shutter.
As for the Nikon 180-600mm being soft, I call this a tose up. The Sony 200-600mm is sharper at 600mm in the center, but the Nikon 180-600mm is sharper at 200mm and 400mm, and basically as sharp at the edge of the frame at 600mm as the 200-600mm. Personally, though, I wouldn't call the Sony soft at 200mm or the Nikon soft at 600mm.
Lens tip MTF:
https://www.lenstip.com/695.4-Lens_review-Nikon_Nikkor_Z_180-600_mm_f_5.6-6.3_VR_Image_resolution.html
https://www.lenstip.com/690.4-Lens_review-Sony_FE_200-600_mm_f_5.6-6.3_G_OSS_Image_resolution.html
As for readout speeds:
Canon R5II: about 6.3ms
Sony a1II: about 3.8ms
Sony a7rVI: about 19ms
So yes, the R5II is about 65% slower than the a1ii, but the a7rVI is about %400 slower than the a1ii. That is a drastic difference.
Jul 09, 2026 at 10:24 AM
p.3 #3The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
As is always the case, it is well known that if you are a Sony shooter, their cameras and system is the best. All other cameras have little to no redeeming value with their slower frame rate, piss-poor AF, crappy lenses, menu systems that defy the logic of the accomplished Sony photographer, and an image quality that makes a Hasselblad 100MP file look like $h!t.
Why anyone would choose Nikon, Canon,Panasonic, Leica,Olympus, or Fuji over Sony simply baffles the mind of the Sony zealot 🙃
Why anyone would choose Nikon, Canon,Panasonic, Leica,Olympus, or Fuji over Sony simply baffles the mind of the Sony zealot 🙃
Jul 09, 2026 at 10:52 AM
p.3 #4The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
OwlsEyes wrote:
As is always the case, it is well known that if you are a Sony shooter, their cameras and system is the best. All other cameras have little to no redeeming value with their slower frame rate, piss-poor AF, crappy lenses, menu systems that defy the logic of the accomplished Sony photographer, and an image quality that makes a Hasselblad 100MP file look like $h!t.
Why anyone would choose Nikon, Canon,Panasonic, Leica,Olympus, or Fuji over Sony simply baffles the mind of the Sony zealot 🙃
Come on, you know why. It’s the great menus the other cameras have. Why else would anyone pick up a Canon or Nikon if not for their fantastic menus.
Jul 09, 2026 at 11:44 AM
RoamingScott
Offline
Activity
[X]
Details
p.3 #5The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
People who give a single shit about BRANDS are dorks. Shoot what makes you happy.
Jul 09, 2026 at 12:16 PM
p.3 #6The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
DWOfPaul wrote:
I actually find the Z8's lack of pre capture raw or 20fps raw limitations less annoying. The a7rVI has pre capture raw and 30fps but they're not useful in their main use case, which is for action photography, due to the slower sensor readout speed. On the a7rVI if I want to take action photos, I need to use the mechanical shutter, which limits me to 10 fps, which is 1/2 the fps of the Z8. It's almost feels as if Sony added pre capture raw and 30fps to get the marketing buzz, but didn't actually give photographers what they're...Show more →
But it is faster than the R5 which myself and 10s of 1000s of people used for all sorts of BIF.
Have you actually used the A7RVI for fast BIF?
So far there are some examples of minor distortion on very erratic wing movements with the bird large in the frame but very few examples overall. The large majority of BIF will not show distortion with a scan speed of the R5 or A7RVI.
What you will see more often is leaning lines in the background during aggressive panning with a BIF. Choose your background wisely or mask and blur in post.
duncangr wrote
So complaining the A7R6 doesn't have Sony's best autofocus or that the 200-600 has focus breathing but failing to mention the lousy autofocus on the Z8 or the limit of 20fps RAW, complete lack of RAW pre-capture or the soft Z 180-600 when used at f/6.3 or the slow readout on the R5ii, the pre-capture autofocus that doesn't work - that's what you call fair criticism.But it is faster than the R5 which myself and 10s of 1000s of people used for all sorts of BIF.
Have you actually used the A7RVI for fast BIF?
So far there are some examples of minor distortion on very erratic wing movements with the bird large in the frame but very few examples overall. The large majority of BIF will not show distortion with a scan speed of the R5 or A7RVI.
What you will see more often is leaning lines in the background during aggressive panning with a BIF. Choose your background wisely or mask and blur in post.
Jul 09, 2026 at 12:23 PM
p.3 #7The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
DWOfPaul wrote:
I actually find the Z8's lack of pre capture raw or 20fps raw limitations less annoying. The a7rVI has pre capture raw and 30fps but they're not useful in their main use case, which is for action photography, due to the slower sensor readout speed. On the a7rVI if I want to take action photos, I need to use the mechanical shutter, which limits me to 10 fps, which is 1/2 the fps of the Z8. It's almost feels as if Sony added pre capture raw and 30fps to get the marketing buzz, but didn't actually give photographers what they're...Show more →
What do you shoot that the A7r6 could not handle. I’ve seen many different images taken with the A7r6 from BIF to sports to landscape…what is it that you think you cannot shoot with the A7r6?
duncangr wrote
So complaining the A7R6 doesn't have Sony's best autofocus or that the 200-600 has focus breathing but failing to mention the lousy autofocus on the Z8 or the limit of 20fps RAW, complete lack of RAW pre-capture or the soft Z 180-600 when used at f/6.3 or the slow readout on the R5ii, the pre-capture autofocus that doesn't work - that's what you call fair criticism.What do you shoot that the A7r6 could not handle. I’ve seen many different images taken with the A7r6 from BIF to sports to landscape…what is it that you think you cannot shoot with the A7r6?
Jul 09, 2026 at 12:48 PM
p.3 #8The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
OwlsEyes wrote:
As is always the case, it is well known that if you are a Sony shooter, their cameras and system is the best. All other cameras have little to no redeeming value with their slower frame rate, piss-poor AF, crappy lenses, menu systems that defy the logic of the accomplished Sony photographer, and an image quality that makes a Hasselblad 100MP file look like $h!t.
Why anyone would choose Nikon, Canon,Panasonic, Leica,Olympus, or Fuji over Sony simply baffles the mind of the Sony zealot 🙃
True about brand zealots of pretty much all types, I'm afraid. ;-)
As is always the case, it is well known that if you are a Sony shooter, their cameras and system is the best. All other cameras have little to no redeeming value with their slower frame rate, piss-poor AF, crappy lenses, menu systems that defy the logic of the accomplished Sony photographer, and an image quality that makes a Hasselblad 100MP file look like $h!t.
Why anyone would choose Nikon, Canon,Panasonic, Leica,Olympus, or Fuji over Sony simply baffles the mind of the Sony zealot 🙃
True about brand zealots of pretty much all types, I'm afraid. ;-)
Jul 09, 2026 at 12:54 PM
p.3 #9The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
gdanmitchell wrote:
That’s true, and it is useful to keep it in mind. At the same time, companies have “cultures,” and some of them are focused also on their reputations for things like quality and innovation. (Internally, it isn’t as simple as “just a business,” which is why you’ll hear about internal competition between the marketing department, the designers, the engineers, and finance.
I have spent my entire career in tech. In internal (pump up the sales force) meetings, it all about how we customer obsession and serving their needs, product market fit, attract and retain the best employees, etc, etc, etc. As you grow more senior, get P&L responsibility, and get to attend the internal sr closed-door meetings - all that is out the window - it is all about maximizing short term profits.
patotts wrote
Just realize that it is called the photography BUSINESS, that is what it is. Any of these companies will do what they can to maximize shareholder value and returns.I have spent my entire career in tech. In internal (pump up the sales force) meetings, it all about how we customer obsession and serving their needs, product market fit, attract and retain the best employees, etc, etc, etc. As you grow more senior, get P&L responsibility, and get to attend the internal sr closed-door meetings - all that is out the window - it is all about maximizing short term profits.
Jul 09, 2026 at 01:01 PM
p.3 #10The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
DWOfPaul wrote:
I actually find the Z8's lack of pre capture raw or 20fps raw limitations less annoying. The a7rVI has pre capture raw and 30fps but they're not useful in their main use case, which is for action photography, due to the slower sensor readout speed. On the a7rVI if I want to take action photos, I need to use the mechanical shutter, which limits me to 10 fps, which is 1/2 the fps of the Z8. It's almost feels as if Sony added pre capture raw and 30fps to get the marketing buzz, but didn't actually give photographers what they're...Show more →
If the A7RM6 has the same readout speed and af calculations per second as the A1ii then it would have been called the A1iii and would be $1000 more than the A1ii.
As I said - ridiculous post.
EDIT: Complaining that A7RM6 doesn't have Sony's best autofocus based on not having 120 af calcs per second and in the same breath suggesting switching to the Z8 - which as we all know has less than stellar AF.
But that is unimportant - the important thing is it has Nikons best autofocus.
Tough to follow the rationale behind this argument - but clearly actual performance isn't an important criteria for you.
duncangr wrote
So complaining the A7R6 doesn't have Sony's best autofocus or that the 200-600 has focus breathing but failing to mention the lousy autofocus on the Z8 or the limit of 20fps RAW, complete lack of RAW pre-capture or the soft Z 180-600 when used at f/6.3 or the slow readout on the R5ii, the pre-capture autofocus that doesn't work - that's what you call fair criticism.If the A7RM6 has the same readout speed and af calculations per second as the A1ii then it would have been called the A1iii and would be $1000 more than the A1ii.
As I said - ridiculous post.
EDIT: Complaining that A7RM6 doesn't have Sony's best autofocus based on not having 120 af calcs per second and in the same breath suggesting switching to the Z8 - which as we all know has less than stellar AF.
But that is unimportant - the important thing is it has Nikons best autofocus.
Tough to follow the rationale behind this argument - but clearly actual performance isn't an important criteria for you.
Jul 10, 2026 at 02:31 AM
|
p.3 #11The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
This is sooo the truth.
chez wrote:
The main feature that keeps from looking away from Sony is size and weight. Both Canon and Nikon don’t take these features seriously so I’m firmly in the Sony camp. I can live with the other Sony warts.
chez wrote:
The main feature that keeps from looking away from Sony is size and weight. Both Canon and Nikon don’t take these features seriously so I’m firmly in the Sony camp. I can live with the other Sony warts.
Jul 10, 2026 at 09:25 AM
p.3 #12The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
duncangr wrote:
EDIT: Complaining that A7RM6 doesn't have Sony's best autofocus based on not having 120 af calcs per second and in the same breath suggesting switching to the Z8 - which as we all know has less than stellar AF.
This is exactly why I didn't want to get into who has the best AF. It's obvious you will be in the camp of Sony, having by far the best AF, when in reality, most people who have used multiple systems admit that sometimes Sony is better and sometimes Sony is worse. It really comes down to what you photograph, how you photograph, and some personal preference as to what makes the best AF.
For example (start at 8:57, for some reason, the start time is being taken off the URL when I hit submit):
https://youtu.be/MOpB_Q-qSjY?si=fJqyI2aUJb744CZ9&t=537
EDIT: Complaining that A7RM6 doesn't have Sony's best autofocus based on not having 120 af calcs per second and in the same breath suggesting switching to the Z8 - which as we all know has less than stellar AF.
This is exactly why I didn't want to get into who has the best AF. It's obvious you will be in the camp of Sony, having by far the best AF, when in reality, most people who have used multiple systems admit that sometimes Sony is better and sometimes Sony is worse. It really comes down to what you photograph, how you photograph, and some personal preference as to what makes the best AF.
For example (start at 8:57, for some reason, the start time is being taken off the URL when I hit submit):
https://youtu.be/MOpB_Q-qSjY?si=fJqyI2aUJb744CZ9&t=537
Jul 10, 2026 at 10:04 AM
p.3 #13The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
While folks entertain themselves delineating why the perfect camera for them does not exist, I'll just make two observations:
1. The technology is now such that even a modestly competent amateur can pull off shots that would have challenged the top professionals just 15 years ago.
2. It is hard to think of a shot (that doesn't violate the laws of physics) that you can't take due to lack of available technology. As my daughter would say, it's a skill issue
1. The technology is now such that even a modestly competent amateur can pull off shots that would have challenged the top professionals just 15 years ago.
2. It is hard to think of a shot (that doesn't violate the laws of physics) that you can't take due to lack of available technology. As my daughter would say, it's a skill issue
Jul 10, 2026 at 11:21 AM
p.3 #14The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
photonoclast wrote:
While folks entertain themselves delineating why the perfect camera for them does not exist, I'll just make two observations:
1. The technology is now such that even a modestly competent amateur can pull off shots that would have challenged the top professionals just 15 years ago.
2. It is hard to think of a shot (that doesn't violate the laws of physics) that you can't take due to lack of available technology. As my daughter would say, it's a skill issue
I feel a lot of the complaints about the "perfect camera" not existing is rather about people waiting for something better than currently offered before upgrading, which I think is a healthy approach rather than buying every generation of equipment. People who frequent forums like this and have no current equipment are surely exceedingly rare.
At least I am on this boat when I mention a flaw about a camera. When I do, it means it was on my radar and the decision not to go for it was because it fell short one way or another.
I agree about the current tech being super. I started in 2007 when digital sensors were starting to get good. The difference from then to now is unbelievable.
While folks entertain themselves delineating why the perfect camera for them does not exist, I'll just make two observations:
1. The technology is now such that even a modestly competent amateur can pull off shots that would have challenged the top professionals just 15 years ago.
2. It is hard to think of a shot (that doesn't violate the laws of physics) that you can't take due to lack of available technology. As my daughter would say, it's a skill issue
I feel a lot of the complaints about the "perfect camera" not existing is rather about people waiting for something better than currently offered before upgrading, which I think is a healthy approach rather than buying every generation of equipment. People who frequent forums like this and have no current equipment are surely exceedingly rare.
At least I am on this boat when I mention a flaw about a camera. When I do, it means it was on my radar and the decision not to go for it was because it fell short one way or another.
I agree about the current tech being super. I started in 2007 when digital sensors were starting to get good. The difference from then to now is unbelievable.
Jul 10, 2026 at 11:50 AM
p.3 #15The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
umut_h_toprak wrote:
1. The technology is now such that even a modestly competent amateur can pull off shots that would have challenged the top professionals just 15 years ago.
2. It is hard to think of a shot (that doesn't violate the laws of physics) that you can't take due to lack of available technology. As my daughter would say, it's a skill issueI feel a lot of the complaints about the "perfect camera" not existing is rather about people waiting for something better than currently offered before upgrading, which I think is a healthy approach rather than buying every generation of equipment. People who frequent forums like this and have no current equipment are surely exceedingly rare.
At least I am on this boat when I mention a flaw about a camera. When I do, it means it was on my radar and the decision not to go for it was because it fell short one way or another.
I agree about the...Show more →
The waiting to upgrade phenomena amuses me. It’s like FOMO…needing to keep up with the Jone’s. I extremely doubt many people have “out skilled “ their existing cameras and cannot take great photos because of their equipment.
The marketing departments have so many hook, line and sinker with their release of new features that all of a sudden photographers could not be without.
I guess this constant waiting to upgrade keeps the industry healthy.
photonoclast wrote
While folks entertain themselves delineating why the perfect camera for them does not exist, I'll just make two observations:1. The technology is now such that even a modestly competent amateur can pull off shots that would have challenged the top professionals just 15 years ago.
2. It is hard to think of a shot (that doesn't violate the laws of physics) that you can't take due to lack of available technology. As my daughter would say, it's a skill issue
At least I am on this boat when I mention a flaw about a camera. When I do, it means it was on my radar and the decision not to go for it was because it fell short one way or another.
I agree about the...Show more →
The waiting to upgrade phenomena amuses me. It’s like FOMO…needing to keep up with the Jone’s. I extremely doubt many people have “out skilled “ their existing cameras and cannot take great photos because of their equipment.
The marketing departments have so many hook, line and sinker with their release of new features that all of a sudden photographers could not be without.
I guess this constant waiting to upgrade keeps the industry healthy.
Jul 10, 2026 at 12:06 PM
p.3 #16The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
photonoclast wrote:
While folks entertain themselves delineating why the perfect camera for them does not exist, I'll just make two observations:
1. The technology is now such that even a modestly competent amateur can pull off shots that would have challenged the top professionals just 15 years ago.
2. It is hard to think of a shot (that doesn't violate the laws of physics) that you can't take due to lack of available technology. As my daughter would say, it's a skill issue
Well, I went to a photo session with strobes and a Sony camera, and the Profoto trigger did not work because of bent contacts. That has never happened before with any of my other camera systems. Since the session was dedicated specifically to Sony, I used a backup iT32, which was less than ideal. The iT32 is probably going to fail soon as well, because it now also has bent contacts after just a few uses. Technology fail, and I am still in pain over it
This is how my story with Sony ends, since I photograph almost everything with strobes.
Also, processing images in C1 is somewhat weird comparing to my other cameras. Fujifilm, Olympus and Nikon behave similarly, I use most of the adjustments the same way on all of them. Leica and Sony require a completely different set of adjustments to look good to my eye.
While folks entertain themselves delineating why the perfect camera for them does not exist, I'll just make two observations:
1. The technology is now such that even a modestly competent amateur can pull off shots that would have challenged the top professionals just 15 years ago.
2. It is hard to think of a shot (that doesn't violate the laws of physics) that you can't take due to lack of available technology. As my daughter would say, it's a skill issue
Well, I went to a photo session with strobes and a Sony camera, and the Profoto trigger did not work because of bent contacts. That has never happened before with any of my other camera systems. Since the session was dedicated specifically to Sony, I used a backup iT32, which was less than ideal. The iT32 is probably going to fail soon as well, because it now also has bent contacts after just a few uses. Technology fail, and I am still in pain over it
This is how my story with Sony ends, since I photograph almost everything with strobes.
Also, processing images in C1 is somewhat weird comparing to my other cameras. Fujifilm, Olympus and Nikon behave similarly, I use most of the adjustments the same way on all of them. Leica and Sony require a completely different set of adjustments to look good to my eye.
Jul 10, 2026 at 12:15 PM
p.3 #17The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
chez wrote:
The waiting to upgrade phenomena amuses me. It’s like FOMO…needing to keep up with the Jone’s. I extremely doubt many people have “out skilled “ their existing cameras and cannot take great photos because of their equipment.
The marketing departments have so many hook, line and sinker with their release of new features that all of a sudden photographers could not be without.
I guess this constant waiting to upgrade keeps the industry healthy.
I don't understand. I am specifically talking about people not upgrading because they apply some critical thinking and deciding it is not worth it at a particular time. I have been using the same lens for the last 7 years and the same camera for the last 4.5 years. I do want some new performance improvements and features before I upgrade again, is that not reasonable in your opinion?
The waiting to upgrade phenomena amuses me. It’s like FOMO…needing to keep up with the Jone’s. I extremely doubt many people have “out skilled “ their existing cameras and cannot take great photos because of their equipment.
The marketing departments have so many hook, line and sinker with their release of new features that all of a sudden photographers could not be without.
I guess this constant waiting to upgrade keeps the industry healthy.
I don't understand. I am specifically talking about people not upgrading because they apply some critical thinking and deciding it is not worth it at a particular time. I have been using the same lens for the last 7 years and the same camera for the last 4.5 years. I do want some new performance improvements and features before I upgrade again, is that not reasonable in your opinion?
Jul 10, 2026 at 12:32 PM
p.3 #18The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
Arka wrote:
But this innovation often comes with tradeoffs. Take, for instance, the 200-600mm f6.3, which changed the game for telephoto zooms, but has high focus breathing or the 400-800mm f8 that hits a lot of the right marks but then seems to suffer from high sample variation.
Now let's jump to the latest releases, the 100-400mm f4.5 and a7rVI. The 100-400mm f4.5 hits many notes right, but it's a $4,300 lens that seems to have sample variation going on with zoom creep. The a7rVI has the highest resolution of any full frame camera, and possibly the best dynamic range of any full frame camera, but most of the innovation seems to be around the electronic shutter, which is to slow for quickly moving subjects and negates the dynamic range advantage of a $4,500 camera. For example, I wish Sony had added a 15 FPS mechanical shutter to the a7rVI, then we could truly gain speed and dynamic range over the a7rV. But as it stands, we need to pick one or the other. I even find it strange that Sony does not put their best AF on a $4,500 camera. It's not like there is an a1r the a7rVI would be competing against.
This pattern of Sony making awesome tech, but the tech is coming with rough edges and premium prices, seems to be getting stronger by the year. I feel like this is hurting the Sony ecosystem. When Sony was the first/only company doing something and often times cheeper than their competitors, it was easier to look away at the rough edges. But now we have gotten to the point where Sony is often more expensive than the competitors, and the rough edges remain.
Personally, I was rooting for Sony that the a7V and a7rVI would be the grand slams we know Sony is capable of making. Unfortunately, I am left wondering if I want to stay in the Sony ecosystem. Maybe Sony will surprise us and the a7s line will turn into a true Z8 / R5II competitor, but I doubt it at this point.I can't speak on the telephoto zoom as I have no experience or interest in those. But I've been using Sony cameras for nearly 13 years now and I don't think the modern cameras (or the lenses I use) have "edges" that are any "rougher" than any Nikon or Canon camera I used before (or the Canon R5 I use alongside my Sony A1 right now). You can always find something to dislike I suppose but I find the Sony cameras to be truly exceptional tools - almost too exceptional.
I thought he was referring to Sony camera bodies having sharp straight line edges. Canon has the most soft curved edges and Nikon is the second (among the top three). That puts Sony at the bottom in terms of camera look. I think he is right!
Just kidding.
DWOfPaul wrote
There is no doubt Sony is an extremely innovative company and has helped push the photography industry forward. Such as the first full frame mirrorless cameras, the first full frame stacked sensor cameras, the first full frame global shutter camera, and many innovative lenses.But this innovation often comes with tradeoffs. Take, for instance, the 200-600mm f6.3, which changed the game for telephoto zooms, but has high focus breathing or the 400-800mm f8 that hits a lot of the right marks but then seems to suffer from high sample variation.
Now let's jump to the latest releases, the 100-400mm f4.5 and a7rVI. The 100-400mm f4.5 hits many notes right, but it's a $4,300 lens that seems to have sample variation going on with zoom creep. The a7rVI has the highest resolution of any full frame camera, and possibly the best dynamic range of any full frame camera, but most of the innovation seems to be around the electronic shutter, which is to slow for quickly moving subjects and negates the dynamic range advantage of a $4,500 camera. For example, I wish Sony had added a 15 FPS mechanical shutter to the a7rVI, then we could truly gain speed and dynamic range over the a7rV. But as it stands, we need to pick one or the other. I even find it strange that Sony does not put their best AF on a $4,500 camera. It's not like there is an a1r the a7rVI would be competing against.
This pattern of Sony making awesome tech, but the tech is coming with rough edges and premium prices, seems to be getting stronger by the year. I feel like this is hurting the Sony ecosystem. When Sony was the first/only company doing something and often times cheeper than their competitors, it was easier to look away at the rough edges. But now we have gotten to the point where Sony is often more expensive than the competitors, and the rough edges remain.
Personally, I was rooting for Sony that the a7V and a7rVI would be the grand slams we know Sony is capable of making. Unfortunately, I am left wondering if I want to stay in the Sony ecosystem. Maybe Sony will surprise us and the a7s line will turn into a true Z8 / R5II competitor, but I doubt it at this point.
I thought he was referring to Sony camera bodies having sharp straight line edges. Canon has the most soft curved edges and Nikon is the second (among the top three). That puts Sony at the bottom in terms of camera look. I think he is right!
Just kidding.
Jul 10, 2026 at 12:45 PM
p.3 #19The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
At some point almost everyone will want to upgrade, at least if they are photographers for very long.
If you are getting to that point and you know that something newer than the currently available items is in the pipeline, that it will likely have some useful improvements, that it will perhaps have a longer lifespan, and you are not in a white heat to buy right this minute, it can make sense to time your purchase for the new release.
If you are getting to that point and you know that something newer than the currently available items is in the pipeline, that it will likely have some useful improvements, that it will perhaps have a longer lifespan, and you are not in a white heat to buy right this minute, it can make sense to time your purchase for the new release.
Jul 10, 2026 at 02:00 PM
p.3 #20The Sony conundrum awesome tech with rough edges and high prices?
raminolta wrote:
I thought he was referring to Sony camera bodies having sharp straight line edges. Canon has the most soft curved edges and Nikon is the second (among the top three). That puts Sony at the bottom in terms of camera look. I think he is right!
Just kidding.
If you want rough edges get a Fuji X System body. They are nearly as harsh as a 70s SLR.
EBH
I thought he was referring to Sony camera bodies having sharp straight line edges. Canon has the most soft curved edges and Nikon is the second (among the top three). That puts Sony at the bottom in terms of camera look. I think he is right!
Just kidding.
If you want rough edges get a Fuji X System body. They are nearly as harsh as a 70s SLR.
EBH
Jul 10, 2026 at 02:31 PM