Priorities in order:
- 80-90% SOOC (can’t give much time to editing). I am ready to give time to learning and practicing manual controls though.
- ergonomic, light.
- travel photos, capturing scenes like I see them with my eyes.
- low light photos.
- long-lasting gear. Okay with getting prime and telephoto lens later if needed.
- videography is not a priority as of now, may explore later.
Thanks!
Update: Decided to go with Fujifilm X-S10 + XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0
as I liked the fuji SOOC jpegs more. Sigma lens would have been sweet but I’m okay with the tradeoff.
Thank you everyone for being so helpful.
Update 2: Finally went with Fujifilm X-T30 II + XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0
instead for looks, this was a close one as I had to give up Ibis and that grip.
Here’s a shot I took on the very similar Sony a6500 in low light two days ago: https://youtube.com/shorts/vq8-1GIdu64?feature=share
Sure, why not
When picking a camera to learn on one thing to keep in mind is that you’ll be learning on it
The gear is only as good as your knowledge in how to use it
So picking something with room to grow and potentially in the future grow out of without getting something that’s super expensive (to you) is important
Go right ahead and pick up the 6400 and begin your journey into interchangeable lens cameras
Just be warned: it’s really easy to come down with a case of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) when you jump into the world of interchangeable lens cameras. Try to avoid that while learning if you can
I’ll keep that in mind, thanks
If you prefer SOOC, please send me your raws if you shoot raw. I’d love to edit them!
- You should look at sample images online, prefably with semi-consistent subjects. Some people don’t like Sony’s JPEGs, for example.
- This is something you have to find out for yourself; eg I cannot stand using Canon cameras in general, Sonys have their annoyances. Love Nikon, Fujifilm and Panasonics. If there’s a store or a rental service I suggest you use those to spend some time with the camera.
- Despite what some might say, all cameras can do decent in low-light. The ones with bigger sensors just do better than decent. You’re off to a good start with your choice of lens too, picking a versatile bright zoom.
- Cameras can last a long-time if they’re not abused (too much). There are still plastic fantastics from the film era that are still working (which have more moving parts and thus more places that can fail).
SOOC?
Anyway, I am a big fan of the Lumix cameras, started with my Lumix GX80 back in 2018, and upgraded to an S5 last spring.
I just love the colors of Lumix cameras, they are just so intence.
Though I am thinking about getting a Sony A7 III as it has a much faster autofocus system, and I like to do planespotting.
I just found out what SOOC means, Straight Out Of Camera, which is what I mainly do, I hardly edit at all.
Here is a photo I took with my GX80 a few years ago:
That’s a beautiful shot :)
Thank you, it is straight from the camera!
I had a 5100 and upgraded to a 6500 and I absolutely fucking LOVE that camera. I say that as a lifetime photographer. I think the Alphas in general are great at photography and pretty darn good for light video work. That 18-50 is a lot better than the kit and should serve you well for a while.