Sony Alpha cameras: The good and the bad

[@kefkafloyd]

Sony absolutely has a "vintage" style to pull from, there's decades of Minolta heritage right there.

[@KrzysztofDziuba----1-2-3]

Definitely improve their firmware upgrade policy. I guess A7III could still be much improved just by simply porting their new menu system. It would not undercut A7IV sales as whoever needs this body would buy it, but us entry level user would still be happy with these small improvements.

[@willfullyinformed]

That would be amazing. I would love for them to start implementing modernizing updates across the board. When they improve in one area, let everyone else who spent thousands of dollars enjoy and experience that as well. A7III is not out of the question, we should get to enjoy at least the software/organization the A7IV has.

[@xWood4000]

I don't think they can run the new one on old processors, but they could start planning for it. Having powerful enough processors to be able to get upgrades

[@jwate]

That would be cool, but in an interview Sony’s rep said they couldn’t as the old system couldn’t support it.

[@4element23]

I think this is a great way to get more longevity and maintain value in their older cameras. Considering the CPU and shipping constraints we are looking to be faced with. So many users of older models would support an upgrade to their menu system and surely it can't be difficult to implement in a firmware upgrade

[@HappyHubris]

@@xWood4000 If you could put future processors in current cameras without raising the price, they wouldn't be future processors.

[@Noojtxeeg]

Listening to feedback is a good one. After 10 years of complaining, Panasonic is still adamant about their contrast-based AF.

[@kevinforget549]

That and limited(pricey) lens selection is the reason why in switching to Sony. Sure I might need to rely more on luts out of the box but tec wise they just give you the features you really need and as a small time filmmaker autofocus is a must when you can't afford a first ac.

[@jgaffney567]

They are not adamant about their focus system. They are pursuing new tech in autofocus. Things t like lidar focus etc. The problem is cost and economy. Large companies limit research and development based on potential profits. Wishes do not pay the bills.

[@TechnoBabble]

@@jgaffney567 Lidar is literally never going to replace PDAF.

[@jgaffney567]

@@TechnoBabble That is just one technology they are looking into. And who knows what it could do and while you are welcome to your opinion and may be right we shall see. Again CCD versus CMOS. The thing is it must make sense financially. There are rumors which I doubt that the whole pdaf is part of the Sony panny rivalry. The only thing I do know is they hear the requests and are working on it. They invested on other features on the gh6 they though would be be important like the hi res feature handheld

[@TheFallengiant]

And now they have PDAF… in the S5II and S5iix!

[@jaekimchi]

Oh and Sony needs to introduce focus bracketing on their stills cameras. How it's not already a feature is wild to me.

[@youknowwho9247]

Who actually uses that feature, ever? It's useful for macro, but that's it. In every other type of work, stacking two shots is enough. Maybe three if you're crazy. Not that hard to move focus manually once or twice, is it.

[@romainprovost7164]

@@youknowwho9247 It's very useful for landscape !!

[@joellevine889]

Yes, yes, yes, focus bracketing (or stacking) would be great

[@youknowwho9247]

@@richrollin4867 That would be an advantage on DSLRs, but not with mirrorless. If you want to stack 2 or 3 frames of a landscape you can just put the camera on a tripod, enable touch shutter and lightly tap the screen two or three times where you want to focus. That's just as fast as automatic focus bracketing, for which you'd have to go in the menus and set up parameters first.

[@youknowwho9247]

@@romainprovost7164 It really isn't. If you want to stack 2 or 3 frames of a landscape you can just put the camera on a tripod, enable touch shutter and lightly tap the screen two or three times where you want to focus. That's just as fast as automatic focus bracketing, for which you'd have to go in the menus and set up parameters first.

[@lemmontree1]

1: Better image stabilization and less rolling shutter on APS-C 2: ZV-2 with a 16-35mm lense 3: A dedicated 1" streaming camera

[@unbroken1010]

You want a?crappy kit lens? 😜

[@lemmontree1]

@@unbroken1010 I don't know where you read that in my post.

[@TechnoBabble]

@@lemmontree1 What would a 16-35 give you on a ZV-2? Or did you mean to say a 16-35mm full frame equivalent lens?

[@agenericaccount3935]

@@TechnoBabble Oh lord the pedantry

[@HappyHubris]

I find it hilarious that Sony sells modern APSC sensors to other companies but reuses their A6300 sensor on their own kit.

[@riosolar]

It would be really helpful to have a short graphical overview of the customized buttons and dials: Sometimes it is hard to remember where you put certain functions, especially if you don't use this camera every day.

[@petercofrancesco9812]

I've also found all those customizable buttons sound great but if you're renting, don't use the camera that often, or use switch between cameras it's not easy to remember. Then those features don't always work the same way in video as in photo. Imagine if you bought a car and they had a bunch of unlabeled controls that could be reassigned. Everything about Sony feels very techie and complex. If you only own one camera, you're the only person using it, and you operate it on a regular basis then it should be fine.

[@johnd9357]

The a7iv does have that.

[@petegerardini2455]

I keep a notebook in my camera bag. On the inside front cover I write a list of the buttons and what function I programmed to.

[@itcamefromabox]

4:40 - Find someone who will stare at you the way Jordan does 😍

[@johnbuckingham6895]

Jordan definitely has hypno-eyes.

[@petere6036]

@@johnbuckingham6895 totaly agree!

[@anthonysmith9864]

My food gets that luxury 🤌

[@jcanracer]

A6400 owner here, and really bummed that APSC feels like its languishing in no-mans-land. I am holding out for Sony to give us an updated a6600 with better IBIS and/or active stabilization (present on newer, cheaper models) and a faster processor to reduce rolling shutter. "Nice to haves" include better touchscreen menu, fully articulated screen, higher resolution screen & EVF, and why can't we get the product display mode that the ZV1 & ZVE10 have? Say it after me Sony: FLAGSHIP APSC!

[@walkslow7509]

Fully agree, I also have a6400. Proper IBIS, bigger & higher res EVF and weather sealing are my top 'nice-to-haves.' a6600 has IBIS but that camera is too similar to a6400 to justify upgrading. As you mentioned, a flagship APS-C camera would be awesome - one that can compete with the likes of Fuji XT4. That would get my money.

[@apricanephoto]

Agree with wanting a flagship APS-C, but I don't want an 'upgraded a6600' but I'd rather have a fully Sonified XS-10 (in terms of body design), that is to say a APS-C in the DSLR style, with higher resolution, improved ISO, better EVF, and tilting screen. (Basically, except for the screen, I'd be happy with an APS-C version of the a7 IV.)

[@TheSpaceBrosShow]

While I own only Sony lenses, I think its great that there are so many 3rd party options. It makes the system the go-to choice for any budget conscious photographer

[@ontariowildlifeobservation3095]

A new APS-C camera from Sony with a stacked sensor at 24 megapixels in a full frame body with a normal EVF is what I want to see. Also a new prime lens that is a step up from the 200-600mm G but cheaper than the 600 f/4, like a 500 or 600mm f5.6, or 800mm f/6.3 prime similar to the nikkor 500mm f/5.6 e pf ed vr

[@tommihommi1]

so a Fuji from Sony

[@mralexlex]

Get real....

[@youknowwho9247]

What's the point of that camera? If you want the reach in a full frame body, get an a7r IV. Put it in crop mode and you've got a 26 mpix APS-C camera.

[@TechnoBabble]

@@youknowwho9247 "Just spend way more money, it's that easy".

[@joellevine889]

I agree, pf (compact) telephoto lenses (like Nikon makes)

[@JordanCS13]

I shot Sony for years, but switched over to the Canon R5 about a year and a half ago. I originally got an RP and then an R6 to dabble with, but two things really pulled me to the Canon, with the biggest being the ergonomics. Sony really needs to fix their ergonomics, and the biggest thing they can do is just move the grip like half a cm further away from the mount. Also big: dust removal....my Sony cameras were dust magnets and even with regular cleaning. I'd end up with dozens of spots on my landscape images that I'd need to clone later. I think I've had to clone like 10 spots on my Canon bodies in a year and a half. Total. So yeah, ergonomics and dust removal.

[@HappyHubris]

Best third party lens selection on a budget, so it's my default choice. You get soooo much more for your money than brands like Fuji, Nikon, or Canon. I do wish that Sony design teams tried other camera brands every once in a while to not miss big features (e.g., focus stacking or picking aperture/shutter/ISO on the touchscreen).

[@HappyHubris]

@@djstuc Don't get so worked up over camera companies. They don't care about you beyond your wallet.

[@HappyHubris]

@@djstuc the pot is calling the kettle black? Not sure what being a DJ has to do with it...

[@kevinforget549]

True. I've used a friend's a7r3 and was surprised how slow Sony was to get on the full touch screen functionality. There's zero reason why they can't do it and people like it because it means less wear on the buttons and less time looking for the controls.

[@HappyHubris]

@@kevinforget549 even for the full touch models you can't set aperture/ISO/shutter by the touchscreen, which is terrible for casual users and bloggers.

[@Ildskalli]

The bang/buck ratio is very differently skewed depending on your needs. For instance, Sony have no equivalent to the 40mm f/2 Z Nikkor (cheap, rugged, fast, lightweight prime), the 24-70mm f/4 S (it's either larger f/2.8 constant zooms, the 28-75mm Tamron, or the underwhelming Zony 24-70mm f/4), or the 50-275mm DX zoom (no real alternative, Sony's 55-210mm lens SUCKS - I owned two and both were crap). One can assemble a very competent, light and compact 35mm kit on Nikon at an unbeatable price/quality ratio, as long as what's on offer is adequate for the user. Of course, Sony do have all of those Tamron and Sigma lenses that are very desirable, as well as their own extraordinary optics, like the 200-600mm G and 20mm f/1.8 G, but I feel like the Alpha system is still lacking in some "bread-and-butter" areas.

[@glenklassen779]

Great discussion, thanks. Yes, SONY please refresh the APS-C line starting with replacing the horrible USB micro port to a USB-c port. And then everything else. Need a better touch screen, a new sensor and a newer menu. I have the a6300, a6400, and zve10. My investment in sony APS-C glass is dipping.

[@abymathew295]

Micro USB charging has to go..🤕🤕🤕

[@HappyHubris]

I left Sony APSC for FF after I realized that we would just get the A6300 (with as many reused parts as possible) forever. So far I'm right.

[@danieldougan269]

It would definitely be nice to see Sony replace the a6600 with something more competitive with the Fuji X-T4 / X-H2 in the APS-C space. Likewise, if they could replace the a6100 with an identical camera that just has a better EVF, that would sell very well. Maybe even throw in IBIS for good measure.

[@bluemarblemark]

Agree. Treating APSC like "low budget" (no stop wheel) is just poor form

[@youknowwho9247]

Sorry what? The a6600 is a much better camera than the X-T4.

[@unbroken1010]

@@youknowwho9247 not in the slightest. Go use one even the xt3 is better

[@youknowwho9247]

@@unbroken1010 I've used them. The a6600 blows the Fujis out of the water. Not even close.

[@unbroken1010]

@@youknowwho9247 it's closer than that when you look at footage. You like the Sony sick skin colors?

[@findbinnu]

1. Auto Switch off EFCS above 1/2000 SS 2. Auto Focus Stacking 3. Live ND aka Smooth Reflection with raw output option 4. Pre-capture in Photo and Video 5. Auto subject selection - no more switching between human/animal/bird, and add vehicle detection. 6. More computational photography - multi shot merging like smartphones.

[@DaviSiqueiraSilva]

All of that and a decent LCD, with the articulation done like the one in the Fujifilm XT series

[@quasarkitten]

I’m an a7r IVA user. I’d love to see more computational features. Specifically a built in focus stacking mode like Nikon-even if I have to stack myself on a computer. Would love to see in-camera pixel shift feature, with a clear way to see if you ran into any issues with the stack. I do prefer processing it myself, but I would love to be able to check if things are working on camera. Today I tether to capture one, take the series of images, then combine images in software, look for any issues then start over if I need to. In terms of hardware features. I don’t need all the speed of the A1, but its stacked sensor let’s ya do pixel shift with a flash at 1/200s. The a7R IVA is limited to 1/8s when using flash and pixel shift. Getting up at or faster than 1/125s would be welcomed.

[@marcofabiocarosi2996]

Great video, thank you! I’d love to see a 7CII and R with more capable sensors and better evf. Design wise, I find the Sony alphas very beautiful and classy in minimalistic way. I wouldn’t change that approach, but Sony could elaborate further.

[@kane4013]

I’m with you on the EVF. I went to the store with cash in hand, excited to buy the a7C, only to take one look through the viewfinder and walk out of the store again. There must be many non-vloggers like me who found the EVF to be an instant dealbreaker. Bitterly disappointed 😢

[@huwmorgan51]

My biggest issue with Sony is their reluctance to issue new features in firmware. I know that some new features require faster hardware, but there are features that could be introduced to existing cameras via firmware (e.g. non-lossy compressed raw).

[@SMK2182]

I mean Sony pulled plenty performance out of the Ps3... Though this ain't the same thing and hardware can limit things. Still I say that they 100% need to do better with firmware updates. You keep old camera body users happy then later on they will keep on the brand instead of jumping ship.

[@alsteiner7602]

THIS THIS THIS

[@calvinchann1996]

They prefer to save it for next years model.

[@patricksmith2553]

I am thankful Sony is so innovative and they really put pressure on Nikon and Canon to improve as far as mirrorless goes, and that is the only thing I like about Sony. I could care less when the A9/A9II or A1 came out. I've shot the first two and although the A1 and A9 II felt okay, they still felt like holding a turd, compared to my flagship D5/D6. I think even with the grip, the Sony camera's just don't feel as good and I also know it equals build quality and weather sealing too. Sony admitted the A9/A9 II were not as well built or weather sealed compared to the Nikon and Canon flagship's, which have an integrated grip. Sony also did some weird things like put the lens release on the wrong side of the mount, the menus, the ugly and not so nice to hold squared off bodies, etc. Sony is a consumer electronics company that entered the camera market less than a decade ago as far as stills. They have done some amazing things and I admit their image quality and specs all seem great. I'm just maybe old school, but I prefer the look and feel of Canon and Nikon gear. They may be just tools, but ergonomics and build quality, the way things work and feel is important. Sony just does not look or feel right to me, and sadly they are even more expensive. An A1 with two CFexpress cards and the vertical grip is approaching $8,000 with taxes. Nikon's Z9 is made better, looks better, and has much better battery, video spec's, etc,...all for $1,000-$1,500 less! Most Nikon lenses for mirrorless are sharper than their Sony counterparts as well. Sony finally updated their 70-200mm, but overall Sony lenses are not as good as their Nikon or Canon counterparts. There maybe exceptions and Sony might be good enough, but I think Nikon has finally matched Sony specs and AF. I just feel Nikon does things right, but to each their own. If you like and use Sony, that is cool. They are just tools, and I'm sure you're happy.

[@emko333]

" (e.g. non-lossy compressed raw)." you make it sound simple... you need hardware to be able to process and compress the data, that's why their newer cameras that do support it have more powerful hardware, but yes other things simpler things should be added

[@trevorhawks4577]

The easiest thing for any camera company to do that would make photographers lives better is to open up the file naming structure so that we could save our files with standardized filenames for our own ingest and storage systems. I'd love an option for YYYYMMDD-CamModel-00001 or whatever.

[@doc_noki]

I know that everybody hates that camera, but the A7C was kind of what i've wanted. An A7III in a smaller body, i really really hope they're going to continue to try things with this compact format. Still, the A7IV is probably my next camera

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Only spec nerds hate A7C really, they unjustly channeled their impatience for A7iv into that small and light body

[@ianswann3867]

I really want Sony to update the Alpha 1 firmware with all the features of the lower models, like the lens breathing compensation etc. While the A1 is the flag ship give it the works.

[@samuel.gabura]

As you have discussed Sony has opened up their lens protocol and they need to do the same with the MI shoe - we need more options for accessories and clearer way of knowing which generation they are. I think their accessories should be cheaper - people would be deeper in the Sony ecosystem.

[@Mathew-vlogs]

I would like to see. A stacked aps-c sensor, with a body that supports dual sd cards. And call it the a1000, or a7000. Either way would be a big improvement to the aps-c line.

[@alantuttphotography]

The lack of 10-bit 422 options in their hybrid cameras was the major reason why I didn't go with Sony when I switched systems. Their IBIS also wasn't great, and that was another factor that lost them this potential customer. Of course, now they're starting to expand the options, but at this point, it's too late, and these options are only in the expensive cameras. Maybe in 10 yeas if I want to switch away from Lumix, although I kind of doubt it. I've been blown away by the quality of these little cameras.

[@peternavanac9310]

Too true. Panasonic pushes high end features like hi bit rate codecs, scopes, timecode, LUT support, DCI 4k, anamorphic support, prores in camera, braw and prores raw support. All in relatively inexpensive camera’s.

[@El_krux]

What I really wish for is some fine tuning to the body design. I love the rangefinder style of the A6xxx and a7C and paired with small, aperture-ringed lenses theyre just so wonderful to use. They almost feel like a Leica to me. And in that vein I wish that the a6xxx series should be just a bit taller and slightly thicker. And the a7C needs to have the same rubber as the older Sony cameras as it just looks way better than that new rubber, which looks cheap IMO. EDIT: That silver-colored shutter button also needs to dissapear on the black version of the a7c, drives me crazy.

[@pmc7105]

Adding my two cents (landscape, architecture photographer shooting Sony, often travelling): - Body: A7C with their 42 megapixel sensor (to keep costs down cut corners on blazing frame rates, viewfinder, and also video) - Body software: Add longer exposure options past 30 seconds, focus stacking, 30 second self-timer, lower native ISO (?) - Lenses: Lightweight, high quality zoom lenses (similar to Nikon's 14-30mm and 24-200mm, can cut corners on aperture) (Yes, I realize Nikon has all of these things, except for a really compact Z7ii; if they make one with a flippy screen I'll switch to Nikon in a heartbeat.)

[@Shnigi]

Because of the boring aps-c lineup I sold my a6500 and all lenses, now using Fuji xs-10 and it is so much better. Ergonomics is a huge leap, menu system way better and easier to navigate. Love the film profiles and basically everything. Flip screen, popup flash. Everything I ever wanted from sony. Now happy fuji user.

[@the_anxiousphotographer]

I hope Sony keeps the APS-C lineup I have invested in many APSC lenses. I would love to see a successor to the A6600 with a 33mp sensor. And if they do all go full frame I guess I'll be selling a bunch of lenses and a camera lol. I have thought about upgrading to the A74 and still could use APSC lenses but kind of a waste. I have 5 lenses and for the cost of a full frame, If I sold everything I could get the A74 but with only one or two lenses.

[@webdaddy]

As an original Sony APS-C user all the way back to the NEX-6, I've collected a bunch of APS-C lenses and I would be aggravated if they drop APS-C. It's my sweet spot of quality, size, and cost. I don't really want to go FF as it's too big and too expensive. Please continue to update the APS-C line.

[@michaelreaves6212]

I would love to see an "RX10 II Mark II"! Love the form factor, keep the ND filters, keep the 1 inch sensor, give me phase detect AF, and I'd even be willing to sacrifice some zoom range for a faster lens, tho others might disagree, esp if it would be a variable aperture faster zoom.

[@EntrNmHre]

Always solid content guys. Wish they had CFexpress type B, larger cheaper and faster media.

[@nazukeoya]

My word I love you two, always cracking me up! I'm a proud A1 owner but would like a few more features.

[@cobalt7530]

Biggest thing for me would be introducing an affordable full frame camera with IBIS, proper weather sealing and a proper viewfinder. I don't care if it's bigger than the a7c, if it has worse autofocus, if it can only shoot 4K in crop mode etc. What I'm basically asking for is the Sony version of the Nikon Z5. I love the Nikon Z5 as a camera, but E mount has by far the cheapest and most appealing lenses.

[@johndonaldson5126]

My reasons for sticking with apsc are cost, weight, and size. I can afford FF but don't want to go in that direction. The a6xxx sensor is just fine. My wish for Sony would be improving the stabilization.

[@cgan2013]

In-camera focus stacking!! Many of us have been asking for it, for a LONG time!!

[@Michal-ow1zi]

I've shot with different systems before. But now I'm shooting with Sony. What do I miss from Sony now? Firstly, I needs a camera with a modern fast 30+ Megapixel APS-C sensor with two slots for fast memory cards. Secondly, I need a fast aperture telephoto lens for APS-C. Thirdly, it is impossible to combine advantages for photographers and videographers in one entry-level 2000$ camera: we need an A74f with a flip-down display, high frame rate at high resolution, and an A74c with a tilting display, lower resolution but high line-reading speed.

[@DeepteshLovesTECH]

They are pretty much perfect. Well rounded. They have high end cameras costing big bucks as well as great lower end cameras that are very capable. Class leading AF. Affordable lens selection due to abundance of 3rd party option.

[@BonaventureHope]

Big mistake to change body colour from black…reflections can happen and everything should be about the camera image rather than body style. Overall an enjoyable discussion. Thanks guys.

[@DustinFurlow]

Never considered this.

[@RayLi23]

??? So many Silver cameras from the film era. Even the Leica m3 was mostly silver

[@john23232]

My most important feature request is related to image quality (which is the first feature of a camera): real auto-exposure to the right, based on raw data (not jpeg like histogram! To not clip any of the 3 channels) => this is not a geeky gimmick, because we buy stops at a high price, but we cannot fully use those…

[@alexrogov7186]

It would've been nice to be able to set EXIF data for manual lenses. I think it only requires a small modification in firmware. Nikon, Fuji and Olympus definitely have this feature.

[@destyo99]

My wish for sony's apsc: -New sensor, 32MP stacked swnsor is prefereble to compete with fuji X-H2 - New body ergonomic - flippy screen - update-able menu interface - decent touchscreen like fuji or nikon - 100-400 telephoto lens like fuji's - joystick on the higher end Overall on the lens available are great, but the body itself isn't so convincing

[@TechnoBabble]

Sony's APS-C cameras have better autofocus and the sensor performance difference is essentially non-existent between the 24mp and 26mp sensors in Sony and Fuji respectively. The 100-400 is an interesting one that will probably never happen because Sony already has a 70-350 with amazing autofocus. Everything else I agree with, I don't really like the flip up screen, I want a joystick, and Sony's APS-C cameras not having a front dial really annoys me as all of my previous cameras had 3 dials total.

[@destyo99]

Or maybe lens 50-140mm F2.8, 100-400mm F4.. Come on guys, is it only me who thinks native telephoto lens in sony apsc is still lacking 😁

[@echoauxgen]

The one reason I went Sony in '14 was my '10 Canon T2i disappeared from Canons site and no more firmware updates. I would like some things that can be added to firmware updates to the older versions just to keep in play. What happened to the Playmemories apps after mod2's, just the filter app lets work with filters without carrying them. The one thing you never ever seem to remember is the bright monitoring function, duh no one else has it and ISO Invariance with double step improvements you guys never go out in the dark. If you show a Canon or Nikon user bright monitoring while doing Astro work jaws drop and the word "COOL" is heard.

[@MrTwister3356]

It would be nice to see Sony stop limiting exposure to 30 seconds only.

[@PopTartHeaven]

That thumbnail is top notch.

[@joes2828]

I really feel that when the a7iv was released, as well as looking back at the a7iii, most of the drawbacks that reviewers love to harp on are really insignificant to the end user. For example, “oh I hate that the LCD screen is not bright enough compared to the competition.” The reality is, I live in a place in Texas where the sun and weather is brutal and I’ve never had issues viewing the screen. And “oh the grip is not deep enough” etc. “Oh it doesn’t look sexy like the Fuji.” Granted some of the cons, I feel are legit but it’s mostly pertinent to the video aspect of it and what it can’t do vs another mirrorless camera like the Panasonics that have great in body stabilization. Only the end user knows what they need. For me, great auto eye focus is high on the priority list, inexpensive third party glass is important for those of us on a budget and very good ISO. Sony checks all of that off. I don’t care that the SD card 1 & 2 are out of order. Don’t care that the body is not sexy enough. Don’t care that the Grip may not be deep enough. Sony does the job. Period.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Maybe insignificant to you, but not to all users. Ergonomics and menus are huge for me and they have come up short on both of those for sometime.

[@E4xtream]

That's a lot of the qualms they have though. I like my Sony cameras but they just 'do the job'. Some reviewers think it should be more aesthetically and/or ergonomically pleasing (don't care about the first, do care about the second). I think they should be more intelligent and integrate within our software ecosystems. Things like the menus, the companion app, the lack of security, no built in gps matter more to me. Also, why is there a 30s limit to the shutter before bulb? I think Sony is a hardware first company that needs to be dragged, kicking and screaming into the next decade. There are many, MANY things they could fix via firmware alone, but they insistently refuse to.

[@joes2828]

@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS I completely understand. I hated the Sony menu, but I got used to it. I understand not everything is gonna be easy and sometimes you’ll have to adjust. I have no problems with that.

[@emko333]

i swear i thought the Sun gave out same light output everywhere on Earth or is Texas different?

[@gregsilver]

Still waiting on the RX10V....but in the meantime...still loving my RX10IV.

[@myeates1418]

Great series, looking forward to hear about Canon, Fujifilm and Panasonic

[@JonathanPetersonlisten2EITS]

I've been a Sony user ever since the NEX-7. It was dumb luck that I started my photographic journey with their APS-C line merely a year or so ahead of the release of the α7 series. Couldn't ask for much more from their nifty cameras. They've rarely gotten in the way of making decent photos. Truth be told, I'm often excited to see how they push the industry forward. Nice praise for the PS5 at the end there, Chris. lol.

[@professionalpotato4764]

1) New APS-C sensor. The a6xxx series are pretty old by now (2014 model with tweaks). 2) RP/Z5 equivalent. Drop it to 5fps burst, and some other stuff. If it can have dual SD it would be great. The Z5 does it, no reason Sony can't. 3) More interesting lenses like a 20-50mm f/2.8. Having an ultrawide that zooms into a normal fov is really handy as a single lens for travel etc. 4) S35 cine cam? They haven't had any in a while. Something in a boxy shape would be interesting. 5) 28mm f/1.4 GM. The only 28mm lenses worth using on mirrorless are the Fuji 18mm f/1.4 and Leica 28mm L mount. 6) Ditto on Chris' wishlist for a new RX1 with 28mm lens. Make it sexy too.

[@pgy8863]

Unlike Chris, some love the 35mm as their go to. I happen to be one. If I get a wish I'd like see a more affordable RX3 (with the 35mm f2 lens).

[@professionalpotato4764]

@@pgy8863 Would be cool if they just made a series. 3 models, 28, 35 and 50 f2 lenses.

[@codycummings92]

A rx1R3 is the top of my wishlist

[@photographerjonathan]

The back lcd screens needs to be higher quality on all the cameras. Especially the A1 which is a $6500 dollar camera with a lower resolution screen then some 2500 dollar cameras. And Sony should have a screen that also pulls out in portrait orientation. And lit buttons so you can see them at night like the Nikon Z9. And a top lcd. I miss that. And yes better looking cameras. Even just silver and black would be a big improvement. People want sexy cameras just like they want sexy cars. Give us something to drool over.

[@michaeldiaz9429]

Sony is a great manufacturer of all things but one place where I think they could use improvement is on the rear lcd screens. Even using a similar screen to the PS Vita would be an improvement over what they’ve been using. The technology has been there for years, it just needs to be implemented

[@omerekici9835]

They need to start a Sony A7000 Aps-c line with a new body and sensor. Something that feels more like a camera instead of a machine. With great dials and works intuitively. Also a cheap full frame camera based on photographers with great autofocus will be a great move, like a Sony A5 line, same body as A7IV but with the tilting screen.

[@youknowwho9247]

Sounds a lot like you're in the wrong ecosystem. I recommend looking at Fuji gear.

[@omerekici9835]

@@youknowwho9247 I am already a Fuji user😂 owner of the X-T3 and X100V.

[@grafpez]

Sony, IF you're listening: APSC has some advantages, such as readout speed. Use it to break the 25fps RAW internal barrier, loose the mechanical shutter in lieu of eND, get rid of IBIS in lieu of electronicStab, add a usable exposure tool, open up hotshoe protocol for third party, or at least have a 3.5mm removable audio input module with 'timecode' input option. anti-twist pin on the bottom. where is it?

[@patsilveri1763]

I love the look of high resolution and therefore would like to see an “A7CR” with a 47mp sensor and a joy stick. I cannot use the spot focusing with that small wheel. It keeps changing to the programmed commands every time I try to move the focus point. The A7C is a perfect size for street photography and travel. It just needs more resolution and a joy stick.

[@ChadSchrandt]

I want a Sony C70. A Sony S35 sensor cinema camera with all the sony video goodness. I use the A7SIII and C70 and they're both amazing in their own way. Right now my dream camera is definitely a combination of the two.

[@dominic-ryan]

Sony, please add an option to turn off in camera spatial filtering. Specifically talking about the dreaded star eater issue that has been present all through the a7 line to various degrees.

[@kevinforget549]

I would like to see Sony further improve their color science as it's still behind canon, Panasonic,black magic and of course arri when it comes to pleasing skin tones. Other than that I'd like to see more video focused software features unlocked like shutter angle and waveform, there's zero reason why they can't add those.

[@E4xtream]

- They need to refresh the menu system in previous gen bodies. The A7 Mark II and III are stuck with the same menu system they came up with. So much progress has been made but as a loyal customer, you don't get to see any of that. - Allow people to set up and sync menu settings via PC or mobile app - Have a camera with 80 or 160 gb M.2 SSD built in. The image will go to the buffer (fastest) - to the SSD (faster) - to the memory card (fast or slow). The camera will be intelligent enough to transfer images to cards during shooting (if conditions allow) and/or during sleep (after you turn off the unit or it has been idle for 30s or longer). - Make the full frame bodies larger with backlit buttons - Have built in GPS and/or an attachment that can be used on bodies already released without this function. The attachment would work via the hotshoe and/or plugged into the USB slot. - Make bluetooth audio a thing. - Dramatically improve the Sony Imaging Edge App. It absolutely sucks right now. - Have built in security like a fingerprint reader on the shutter button with a pin backup at the rear touchscreen. Retroactively update prior bodies with just the pin security. Users will be able to set a duration for which the camera will not require authentication. - Release a A7 style body for APSC - Update touchscreen functionality on previous bodies that used it only partially - Redesign the menu system once again, with touchscreen capabilities as the primary, not optional, way to navigate. - Make the control scheme standard on all bodies with a function dial for drive mode on the top left (like in the A9 series). It sucks switching to the A9 from the A7 line and having to remember that some of these functions are only available through software here, but hardware there. - Make the rear LCD OLED. That may make it dimmer, but let's face it, it's already super dim in the sun so you may as well make it colour accurate. - The Xperia 1 Pro or something could directly act as a monitoring screen. Do what you can to bring this functionality to all phones. - Make better phones. - Name things better, with memorable names. - Make the camera playstation compatible. - Make the camera system based on Android, and tap into that OS' power. - Implement at least 7 of the points above ^__^

[@ulisesgonzalezzuniga7550]

I'd love a high res pro apsc body and would happily pay $2k for it. Coming from my a6400 I'm totally bought in.

[@Vinterloft]

Sony does really poorly at the $2k mark. That's where the A7C is. Terrible camera when compared to an X-T4, no dual SD cards, bad weather sealing and terrible IBIS, feels like a toy, no 4K60. I'd rather have a professional APS-C camera (X-T4) than a piece of junk FF camera. Sony does too many gymnastics to upsell people. Fuji is the opposite.

[@thegeneral123]

What Sony needs to do, increase production, pre ordered my A7IV in January, as of today I am 45 in the retailers pre order queue and this large retailer is only getting 9-10 units per month from Sony. Secondly, CF Express A prices need to drop. Before anyone says "chip shortages and SD prices reflect scalability of production and demand" yes, I know. I said I want them to do these things. I never said it was actually possible. Lastly, Sony branded accessories are unreasonably priced, batteries, lenses etc. That's just ripping off the customer. All camera companies do it but it does not make it right. Thank goodness for the likes of Sigma, Hahnel etc.

[@E4xtream]

It's not ripping you off if they tell you what you're getting, and for what price, and deliver on those promises. Especially when third party options are available to do the job. It's not nice to you per se, but it's not ripping you off.

[@Patrick-vi9xr]

Would love to see new APS-C camera from sony. I picked sony because of third party lenses, which often cost fraction comparing to equivalents from canon/nikon/fuji lenses, second selling point was autofocus performance.

[@pgy8863]

And the third party lens manufacturers are motivated to fill gaps. Thank you Sigma, Tamron, etc.

[@CarlosBarronJr]

Would love for Sony to add a new Zone Focus Area, where the user can change the size and orientation of the zone box. Another idea would be to update the EVF interface and icons to rotate when shooting in vertical mode, similar to Fujifilm cameras.

[@Reddepex]

No comments on colour science, reliability or weather sealing. Guess Sony has improved over the years?

[@michalrv3066]

New APSC with less rolling shutter and 10 bit video is what I want

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

I still have a Sony Walkman. It works.

[@jonfletcher147]

Some serious ‘Toneh’ in some of those individual shots 😆😆😎😎

[@industrialvectors]

I disagree on the apsc lineup. m/3 is pretty dead outside of niche video. apsc is the way to get pocketable cameras with interchangeable lenses. I love how I can always carry my a6100 around even if I don't use it. I was really tempted by the a7c but it is way bulkier and ff lenses are much bigger and heavier. I don't see much point in their point and shoot or fixed lens lineups however if they have the xperia line. They may as well make a magnet mount for xperia phone lenses.

[@jholmes4824]

More firmware updates to add extra features to existing cameras. Focus breathing comp. to FX3 and A1as an example.

[@mchlhth]

I haven't used a Sony camera in several years, but my sincere hope is they simplify the Alpha product line and make them more fun to use. The former is simple: Keep the a1 and get rid of the a7R3 and a9, merger the FX3 and the A7S into a single product, and keep the a7. They can probably also afford to lose one of the APS-C cameras if the plan is to keep the A7C around -- no point in having the a6600 if the features and price are mostly the same as the full frame entry level camera. To me, however, none of the above matters if the cameras are as fun to use as watching paint dry. Pros want consistency, and I want a camera that makes me want to use it. I agree with Chris that maybe if they just approached their industrial design from a more creative perspective, or even if they went so far as to ape their (acquired) Minolta heritage a little more, and found a better way of streamlining the controls and interface, I'd me more likely to consider buying a Sony camera in the future.

[@E4xtream]

I fully disagree with the idea of dissolving certain product lines. Not every photographer needs every feature of a camera. Separating some of these features, where they make sense, makes a lot of sense. I love both my A7 and A7R, and they provide different results and experiences. I also have an A9 which I rarely use at the moment, but would instantly recognise when I would use it. The A7, A7R, A7S, A9 & A1 are five distinct lines that each offer an advantage: All-rounder, Resolution, Video, AF & Shooting Speed, and last but not least, Everything but the Kitchen Sink in the A1. That's smart. Merging the A7R3 & A9 results in an A1 sure, but not everyone has $6,000 to spend on a camera body.

[@phijayman]

I enjoyed this video, thanks for that! If you ever plan to make a "The good and the bad" video about the Lumix GH cameras, stress at least a thousand times that they should use the same AF system as Sony! The only reason I won't upgrade my Lumix GH5 to the GH5 II or GH6 is because of their poor DFD AF system, and I´m not the only one...

[@johnnyc.5979]

Yeah, Sony. They listen. Bought a large projection TV from them years ago, cost $1k, wouldn't power on anymore, the light would just blink a diagnostic code, meaning "Hey, I can't power on." Well, the warranty was just up, so no luck there. And no recalls for this TV as well. Have a friend who bought a Trinitron tube tv, which cost more than my projection TV, years before my purchase, obviously. He told me he had the same issue that I did. It turned out the output transistors were bad for both our sets, but Sony never issued a recall for either line of televisions. They used to be an admired company as everything was made in Japan, especially the cassette walkmans. Now of course it's all either made in China or Taiwan. And they honestly don't stand behind their products, otherwise they would have issued recalls on some of their faulty consumer items, e.g., my television. I do have some older Sony Alpha DSLR's that use the Minolta Maxxum lens mount, however I bought them used at very good prices, and the only reason I got them was so I could use the older Minolta film camera lenses. So just my two cents, I don't know what everyone else's experiences are concerning their cameras, but I would suggest being leery of Sony's promised support, especially when you spend so much on these new mirrorless cameras.

[@nickdonnoli]

I love the newer menu system on the a7siii and FX3. However, I echo Jordan in that I’d really like to see them do a software update to add some video tools like waveform and an option to view your audio level meters full screen similar to the new GH6 audio button.

[@billschannel1116]

My biggest wish is that the cameras and cell phone teams should work together. When I'm holding a $10,000 camera and lens I should never need to switch to a cell phone to take a picture. I should just have the same smarts. Cell phones have wonderful software to make up for limited lenses. Cameras tend to have software with old design choices barely up to the task of using awesome lenses.

[@Sutlore007]

A7-c II with bigger EVF, more custom buttons, front dial and joystick, please!

[@Hhunted]

Agree 100% on a new RX10 version. I love mine but miss the new menu system and auto focus system. Come on Sony, not every one wants to hall a bag full of lenses around which thw RX10 covered.

[@kururuvai]

I have 2 things they could off the bat improve on. One is physical other could be firmware. Firmware- focus bracketing- something similar to canon where you activate it and set your settings then you could view in live view hit shutter and it would shoot and then just sit live until your next composition is ready. Trigger the shutter and it automatically shoots the bracket again. This would be a really awesome addition for any macro and landscape photographer! Physical- a camera with a flippy screen that’s bi directional like fujis and not a full flip out screen. These two improvements would make a lot of sense. But I understand it’s probably not video centric so not too useful for the hybrid peeps. I’d be interested to hear thoughts about this...👍

[@carlporter2239]

+1 on the FX3 having more real world usage Cinema features

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

There is really only 2 things Sony can do now, since their cameras are so so good already: - continue to improve the a1 super resolution high fps super evf super everything lineup (eventually those cameras will be so fast and powerful that you will be able to take a burst of images that will be merged in the camera, like the « night mode » feature of the smartphones) - build a new medium format system with full frame performance and agressive price point Of course, they should absolutely dismiss any apsc request, even coming from marvelous reviewers, simply because it’s a segment that will eventually die. It’s a waste of resources. Let’s be realistic, people shoot 1) with their smartphone or 2) will buy a full frame camera (think about it: an « old » full frame camera is cheaper anyway, and sometimes even smaller/lighter that other apsc cameras). And I’m not against sexier cameras.

[@alsteiner7602]

Great point about APSC. It's a fast dwindling market segment. If there was money to be made there, Sony would focus their efforts there

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Personally, I think it is important to keep smaller sensor cameras around for people new to photography or videography. Because they are normally lower in cost than the full frame models. Which enables people with smaller budgets to enter the world of photography or video filmmaking without breaking the bank. When I hear people say that Sony should drop APS-C cameras, or Panasonic should drop their M4/3 line, it annoys me. Because it's really a narrow way of thinking. And they're ignoring the effect it would have on people who can't afford the higher end cameras. That being said, I am VERY happy with my A7iv. And I'm also interested in playing with the GH6 to see what that can do. I get the autofocus I want from my A7iv. But, from what I've seen of the GH6, it is really an impressive M4/3 camera. Anyway. Great job. You made excellent points on things you'd like to see change in future Sony cameras. Love your content. Choi.

[@martinpickard5818]

Love my Sony cameras and lenses,would like a couple more millimetres between lens and grip so knuckles don’t hit the lens.Cheers.

[@alimzazaz]

Ive been waiting for an a7000 for a long long time. APSC + bigger body + Z battery + better Stabilization.

[@willfullyinformed]

A big criticism for me is Sony's compromising. For example, the A7III was amazing, so naturally A7IV was destined to be incredible. Well, it just didn't feel that way, especially for certain professions like real estate. We really wanted 4k 60p, and we got it, but it's so cropped that it made the camera not worth upgrading from the A7III personally. In the end, it just feels like they chose to push consumers to their A7SIII, A1, etc., over really making the A7IV spectacular/"uncompromising" like the A7III was. Lastly, can we please stop with the terrible LCD screens? A7IV aside, they should ALL fully articulate now, and please increase that pixel count to modern standards as well. Great series guys! I'm debating on switching back to Canon for R5 or R5c. Cheers

[@marleenvandam6931]

As a Sony shooter , having a7R4, a9ii and lately the a1, my biggest pro for these are AF performance and customisability! Negatives are the inferior IBIS compared to competition, slow start up , and formatting

[@Revan89]

The A7iv has pretty much all I wanted. So I will buy 2 of them for my wedding work. The things I would like them to add: -Better LCD screen resolution. -In camera RAW processing -A more dampened shutter sound, like the mechanical shutter in the A1 or R6 -Option to add my Lightroom preset to the camera, so my photos look like the end product.

[@kevinforget549]

At least the LCD is slightly better resolution than the a7s3. Ideally a slightly larger screen and res would make more of a difference.

[@CarlBergsdorf]

@@kevinforget549 What? The A7S III have a 1,44 MP LCD and the IV a 1,036 MP LCD which is considerable less.

[@albedo0point39]

I’d like an a7rc… same as the a7c but with the r3 42mpix sensor, and the new menus. That’s all I need!

[@Oakley5100]

I would love to see an automatic focus stacking/bracketing option like Nikon has. Also a base ISO of 64 would be great too. Even if these were just for the R series it would be amazing for landscapes. Also, and we all know this, vastly better rear displays!!!!!

[@AxelWolstenholme]

rx0 iii with continuous autofocus, slightly wider lens, better active stabilision and some way to better utilise the body for overheating prevention - like a hot shoe style adapter you can attach a heat sink cage.

[@billschannel1116]

I wish sony would support cf express type B cards. I shouldn't have to pick between medium speed cards with low capacity and slow large capacity cards.

[@saramdipm]

* The touch screen needs to be at least as responsive as a 10 year old budget cell phone. * The "1M dot" rear screen is a fancy way of describing a 720x460 screen. Increase to at least 1920x1080 and bump brightness up to 600-1000 nits to match a modern budget cell phone screen. * Add backlit buttons for easy access to controls in low light environments. I didn't know I wanted that until Nikon implemented it. * Better support for custom in-camera presets for JPG images. These presets are useful for shoot-and-share but are unfortunately all but unusable right now. * Fuji's alternative to the PASM dial is perfection. Remove the PASM dial and replace with a shutter speed dial and put aperture rings on every new lens.

[@Gregs_World]

This is a superb video excellent observations I am heavily invested in the Sony Alpha line but I'm in complete agreement with everything you've said here well done

[@quite1enough]

4:53 "sad Minolta noises"

[@smithboominbeat362]

An Android APS-C camera with a SIM slot, capable of streaming by itself will be sooooo nice.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Great points. On your comment about requesting a apsc camera like the Nikon D500, i am a bit mystified why the camera companies don’t seem to be coming out with updates for their more affordable bird, wildlife and sports offerings. There don’t seem any follow ons for the canon 7Ds or Nikon D500s. When doing bird photography but not wanting to spend a fortune on heavy extreme tele lenses we need seriously competent apsc cameras for their crop factor.

[@riekje01]

Focus stacking, focus stacking, focus stacking!!!

[@grdprojekt]

Regarding the 3rd party lens support, I don't have problem with Sony, but as a EOS R system user, it bugs me that those manufacturers only keep making the E-mount version despite the R and Z system is well established, Tamron. I'm intrigued by their products specifically lately but yeah, as I recall there hasn't been any RF mount Tamron yet.

[@przybylskipawel]

Many people talk about RX10 V. Many wish it. Including me. I am RX10 IV user frustrated by its limitations. Still it is very competent camera. I own/ed multiple 1/2,3", 1", m/43 and APS-C cameras and I continue to choose RX10 IV whenever I don't know what I will be shooting outdoors and whether I will be able to swap lenses. If revised and upgraded to include better slow-motion, FullHD 120p 240p maybe, 4K60p 120p maybe, 5,2K 24/25p, more flexible better AF, bigger battery, AF-joystic, ND3 from ZV-1, flipout-screen, unlimited recording, rotatable flash and faster buffer clearing with USH-II SD it would be dream camera. It is all doable. I would buy it anytime over any m4/3 I already own.

[@jenesuispasbavard]

I love my Sony™ camera! (I do wish they came up with a different form factor for their APS-C line though).

[@FlashBFE]

Topic APS-C: I bought the NEX5 and it's descendants because after micro4/3rds it was so compact that it had a completely new level of sensor to body ratio. With the a6000 series the body grew larger every generation and it's the wrong way. I have no need for an even larger "a7000" with APS-C. Then I could have gone for FF a long time ago. They have to get it smaller again and perhaps specialize on the Super35-Format (or APS-H) for the video crowd!

[@daycreek]

Two things that bug me being an A1 and A7SIII user. They are video related. (1) Still no bird/animal eye detect in video mode. This is available on the A7IV but not their flagship camera? Why? (2) In order to enable autofocus tracking in video mode, I need to tap the back screen. In stills mode this can be enabled via a button but in video mode I have to tap the damn screen. If I am shooting video using the viewfinder, I have to switch to viewing the display and tap my finger on the subject, then go back to the viewfinder. Very irritating. Oh wait...there's a third item... Sony needs to improve image sensor stabilization. They are behind on this. Canon and Panasonic are much better at this. I love their cameras and lenses but there's room for improvement. Some of which (IMO) could be accomplished in a firmware upgrade.

[@beltsazardaniel5590]

100% agree. Plus ability to trim footage in camera like canikon would be very useful..