Why I hate the Sony A1 and choose the A7III

This is just my personal taste and opinion, but this is why I am not taking my Sony A1 on an important trip to Bora Bora, and instead choose to take my A7III, which I like much more. Here's why. Again, this is just me.

[@rogerwilcox4916]

Markus is my absolute favorite photographer because he regularly reminds me that I’m fine with the cameras I have. I have the same gear acquisition temptations as everyone else, but I’m limited in what I can afford. I never feel bad about these limits when I watch Markus. He reinvigorates my enthusiasm for the gear I’m already blessed with. I’m grateful for his reminders that this is all supposed to be fun.

[@wendystumbaugh695]

Markus, you are such a refreshing youtuber! I love my a73! Of course I always wonder if I’m missing anything in not having the “best”, but I’m again reminded to just enjoy the ride…

[@johnsaucerhunter]

Looking forward to seeing the results from your upcoming trip Mr. Markus. Always enjoy your content and thoughts as I consider you to be an 'honorable man' that's also very knowledgeable of his craft..

[@epulleerr]

I'm still using A7ii can't even afford the upgrade a7iii. Camera is still awesome but I do wish eye focus and the focus overall was better. Great vids by the way, I enjoy the way you explain what your doing and how the gear works to make it work to get the results you want. Keep up the awesome work!

[@bcdvideo]

Really enjoy your genuine love for photography and your videos are always filled with a plethora of good information and advice! Thanks Markus and hope you have a fantastic trip!! 👌🏼

[@silverlightphotoco]

I LOVE how you're helping those who can't afford the "top of the line best of the best" to see they can still produce great stuff! I'm totally into this too, and what I'm doing is creating a database of lens-sensor specific settings, to make each combo look its best (as I'm finding theere are some duos that are almost perfect straight out of the box, and some that render wierd color, etc!!)

[@komanguy]

I trust you, you really own those devices and you’re a true cinema and photography professional. Thanks for your advices and pointing out things others choose to omit.

[@MrRandomatom]

I hope you have an amazing trip! Looking forward to seeing images from it.

[@ericalvarez9345]

Very interesting take. I know its not your style to get more technical but it would be nice if you had some sample shots of both cameras under the same conditions to show us the results when you do videos like this. Thanks!

[@henrybrylowski1332]

I love the fact that you love to play around with stuff then share your findings, experiences, opinions, solutions, technique, so one and so forth. Saving many of us time and possibly money on a learning curve and that high end gear is not needed necessarily. Found this interesting even though I'm a canon shooter (dslr still)🤭🤫👾🙈🙉🙊! 🤟

[@coolbananaboy5075]

You look great! Love your stuff, really enjoyable to watch. Thanks. Can't wait for the Bora Bora videos.

[@Nanigross]

I recently upgraded from the a6000 to the a7iii and I love it so much. Thanks for all your videos, I've learned so much from watching!

[@agentbey]

Have an amazing trip! Thanks for the update!

[@RuthanneHanlon]

This video just made me feel better. I’ve been struggling to get studio images with the a1, I ended up going back to the 7iii but will use the a1 for sports and outdoor sessions. Thank you!

[@ChrisMcKiernan]

Thanks for keeping me grounded , we all get a little carried away with the latest & greatest. Have a great trip!

[@Brad_Kelly]

Love your videos! I would love to see what you think of the Fuji cameras and their color science.

[@robwasnj]

Wow, i thought I was the only one that noticed the drastic color difference! Definitely comes down to the sensor, my first Sony was the A7Riii and the later I purchased the A1. I do love my A1 for action and the amazing EVF and AF but I do have to agree the colors from the A7 series are preferable. Out of the camera I feel the A1 files look more "ready" but when I bring them into my raw editor I feel like I can just do more with the A7 files.

[@bulcub]

your honesty is beautiful bro! keep it up!!

[@free_re_fells]

Man can't wait for that softbox comparison! Looking for the perfect travel kit!

[@vonwolfersdorff]

Markus, only a pro can present this so funny as you do! Thanks! I love your advice on everything movie and photo. I am learning filming and photo shooting. FX3 and 7R4 here. Greets from Berlin!

[@CaptainMyCaptain33]

Markus. You should get some apple air tags for your luggage. Those changed my life. You two are gonna have so much fun in Bora Bora. That place is AMAZING! I could live there my entire life. Absolutely beautiful. Can’t wait to see the pix you get. And can’t wait for the soft boxes video.

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]

..i do this full circles with other stuff too.. thinking positive..more confortable, working with those cameras for longer time, less things go wrong, and..more time, to also, enjoy the place Markus, with Cara! I wish you don't forget that part! Wish all the best on this trip, and you get vigorated, relaxed, with new ideas, and fulfilled!

[@johnbivins]

Love frequent videos and your not sponsored straight forward honest opinions. Wishing you both a happy trip can’t wait to see the soft-box video and what you guys do there!

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

95% is what you take the picture of, 5% is what you take it with. Nobody will have the same photos taken by two different cameras to compare in the real world. If the picture pleases the eye, or has interesting content, nobody will think it could have been better if they used Bla Bla Bla. When there is only one Apple pie in a food contest, it tastes pretty darn good. We strive for the best in an imperfect world and likely it makes no difference. A larger sensor should be better for larger prints, but larger prints are usually viewed from farther away. Billboards are very low resolution when you consider their size. We see the content, not the resolution. Use what pleases you. We will enjoy the results.

[@locophoto6881]

Completely wrong I'd say. The subject is hardly 95% of the success of an image...it's downright foolish to think or say that...as it completely excludes ALL the choices of an artist that go into creating....subject choice, setting, lighting, composition, timing, expression, post production edits, textures chosen, optics chosen, how it's printed (straight or edited to artistic enhancement to various degrees)...all are the function of experimentation and a vision in most cases or at least a very good sense of judgement in reacting to experimenting knowing when to move on from one edit or creative choice to go progress to the next choice that adds to the image...just like building music for musicians...it's a complex process to edit out all that prevents simplicity from coming through from the work, and beauty, or not-beauty if for whatever reason that has artistic merit and is successfully accomplished versus just being some lame excuse for crappy work (which happens a lot of course). Anyway...there's no chance what you said is true....if 95% of a good picture is the subject then all you need is a beautiful something....car...person...sunset....marriage...whatever....and just point and click...no composition, no control of lighting, or catching the right moment of an object in motion as it falls into the background in a context that tells a story (like W. Eugene Smith's photo documentary work for instance). I get the point you're trying to make...that equipment is secondary....but you left out an awful lot of truth in trying to make a true statement.

[@BillDubeVariety]

*Markus* Yes I know that you would fully test. Been following you for years now. Love the commentary. Great video.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Interesting. I shot two events on back to back weekends. One with the A7IV and the second with the A1, both with on camera flash (but different flash units) and did come away liking the A7IV better. I will have to dig in more to this now that I’ve seen you video. Thank you.

[@aristothethrone9032]

it really is about what works for you. Man has got the range to test and see what fits him. and this makes a great reference point for anyone going through the same.

[@bullfighter6951]

Thank you! I am tending to buy an R5 and whenever I look at the pictures of it against the Sony A7rv, I usually notice a color and contrast difference yet I have never heard anyone identify this difference before. So, I just went to the dpreview resolution comparison tool and entered the R5, A7rv, A7iii and the A1. I noticed exactly what you mentioned and a few other things. Incidentally, the R5 has good contrast and colors too.

[@oregonduc]

I liked how your past videos showcased the m4/3 sensors and that full frame isn’t the end game. I still shoot with aps-c sensor cameras and recently using Fuji because of the film simulations that reminds me of when i was kid using those one time use camera film box you could buy at any supermarket or 7-11. it may not be the epic expensive camera but it gives me the fun factor to enjoy shooting again. i also appreciate that you use your own money and give your opinion on the equipment since it’s your investment versus sponsored stuff. much mahalo and aloha.

[@MarkusPix]

Yes I still love and play with all my m4/3 cameras, but when going on a once in a lifetime trip to Bora Bora, I think I'll take the best I can.

[@oregonduc]

@@MarkusPix definitely agree that you should take the best you have at your disposal. Have a fun safe trip to bora bora. Aloha.

[@georgehenry3384]

Markus the minimalist and test lab, love your perspective!

[@joopruck924]

Great video Markus, As always.

[@geofftonks8960]

Markus. Mate. You’re a gem. I listen to your opinion and trust it and value it more than anybody else and on par with 2 others. I’ve been tottering on the verge of selling my 7iii and as long as I don’t take it out and shot with it again I might manage to do that. But. It’s such a lovely camera. Why can’t we have 3 sets of arms so we can use 3 cameras at once??? I love my 7Riv and 7iii and now I’ve just obtained a TX4, which I’m finding fascinating, just something about the photos that gets into you, but, ,,,,,. Oh what the heck. Keep ‘em all.

[@bobuk5722]

Hi Markus, yup, I get side tracked by trying to chase the latest, greatest, kit. Still learning that it's what you do with what you have that really counts. It is art, after all, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Your eyes will see things differently from other artists and that's all to the good. Who wants all the renditions to look the same? There are great painters, you are one of the great photographers.

[@mikethorkildson556]

Markus, I absolutely LOVE your candor on items. It is very clear that you are not “for sale” from the manufacturers, and push items that they give you for free!

[@MrSurvivalexpert]

I can't wait to get my first camera! I was bidding on a Sony a65 but got out bid . I know it's a really old camera but I'm super excited about when I get a camera 📷.

[@phamman12]

Love how you talk about the blues of the sensor while wearing a blue tank top 😄

[@MicheleLiveAndInColor]

I just got off work, opened my computer, and signed on to KZbin...First thing I saw...Markus using the word 'HATE' ...I knew I had to drop everything and tune in...I was like, "uh, oh....what's wrong Markus?"...LOL.

[@52701970]

Thank you for your thoughts, very helpful.

[@zaharib]

Thanks Markus 🥰 Safe trip to Bora Bora 🙏🏼

[@riaanklackers6649]

Thank you for this channel You are life saver. Infomation that matter.

[@MauriceMercado]

I recently switched from Nikon D850 to the Sony A7IV. It's been a huge "relearning" curve especially with colors and just general use of the camera and menu's. Pray for me....lol. Great content Markus thank you.

[@LibertyWarrior1776]

@MarkusPix I bought an older LS300 (brand new in the box) after seeing g your review of it and I love it. I don't need a RED or ARRI for what I do. The LS300 and my GH5 are perfect for me. Both older cameras.

[@beachyTravels]

I film using my iPhone and sometimes I don't get good video of the ocean.- but I just learned from you that nd filters really ARE needed. Thank you!

[@rickfarber4243]

Thanks for this video. I'm curious to know if you've evaluated the Canon R5 and if you like its color.

[@jbello9398]

I looove my a7iii, it's my companion everywhere, since 2018... still going strong... 😍

[@rabbit42007]

Thanks for your honest review. I have been having troubles with wanting to switch gear and then I think to myself as long as the tools are working why change it

[@WaynJul]

Thanks for the information. I have a lot to learn.

[@marktollefson3311]

Thanks for the information on the color rendition differences between the A73 vs. the A1. I have a A7r3 which I use for both macro and event photography and have wondered if any other Sony cameras render a wider range of colors w/o having noisier images at higher ISO's. The only thing that I have wanted out of a camera is a higher mp EVF. Have you tried out any of the A9 cameras?

[@Vern_Levine]

I've got the A7IV and love the new senser - but I really liked the A7C which had the same sensor as the A7III. I can understand why you prefer the colors from that one though.

[@BeyondAIMan]

Thank You could you tell us viewers what camera a lens you made this video with? Really like this look.

[@bambamhakkai]

Love you guys

[@agentbey]

Love the scientific approach. True way to test equipment. I was suspecting it is the sensor as well. Wonder if you can get the specs on the sensors.

[@sclogse1]

When I hear Bora Bora I think of Francis Coppola's One From The Heart. Being a Fuji guy, I need to remember I tend to go past white balance auto and go it's sub window which is the grid. I toggle to minus 4 green, minus 4 blue on the grid. But it will stay that way even if I turn the camera off. Gotta go back to white balance auto and then click right again to toggle my pointer back to center in the grid. That's all I can think of to help. That minus 4 minus 4 was my soft version of selecting cloudy day, which can make a marvelous indoor cast. Something I'd have difficulty getting in photoshop.

[@Anna-gv7vo]

Hi Markus, have you got any vídeo with your settings, especially on color balance of your a7iii? Thank you so much!

[@vads4683]

Sony A1 is mostly for sports photography or birds in flight 30 fps and it does make a difference compared to 10 fps and also the possibility to crop in on 50 mp. When you're a wedding photographer or a portrait photographer, then it's not a good investment. As I'm shooting sports for me A1 is amazing. And colors at least for me look fine, but probably im not so critical as I'm not looking for beauty and skin tones that much :).

[@RicardoFariaPaulinoPhoto]

I had the A7R3 and now own an A1 and a A7R4. I also see the difference in color between the A7’s and the A1 but I personally prefer the colors in the A1 . I find them more natural. I think it’s a matter of personal taste.

[@Love2Wander]

Hope all is well great channel lots of good info stay safe on your adventures

[@mariogravina4495]

Got a question on the tests and videos you mentioned... Do you document your tests on video (say your soft boxes, or cameras, NDs, etc) or do you actually test and then redo a portion on video for us? Just curious as to your process. Congrats on the trip, all the best, and thanks always for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@heatherjohnson4185]

I love my A1 but I am photographing Equines and Sports photography, weddings, I also use this in a studio as well and I just set up different shooting menus. I have never used any of the A7 cameras though.

[@davidlarosa5374]

I like glow beauty dish. Not too big, not too small. Perfect. Pop out!

[@clintnorthwood8058]

The old A9 uses the Sony Venice sensor, in fact Sony removed the picture profiles from it to stop pro's using it for video and getting a budget Venice. It also has a slightly bigger VF than the A7III but there are a few other missing features. Great camera.

[@DrWasim]

Very interesting. Would love to see a side by side comparison between the A1 and A7iii 😊

[@westyavro]

I would love to see a comparison being the Pentax K-3iii and the Pentax K-1ii. I have always loved Pentax cameras and would love to see your thoughts.

[@GB-AK]

Have you ever compared Sony with Nikon and/or Canon? I would be curious to know your opinion on the three and your perspective on how they render colors.

[@amermeleitor]

I would love it Markus share his opinion about Canon (R5, R6, etc) and Nikon Z line

[@rickymcc8624]

Despite having a lot of gear myself there is much to be said for familiarity. Really knowing how to use old kit, within it's limits, rather than learning all the subtleties of newer complex kit can be reassuring. When I first tried using Sony kit, before I finally switched over from Nikon, it was a trying experience. Now I'm used to Sony I like it a lot - still don't love it (ergonomics) quite the way I came to love my Nikon's, but the glass and smaller form factor alone mean there is no going back for me. I'm still keen to get an a1 for faster sports and wildlife shooting, but in most other respects my a7iv is more than enough camera. Newest generation mkii glass is superb IMO better than my old Nikon equivalents.

[@bulgariastan]

Interesting. I’m wondering if pixel density causes a color shift.

[@nickmorgan5933]

This video would be helpful with examples. Coming over from Nikon, I found the a1 to be really flat to begin with, but I just needed to change the way I think about an edit. Now, I regularly get compliments on the color in my images. I think you may have just needed an adjustment period.

[@MichaelAres]

Would love to see you with a Nikon Z6ii or a Z9! We need more Nikon love 🙏🏻

[@chrisbaran2224]

I have an a7iv and a7iii,mostly doing weddings/portraits. I am now considering getting another A7iii as I have use x2 cameras with primes, and every time I load up in lightroom I want to cry because of the colour difference, and how much extra the a7iv takes to get the look of the a7iii. I want to retire the a7iv to just video and it can stay stuck to my gimbal rather than my harness

[@ImInFloridaBeaches]

Can you do an a7siii vs a1 setting the a1 to 12mp sensor. It's in the new firmware. I'm curious if I should save up and upgrade

[@Cotictimmy]

I'm a Nikon D3S & D3X guy (and use Nikon speedlites & Elinchrom studio strobes) - but I love the Markus take & channel. ✅

[@philippesandmeier3736]

Another frank review; thanks! Enjoy Bora Bora, a magic place!

[@orshanti]

Hey Marcus, thank you for sharing! do you shoot raw or jpegs? And have you tried leica cameras yet? Like sl2-s...

[@Deminimis2]

Unfortunately I spent a lot of money buying different cameras. I think the best I owned was the A73 which I sold. I shoot in a different systems chasing colors. And I have found that the 2 cameras that I now use are the the best but they are right for me. Took me a while but I have found that I can be happy with a 5 year old used camera. I also think that current editing software has gotten so much better that it just makes everything better. Easier.

[@Rawa2ful]

Thanks a lot for the informative, helpful video and I hope you have a nice trip. I have an irrelevant question. Where did you get the eye piece that you had on the a7iii from? I am asking because I am looking for a such thing since long time with no success :(

[@MarkusPix]

www.amazon.com/dp/B01HTKFSLE?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[@johndavidtackett]

I have both, used my a7iii for years and it was great for the price, but I rarely use my a7iii anymore except as a backup or extra with another lens on it as the a1 is by far the best body I’ve ever used, but like you said def something that is opinion and preference, plus side is it saves some serious $$$ with an a7iii!!!

[@hans6304]

I'm happy with my A7iii and I shoot macro and wildlife especially birds. I just think I need to polish my shooting techniques and to master the features and capabilities of the A7iii before upgrading to a more recent body. If I have some funds available I'd get another lens if I haven't already got what I needed. If I was going to get a new camera it would be used as a second body. I might wait for the A7v rather than to get the A7iv.

[@samiissa7668]

"I have an A7S III .. I don't use it very much" God knows how much I'm waiting for that giveaway lol

[@PinnaclePete]

Hmmm. Now you got me wondering if there are any Maserati Boras in Bora Bora? 😄 Yes, good video. Always use equipment that works for you. The latest and greatest isn't necessarily the greatest for everyone.

[@enorelbot]

I love you content!

[@RoyalLeech]

i get it. for your artistic expresion, the A7III pleases your eye more. I have 2 A1's. I just use them for birds at he moment because I dont have models to work with. Unfortunately. Glad i found your shows

[@canucklehead28]

Awesome Markus!

[@oo0RECON0oo]

Markus, if you don’t like soft-box’s in the wind, what about using a magbox diffuser and 2 magnetic eggshell grids? Very small, light and great light.

[@johncrisp]

have a awesome trip buddy,, maybe take a few photos,lol

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

What about the GF5? Fewer colors but are there artifacts in the images of that camera?

[@iggytse]

This sounds like me when I compared the iPhone 12 Pro Max telephoto camera to the 13 Pro Max. I was in the Apple store and I could swear the photo looked better on my 12 Pro Max because of the faster telephoto lens. The 13 Pro Max had this washed out underexposed look to it. However when I tried the same test at the same store recently I couldn’t replicate the issue so possibly there was a software fix to it.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Return it why still can. If I was happy with my camera, I don't know I would upgrade unless the thing failed to work anymore & not worth repairing. With that said, always appreciate your opinion & looking forward to the softbox vid. Watched one of your other softbox vids years ago & found it interesting. With this color thing, do you think those Color Checker Passport thing-a -ma-jiggy things are any good for producing good consistent colors? PS; Vid title = HATE is a pretty strong word for a piece of photography equipment.

[@franklingonzalez544]

the best possible camera is the one that best suits your needs, i use olympus e-m1, i would love an e-m1 ii or en-m1 iii, and even though for some types of full frame photography it is better, it is not a overall case. In your case, the a7 iii is better suited to your needs, and it is great to know that the value of the equipment should not be only monetary but for what it contributes to your work.

[@yetifive-oh2242]

Bora Bora... heck just bring a Fujifilm X100V and some sunscreen. That's a dream destination. Fruity drinks and blue waters.... ah, but we mere mortals can't catch the sun. Hope you post some shots so we can live vicariously through you 👍

[@ADNZ5442]

Canon R5 is really great for Portrait photography with their 100mm macro or 85mm RF. Am surprised with the A1, could it be something to do with the electronic shutter vs mechanical shutter?

[@user-sg6xv2kb8s]

I kindof preferred the a6500 to the a6600 and wondered why. It's like there is a slight lift on the blacks and softer details in the earlier cameras. Hard to pin point but it's there.

[@7artisansOfficial]

Hi, would you like to test our full-frame cine lenses?

[@vladborisov2374]

Hello, I actually was looking at the a1. I was thinking about buying it off of someone. If you were interested in selling it I would not mind purchasing I from you :D. I am a big fan of your work and your tips and tricks, and it would be an honor if I could own something that you did some of your work with. I also just wanted to say thank you for teaching me and everyone who finds value in your videos of how to over come some obstacles and improve our content. Wish you the best!

[@LASTLIFEENTERTAINMENT]

Thank you!

[@carsandconcerts]

Great video!!!

[@alphagamer0812]

You are blessed that you can afford all these gear and can decide later which one to use. Many don't have that privilege. They are stuck with what they buy. And then there are guys like which who can't even afford a cheap apsc but still gain knowledge from you so if in future we ever get one will put it to good use 😅

[@fuzzytalz]

FYI camera sensors record light as RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values, not CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black).

[@krishoughton4U2B]

I would like more lenses for my A7C any suggestions you love for that camera?

[@davezorn]

Thanks again!!