Starting on a Budget, THIS is What I'd Buy.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video I discuss what camera and lens I would buy if I was just starting out in photography or in video work. Let me know what your ideal (budget) first camera and lens would be down in the comments below!
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Gear That I Use & Recommend:
CAMERAS:
For Photo & Video
▸ Sony A6100 (My Favorite) - geni.us/MyFavo...
▸ Sony A6400 (Better) - geni.us/Better...
▸ Sony A6600 (Best) - geni.us/BestAPSC
▸ Sony A7C (Full Frame) - geni.us/FullFr...
For Video
▸ Sony ZV-E10 (Good) - geni.us/ZVE-10
▸ Sony FX30 (My Favorite) - geni.us/BeastASPC
APS-C LENSES:
▸ Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 (My Favorite) - geni.us/BestZoom
▸ Sony 11mm F1.8 (Best Ultrawide) - geni.us/BestUl...
▸ Sigma 16mm F1.4 (Best Wide Angle) - geni.us/Popular
▸ Sigma 30mm F1.4 (Affordable Street Lens) - geni.us/Street
▸ Sigma 56mm F1.4 (Best Portrait Lens) - geni.us/Portrait
FULL FRAME LENSES:
▸ Sigma 20mm F2 (My Favorite) - geni.us/FFSigm...
▸ Rokinon AF 14mm F2.8 (Best Ultrawide) - geni.us/Rokinon
▸ Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2 (Best Do-Everything Lens) - geni.us/TamronV2
▸ Sigma 85mm F1.4 ART (AMAZING Portrait Lens) - geni.us/SHARP85
▸ Sony 50mm Macro (The Only Macro I Own) - geni.us/SonyMacro
AUDIO:
▸ Zoom F3 (Love this Recorder) - geni.us/zoomf
▸ Audio-Technica AT875R Mic (What I Use) - geni.us/at875rmic
▸ DJI Mic (Best On-The-Go) - geni.us/djimice
▸ Acoustimac Sound Panels (Must-have) - geni.us/soundp...
LIGHTING:
▸ SmallRig RC220D (Great Value) - geni.us/rc220d...
▸ SmallRig RC220B (My Key Light) - geni.us/rc220
▸ Sofirn SP33 V3 (Best Mini Flashlight) - geni.us/bestfl...
NICE-TO-HAVE ACCESSORIES:
▸ Feiyu Scorp Pro (Big Gimbal) - geni.us/scorppro
▸ Zyihun Crane M2S (Travel Gimbal) - geni.us/cranem2s
▸ Atomos Ninja V (Recording Monitor) - geni.us/ninja5
▸ SanDisk SD Cards - geni.us/sandisksd
▸ Sony ECM-B10 (Camera Mic) - geni.us/ecmb10mic
Complete Gear List:
▸ kit.co/ArthurR
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Disclosure:
Most of the links above are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you want to buy something else, you can also use this link to Amazon:
🛒 Amazon - geni.us/shopar...
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Supporting The Channel:
▸ If you wish to support the channel with a donation, you can donate via PayPal here: paypal.me/arth...
▸ Buy me a coffee here: www.buymeacoff...
▸ Follow me on Instagram: / arthur213
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Professional & Sponsorship Inquiries:
For professional and sponsorship inquiries, please email me at arthur2@live.com
For anyone who does not know, this guy LOVEs wide angle. I would actually recommend a 30mm to start with. It’s even cheaper.
Wide angle all the time is better!;)
16mm is great on the 6000 series. 30 or 56mm great as a second lens
If you vlog, 30mm is way too much. You'll record your nose. You would need 16mm or less to have a really wide view and capture yourself and some of the story unfolding around you.
@@mihaiserbanescu8676 I do not do vlog, but if I do, I would probably choose the Sony 11mm instead. 16mm is still a little too tight for that purpose.
@@r3d260 that's true, I think 16mm is the tightest that you can go. for vlogging, the wider the better it usually is. I tried the sigma 16mm and it's so chunky and heavy, it would put your arms in really good shape vlogging with it. I didn't like that too much, focus was slow too. 11mm would be infinitely better for a vlogging situation.
It doesn’t matter if your camera cost $300 or $3000. If you enjoy the photos you’re taking with it, that’s really all that matters.
Not the best advice you'd give to someone looking for actual advice xD but fair enough I agree
Broke boy mentality
I’d agree I’m someone that 20 years ago had 10k s worth of stuff and worked in the industry for over 25 years , there is to much hype that ‘ you need this ‘ ‘ this is no good ‘ they are opinions . There are some great cheap cameras as well as the Sonys , you have Olympus OM10s Lumix GX85 , Canon M series to name just a few
People are looking for "that wow factor" though, and a $300 camera will not produce that. Yes, composition is probably the most important factor in the learning curve and the most expensive hardware can never compensate terrible composition skills. But people want to have that wow-factor-potential in their hardware, and I believe that's a plausible decision-making process. Why settle for technology that would have to be upgraded almost immediately once you've figured out the basics of photography?
Isn't that what pedophiles tell themselves
Im a pro. I recommend getting whatever cheap dslr you can find. Learn how to do manual exposure and also manual focus. Get better at compositions. Also learn how to edit photos on whatever editor you can get your hands on. Its your creativity that matters in the end. Some people are naturally just not creative, and some are very creative. Expensive gear will not make you better. Just like an ultra expensive piano will not make you a concert pianist.
I LOVE how you got straight to the camera and lens, I appreciate that you didn't drag us along. I watched the whole video anyway, because I respect that you did that.
Little advice. For most people 30 mm 1.4 sigma is way better because its not that wide. Anyway, both lens are crazy good and ridiculously sharp for their price. As a combo, both are a must for a beginner. After these two, you can add something like 80 mm or a zoom 55 to 140 or something similar.
oh thank you, your comment is so encouraging...I just bought Sony ZV and Sigma 30mm 1.4 and I was so dissapointed because I cannot use them, but I am trying practicing as much as I can...
also i would prefer
The ZV-E10 also has a slightly newer version of Sony's AF system, updated color science to improve skin tones, and includes an e-stabilization feature in video mode.
I have bought the a6400 and sigma 16mm four years ago because of your recommendation. Now, I have upgraded to a7iv. I agree with you. APS-C is the best for beginners. You may get better blurry background from full-frame. However, the sharpness of the sigma APSC trio is absolutely the best.
I've been shooting on an a6300 and the sigma 30mm f1.4 and it's been incredible. I've gotten some really amazing shots so far.
First camera I bought was a Sony a7iv. Started making money with it 1 month after ownership. Now I own the A1 and A7SIII also. The A7IV is too limiting... let alone an apsc camera. I tell all newbies to get a full frame mirrorless... why limit your capabilities right off the bat?
Ps. I also got a A6400 eventually for those 20-100 mile backcountry hikes.
@@brianthompson9485 How do you start making money in photography 1 month after picking up photography? Or did you already have a photography background but just never owned a camera?
@@whiteautumns I never had a background in photography. I bought an A7IV and a 70-200GM and started taking photos of my nieces and nephew playing sports. Some of the other parents saw the pictures and said they would pay for pictures of their kids. That eventually led me to take pictures during tournaments all over the state.
I've also been commissioned to make highlight reels for some of the talented kids to send to athletic recruiters (those are really profitable). Photography and videography isn't that hard... you just have to get out there and do it.
@@brianthompson9485 is photography your full time job now? How did you start earning money with your first Sony?
I've had old bulky full frame Canon DSLRs with huge lenses for 10 years now, I rarely every bring it anywhere because I have to haul a full backpack. Definitely not on vacation. Decided to get a "extra" small Sony, but ended up selling all my DSLR stuff.
Got a A6300 with a Sony 18-105mm for $400, sold the lens for $300 and bought a Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 for $350.
$450 for a A6300 and Sigma 18-50mm, extreme value for money. I got rid of $5000 of DSLR stuff, and now started from "scratch" again with this. No regrets at all so far.
Man I'd just like to say; you are so lucky that you have a wife that likes to be in front of you and your camera, you can see she enjoys it in a very natural way, and you get great shots at the same time! Respect to her!
This was probably the most honest video and most humble video on photography I’ve seen. Thank you.
One of the best photographers I know still uses his 12mp Nikon D90 from 2008 and a kit lens, he has had it since new. He refuses to upgrade, and his photos are better than mine with my X-T4, and much better lenses.
My camera definitely produced much better images technically, but the one thing I don’t have is the 30+ years of photography experience he has. So I agree with your sentiment. It I could go back I would’ve gone more entry level and stuck with it for years.
My only thing though is that I feel that primes may not always be the best way to start, especially one as wide as the 16. Also it’s fairly large which might deter some users from bringing their camera out.
Honestly for most people I’d recommend just starting with the kit lens, shooting with it for about a year then looking at all your EXIF data to see what focal length you gravitate to. Once you know that, buy a prime lens in that focal length. From there, you can start truly honing in with that focal length. I think a prime can feel very limiting for a beginner, which can make someone a better photographer, but it can also make them give up.
This advice is ❤️
Still need too upgrade regardless dude is just a cheap stingy individual that is now like a film camera versus digital. That model has terrible DR. Post his Instagram let people come up conclusion and also let's see you're IG.
On the flip side I have a local town photographer that uses an old camera and their photos are ass 90% of the time due to how harsh the noise is in his photos compared to new cameras.
Good photos are an opinion but theory is still theory.
Your experiance with that kit does really triumph someone with a better kit, I have a Canon EOS Rebel T3 (2013) and a Sigma 150-600 (2016) and I always get asked what my set up is and how they should get started I start people off with a T3-T6 depending on the budget and a 75-300 then if they like it save up for the Sigma 150-600
PS: this is for wildlife photography specifically
I totally agree with this comment.
I would recommend a zoom lens for new people because it’s more flexible, and if they want, they can use it as multiple fixed lens until finding out which fixed focal length works best for them. I know you love the 16mm and it definitely works for you proven by a lot of previous videos, but for me, it’s too wide.
which lens would you suggest
@@lucasw214 I would recommend a compact, standard zoom lens for beginners, something like the Sigma 18-50 f2.8. It’s versatile, small and lightweight which encourages people to carry it more often and have more photos.
IMHO, it also can be used as multiple prime lenses for one to figure out which prime focal length is for him/her instead of just following others’ styles.
One downside of the Sigma 18-50 I could think of is that 18mm may be not wide enough for some cases, but I personally rarely encounter such cases.
@@thinh_pham91 I would be shooting cars both still and driving, would it be better if I purchased just the body and that lens?
@@lucasw214 I don’t shoot cars as product photography so I can’t tell if the focal range would be able to cover all scenarios, but you can always rent lenses to try before buying. When I see nice cars on the street, sometimes I need to use ultra wide lens on my iPhone to take photos due to the space limits, but if you shoot cars as a product, you may have more space. Again, I would recommend trying a lens first before buying it, nothing is worse than using the wrong tool for the wrong job.
Beginner zoom lenses usually don’t have great aperture performance though, which might be very discouraging for a beginner
As a professional, the difference with FF to APSC is both performance quality and professional function and redundancies like dual slot. I'm glad Sony has finally started adding dual slots to bodies like the fx30. Great review and great advice!
I believe Fuji cameras(apsc ones )are the best for beginners because their socc pics are fantastic. No need to do post on the pics while color is fantastic
@@inquisitvem6723 I’m trying to decide between the A7ii or Fuji XH1. I know a people were saying the Canon RP has better autofocus than the Sony. Also how would the a6400 hold up to these cameras, I know it’s not full frame but they have good video quality in the case I want to record but that’s probably rarely.
@@anthonyvu749 a6400 is better for video and very good camera overall. That’s a good choice. Fujis are cheaper and the XH1 is a very good apsc camera. Focus not as fast as 6400, but you should be able to get a used one for $700 or less. You should go for XH1. It’s a fantastic more affordable camera. The profiles on Fujis are great. The easy usability makes you want to pick it up and go shoot with it . The dials are right there. I haven’t checked prices for a6400 or canon though.
@@inquisitvem6723 The Fuji socc photos are definitely very nice, but learning to understand photography through development and to learn to create different looks rather than the limited, albeit beautiful, out of camera JPEGs. For me, the autofocus of the Sony makes a big enough improvement to the hit rate to make it worth having to develop the photos, which I generally do anyways. But if you just want to take photos and not worry about developing, Fuji all the way.
And lens selection.
2 years ago I started with a6100 and 50mm f/1.8. Now I'm shooting weddings, concerts, portraits and anything i want by a6100 and a6500 with Sigma 16mm 1.4, Sony 35 1.8, Sony 50 1.8 and Sony FE 85 1.8. I don't feel I need to upgrade to full frame. I'm happy from quality of RAWs and my clients happy from results. In low light situation I use flash anyway so...
Arthur - very good video! I totally agree and highly recommend a6100 as a first camera.
About Sigma 16mm lens - Sony 35mm 1.8 could be better option for begin in my opinion.
You're the reason I bought the A6000 and 16mm. Ive shot so many music videos and photos with that lens! I then got the A6600 and completed the Sigma 3 pack. Now I'm about to get the Sony FX30. Thanks for all the insight and reviews. I do appreciate it.
Bro is a6100 good .and how to get it cheap in australia
@@stopcam.iso_1I heard it’s pretty similar but it records 4k whereas the A6000 records 1080p, I’ve also heard if you get a camera in Japanese and silver it’s extremely cheap since no one wants it
I agree with you on the aps-c needs. I switched a few years ago, because I don't really need more, but also because I don't really want to haul more. Now my primary camera is a Ricoh GRIII, purely because I know I'm lazy - I'm not changing my life for a camera, so anything bigger will be left at home.
Now, I haven't seen this video until now but coincidentally, a Sony a6000 with a Sigma 16mm 1.4 is what I have been rocking for 3 years now and that combo is great. Amazing landscape photos, really nice portrait (however you need to get quite close to the object), and really good night photo. Where I felt it lacked was when taking photos of objects that were a bit further away, they'd turn out quite small. I just recently got myself another lens, a Sony 50mm 1.8 to complement on that.
My exact set up and also added a Sigma 30mm 2.8
I absuluty agree with you, I purchased my camera for $300 and shot photos with it for 5 years which went to even showcase on Time Square and even published in some of the biggest magazines.
I have an a6000 with 2 sigmas (18-50 f2.8 and 56 f1.4). For the money I think it's the best stuff you can have. In good light conditions I make photos same as those done with 4x more expensive equipment.
Great video, and very informative/honest. I'm English, living in London, and, until I retired five years ago, I had been a working professional photographer for over forty years. Although I would have LIKED to always have the 'latest and greatest' gear, it often wasn't financially viable, and the equipment I used had to earn its place in my bag, AND be built to stand up to daily use for 5-10 years! The last system I used prior to retirement included a pair of Sony A6000s and an A7, plus a variety of lenses. In retirement, I've shrunk my system to a pair of Olympus bodies, plus a mixture of Olympus, Lumix and Sigma M43 lenses. This works fine for me, because I use a lot of lighting when I'm in low light situations. Keep up the good work 👏
Glad to see APSC videos still being made. I’ve had the a6500 since it came out. I’ve been pretty happy the Sigma trio. I’ve been thinking of upgrading to a 7IV. The low light performance and sharpness being the driving factors.
I use the a6500 for professional work since 2019, product photography and portraits. With the Sigma trio, especially the 56mm, you don't need to upgrade - trust me. The image quality is top notch with those lenses.
Unless you you plan on doing events, then the a6500 just isn't fast enough for me when it comes to adapting to different scenarios (physical buttons, etc). But in controlled situations the a6500 can do so much!
APSC is still very relevant. I heard M43 is making a uprising too
@@notnikola great to hear your feedback. It really is a great camera.
I would recommend a used Fujifilm X-S10. It is a very good all rounder, takes very good photographs and produces very good jpgs straight out of the camera.
And it has IBIS, and a newer Sony BSI sensor.
I own the ZV-E10, i also shoot in sunny days a lot of portraits without Any problems, the screen set on sunny weather is bright enough to do your job perfectly fine. I agree that A6100 its also a good one, but for its features, eaf, and the fact that You can produce the same images as A6600 for a much lower price, sony ZV-E10 is a way to go for sure!
So True
I have an A7iii and an a6400. Just picked up a Samyang 35mm 1.8 new for under $300 and it's really great on both bodies. I always find the Sigma 16mm too wide unless I'm shooting landscapes. The Sigma also has autofocus noise you can hear in videos.
Try the Risespray 35mm f/1.6. Cheap and very fun to use.
This combination produced some of the sharpest pictures I’ve ever taken. I’ve since moved to Leica, Fuji, and Ricoh gear but amazing value and incredible output.
Loved it! Obviously, what you mention makes a lot of sense. I have an old a6000 and a newer "open box BB unit". A 6400. I bought the Sigma 16mm f1.4 and recently the Sigma 18-50 f2.8, wow! I love the combination. I've come all the way from the old Minolta SLR days back in the 80's. So, the newer gear in some ways makes me lazy. However, I watch your and others videos an get encouraged to go out and try something new to shoot, and sometimes video. Thank you for keeping us current even when the OEM's (Sony) seem to pander to the FF crowd, chasing the dollars, not the craft as you mention with your relatives.
Love the sigma trio, as I do own 1x16mm and 2x56mm that are perfect combo for video podcasts/interviews, paired with 6400s, but for photography my go to lens on 6400 is sony 18-135. For low light yes, sigmas rule, but for daylight photo, 18-135 is compact king
I have the ZVE-10 (sigma 18-55) and I love it! I shoot mostly video though, so when I shoot photos I agree… wish I have the view Finder. That being said. You can buy an analog viewfinder…
Do you use an external viewfinder, and if so can you link me? I’m on a zve10 with sigma 16-55 and 35 and have recently been moving away from video towards photo. Thanks!
@@scottdinh5120ttartisan makes one
Love the closing, that we have a finite time living in this blue green ball called earth . Tq so much
I started with an A6000 and the kit 16/50 pancake. My first few photo's I thought "my cell phone is better" and spoke with a camera shop owner. He talked me into a Tamron 30MM F2.8 for about $200, and wow. Im so glad I did! I now have an A6600 with a Tamron 17-70, 11-20, and Sony G 70-300 as my hobby kit =) Im really REALLY hoping that Sony releases a new high-end APSC camera soon.
My hot take: That compact 16/50 is a terrible lens and sony should never include it as a kit lens. It is the introductionary lens for most A5000/A6000 owners and it will disappoint. I know why they likely include it: It's a feature-packed lens meant for consumers that look at size, specs and price, but the image quality is horrible. It is no longer useful in this time, where many smartphones will take better pictures than a camera using that 16/50 lens.
I have been subscribed to your channel almost from your beginning (camera mafia).
Videos like this one is the reason why.
In the 90s, I went from a perfectly awesome Minolta 9xi system to Nikon system because my stuff wasn’t professional enough. Then for portrait work I went mamiya Rb67 then RZ67, finally settling on a nice 645 system that I carried into the mid 00.
I only did full time for about a year. The rest of the time, gigs every second or third weekend. Did I make some money, yes. Did all the thousands of dollars in debt make me a better photographer? No.
I have had a a6000 and 5200 for years with the trifecta of lenses. I take some of the best photos ever and completely satisfied.
Conclusion, get a good inexpensive system (I do recommend Sony). Learn everything you can about it.
I have the same lens, but have the M mount Canons. Can confirm, it can be done cheap. I picked up a used M200 and already had an M50 ...
There's a certain satisfaction to pushing whatever gear you have to the limits
I just watched like 60 videos trying to figure out what to buy, but this was singlehandedly the most convincing video
I have Sony RX100 M3 for over 7 years and I bought Sony ZV-E10 last year. I can confidently tell that ZV-E10 is a great all rounder. You won`t miss EVF much in my opinion, I didn`t use EVF on my Sony RX100 as much as I thought I would. EVF is only needed when you are in a very bright environment such as a very sunny day but except that I found looking at the screen much comfortable. For EVF there are many cheap solutions, it`s not a big deal. I`d recommend ZV-E10 over A6100 due to better color science and better video capabilities , photo side I think they don`t have much difference.
Indeed. For most people zv-e10 is simply the best option imo too. Especially for video.
Back when I was taking photos for a living I'm talking film days not digital I only had second hand cameras my first new camera was after 7 years of working professionally, the new camera didn't make my photos any better, it was just nice to have, 😅 I put my money into lighting and medium format cameras but still only good used ones, today I just shot for the love of it, but still have good used digital cameras, I also have a Sony a6100, along with nikon and lumix still working great after years , it's oh so nice to buy expensive cameras but it will not help if you can't see the picture in your mind first or the video in your subconscious then put it on film or sd card as the case may be, I worked for 30 years in photography only owned one new camera in all that time , it's all about seeing in your minds eye before pressing the button. 😊 cheers from uncle rick.
I have grabbed a 6400 (650€) + Kit Lens (40€)+ Sigma 30mm 2.8 (1€ ; does sometimes not work)+ FE 50mm 1.8 (bundled with the body for 650€) for just under 700€ combined.
Everything is used but mostly in good shape (the Sigma does timeout out from time to time but I basically got that for free).
Really enjoy it so far :)
All the gear and no idea as the saying goes.
I am not a pro and never will be, but an enthusiast. I started off with a Minolta Dynax 5D with a whopping 6MP. It produced some great shots for me, but eventually, I moved up to a Sony A550, then an A58 and finally an A68. When I retired, I was thinking of getting a mirrorless, but just came across an A850 at a bargain price. I then started to collect a lot of Minolta glass and a few Sony ones too (plus some vintage M42 ones). Now I have an A99, I am sticking with A-mount for the foreseeable future. I could trade all the bodies and lenses in and get a good E-mount setup, but I like my gear and it produces the quality of photos I need.
Still using that combination A6000 and Sigma 16mm lens. Love it!!! Produced great photos and videos with that combi 😊
a6000 + sigma 16 guy here, great video and a nice throwback to when i thought of what lens to get and this channel helped ALOT; thank you for that
I think the a6300 is also great, it has most of the features of the 6100 and some more while being a bit cheaper and older.
I got a Pentax k-3 mark i with a zoom kit lens, three batteries, charger and a bag for $300. It’s an incredible camera with the rugged and quality reputation of Pentax.
I switched from Pentax because I wanted something smaller and more travel friendly, but I grew up with Pentax in hand and it will love it forever.
APS-C + 30mm and 50mm primes has been my go to for years as a hobbyist. Been looking to upgrade to something that does 4k for video and maybe moving from Canon since they dropped EF-M. I'll have to keep an eye on A6100 prices as they seem to have gone up a bit since this video came out but I can't lie I love the research phase to get the best bang for my admittedly limited buck almost as much as using the gear once I get it.
@@Term_2222I've used Sigma and Canon primes, sigma 30, sigma and canon 50. I've gone through a bunch of bodies over the years and I also added the sigma 56 on EF-m.
I agree with you 100%. Skills are much more useful than money to burn and AI. That was the main principle of photography when we used film. And that should not change.
In the end, there are only a narrow set of situations where a FF is absolutely essential to get the desired results. But in defense of FF, it does enable you to for example use F2.8 zooms while the equivalent 1.8 zoom for APS-C don't exists and you only get the same results with primes that FF users can get with a zoom. The downside of this flexibility is the weight and size and the fact that it might make the user lazy in getting the shot using a zoom.
Sigma has 1.8 zooms for aps-c. Two of them.
@@notnikola and they are huge - and only available for dead systems. I know that some landscape photographers used them even with small "amateur" bodies like the D5600. Maybe Sigma should consider to make new versions for mirrorless systems.
"If you don't have to think anymore because your camera does the thinking for you, are you a photographer?" 👏🏾 💯
Well thought-out and explained. As a photographer who has been taking pictures longer than most people have been alive (over 50 years) I'd say you've given some very good advice here. I recently suffered a significant vision loss and have had to rework my methods, starting with putting the EVF cameras on the shelf because I can't make out their tiny, dim displays. So now my kit is a couple of old Canon DSLRs (one full frame, one APS-C), an old Canon G11 for walk-around shooting, and the surprise element of an Olympus E-410 four-thirds (not micro 4/3) DSLR which I can adapt the classic lenses I already have to (a job formerly held by an a6000). I like gear too, and used to have a collection of hundreds of film cameras. But life forces us to make changes sometimes. Keep up the great work and videos! May your family always be happy and healthy.
"...who has been taking pictures longer than most people have been alive". Damn, thats depressing coz I planned to live a little longer :D
Marc, I'm sorry for the problem you're suffering with your eyesight. I can understand your decades-long love of photography since my parents gave me a Brownie box camera in the late '40s. I've been hooked ever since and have owned scores of cameras. I hope you can keep growing as a photographer and keep enjoying taking pictures.
APSC is very good platform for your lenses collection and great photography skills are within reach, practice everyday!
Hi Arthur, long time viewer. I appreciate what you said about non working photographers having the newest gear. I unfortunately just left the Sony apsc ecosystem to go to Fujifilm. My biggest reasons being (as a working photographer) Sony tends to push people towards full frame. I needed something larger than 24 megapixels and I truly needed dual card slots. In the end, like you said it doesn’t really matter.
What do you really need more then 24 megapixels for? are you doing 2 x 4 foot prints? The new Sony ZV-E1 is 12 megapixels and it takes photos that you cant tell the difference compared to a 24 megapixel or larger sensor unless you pixel peak to 200% +
The need for a second card slot is real when your reputation as a working photographer can hang on a failed card. I get that. The autofocus might not be as good, but you can take some extra pictures.
Bought a6000 bundle way back and now still with the same body plus the Sony 35F1.8. Great video as always
I feel like you’re more likely to hit this budget if you go with an a6300 body instead. Weather sealing on the 6300 sounds like a fair trade for the selfie screen and better menus on the 6100. It’ll be much easier to find under $500.
the a6300 had the overheating problem it only can record 4k for like 10 minutes the A6000 doesn't do 4k or have the eye autofocus. i might go with a micro four third a panasonic G9
@@game2572 I didn’t know about the overheating, that’s good to know. G9 is a great choice, but really hard to get under $500 as far as I’ve seen. How about em1 mkii instead for MFT on this budget?
@@danieltilley true but with the kit lens it goes on sale for about a 1000 quite often a 225 difference. The body is rugged autofocus is great for mft. 2 uhs ii card slots
@@game2572 that’s a good deal. Maybe they’re gearing up to replace it and trying to clear inventory. That kit lens is also pretty much perfect for travel and landscape. Overall I think the G9 would be much more inspiring than the 6100. That’s the problem with the Sony cameras imo - uninspiring.
@@game2572 external power bank solves the overheating problem and can disable the time limit.
first time I heard an honest opinion about gear freaks vs really budget work. Even when your coming is not the less expensive I recognize is a great balance.
I have a Nikon Z30 and a Viltrox 13mm F1.4 and it produces nice results. I would highly recommend that set up as a starter also, I prefer the Z30 to the ZV- E10. The Sigma lens is great also, I had that on my Lumix G9. I think I just prefer the Viltrox but they are close. The Viltrox you can get for Sony E mount of course.
Is zv e10 + viltrox 13mm good for youtube videos? What do you think?
@@maryaiky yes it has some advantages and disadvantages to Z30. Personally I prefer Z30- much better to use, full width sensor filming, better microphone.
@@wakeywarrior heyy, can you recommend best camera for only photography under 600$. Thanks!
I had to comment! I know you say multiple times that this is a good kit to "get started" for beginners but let me add to this that this is also and extremely good option for a professional photographer as well. Let me explain, I have been a photographer for about 10 years and it's been my 100% revenue for the past 5 years at least, one thing I often found myself missing was a smaller camera perfect for travelling. I work in the ads industry so over the years my camera setup has become large-er and expensive-er by quite a bit, and I wouldn't feel comfortable travelling with/risking my "main" camera. and the Sony aps-c line up and the cropped sensor lenses available are so good at this point that they would basically all be acceptable for professional purposes. so whether you are a beginner or a pro these cameras are so good you might as well keep one of those for your entire life or until it breaks.
Nicely done video! Everyone needs to understand what you've pointed out here. I remember when I was shopping. I think the 6600 had just come out. But, all of the 6000 series camera bodies were too expensive for me. I shopped for at least a year before finally buying a barely used X-T3 that came with the 18-55, grip, extra batteries and extra charger all still in boxes like brand new. All of that was less than the cost of just a body in many cases. There are lots of really good used cameras out there that at one time were the "new kids on the block". And, yes, they still do a great job. If you take your time and do your HW you'll find something that works for you. Again, good video for beginner shopping!
Today most cameras and lenses are very good, or good enough. The Fuji's shine when it comes to usability. So fun! I got mostly Sony cameras and hate their info-system. Got also a Fujifilm X-100S. Heavy, but really fun camera to use. Was also fond of my Canon G2 (my first digital camera after 25 years of SLRs). Everything goes when your goal is to get the picture.
Pretty good logic. Especially about diminishing returns w/related to going full frame.
I bought my A6300 back in 2017 and I’m still surprised by how good both the photo and video are out of that little thing. It’s pretty much the only piece of tech I own that I’ve felt little urge to upgrade after 6 years and that’s pretty damn impressive by Sony.
I've been watching you for a long time. bought the Sigma three lens you talked about couple of years ago. It is the best decision i made, no regrets. I love the words you use to close out this video. It is the point that we have a finite amount of time on this planet. Thanks for all you do in inspiring me and everyone. Who is that baby faced kid in those videos a couple of years ago. Just kidding, i have two boys about your age. Thanks again.
I think everyone has their own agendas and needs.
For me I got into photography a couple months after my son was born over 6+ years ago. I bought the Sony A6500 because it had everything I wanted / needed for a starter camera. I paired it with the Sigma 30mm F1.4 and started shooting. Started learning more about how to process .RAW files in Adobe Lightroom Classic and slowly over time learned what was best for me. Bought the Sigma 16mm F1.4 for inside / wide angle needs especially for video uses. And then added the Sony 55mm F1.8 (the Sigma 56mm F1.4 wasn't out yet) for portraits, and a Zhiyun Crane V2 (3 axis gimbal)... In short starting with the APS-C allowed me over time to slowly build up my kit for different specific scenarios. I recently upgraded to the Sony A7IV with Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II. But I used my initial setup successfully for over 6+ years and it allowed me to grow as a photographer and videographer.
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 is fantastic too.
I think everyone should get a leica m6 to start with, it's cheap, easy to use and great for video work, as long as you don't need high speed footage. The glass is also fairly good considering the price. Take it from someone who has taken photos for 47 of his 21 years on earth, I know everything about cameras 😂
Jokes aside, nice video and good tips, the camera doesn't define the photos, the photographer does.
I love your review, pal. It is absolutely pragmatic and sincere, as all the reviewers should be, instead of pumping useless drama to chase the latest gimmicks. Just one piece of advice - wear a brighter hoody! The cameras and lenses are notoriously black, and they blend totally into your shirt.
I would prefer the sigma 18-50 over the 16 for a one lens solution even though it costs a little more.
depends on where you live too, in my place sigma 18-50 is more than 2x the price of 16mm f1.4... bummer :c
@@masadamofu But it's twice as worthy as well. So...
It was in the context of "for the price". I would prefer an A7RV with 50mm F1.4 GM if you ask me.
I have the A7C and the Tamron 28-75 and I absolutely love them. Both used, I got them for an absolute steal and they work flawlessly!
Is A7C worth getting for a beginner? I'm looking to move up from iPhone photography 😅
@@HenrikoMagnifico Absolutely worth it, but it can get expensive, as photography is. But I do not regret getting it at all! It is clearly a professional camera, but you can use it to learn no problem 👍
I recently bought a similar setup. The a6500 with the sigma 30mm 1.4. I own some much more substantial cameras like Fuji GFX and RED cameras. But both are far too cumbersome for casual TH-cam use. So far the a6500 with ibis is amazing.
Bought the same camera and same lens just a couple of months ago used 650€, superb pictrures and camera! Thirst grows for full frame system, have had a lot of fun trying different filters with the sigma!
a6600 + Sigma 16 f1.4 was my favorite for so long!
I got a A6600 for $550 because the sensor had a tump print and the battery door was missing. It sounds scary but it tuned up wounded full
I assume you got a new battery door. Who sells one? Just curious. BTW, I also have the a6600 and it is simply fantastic.
I was looking to buy an additional lens for my upcoming trip. I now realize that the lens I have is still plenty good ... especially for the level I am at. Prolly will buy a cheap external flash since I love shooting at blue hour. Great advice ... also to go against overconsumption. Sometimes we just really buy too much shit
The a6100 and Sigma 16mm 1.4 are a fantastic combination. I always use Sigma 16mm on my a6100 indoors when I take pictures of my family and friends. But there are some cons that you have to be aware of:
1. The a6100 and Sigma 16mm 1.4 combination lacks stabilization, so if you plan to use the a6100 a lot for video, you should perhaps consider the Sony 35mm 1.8 instead.
2. The Sigma 16mm weighs over 400g, so it is not very compact when you travel.
3. 16mm is similar to the focal length of the smartphone, so if you also use that one a lot for photography, you should perhaps choose a different focal length for your camera.
4. Finally, you have to ask yourself whether you need fast aperture 1.4 at 16mm focal length. If you don't, there are alternatives. 16mm is mostly too wide to use for portraits.
would u still consider a6100 over zve10 for video too? If I do buy lenses like E PZ 18-105mm f/4.0 G OSS or the thing you stated like sony 35mm 1.8?
Arthur, bro, you are speaking some truth. That is 100% why I do this too. I feel like everyone is striving to be the next Peter McKinnon but most people are right where we are. Taking photos and videos of our families. Well said and great video. Triple thumbs up!
I just keep having questions and then find Arthur already has a video made on the exact subjects, thanks!
As a lifelong amateur photographer (a self described hapless shutterbug if you will) for over 55 years, YOUR channel and your videos/opinions always get my full attention and my fullest respect. I have 3 SONY cameras at the moment, and have had several others come and go through my hands….but I STILL keep my A6000 and A6400 in the lineup, used frequently and your channel helps keep me enthusiastic about them both. Thank You for all you do in that respect.
I’ve seen a6400 going for less this past year and you get weather sealing
I think your answers were ideal for someone who does the same as you (family photography and video vlogs). However, at least the lens must change if the photographer's goal is wildlife or portrait or product photography, etc. That's why I think the answer to, "What should I buy?" should always be, "It depends..."
On the other hand, your advice and analysis is sound and well thought out.
Your information is always interesting, which is why I am subscribed.
100% agree with you. I think the 16mm is a versatile first lens and more specialized lenses (portrait, macro, telephoto) come later as you discover a passion for that type of photography.
I could get an a6100, but my a3000 feels so comfortable in my hand. Yes, it’s dynamic range is woefull.
I resent the truth you drop on us here. 😆
A wonderful down-to-earth vlog by a man from my own heart - Sony a6000 & a6100 rule.
You were a big motivator on getting my A6300 a year ago!! Thank you so much for getting me into this great hobby! I want to do something like you later on haha
Love my 6300... except one huge fatal flaw...
Overheating.
Wonderful video.
Only one suggestion after 100970 shots with my A6000:
I had to repurchase the Sony 16-50mm pancake lens for only about $110 on Amazon. With the fact that a person has increased range and can use digital zoom, you have a lot more versatility for the money. I carry this little guy with pancake in my backpack. So small it fits in the right side pocket and I can grab it without even taking off the backpack. The big takeaway is to have a really light weight and versatile camera you take everywhere.
Yet, a question for you!?!
I just used the crop sensor Fuji XT-5 for a week which was purchased by a friend who is (as you call) a gear head. Too darn heavy, but I did love the low light, noise, performance with the 40 megapixel, crop sensor. When checking the internet, different sources claim the wonderful XT-5 sensor is actually made by Sony.
I want to upgrade but hope to wait and see a similar sensor used in the A6000 series.
From what I can tell, you being an authority on the A6000 series,
the sensor and low light performance is pretty much the same with the current A6X00 series lineup?
Having owned an a6000 i totally get your point. The only reason for me to go fullframe is vintage lenses. They are made for fullframe and its for example hard to get a 35mm equivalent for a crop sensor.
My experience/opinion is the opposite. Vintage lens are more likely to have lower clarity/sharpness around the edges, and using a full frame lens on a crop sensor means you are only shooting with the sharpest parts of the lens. Aside from super-wide angles, the 1.5X crop factor makes it pretty easy to find the right focal length equivlanets.
@@JimIBobIJones while you are completely correct about lenses being less sharp towards the edges that usually one of the reasons I use vintage lenses.
When I want a completely sharp image I use a modern lens :)
You sir, nailed it. It is about the eye, not the gear. 100%.
If I did not already have a A6400 I would hands down go for the A6100
Thanks for keeping the APS-C community alive. As a weekend Dad shooter, my A6400 is more than enough
It also depends on your use case and desire for a no-frills experience. For someone who just wants to shoot and go, the easier the better. For instance, the Sony ZV1F can basically hit all the targets if you mostly want to do videos, some photos, not think about lenses, press a button, let the camera do all the work, and just call it a day. And it is small, portable, and pocketable. I say this as someone who has a 7AC and really enjoys it, but I also own the sister camera to the Sony ZV1F, the ZV1, and it is sooooo much better to have at a full day event, with tons of people, and lots of walking around. And the quality is just about everything I could want.
the voice of reason
Interesting comment about professional photographer family members!
While I've owned an A6500 since 2017, I'm on the fence of recommending APS-C to others due to the difference in lens selection. For example, if you wanted a wide(r) standard zoom, you could pickup a Tamron 17-50 or Sony 20-70. For APS-C.. that doesn't really exist. Tamron 17-70, Sigma 18-50, Sony 18-135, 18-105, all well beyond the typical starting 24mm equivalent zoom lens (excluding the ridiculously priced $1400 Sony 16-55). It has gotten better though, the choices were kind of bleak back in 2017.
If I were starting out again, I'd probably pick up a used FF camera. Also would've spared me of years of listening to people whining that APS-C is dead lol.
I have to agree that there is a lot of hype and bit of boastfulness in many TH-camrs regarding tech and gear that is very intimidating to a person who loves great pictures and just the art of photography. I started following a lot people in the beginning and have narrowed it down to you and select few. Thanks for inspiring average people who will learn to become great if they so choose.
a recommended channel for people starting on a budget in apsc system.
I got the Zv-E10... Mistake. I wish I had bought the 6100.... I wish I had a viewfinder.... But I like catalyst browse!
how do you find the zv-e10 now?
and why you think it was a mistake ?
I have an a6000 right now and have been using it for two years. As a university student, I plan to use this for my business. I recently got a Sony 18-135mm 3.5-5.6, the reason being I've wanted to have more zoom capabilities from my 35mm prime, which I still love and am so thankful for, but I wanted to keep one lens for a do it all for now. I plan to use the 35mm prime for low light due to the 1.7 aperture. Another upgrade I hope to have is an a6400 here soon so I can do better video work. After using that Neewer 35mm F1.7, it has been amazing, especially for 75 USD. Now that I have more reach, I plan to really start taking the a6000 family to the next level and improving my skills, not because of the gear but because of what I learned and what I would need to get the results that I wanted. An example of an area when I was limited was when I wanted bird shorts, tower shots, and more detailed scenes where I couldn't walk closer without scaring off the subject(s).
Note: don't buy a prime lens as your VERY FIRST lens, especially if you're a beginner getting some variable focal length glassware will help you decide what type of photographer you want to be before you go investing in a focal length that you may not enjoy shooting with or feel comfortable shooting with.
Fair point, though prime also has some lessons
I actually started 4 years ago with the a6500 + 16mm 1.4 Sigma and had nothing else for a year of photo and video. I'm glad about it, teached me a lot about composition and using the things you got. Now I'm a fulltime cinematographer using the FX6 and still rocking the 24mm 1.4 GM a lot of the time if not shooting on vintage / cine glass. Would do it again and recommend starting on a prime every day. Either with the 16mm or 30mm Sigma
Right now I have a Sony ZV-e1 I've been using and it's been good to me for the most part but it is a fixed lense but built my whole channel on it. But I want to use it for only an overhead camera and get something different because i will be doing some client work where i will be shooting short commercials and ads, and some photography, do you think the a6100 would work for me? would love to hear your opinion, thanks!
Simga 16mm is the ultimate mirrorless answer to phone photography.
I'm stuck with the a6000, but the lens that is always on its body is the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN. All bought used, with the a6000 broken but functional, and later fixed the broken evf glass.
This is the kind of stuff that make you and your channel amazing!
For my money, the 23mm 1.4 by sigma is a much more usable focal length. I think it may not be as wide as I like for architecture, landscape, etc., but for me it is a great overall, do most anything focal length. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS BTW.
This is very well explained and thoughfully honest. I started with a used a5100 and added with the a6400 and also a ZVE-10. I have to say even the 5100 will take decent pics with a nice lense and Iearned so much by trying to maximize its possibilities.
For the reasons you mentioned, Eye Finder in particular, I prefer the a6400 over the ZVE-10. The ZVE-10 is very nice but it is almost too light , is not very water/dust proof and has does not have the metal encasing that the a6400 has.
I started to go down the lens rabbit hole but stopped in time. They were not going to make "me"a better photograph/Videographer. It was becoming a distraction and an excuse. For me, the Sigma 16mm & 30mm f/1.4 and the Sigma 18-50mm are all I need for the foreseeable future. Plus, it is always nice to keep the possibilities of growth in front of you. Happy camera hunting to you all!
I went relatively deep in the rabbit hole to be honest. The thing is that I don't think more (expensive) gear made me a better photographer. I just bought it as a photographer and a collector/gearhead. For me the lenses and cameras I bought are art themselves. That being said, most people don't need as much as its advertised to them.
I started following you when i was looking for a6000 review a few years back. I did ended up going to FF but unfortunately my media hobby was put on an indefinite hold. I do however still enjoy watching your videos. They are very informative just overall fun to watch. Thanks for doing what you do.
I find it amazing how the Sony Alpha line has held their value over the years. I got an a6500, (first released in 2016) and it's such a solid piece of gear. I paid around $850 CAD back in 2019, and I could sell it for the same price today. Sometimes I think I should sell it and get something more modern, -except.., I'd probably end up with a friggin' $1500 smartphone.
I'd rather get eaten by a tiger than submit to the smartphone gods.
For around the same price you can (I did) get a Sony a7ii full-frame and a Sony 50mm f1.8 prime lens which is a great entry level and beyond package.
Serious question.. And I've been watching your videos for a long time now but why do you always have your cameras and lenses out without lens caps or body caps? Is sensor dust not an issue where you're from? 🤔 I cringe every time I see your camera or lens without caps. 😖 Lol
Haha yes I’m not scared of dust. These sensors are a lot more durable than you think, and they don’t scratch easy.
These cameras attract dust if you immediately take off the lens the moment you turn off (or didn’t turn off) the power. I used to get a lot of dust on my a6000, but since i practise giving a bit of time for the sensor to discharge the static electricity after powering off, i only got dust once on my a6400 in 3 years of owning it - and i change lenses a lot.
Amazing Video! Very helpful for a beginner and to the point. Subscribed. Wish you all the success.
I got a ZV-E10 and a Sigma 30mm a few months ago to use both as a webcam for my homeoffice and to take pictures of me and my family. I love this setup so much! Im not a big fan of portraits with wider lenses such as 16mm, I think it still has a smartphone look(its a 24mm equiv, the iPhone is a 23mm equiv). I got the Kit lens just so I could test which focal length would suit better my use cases, and the 30mm fit just right. Thanks Arthur for your videos, they are always my favorite source to compare gear(yeah, i'm a gearhead too). T