Sony A6000 or....?

[marcg]

Looking to buy a compact-ish camera for my wife who has made a career change into TV. She has various projects that she'd like to throw together a few images for (mostly video but also stills). Her interests are generally people and their stories as well as some animal stuff (maybe horses).

I've got an old Nikon D70 that she enjoys the weight of but she's also considered a cameraphone because the spontaneity of it being in her handbag (she currently has a Samsung S8).

I've done a fair bit of research and the phone option always seems limited. I've looked at the iPhone X, the samsung s10, LG V30 and Huawei flagship and, whilst they can do a range of nice moody videos, they always seem limited to one style of filming. The LG does instagram-filter style retro, the iPhone does great sharp light (california) but mediocre UK grey light, the samsung much the same...

So then I found the Sony A6000 - it seems to be a bit of workhorse for video bloggers. The images it creates seem exciting, I saw a video from somewhere in the north of the USA in grey wet weather and it was lively and immersive. And, being as it seems to be about seven years old, it seems good value - about £450 including a 16-50mm lens.

But I'm aware this is just dipping my toe into the field so I'm looking for good advice from PH. When I bought my last TV, Gizlaroc was immensely knowledgeable and recommended a Sony XF9005 which I absolutely adore. I have to say, I'm a Sony fan - I love the design and quality. But is there another ~£450 standard choice that those in the field could recommend?

Otherwise, where's the best place to buy?

Thanks PH

[GetCarter]

I have the 6300, but not much difference. Great camera that fits in the coat pocket. HIGHLY recommended.

[marcg]

Thanks for that. I've just been in Jessops who confirmed the choice. The internet generally says the same too.

Been reading an article about a 28-70mm full frame lens that I think would be a benefit over the 16-50 kit lens. What do you think? She's likely to be filming at medium and short distance - imagine someone talking on a sofa with cut a ways to close ups on hands.

I can find the kit a6000 + 16-50 lens but nowhere that does the 28-70 as a bundle. Any suggestions who might put together a custom bundle?

[GetCarter]

marcg said:

Thanks for that. I've just been in Jessops who confirmed the choice. The internet generally says the same too.

Been reading an article about a 28-70mm full frame lens that I think would be a benefit over the 16-50 kit lens. What do you think? She's likely to be filming at medium and short distance - imagine someone talking on a sofa with cut a ways to close ups on hands.

I can find the kit a6000 + 16-50 lens but nowhere that does the 28-70 as a bundle. Any suggestions who might put together a custom bundle?

Can't help with that as I only use long lens, and primes. Kit lens is known to be soft at the edges, but it's not 'bad'.

[peter tdci]

It's not going to help, but I've got an A6500 and love it. About lenses though, if you are after an 'arty' look, with out of focus backgrounds, then it's worth thinking about primes. They often have wider maximum apertures (f2 or wider) which helps. I've got a 16-70mm which works well for what I want, but it doesn't go wider than f4

[GetCarter]

marcg said:

Any suggestions who might put together a custom bundle?

I've used these guys for nearly 20 years: https://www.wexphotovideo.com/

[Fordo]

Dont forget, if she's using it for mainly video, there's quite a steep learning curve and fresh set of skills she'll have to learn. I use Sony studs daily, but I do hate the menus, so unintuitive.

DSLR's and mirrorless cameras can produce great video images, but they're not designed with video as a primary function, so they can be a bit compromised. Can be a bit of a faff getting audio into them, and most dont have a headphone port to actually monitor and check the audio.
On that note, dont forget she might needs a lav mic or a little top mic to sit on the camera, and possibly some lighting if she's doing piece to cameras.

Regarding lens choice the 17-50mm, whilst not the best in the world, is a good all round zoom for a crop size sensor camera. Personally, I would find a 28-70mm wouldn't go wide enough for me, for general use. (It would be great on a full frame camera though).

[Gad-Westy]

If video is a major requirement, it might be worth looking at the Panasonic m4/3 options too. Lens choice always seems limited with the Sony APSC cameras to me, although of course if what you need exists, then moot point. But m4/3 camera and lens options are so abundant that it would be hard not to find an ideal combination and the IBIS is exceptional for handheld video and low light stills. Certainly worth a look if you look at this type of camera.

[marcg]

Thanks all. I've ordered a Sony-refurbished A6000 with the standard 16-50 lens for £390 from The Camera Centre. It comes with a 12 month manufacturer warranty and is UK stock so I think I've got a good deal vs the £475 it seems to be for 100% new.

In terms of the risk of not being up to recording video - it's a sketch pad sort of use she has in mind. Her company has all the proper gear if she needs it. Also, in terms of sound, youtube videos I've seen recommend recording audio on a separate device out of sight but close to the subject and then putting it together in editing. For which she has a Tascam (from when she was a radio reporter) or, if not, her phone would do.