Best Sony Alpha for video
Discussion
Hi guys, can any recommend which Sony Alpha is best for video please?
It needs to have an e-mount as it will be attached to a microscope and used for teaching purposes.
Cost not a consideration but no need to spend more if the benefit won’t be seen. It’ll occasionally record but it’ll mostly be used in live mode and displayed on a screen. Microscope will have regular changes in magnification so something that’ll auto focus and stay clear.
Perhaps quite a niche requirement but any advice appreciated.
Cheers.
It needs to have an e-mount as it will be attached to a microscope and used for teaching purposes.
Cost not a consideration but no need to spend more if the benefit won’t be seen. It’ll occasionally record but it’ll mostly be used in live mode and displayed on a screen. Microscope will have regular changes in magnification so something that’ll auto focus and stay clear.
Perhaps quite a niche requirement but any advice appreciated.
Cheers.
I have a Sony A7rv which I use for stills and as a 2nd video camera to my Sony FX6. Such is its quality, I often wonder why I bothered buying the FX6! It is really very good.
However, for what you need it for, I'd suggest that the A7iii might be the better option. You're only loosing some of the higher-end settings that I doubt you'd end up using anyway.
Autofocus is class-leading on both but its efficiency is lens specific so you'd need to check what you'll be using in terms of compatibility.
For live output, you're limited to HDMi which means 1080 (HD) only. If you wanted 4K output, you'd need something with an SDi output and that starts putting you into the realms of the FX6 and similar. There may be a way to extract 4K live feed but I'm not familiar with any.
I'm sure you'll be aware but just in case, for microscope work, you'll need a very, very robust tripod.
HTH
However, for what you need it for, I'd suggest that the A7iii might be the better option. You're only loosing some of the higher-end settings that I doubt you'd end up using anyway.
Autofocus is class-leading on both but its efficiency is lens specific so you'd need to check what you'll be using in terms of compatibility.
For live output, you're limited to HDMi which means 1080 (HD) only. If you wanted 4K output, you'd need something with an SDi output and that starts putting you into the realms of the FX6 and similar. There may be a way to extract 4K live feed but I'm not familiar with any.
I'm sure you'll be aware but just in case, for microscope work, you'll need a very, very robust tripod.
HTH
Thanks for the reply. It would outputted using hdmi so that’s helpful. In terms of lens, the microscope is effectively the lens, such is my limited photography knowledge I’m now thinking that the autofocus happens within the lens so I’m pissing into the wind - or have I got that wrong?
I'm actually putting together a youtube video on this topic, entirely because so many people ask me which Sony camera is 'best', and because Sony make so many these day, many with overlapping specs!
Best is always a misnomer - best can mean so many different things - They all have strengths and weaknesses - some will do 8k, some have a fast sensor read out for sports, some have ergonomics designed for vlogging. etc etc....
For microscope work though, that an interesting one.
- Does the camera connect directly to the microscope? You are right, autofocus is a function of the lens itself, not the camera. The camera is the brain, and does the thinking, but the motor that adjust the lens elements, are all in the lens.
What kind of size image circle will the microscope produce? Sony cameras come in two sensor sizes - 'APSC', and 'Full frame' which is a slightly larger sensor. There'll be no point using a full frame camera, if the microscope outputs an reasonably small image circle, as you'd just get heavy vignetting, or the image wont even fill the screen and will just be a disc in the middle.
Another consideration, as you are doing microscope work - i presume the camera will need to be on and recording, for long periods of time? Little small mirrorless cameras, are not really designed to stay on and recording for long periods of time, and they do overheat. (thats why cine and TV cameras are so big, they have fans and heatsinks inside).
However, Sony do make two mirrorless cameras that have fans inside - part of their 'FX' or cine line up, they're designed to stay on and record for as long as you like, and may be a better solution. They also have full size HDMI ports, and can output 4k as well.
My three recommendations would be:
1) Sony FX3. Its a full frame e mount mirrorless cam, designed for video, fan inside, wont overheat when left on for ages
2) Sony FX30. APSC size e mount mirrorless cam, designed for video. Same as FX3, just with a smaller sensor, and cheaper
3). Sony A7iv. - this is what i have as a 'b cam'. A good all rounder, it has a higher megapixel sensor that the above two, so could also be used for photography. This camera can also be used as a full frame camera, but has a 4k 'apsc' crop mode, where it'll crop into the sensor. So its kind of an APSC and Full frame camera in one. Could be a good option if you don't know what size image circle the microscope will produce. Note: it probably would overheat after an hour of being on, it doesn't have a fan inside like the above two
Just re-read, and you mention it'll mostly be used for live video, only occasionally recording. In theory, a camera will get less hot when not recording, so overheating may not be an issue.
Hope that helps!
Best is always a misnomer - best can mean so many different things - They all have strengths and weaknesses - some will do 8k, some have a fast sensor read out for sports, some have ergonomics designed for vlogging. etc etc....
For microscope work though, that an interesting one.
- Does the camera connect directly to the microscope? You are right, autofocus is a function of the lens itself, not the camera. The camera is the brain, and does the thinking, but the motor that adjust the lens elements, are all in the lens.
What kind of size image circle will the microscope produce? Sony cameras come in two sensor sizes - 'APSC', and 'Full frame' which is a slightly larger sensor. There'll be no point using a full frame camera, if the microscope outputs an reasonably small image circle, as you'd just get heavy vignetting, or the image wont even fill the screen and will just be a disc in the middle.
Another consideration, as you are doing microscope work - i presume the camera will need to be on and recording, for long periods of time? Little small mirrorless cameras, are not really designed to stay on and recording for long periods of time, and they do overheat. (thats why cine and TV cameras are so big, they have fans and heatsinks inside).
However, Sony do make two mirrorless cameras that have fans inside - part of their 'FX' or cine line up, they're designed to stay on and record for as long as you like, and may be a better solution. They also have full size HDMI ports, and can output 4k as well.
My three recommendations would be:
1) Sony FX3. Its a full frame e mount mirrorless cam, designed for video, fan inside, wont overheat when left on for ages
2) Sony FX30. APSC size e mount mirrorless cam, designed for video. Same as FX3, just with a smaller sensor, and cheaper
3). Sony A7iv. - this is what i have as a 'b cam'. A good all rounder, it has a higher megapixel sensor that the above two, so could also be used for photography. This camera can also be used as a full frame camera, but has a 4k 'apsc' crop mode, where it'll crop into the sensor. So its kind of an APSC and Full frame camera in one. Could be a good option if you don't know what size image circle the microscope will produce. Note: it probably would overheat after an hour of being on, it doesn't have a fan inside like the above two
Just re-read, and you mention it'll mostly be used for live video, only occasionally recording. In theory, a camera will get less hot when not recording, so overheating may not be an issue.
Hope that helps!
Edited by Fordo on Monday 8th July 14:12
StevieBee said:
I have a Sony A7rv which I use for stills and as a 2nd video camera to my Sony FX6. Such is its quality, I often wonder why I bothered buying the FX6! It is really very good.
However, for what you need it for, I'd suggest that the A7iii might be the better option. You're only loosing some of the higher-end settings that I doubt you'd end up using anyway.
Autofocus is class-leading on both but its efficiency is lens specific so you'd need to check what you'll be using in terms of compatibility.
For live output, you're limited to HDMi which means 1080 (HD) only. If you wanted 4K output, you'd need something with an SDi output and that starts putting you into the realms of the FX6 and similar. There may be a way to extract 4K live feed but I'm not familiar with any.
I'm sure you'll be aware but just in case, for microscope work, you'll need a very, very robust tripod.
HTH
btw,i think your A7rv should be capable of 4k (UHD) out on the HDMI port. The options buried in the display out options, somewhere deep in Sony's incomprehensible maze they call a menuHowever, for what you need it for, I'd suggest that the A7iii might be the better option. You're only loosing some of the higher-end settings that I doubt you'd end up using anyway.
Autofocus is class-leading on both but its efficiency is lens specific so you'd need to check what you'll be using in terms of compatibility.
For live output, you're limited to HDMi which means 1080 (HD) only. If you wanted 4K output, you'd need something with an SDi output and that starts putting you into the realms of the FX6 and similar. There may be a way to extract 4K live feed but I'm not familiar with any.
I'm sure you'll be aware but just in case, for microscope work, you'll need a very, very robust tripod.
HTH
Fordo said:
StevieBee said:
I have a Sony A7rv which I use for stills and as a 2nd video camera to my Sony FX6. Such is its quality, I often wonder why I bothered buying the FX6! It is really very good.
However, for what you need it for, I'd suggest that the A7iii might be the better option. You're only loosing some of the higher-end settings that I doubt you'd end up using anyway.
Autofocus is class-leading on both but its efficiency is lens specific so you'd need to check what you'll be using in terms of compatibility.
For live output, you're limited to HDMi which means 1080 (HD) only. If you wanted 4K output, you'd need something with an SDi output and that starts putting you into the realms of the FX6 and similar. There may be a way to extract 4K live feed but I'm not familiar with any.
I'm sure you'll be aware but just in case, for microscope work, you'll need a very, very robust tripod.
HTH
btw,i think your A7rv should be capable of 4k (UHD) out on the HDMI port. The options buried in the display out options, somewhere deep in Sony's incomprehensible maze they call a menuHowever, for what you need it for, I'd suggest that the A7iii might be the better option. You're only loosing some of the higher-end settings that I doubt you'd end up using anyway.
Autofocus is class-leading on both but its efficiency is lens specific so you'd need to check what you'll be using in terms of compatibility.
For live output, you're limited to HDMi which means 1080 (HD) only. If you wanted 4K output, you'd need something with an SDi output and that starts putting you into the realms of the FX6 and similar. There may be a way to extract 4K live feed but I'm not familiar with any.
I'm sure you'll be aware but just in case, for microscope work, you'll need a very, very robust tripod.
HTH
BTW... it was on your recommendation I went for the A7rv so thanks for that. Cracking bit of kit. Have you had a play around with the new A9 yet?
Ah glad to be of service!
Only used the A9iii briefly at a trade show- amazing bit of kit. The global shutter is just lovely - can shake it around and do whip pans, and you just get no sensor skew at all.
It would be my small mirrorless cam of choice... if it wasn't so hugely expensive! Id consider one if someone asked me to do a motorsport doc perhaps..... but then the FX6 has a damn fast sensor readout anyway, and built in ND, and proper video cam ergonomics, so id really stick with that. A9iii - amazing, but also super niche at the same time
I have a hunch they might stick than A9iii sensor in the fx6 mk2, but im just guessing
Only used the A9iii briefly at a trade show- amazing bit of kit. The global shutter is just lovely - can shake it around and do whip pans, and you just get no sensor skew at all.
It would be my small mirrorless cam of choice... if it wasn't so hugely expensive! Id consider one if someone asked me to do a motorsport doc perhaps..... but then the FX6 has a damn fast sensor readout anyway, and built in ND, and proper video cam ergonomics, so id really stick with that. A9iii - amazing, but also super niche at the same time
I have a hunch they might stick than A9iii sensor in the fx6 mk2, but im just guessing
Edited by Fordo on Monday 8th July 15:14
In case anyone else stumbles across this thread, I thought I'd share a flow diagram I made a while back.
When it comes to what camera, i always think it's better to ask the right questions, to help someone make an informed choice, rather than just say X cam is better than Y.
This flow diagram is designed to help someone narrow down what Sony mirrorless cam is right for them, when looking for a small camera that does also video.
Its specifically for Sony cameras (there are some amazing small cams that also have stunning video specs, from other brands like Canon, Panasonic, and now Nikon too). But if you're going down the Sony route, then this is the diagram for you.
(I've excluded the bigger cinema line cameras, fx6, fx9, Burano, and Venice - this just looks at the small mirrorless stills/ video, hybrid cams)
The camera names are also colour coded (apologies to anyone colourblind!) - Camera names written with the same colour, actually share the same image sensor, so will have almost identical video and stills specs. Can be useful way to compare models
When it comes to what camera, i always think it's better to ask the right questions, to help someone make an informed choice, rather than just say X cam is better than Y.
This flow diagram is designed to help someone narrow down what Sony mirrorless cam is right for them, when looking for a small camera that does also video.
Its specifically for Sony cameras (there are some amazing small cams that also have stunning video specs, from other brands like Canon, Panasonic, and now Nikon too). But if you're going down the Sony route, then this is the diagram for you.
(I've excluded the bigger cinema line cameras, fx6, fx9, Burano, and Venice - this just looks at the small mirrorless stills/ video, hybrid cams)
The camera names are also colour coded (apologies to anyone colourblind!) - Camera names written with the same colour, actually share the same image sensor, so will have almost identical video and stills specs. Can be useful way to compare models
Edited by Fordo on Monday 8th July 16:23
AB said:
Hi guys, can any recommend which Sony Alpha is best for video please?
It needs to have an e-mount as it will be attached to a microscope and used for teaching purposes.
Cost not a consideration but no need to spend more if the benefit won’t be seen. It’ll occasionally record but it’ll mostly be used in live mode and displayed on a screen. Microscope will have regular changes in magnification so something that’ll auto focus and stay clear.
Why does it have to be a Sony camera? It looks like microscope cameras are rather specialised items:It needs to have an e-mount as it will be attached to a microscope and used for teaching purposes.
Cost not a consideration but no need to spend more if the benefit won’t be seen. It’ll occasionally record but it’ll mostly be used in live mode and displayed on a screen. Microscope will have regular changes in magnification so something that’ll auto focus and stay clear.
https://amscope.co.uk/collections/cameras
https://www.olympus-ims.com/en/microscope/dc/
https://www.bresseruk.com/Microscopy/Microscope-Ca...
Thanks for all the advice all, Fordo that was exactly what I was after. It's full frame.
It's not quite microscopy as above, it's dental, so a camera sat on an adapter and beamsplitter attached to a rather large microscope.
Usually use an A7, sometimes an A6 depending on what it's being used for but in this case it's for long, complex cases and for outputting to a room full of delegates via HDMI.
It's not quite microscopy as above, it's dental, so a camera sat on an adapter and beamsplitter attached to a rather large microscope.
Usually use an A7, sometimes an A6 depending on what it's being used for but in this case it's for long, complex cases and for outputting to a room full of delegates via HDMI.
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