After nearly a decade with Sony gear, this photographer shares what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to using these cameras for both stills and video. If you’re deciding whether to buy your first Sony or considering switching to something else, this kind of hands-on, long-term insight helps you weigh real pros and cons without marketing fluff.
Coming to you from Arnúlfur, also known as That Icelandic Guy, this honest video walks through what years of Sony use actually looks like. He starts with the a6300, which offered 120 fps Full HD nearly a decade ago and still holds up for many users today. That camera wasn’t just capable—it was the gateway into Sony for a lot of people. He’s clear that Sony’s strength is its tech, especially autofocus, which is fast, accurate, and now supported by AI in newer models like the a9 III. Even in unpredictable shooting environments or with fast-moving subjects, the focus system hangs on. If your work depends on speed and accuracy, especially for events or action, this part alone is worth considering.
Arnúlfur doesn’t shy away from the downsides, either. Overheating in some consumer-level models is a recurring issue for those in warmer climates or who push frame rates hard. While this hasn’t been a problem for him in the cold climates of Iceland and Sweden, he acknowledges that others regularly face it. More interesting, though, is his criticism that Sony sometimes focuses too much on specs and not enough on design. He points out that shooting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how a camera feels in your hands and whether it makes you want to go out and create. Some of Sony’s bodies are boxy and uninspired, especially when compared to the more tactile designs of Fuji or Leica. That matters more than you might think when you’re deciding whether to reach for your camera or leave it in the bag.
The conversation turns toward whether the aesthetics of a camera body actually impact creativity. He shares thoughts from his own photo community, where many agree that how a camera feels can help fuel the desire to shoot. He’s not saying Sony should go retro just for the look, but he does suggest there’s value in tools that spark inspiration beyond raw performance. Cameras like the a7C II, with its silver finish, are a step in that direction. He also brings up color science, noting that Sony’s tones have improved but still feel more neutral than the punchier JPEGs from Fuji or Canon. If the look of your images straight out of camera matters, this is something to weigh. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Arnúlfur.
