I Sold My $4,000 Sony Camera for an a6700: Here’s Why

As a professional travel photographer, I’ve shot around the world with some of the best gear Sony has to offer, including the Sony a7R V and top-tier G Master lenses. But after years of carrying heavy full-frame setups and investing thousands into the latest gear, I made a decision that might seem crazy to some: I sold it all and switched to the Sony a6700, a crop-sensor camera.

Introduction

At first glance, this might sound like a massive downgrade, but after using the a6700 extensively, I’ve realized that it delivers incredible image quality, portability, and versatility—all at a fraction of the price and weight. Here’s why I made the switch and why I believe more photographers should reconsider the obsession with full frame.

1. The Image Quality Is More Than Good Enough

There’s a common misconception that crop-sensor cameras can’t compete with full frame in terms of image quality. But after shooting with the a6700, I found that the difference isn't noticeable for most of my work.

With its 26 MP backside-illuminated sensor, the a6700 produces sharp, detailed images with great dynamic range. Unless you’re regularly printing massive billboards or shooting in extreme low-light conditions, the a6700 holds its own against full-frame cameras, even high-end ones like the a7RV.

2. Lighter, Smaller, Safer and More Travel-Friendly

As someone who travels full time, I got tired of lugging around a heavy camera bag filled with bulky full-frame bodies and lenses. The a6700’s compact size and lighter APS-C lenses mean I can fit everything I need into a small bag. For travel and adventure photography, this camera is a game-changer.

Since purchasing it in October, I've traveled through India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Oman, Scotland, Chile, Argentina, and Morocco. It’s much less intimidating when photographing people in these different cultures, and it doesn’t scream “professional photographer,” which can sometimes be an advantage when shooting in sensitive locations.

Carrying a less expensive setup also gives me peace of mind. If something were to get stolen or damaged, it wouldn’t be as devastating as losing a multi-thousand-dollar full-frame system. Travel photography often means dealing with unpredictable environments, and having a camera that delivers professional results without the constant fear of loss or damage is a huge relief.

3. Autofocus That Rivals Sony’s Best Cameras

One of the biggest surprises to me with this camera is its autofocus performance. It has the same AI-driven autofocus system found in Sony’s top-tier a7RV, including:

• Real-time tracking that locks onto subjects
• Animal and bird eye AF for wildlife photography
• Human eye AF

I honestly couldn't believe how sharp the images from this camera were when I first started using it. Even with the 15-50mm kit lens, I don’t feel like I've lost autofocus performance when moving from the a7RV to the a6700. It’s just as fast, reliable, and accurate.

4. Video Features That Punch Above Its Weight

The a6700 isn’t just a great stills camera—it’s also a fantastic hybrid shooter. It offers:

• 4K 120 fps (with a slight crop)
• 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
• S-Cinetone and S-Log3 for cinematic color grading
• Active stabilization for smoother handheld shots

All of the above features actually match Sony's FX30 cinema line. For someone who also shoots video alongside photography, this camera does almost everything I need without the bulk of a full-frame cinema setup.

5. Price-to-Performance Ratio Is Unbeatable

Selling my a7R V, G Master 24-70mm, and G Master 100-400mm allowed me to reinvest in a smaller, more cost-effective system while still maintaining professional quality.

The Sony a6700 costs around $1,400, compared to the $3,900 price tag of the a7R V. That’s without factoring in the savings on APS-C lenses, which are generally cheaper and more compact than their full-frame counterparts.

For photographers who want professional results without breaking the bank, the a6700 is one of the best-value cameras on the market right now.

Final Thoughts: The a6700 Might Be the Best Sony Camera for Most People

I used to believe that full frame was the only way to go for professional photography. After making the switch, I’ve realized that for most photographers, a crop-sensor camera like this one is more than enough.

It’s lightweight, travel-friendly, packed with features, and delivers stunning images that hold up even in professional settings. Unless you have a specific need for ultra-high resolution or extreme low-light performance, you might be spending more money (and carrying more weight) than necessary by sticking with full frame.

I don’t regret selling my a7R V for the a6700. In fact, I wish I had done it sooner.