Top-level full frame cameras can easily run north of $3,000 and much higher, and while they are, without a doubt, tremendously capable machines, you may not need all that power. This fantastic video takes a look at a full frame camera that costs only $400 and can still compete with modern options in many ways.
Coming to you Jiggie Alejandrino, this excellent video discusses why the original Sony a7R mirrorless camera is still a viable camera for use today. Originally released in 2013, the camera is a decade old now, and undoubtedly, many improvements have been made in that time, but its 36-megapixel sensor still offers impressive performance, including plenty of resolution and dynamic range. What you will probably miss most from latter models are in-body image stabilization and better autofocus, but if you are shooting something like landscapes or working in a studio, those will likely not matter as much to you, and it is hard to argue with a full frame camera that costs only about $400 or $500 on the used market. Together with a few affordable lenses, like a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2, it is a great way to build an affordable but capable kit. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Alejandrino.
I just have this image in my head of a specific colour cast when I think about old Sony cameras. I better would get the cheapest Sony crop sensor camera in production. Sony cameras are improved in so many ways, and colour silence too.
A colour cast can be corrected in post. I'd say for anyone on a limited budget, looking at secondhand cameras around 10 years old isn't a bad option for the price they sell for and are still perfectly usable if you don't really need loads of modern features. I know of a few street photographers still using Canon 6D DSLR's.
Changing the colors are not that easy. If you don’t have much to spend a second hand A6100 is a better choice. Lenses for full frame are expensive. Crop sensor lenses are much less. Chances you can get a system with lenses cheep are most likely higher if you get a camera with a mirror, both Canon and Nikon have new mounts. These are perfectly fine and you have a waste choice from beginner to pro level gear. They will depreciate more and more, lenses also.
Seriously, we’re talking about purchasing a very cheap secondhand camera around ten years old and you are overcomplicating it. Why automatically assume people will want an investment with upgrade potential? Plenty of people buy into dead end systems because they are cheap and still very usable. A cheap secondhand camera, even a dslr with a secondhand lens like a nifty fifty might be enough for some people who treat photography as a casual hobby.
Minor issue with the A7R is the A7R Mk2 can be had for a few bucks more, has a better 42MP sensor, IBIS, better grip, vastly improved AF performance, and overall many nice improvements to functionality.
My research shows a secondhand A7R II is about twice the price of a secondhand A7R. OK if someone can afford that though.
Well damn, I stand corrected:
When I was buying, Mk2s were going for about ~1000 CAD and an original R would have been ~900CAD ... that was less than 2 years ago.
Now I see the Mk2 seems to have held its value while the OG dropped a decent bit, I see 2 listings for below 600CAD within my area. O.o
I'm still using one that I bought new in 2017. A perfectly usable camera.
$400? More like about $5-600+ plus taxes.
Used a7R models are the best values in photography. Period. Now on the 5th generation, you have 4 "old" ones to choose from at massive discounts from their original $MSRP. Depending on your budget and requirements, any of the previous models are still fully capable professional tools. Used a7R III cameras are averaging $1300 on ebay. That's 1/3 of the $3900 pricetag on a new a7R V. Getting the 42mp sensor, improved AF and FZ100 battery are worth the price.
I have had all the a7r's. The first one was a nice little, simple camera with very good image quality. The one negative for me was the loud shutter. Great little camera otherwise for somebody on a tight budget.
The first Sony A7 is better because is lightest full frame camera. Also, Sony A7 RII is the camera which I use now with IBIS, better sensor, 4K video and robust construction make it good camera for the price. For sport is better to get at least 3d generation camera with faster burst. As I do not do sport I do not care about that.
What I wanted to say is that Sony A7 R is not the best choice out there. There are better choices as Sony A7 or Sony A7 RII.