As you can see, this is my first blog post! I was going back and forth wondering, “How to begin blogging? Should I do a simple let me introduce myself type of blog or do something different?” Well, I decided to share and discuss a big decision and a big change that was made a few weeks ago. It’s a decision I know some people have also made or some are currently in the process of deciding what to do.
The question that was on my mind for weeks was, “Should I stay with Canon or move to Sony?”
I’ve always used Canon products. Somewhere between 2013-2014 I went from taking photos solely on an iPhone to a Canon T3i. From there I jumped to a Canon 7D Mark II. I used the 7D Mark II faithfully for about 7 years. Even in 2024, it honestly held up but I knew deep down it was time to go to mirrorless.
The facts that were important to me as a sports photographer were AF (auto focus), weight and also 3rd party lenses. These were three big factors for my decision making process. Yes, I know there are tons of other things to consider but those three were big for me.
I shamefully or wisely (depends on your perspective) watched WAY too many videos on AF and there was something about Sony’s AF system that was hard to shake off or ignore. The more I compared both back and forth, I just felt there was an edge to Sony. I know it sounds naive considering I never tried them first hand but let’s just say it was a gut feeling.
When it came to the weight, going from a DSLR with a Sigma 120-300mm 2.8 lens to any mirrorless camera was automatically going to be a relief for my back. Also, being mobile and comfortable for a full game seemed like a dream. Whenever I would take photos at a Marlins game, I would notice that the majority of the photographers in the camera well with me were using Sony. Maybe, just maybe that also influenced me on my decision. Actually, it honestly didn’t affect the decision but it was hard to ignore regardless.
Autofocus was a check mark for Sony and as far as weight, either one of the two brands would offer something lighter than my previous 7D Mark II. Now it was time to check on 3rd party usage and availability for the mirrorless cameras.
Yes, some of you reading this are probably saying, “It’s better to go with a Canon or Sony lens” and in some situations I would agree with you. To be honest, a big reason for my interest in 3rd party lenses is probably the same reason why most people are interested: the cost. It absolutely hurts the pockets to dish out thousands of dollars on lenses. If you have the money to afford a Canon, Nikon or Sony lens then go for it! If you’re like me, a freelancer a little tight on finances, 3rd party is the way to go.
I had used Sigma for years and honestly had no real big issues with it. I had used a Canon 300mm 2.8 a few times as well as a 400mm 2.8 and it was definitely quicker and sharper than the Sigma. At the time, Sigma 120-300mm 2.8 lens was around $2800 with the 300mm being over 6k. For me, that was a huge plus for Sigma. Cheaper cost helped me be able to buy more accessories and lenses. For some time, I had two Canon cameras with two Canon lenses and my main workhorse lens was Sigma. I do have to mention, being able to zoom in and out at 120-300 was also really beneficial doing sports photography.
Upon my research of mirrorless camera, I quickly understood Canon mirrorless plus a Sigma lens was not looking too good. When I checked prices of Canon cameras such as the R3 or R5, I realized financially I was in trouble. Those cameras PLUS the Canon lenses might was not possible on my limited budget.
Lately I’ve been shooting more games in the day time so having a 2.8/f lens is ideal but not necessarily a huge factor for me. I also shoot in very well lit stadiums such as Loan Depot Park. I knew I was okay with a 4.5/f lens and it also would mean a lighter load on my pockets. From the get go, I wanted to have something at least 300-400mm for sports and I also wanted a 28-70mm 2.8.
After speaking to a few fellow photographers and doing some research online with reviews, I decided to go with the Sony A7IV. Obviously, I would have loved to go with a higher level camera but financially I couldn’t go higher at that time. I also went with a Sony 100-400mm 4.5-5.6 lens.
Unboxing the Sony camera felt weird yet great. It was something new. It felt like a breath of fresh air but also felt odd. A whole new system and settings to learn after years of being comfy with my 7D Mark II.
I spent a good hour and a half watching a video by Jared Polin (Fro Knows Photo) where he walked through all the settings of the camera. I ordered some extra batteries and accessories on Amazon and now I was good to go.
The first game I was able to use the new Sony camera was a Chicago Whitesox vs. Miami Marlins game. Being in the photography well with other Sony users low key made me feel like I was amongst new friends. It did take a little while to get comfortable with the new Camera system though.
I could immediately tell the speed difference of the AF and just the overall use of the camera seemed super smooth. Let’s be honest, I went from a Canon 7D Mark II (2014) to a Sony A7IV (2021) camera. There was bound to be improvement on many different levels.
Since then, I’ve shot a few more baseball games at different baseball levels and overall I’m very happy I made the change. My back is also appreciative of the change as well. It’s lighter, faster, quicker, smoother and sharper. The look of the photos from Sony to Canon is definitely noticeable for me and it was nice to see change. I haven’t had any problems besides navigating through some options in game but with time, I’ll be fine.
Overall, I would say making a decision to upgrade or switch brands will come down to your budget, preference and your needs. I can’t sit here and make a blanket statement that Sony is better than Canon. It really depends which two cameras we are comparing.
If you’re still wondering whether or not to switch from Canon to Sony or to upgrade, take some time to write down the things that really matter to you. That honestly helped me with my decision. It’s been smooth so far even though I anticipate some bumps on the road here and there. I’m definitely content with the purchase and I look forward to getting more acclimated with the Sony system.
It was a good run being on #TeamCanon but now it’s off to experience the new world of #TeamSony.
