Sony or Canon ? Hi all Im new to the forum in using the canon s5is as my bridge camera and im ready to move up to a DSLR. Ive narrowed it down to the Sony a77 or the Canon 70d Im...

orian_m42

Hi all Im new to the forum in using the canon s5is as my bridge camera and im ready to move up to a DSLR. Ive narrowed it down to the Sony a77 or the Canon 70d Im not sure which one would be better for a beginner.
In also not sure whether to get one with a kit lens or get body only and choose a lens I enjoy shooting outdoors, landscape, wildlife, Ive heard that most kit lenses are ok but that I could do better buying separately?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

orian_m42 wrote:

Hi all Im new to the forum in using the canon s5is as my bridge camera and im ready to move up to a DSLR. Ive narrowed it down to the Sony a77 or the Canon 70d Im not sure which one would be better for a beginner.
In also not sure whether to get one with a kit lens or get body only and choose a lens I enjoy shooting outdoors, landscape, wildlife, Ive heard that most kit lenses are ok but that I could do better buying separately?

That's a tough call. see what snapsort has to say.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-EOS-70D-vs-Sony-A77

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/09/18/dxomark-tests-canon-eos-70d-dual-pixel-af

rizer Loc: Long Island, NY

I am SONY user, and I love it. They are on the cutting edge of technology and advancements in DSLR's. But Canon is one of the "big two" (Nikon being the other). Both cameras are comparable, and I think it would come down to the available glass as you grow. SONY has a several Zeiss lenses that would mount on the A77. Also, Minolta lenses would fit on the SONY. But I believe that Canon probably has more of a variety of good glass that would mount on the 70D. I am not sure if the A77 has an electric view finder, but I know other SONY's do. The Canon only has an optical view finder. It really comes down to what camera ( and lenses) you want to grow with.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

rszer57 wrote:

...I think it would come down to the available glass as you grow.

I think it's funny that snapsort lists the number of lenses available as a factor in choosing a camera. The Canon has the advantage with 197 lenses, while Sony is bringing up the rear with only 123. I can just see the poor Sony owner complaining that he has all 123 lenses, but he wishes he could have 197. If someone can't get decent pictures with a dozen lenses, maybe he should hire a photographer. :D

lovitlots Loc: Tottenham, Ontario, Canada

I personally have the sony a57 and a77. So far, after a year I haven't looked back. Both do a fine job. As for a beginner, old school, a manual camera. I know they don't exist anymore but if you want to learn then the best way is to set up each and every shot. That way when you go into the auto modes you understand what's happening when you over ride the settings. As for the two brands, it'll be a personal choice for you. There's more than enough usable glass available for both camera's, certainly more than you'll ever buy. I usually have more trouble deciding which lens rather than if there's a lens available. I guess one advantage of the sony is that you always have the IS available for all lenses as it's in the body and not the lens.

pauleveritt Loc: Erie, Colorado

I am a Nikon shooter who is PRIMARILY a videographer.

Lenses are better on Canon.
The A7 is smaller, lighter, and PROBABLY does better video.
The A7 is full frame and the 70D is not.

I would probably RENT a rig and try out DSLR video before you just in with both feet. I have two Nikon D90 that will shoot 5 minutes of DSLR video. I have two Canon HF S21 that are HD camcorders. I plan to use them together.

MDI Mainer

pauleveritt wrote:

I am a Nikon shooter who is PRIMARILY a videographer.

Lenses are better on Canon.
The A7 is smaller, lighter, and PROBABLY does better video.
The A7 is full frame and the 70D is not.

I would probably RENT a rig and try out DSLR video before you just in with both feet. I have two Nikon D90 that will shoot 5 minutes of DSLR video. I have two Canon HF S21 that are HD camcorders. I plan to use them together.

Wasn't the original post asking about the a77 crop sensor SLT, not the full frame mirrorless a7?

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

orian_m42 wrote:

Hi all Im new to the forum in using the canon s5is as my bridge camera and im ready to move up to a DSLR. Ive narrowed it down to the Sony a77 or the Canon 70d Im not sure which one would be better for a beginner.
In also not sure whether to get one with a kit lens or get body only and choose a lens I enjoy shooting outdoors, landscape, wildlife, Ive heard that most kit lenses are ok but that I could do better buying separately?

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_eos70d&products=sony_slta77

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Orian, I'm sure you would be happy with the either camera. I know the Canon has a tremendous video, if that's of interest to you.
Orian, I shoot a Canon, and it's because of those 197 lenses. Most Photogs would be well served by those first 127 lenses. But as you get more and more advanced, you may start to find a need for those other 50 lenses.
Maybe you want to get very heavy into portraits. Only Canon makes an 85mm f1.2 lens. Or you get very into existing light night shooting, well only Canon has available a 50mm f1.0 auto focus lens. And so it goes.
Pros don't shoot Canons because the bodies are great, but because the lenses are.
It may not make any difference to you, but to some, it makes all the difference in photography.
Enjoy whatever you pick. ;-)
SS

ole sarg Loc: south florida

hold each camera and buy the one that feels right in your hands.

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

There are significant differences. Canon make great lenses and there is a huge support community. The resale value on Canon is super. I would select Canon over Sony. I have a dislike for electronic view finders which you will find on all mirrorless cameras.

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

I am a Canon guy who would prefer the 7D over the 70D, unless you are into video, but I have admired the Sony cameras from afar. Lot of good advice and whatever you choose, with care, you will shoot great images with either one.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

For sports and wildlife, The Sony A77 is the ticket. Also, sweep panorams and HDR both IN CAMERA with A77. As mentioned, Canon has the edge in lenses - especially used ones. Nothing wrong with Sony/Minolta/Zeiss lenses - just fewer of them which tends to raise the prices.

orian_m42

Thankyou everyone for your imput ill let everyone know which one i get :)

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I bought an A77 as an upgrade for my A330 (which I'd like to sell) and as I already had lenses I just got the body. I have yet to make it to an airshow (my favorite subject) but the fast shutter (12 fps), ISO range, video capability, 24.3 MP and a slew of other features convinced me to get the new camera. I have yet to try everything it has to offer, but at 1/8000 second I was able to get some really neat frisbee-catching dog action a few months ago.