smk124 Loc: Cheltenham, PA

I started into photography late in life and I've tried to become adept at shooting manual, aperture, etc, but I am not quick enough to make adjustments on the fly and miss many shots. Plus, the Sony is so smart that auto beats my attempts 99% of the time. Am I alone in finding photography difficult?
I travel often and I think I would prefer a good bridge camera that is easier to pack and wouldn't make me feel like I'm driving a BMW in second gear when I shoot in auto.
So I'm thinking about selling my like-new Sony a6000 mirrorless, with 18-50 kit lens and 55-210 zoom. Is there interest and what would be a fair price? They're in perfect condition.
I've been looking at replacing it with the Panasonic fz-1000. I've read reviews and it's in my price range. Any comments?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Yes, one:

Use the buy sell section of this board.

chaman

I have another one: Practice shooting manual more. Its not rocket science.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

From the Ebays:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xsony+a6300.TRS0&_nkw=sony+a6300&_sacat=0

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

"the Sony is so smart that auto beats my attempts 99% of the time."

There is nothing wrong with that! Where auto works, use it.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

I agree with what Bill just said. There is more to photography than just exposure. Choice of subject, perspective, composition and focus are all important considerations. Besides, you are doing this for the fun and the satisfaction it brings you - not to impress anyone with your expansive knowledge of the technical aspects. If auto or aperture or shutter priority gets good results, there is no shame in using any them. We pay a lot for cameras with the ability to do great things and it is ok to use those capabilities. The only real reason for changing cameras is if you would get more pleasure from using a different camera or if the one you have can't do something you feel you need.

Quinn 4

I still fine photography difficult after 20 years and it still fun for me. Put a camera in my hands and I an in another world. Cut back on the high tech end of camera and you will fine less problems.

smk124 Loc: Cheltenham, PA

Thanks for your replies. Especially Cwilson. I love what my Sony can do on auto, but I often feel that I need to do more. I guess I'm really trying to impress myself, when I should just enjoy it for the hobby it is.

Photocraig

EVEN I CAN DO IT!!! Since 1955. The Sony by all reports is a fine camera. Use the Aperture priority when light is changing. Don't fret on keeping the needle centered in Manual. Shooting RAW allows for easy compensation of +/- a stop or even more..

BUT, as you learned in life's journey, shooting in Auto ISN'T like driving a BMW in 2nd gear, it is only that somebody SAID it was. As I suspect your mom said at least once, if that same someone jumped off the bridge, does that mean you should?

Keep shooting, learn by the rear screen and the results. Use RAW and edit the exposure a little. Composition is what to concentrate on, and life experience helps a lot there. You know what interests YOU!

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

When I got my Nikon D90, several years ago, I found myself quite intimidated by all the controls on it. I came from the world of fully automatic point and shoot cameras, and was rusty in my ability to control the camera. The DSLR was certainly not like my Pentax SLR, for sure. Finally, in frustration, I went back to the camera store where I bought it and consulted with the manager there. He told me to just use the auto feature and just learn to shoot the camera, as it was smarter than I was, and that he, as a professional photographer, often used full auto himself. He followed all of that by telling me that as I got comfortable with using the camera, I could gradually start learning the other control features and use them as the situation dictates. I felt much better after that bit of advice.

All of which is to say to you, don't give up on the A6000. It's one of the most well thought of crop sensor cameras out there nowadays, and is a great one to learn on. Don't feel bad about using auto and let the camera do most of the thinking for now. There are lots of videos out there for learning. Gary Fong has some excellent You Tube videos for the A6000. You may find the A6000 to be a gem you'll want to keep for awhile.

BebuLamar

Manual is easy for your brain but hard on your hands. It's much more easy to shoot in manual but it's simply slower than auto and you need to supply some muscle.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

124, I'll tell you what I got out of what you said.
You talked a lot about the camera and mastering it, a lofty goal, but you never once mentioned photographic skill!!
Master the photographic skills, the lighting, the shadows, the composition...., and the camera will follow.
If your a productive reader, the camera can be mastered very quickly, but it's the photographic skills that take a lifetime!
Just my observation!!! Good luck
SS

chaman

Actually there is. If you master the manual exposure and know what you are doing, you should be taking better IQ images than the AUTO setting.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Amen!
I've been a pro for over 40 years.
I know how to shoot manual.
I also know when an auto setting works.
No shame in using auto.

djlouden Loc: Ocala, Florida

It's your call, but don't walk away from the Sony too quickly. I don't use mine on a daily basis as I have other gear I'm more familiar with... all Canon stuff. The menu system on the A6000 does require a bit of practice, and is sometimes bewildering for me because I'm in the Canons more frequently.

FYI, when I put my gear in the car or when first headed I almost always set everything to fully automatic. Should I see something I'd miss fumbling with settings I'm covered. Don't miss a shot because you're not quite comfortable making adjustments.

Happy shooting