CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The only photographer you need to compare yourself against is the one with a better camera.

gessman Loc: Colorado

..."some" professionals, yes, but the 5fps will likely stop it from being "most" when the Sony A1 is doing 30fps.

gessman Loc: Colorado

Have you ever thought of using Google for your answers rather than killing a thread by changing the flow of a conversation from what it was to an argument over the answer to your question?

gwilliams6

I have pre-ordered the Sony A1. I am keeping my Sony A7RIV and my Sony A7SIII, but I am selling my Sony A9 and my Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM lens and some other gear to help pay for the A1. I almost never use my Sony 70-200mm f2.8 Gm lens anymore since I got the Sony 135mm f1.8 GM lens.

I am a professional photojournalist of over 44 years in the business so I can justify this purchase for my work and I can take it off my taxes next year. MDI Mainer is correct in that you can expect to see some of the A1 tech trickle down to less expensive subsequent Sony models in the future, so it is a win for any Sony shooters at any budgets in the long run. Cheers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0om2qHS1o4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vTWf0LYoDM&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEWH4rYcsng&t=258s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFjGuQScQYU

One of my Facebook sites: https://www.facebook.com/GSWilliamsPhotography

My International Photography Group on Facebook, which I invite you to join, no matter your experience in photography:https://www.facebook.com/groups/3048747915213474

ricardo00

Lots of great shots on your Facebook. Hope you will let us know how you like the Alpha 1.

davesit Loc: Media, PA

I pre-ordered mine as well and am thinking if I should sell my A9 or A7RIV. Probably will be keeping the RIV for the pixel counts. Also been wondering if I should keep some of my lenses. The 70-200mm, being an older lens, could its AF keep up with 30FPS? Waiting for Sony to release the list of A1 compatible lenses. Also have the 135GM, which sort of makes most other lens in that focal range lesser.

I am also a photojournalist. Do I need the A1 for my work? Probably not, but it sure makes my work more fun! :)

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Not being the engineering type, I will be curious whether someone comments about the AF of older lenses being able to keep up with 30fps.

gessman Loc: Colorado

I probably don't need to point this out but the pros who get the A1 and the other top line cameras and the desired lens and accessories will charge them off as business expenses, or depreciation, and the cost will be distributed across the backs of all people who pay taxes so most of us will be buying all those cameras that provide the strategic equipment advantage the pros will have over the rest of us. A bit contradictory to our own interest, to say the least, especially regarding those of us who would like to have that gear but won't get it because we "can't afford it," especially those of us who aspire to be a pro but try to compete with the pros with less quality equipment because we "can't afford it," while we're chipping in to buy all that same gear for those pros. And please, all you people who think the photographer is all that matters, shut the hell up. If the top gear didn't matter, it wouldn't be made, even if it is only weather sealing - you can't shoot a football game in the rain with a d3500. On behalf of the taxpaying members of uhh, you're welcome, Mr. and Ms. Pro. Now Mr. and Ms. PRO what say YOU? It will be interesting to see how many more tell us about buying the Sony A1 and $20k to $50k for lens. Now we know why more pros aren't telling us about buying it, 2 out of over 100,000. Hmmm.

TucsonDave Loc: Tucson, Arizona

For the past 23 years of my 52 years working life, I was an owner of an Engineering Business. ALL businesses base charges for their product or service on costs; equipment, labor, and overhead. The fact that businesses bet a "write off" over maybe 7 years, doesn't change the fact that we have to PAY now or over time with INTEREST. There is no free ride. Also, most all of us started at the bottom. We couldn't buy top of the line equipment. As we saved over the years, we were able to purchase better computers, earthmovers, and better staff. ALL to provide a better product. Just as a curiosity, have you ever had the guts to open your own business?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Photography is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you have to buy the best equipment.

gessman Loc: Colorado

You're talking apples and oranges here. Your equipment is much more expensive and if you don't have big bucks up front the only way for you to the top is as you describe, an issue that doesn't apply in this situation and yes I have engaged. I dont disagree with the process I merely defined it. I think the system ultimately leads to fostering talent to the top which is the aim. Do you know the term, "devil's advocate?"
EDIT: By the way, I've never been interested in being a pro photographer so we're not talking "sour grapes" here.

TucsonDave Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Of couse

gwilliams6

Thanks so much. I promise I will let everyone know how I like it, and post shots from it. Cheers

gwilliams6

I pay my full taxes just like everyone else and have for the past five decades, so please don't act like you are taking care of me. When my photography business takes a loss, or my equipment wears out, I am allowed to deduct business losses and depreciate my equipment just like millions of other US companies, big and small.

I have worked hard from the bottom up to have my career, fighting injustice and racial prejudice and more to have an opportunity like other photographers. I have risked my life covering war and broken many parts of my body in the most dangerous and horrible working conditions to provide the news you take for granted when you look at a newspaper or magazine or turn on your TV from your easy chair. I chose this as my avocation and my passion and I make no apologies for being finally able to afford the gear I need to do my job.

Feel free to share your opinions about the A1 and whether or not it is anything you like or not. You don't have to be able to afford it to have an opinion about it. We all love to share our interests as a community of photographers, amateur to professional . We are all equals here at UHH and everyone's photographic opinion and experiences matters the same.

Just don't make it a personal tirade about budget inequities. I work as hard for my money as anyone, always have. Cheers

TucsonDave Loc: Tucson, Arizona