Time To Go Full-Frame Mirrorless
When I decided to get my first mirrorless camera a few years ago, I undoubtedly want to stay within the Sony camera eco-system given my positive experience with the Sony RX100 VI. However, I debated going full-frame or APS-C. While neither form factor was inexpensive, the APS-C was substantially less expensive but still rich in features in a smaller body, so it made sense to go this route given I was just entering the world of mirrorless cameras … and I don’t regret it!
I really like the quality and resolution of both photos and videos from my Sony A6400 with the 18-135mm and 16-50mm lenses. After looking at photos and videos taken using the Sony A6400, I wondered why I didn’t upgrade sooner. And, with the Imaging Edge Webcam application, I’ve also been able to use the Sony A6400 as a high-quality webcam without the need for an external capture device though there are certain limitations.
Certainly, if Sony released a full-frame camera that was feature rich but started at a lower price point with a camera body like that of an APS-C, I would strongly consider going full-frame. Well, Sony subsequently released the Sony Alpha 7C; a full-frame mirrorless camera in a compact body. It was intriguing and quite tempting especially at the starting price of $1,799 for the body or $2,099 for the body plus Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 lens. Not inexpensive but when you compare it to mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7S III or Sony A7R IV which start at over $3,000 for just the body, the Sony A7C serves as a good entry level full-frame, high-performance compact mirrorless camera bridging the gap between APS-C and full-frame.
Some other features I like about the Sony Alpha 7C which I don’t have on the Sony A6400 include the in-body image stabilization (IBIS), improved auto-focus, headphone jack to monitor audio through the camera, flip out and to the side screen so the screen isn’t obstructed when you have equipment mounted to the hot shoe, the larger “Z” battery for longer battery life and overall improvements to general performance.
I’ve also been considering lenses for the Sony A6400 but if I eventually upgrade to a full-frame mirrorless camera whether it be the Sony Alpha 7C or another Sony camera, it makes more sense to invest in full-frame lenses which I could still use with the Sony A6400 given Sony E-mount lenses work across the entire E-mount family of Sony cameras (aka Sony One-Mount system) regardless of APS-C or full-frame with the caveat that if you use a full-frame lens on an APS-C body, there will be cropping.
It's a big decision, a significant investment and while there’s no immediate sense of urgency, it will be something to keep on the wish list for future consideration!
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What I Use To Make Videos
Sony NP-BX1 Lithium Ion Battery for Sony RX100 VI
Sony BC-TRX Battery Charger for Sony RX100 VI
Sony Travel Battery Charger for Sony RX100 VI
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
Sony NP-FW50 Lithium Ion Battery for Sony A6400
Sony BC-TRW Battery Charger for Sony A6400
JOBY GripTight ONE Mount for Smartphones
Sandisk Extreme Pro SDXC 128GB
SmallRig Shoe Mount Relocation Plate for Sony A6300/A6400 Camera
Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon Fiber)