One of the most frequent questions we get from new filmmakers is whether they should rent Sony or Canon! I started my photography journey with the Canon 6D, moved to the Sony system for a few years, and am now gradually returning to Canon. Let’s dive into the reasons for this transition.
Like many photographers, mine began in childhood with a simple yet magical tool: my father's Pentax PC-700 35mm point-and-shoot. I remember the thrill of pressing the shutter for the first time. Growing up in the ’90s, I was surrounded by vibrant landscapes and bustling cityscapes, all begging to be documented. The Pentax was my ticket to explore this visual playground. Pentax made dozens of impressive point-and-shoot cameras during the 1990s and early 2000s, but people tend to overlook them today. I can’t recall ever seeing the Pentax IQ Zoom series on any list of the best point-and-shoot cameras. After high school, I landed a part-time job at a local photography store, where I was introduced to the digital world of Canon. My first camera after film school was the Canon 6D Mark II in 2013, which I surprisingly still have as I write this post—though it's seen better days, with a few dings and missing buttons.
From 2018, I noticed a significant shift in the industry toward mirrorless cameras, prompting me to consider upgrading to these new systems. Luckily, I worked in a camera rental store, which gave me a great understanding of the various brands and their emerging models, along with their common issues and perks. As a Canon user, I observed that their new “M Series” was struggling compared to other mirrorless cameras and ultimately failed. Meanwhile, Sony was leading the mirrorless market, and when I had the opportunity to try out the Sony A7R II, I knew I would never look back.
When Canon first launched their “R Series,” widespread concerns existed about the cameras overheating during long video recordings. At the time, I was on the hunt for a hybrid camera and definitely didn’t want one plagued by overheating issues! Watching Sony take the lead in the mirrorless race made my decision clearer. After trying out Sony cameras, I was impressed by their low-light capabilities and the G Master lens series, known for exceptional sharpness and bokeh, which offered some of the best prime lenses available before Canon's RF-L series hit the market. I tested the RAW image settings on the Sony and found that my presets required barely any adjustments. Plus, the Sony cameras offer more video capabilities, making the switch easy. I have no regrets, except for the menu system, which can be complex for some users, unlike Canon’s intuitive interface.
I spent most of my life using Canon cameras, so it felt strange not to be shooting with them anymore. I’ve always appreciated Canon’s distinctive body styles and the beautiful, softer colors they produce. On the other hand, I wasn't particularly fond of Sony’s user interface. Deep down, I knew I wanted to return to Canon, but I wasn’t quite sure when that would happen.
Then, Canon launched the R series cameras and the RF-L series lenses, which are perfect for both video and photo productions. These new models tackle the overheating issues that often plague long-form recording, allowing for uninterrupted shoots. The Canon R6 Mk2 and R5C have everything I could ask for in a hybrid mirrorless camera: 12-bit Cinema RAW, 45 megapixels, full-frame sensors, extended battery life, and incredible autofocus capabilities.
Data reveals that many filmmakers are increasingly drawn to the Sony systems for video production, particularly their FX Series, which is often regarded as unmatched for long-form recording. Meanwhile, Canon is typically seen as the go-to choice for photography. Ultimately, the decision on which camera to choose boils down to personal preference and production needs.
It’s important to remember that no matter how impressive a camera may be, if you're not familiar with its user interface and ergonomics, it can be challenging to maximize its potential. For Canon users, there’s an extensive range of mirrorless options to explore. Likewise, Sony offers a diverse selection for those who prefer their system. Choosing the right camera is all about finding the one that feels right for you and suits your creative vision! If we go camera for camera in terms of price range and tech features, for hybrid and photo cameras, the Canon R series, such as the Canon R6 and R5, can be matched with the Sony A7IV or A7RV. For pro video and film, the Canon C70 competes with the Sony FX3 and the Canon C500 with the Sony FX6 and FX9. Canon isn't making film cameras like the Sony Venice series. Canon has always put up a good fight in the mirrorless race, but I feel Sony will always lead with new technology and camera system advancement
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