Initial Thoughts on the Sony Alpha System

Ayup! I’ve been shooting with a Sony Alpha set up for about a month now. I thought I’d share some first impressions, alongside why I chose Sony over my beloved Fujifilm.

As an enthusiast photographer, I’ve previously used various iPhones, Fujifilm, a Pixel and (albeit briefly) OM System. Fujifilm was always a firm fave, but I also love the flexibility and increasingly sharp quality of mobile photography.

Following a brief stint completely messing up my work/fun/life balance, I decided I wanted to get back into shooting with a camera. And so the search began.

I eventually settled on a Sony A7C II and 50mm F2.5 lens. The challenge of a fixed focal length is something I definitely wanted to return to. Additionally, the idea of a full-frame sensor was, ultimately, one of the primary deciding factors.

When 50mm is actually 50mm

If you’ve been following any of my recent articles, you may know that I’m on a mission. A mission of simplicity and productivity. This might sound a bit stupid to some photographers, but a full-frame camera ties in nicely with the simple part.

For example, a 50mm focal length is exactly that. With any of Fujifilm’s APS-C camera’s, a 35mm lens is the equivalent of 50mm. I know, I know. It’s not difficult to work out, but something just appeals about the focal length being the actual focal length.

Colours

Another main reason I didn’t go with Fujifilm was the colours. They’re just too damn good. While I’m trying to only shoot in black and white for the foreseeable future, I knew full well that Fuji’s film simulations would tempt me in. Classic Chrome, you say? Go on then, just a quick experiment or two. Before you know it, your consistent black and white Instagram grid is awash with (gorgeous, cinematic) colour.

Sony has creative looks. Similar to film simulations, but, depending on your preferences, the colours, just aren’t quite as nostalgic or vintage looking. For me, this is perfect. Less temptation to start playing around with colour.

I’ve been using the BW (black and white) creative look, with the contrast at +8 and the shadows at -8. Everything else just left as it is. This has been producing outstanding results. It’s rare that I need to edit the exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites or blacks afterwards.

Aperture Priority Mode

So far, I’ve mainly been shooting in aperture priority mode. This lets me use the built-in aperture ring on the lens, while the camera figures everything else out. It’s extremely good at doing this. I tried full manual for a day or two. It was a disaster. I’m definitely not that guy.

Shutter speed priority mode is also getting a bit of use. Eventually, I want to start shooting some longer exposures of crowds and/or water. This mode lets you set the exposure time, while the camera figures everything else out. I’ve got a few decent shots so far, but need a lot more practice in this department.

Ease of use

Returning to photography from the world of mobile photography, I wanted something that was easy to use. The iPhone, Galaxy and Pixel all make it effortless to capture stunning shots. This is one of the huge appeals for me personally. I want to think about the framing and composition, but not so much about the exposure, highlights and shadows.

Thankfully, the A7C II is on par with our trusty mobiles when it comes to ease of use. Once you’ve got everything set up properly, it’s an absolute doddle.

Don’t judge a man by the size of his sensor

Having spent the last few years working with a tiny sensor, how does it compare with a full-frame sensor? Honestly, the gap is continually closing, but there are still plenty of advantages to using a camera over a smartphone.

For people viewing your image on social media, it’s not going to make a whole lot of difference. However, when we start to view the photo on bigger screens, the full-frame sensor wins, hands down.

Not only in terms of sharpness and detail, but also, the tones and richness of the blacks. They’re in a world of their own. I’m not sure how best to describe it, but my mobile shots often seemed a little thin. Lacking a certain depth or quality.

Overall happiness with Sony Alpha

I won’t beat around the bush here. In case you hadn’t guessed, I absolutely love this camera and lens. The Sony Alpha system certainly isn’t where I thought I’d end up, but I’m glad I did. The main benefits include the portability, the full-frame sensor, ease of use and, of course, the quality of the images.

The more I explore the possibilities of the A7C II, the more intriguing it gets. An incredible bit of tech, packed into a tiny body. What’s not to love? I don’t have the funds to own too much photography gear, but this camera will easily see me though the next four or five years, at the very least.

Very excited. Very happy. Highly recommended if you’re looking to step up from the world of mobile photography. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with Sony Alpha.